Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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30 AUGUST 2019 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED CLOSER LOOK BRYAN DRISKELL L ast season's fall camp was relatively quiet from the standpoint of players try- ing to earn starting roles. Notre Dame was a veteran squad, and there just weren't that many criti- cal competitions to watch. That will not be the case in 2019. The number of open spots is relatively small, but how they shape up during fall camp will have an impact on Notre Dame's success, especially in September. These are the top position bat- tles to keep an eye on during fall camp and the early part of the 2019 campaign. Mike And Buck Linebacker Entering fall camp, the Irish are still looking for players to seize the starting jobs here. The two positions are being discussed to- gether because of the overlap that is involved. Some players may not end up at the same position at which they begin the season. Fifth-year senior Asmar Bilal might be the leading candidate at Mike based on his experience (although that was at rover), but even that com- petition is wide open. Sophomore Jack Lamb is cur- rently the projected starter at Buck linebacker, but he could wind up at Mike linebacker. His length and ath- leticism are outstanding, and he dis- played impressive playmaking abil- ity in the spring. Getting him into the rotation and keeping him healthy are essential to success for the Irish defense this season. Fellow sophomores Shayne Simon and Bo Bauer will also push for a starting role, and it would not be a surprise if both end up in the rotation at some point this fall. Junior Jordan Genmark Heath will be hard to keep off the field, plus junior Drew White — if he can get and stay healthy — will have a chance to start at Mike, thanks to his instincts. There is a chance all of the above players get action at inside line- backer this season. However, Notre Dame needs at least two to separate themselves as productive starters, with ideally two others developing into consistent rotation options. No. 3 Wide Receiver Senior Chase Claypool and fifth- year senior Chris Finke will be main- stays in the offense this season, but Notre Dame needs a third wideout to emerge as a playmaker. In a perfect world, more than one player proves himself too good to keep off the field, but at least one must fully emerge and be a viable, consistent weapon. After showing big-play flashes last season, junior Michael Young is ex- pected to be that third starter when fall camp begins. He caught just seven passes, but had two of the three lon- gest receptions by wideouts. He brings vertical speed and after-the-catch tools the offense desperately needs. Sophomore Lawrence Keys III stepping up as the No. 3 wideout might force Finke to slide outside to the X position, because Keys was much better in the slot at Z than he was outside during the spring. At minimum, Keys will be in the 2019 rotation thanks to his combination of speed, route-running prowess and ball skills. A n o t h e r s o p h o m o re , B r a d e n Lenzy, will get a chance to push for the job if he can stay healthy. He is the fastest wide receiver on the roster and brings true home run potential. Fellow sophomore Kevin Aus- tin is arguably the most talented wideout on the roster. If he has made enough progress from a ma- turity standpoint, he could have a major impact on the offense. Offensive coordinator Chip Long also loves mentioning a fourth sophomore, Joe Wilkins Jr., when asked about young wide receivers with a chance to make their presence felt this season. No. 2 Cornerback Sophomores Houston Griffith and TaRiq Bracy will have a role this season, while senior Donte Vaughn is finally healthy and could shake things up at corner- back. Notre Dame doesn't lack talent or numbers at corner, but is short on proven production out- side of senior starter Troy Pride Jr. Notre Dame needs at least one of Griffith, Bracy and Vaughn to emerge as a legitimate comple- ment to Pride, with at least one more forcing himself into a rotation role. If that happens, the Irish could once again be extremely productive at that position. Left Guard The expected starting five isn't necessarily a lock heading into the season. Junior Aaron Banks is the in- cumbent at left guard after starting the final six contests there in 2018, but he is recovering from offseason foot surgery and has had bouts of incon- sistency. When he is on his game, he shows tremendous promise and has a chance to be a dominant blocker. This position being open is more about the talent on the roster than anything that Banks has done poorly. Junior Joshua Lugg is another ex- tremely gifted young lineman, and the 6-7, 314-pounder has spent time at guard, tackle and center while the staff has looked for ways to get him on the field. Do not be surprised if Banks and Lugg rotate snaps at left guard this season. ✦ Position Battles To Watch In Fall Camp Bryan Driskell has been a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated since April 2015. He can be reached at bdriskell@blueandgold.com. Sophomore Shayne Simon is among a group of talented young defenders fighting for a starting role at linebacker in 2019. PHOTO BY COREY BODDEN