Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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makes up for that with strong technique and great stamina. Kelly said Day is expected to be on the field for almost every snap on long, important drives this season. Shembo, who lurks just behind Day at outside linebacker in most formations, has a chance to be Notre Dame's top pass rusher this season, especially if defenses focus on trying to slow Tuitt and Nix. He also doesn't consider his 6-2 height a liability. "I've asked a lot of [offensive] linemen," Shembo said. "They don't like to bend. Whenever I work on my leverage, it's harder to block short guys. I don't have the arm length of a shorter person, but I make up for it with the strength of my legs." 4. Who Will Fill The Void At Outside Linebacker? Notre Dame's depth at the outside linebacker position faced its first test in August when returning starter Danny Spond announced he was done playing football. Junior Ben Councell and freshman Jaylon Smith will each get a chance to step into the senior's starting spot during the coming months. Smith took the lion's share of first-team reps at the Aug. 17 practice that was open to media members. His 230-pound frame could use a little more meat to take on offensive tackles in the run game, but he looks physically able to compete right away at the college level, and he seems to be a natural in pass coverage. Councell (6-5, 254 pounds) is the type of player Diaco would prefer to have at that position. His learning curve has accelerated this offseason, but it remains to be seen if he's got a good enough handle on the position to hold off the highly touted rookie. 5. What Are Fair Expectations In 2013? Is it reasonable to think that the Irish defense can once again flirt with single digits in the average points they give up per game? Can they hold six teams out of the end zone again? A lot had to go right for the Irish to have the season they did in 2012. Goal-line stands and timely turnovers turned a stingy defense into one that was nearly impossible to get through for most of the regular season. Last year's group created 23 turnovers, almost half of which involved Te'o in some way. It's possible that number can increase this season with the type of pressure Notre Dame hopes to put on opposing quarterbacks. The Irish have the potential to be among the national leaders in defense again this year, but it might take a slightly different look on the stat sheet. With strength shifting to the outside and more experience in the secondary, the defense can afford to be a little more aggressive. It will be hard to keep touchdowns and rushing yards as low as the 2012 team — the Irish yielded only 16 touchdowns in their 13 games, the lowest total in the country, and surrendered a paltry 105.69 yards on the ground per contest, the 11th-best mark in the nation. Impact plays, such as sacks, turnovers and tackles for loss gives Notre Dame a chance to make up for that, though. Giving up a few more points can be balanced by putting the offense in better position to score a few more. Either way, this year's group has the talent that makes them a contender to win every week. ✦