Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Councell might seem to be lost in the middle, but Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco singled out Councell as his "player of the spring" in late April. "Not that he's the best player on the defense, but in terms of improvement of what he was to what he is I would say [he is the] most improved defensively." Diaco said. "Benjamin has really done a lot and worked on his game." With three years of eligibility remaining and Spond out of eligibility after 2013, Councell should have plenty of opportunities to shine in the future. Brown and Atkinson might not be able to crack the three-man rotation of Jackson, Russell and senior Lo Wood, who was in the starting lineup last year prior to incurring a season-ending Achilles injury in August. Nevertheless, they provide a confidence that Irish cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks didn't have his first three seasons. "This year, finally, I feel like I've got some depth," Cooks said. "Last year we couldn't get into nickel package or dime package because we were limited at cornerback and in what they can do. This year, Lord willing they stay healthy, we can open up our whole playbook like we did in year one and continue to expand that." In the first two weeks of his Notre Dame career, Hardy already appeared to be contending for a starting role on special teams before suffering a severe knee injury in August 2011. It's been a long road back since then. Especially at the congested safety spot, but his progress this spring became more tangible to the point where possibly over- all special teams can continue to be upgraded. Inside linebacker is a position that will need more help in years to come because Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese are in their final season of eligibility, none were recruited in 2012 and only one signed in 2013 (Michael Deeb). That's where Rabasa and Schmidt might be able to lend assistance. Rabasa's career has been similar to senior defensive end Justin Utupo where he is trying to settle in at one spot. Rabasa apprenticed at outside linebacker his first two seasons, moved inside this spring and lined up at defensive end in the Blue-Gold Game. He will need much more weight on his currently 243-pound frame to play at end, so a decision will have to be made this August on where he can provide the most aid. The 230-pound Schmidt made his mark on special teams last year to earn his scholarship this summer. Class Summary The absence of Golson for the 2013 campaign was a setback in the overall impact this class could have this season. Still, it has been living up to its top-10 ranking through two years, even minus 2011 Freshman All-American Lynch. There are numerous juniors that would appear primed to have breakout seasons in 2013, and their progress will play a major role in dictating whether Notre Dame was just a onehit wonder in 2012 or will be a perennial top-10 contender in the years to come. Last season provided much more optimism toward the latter. ✦