Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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weight since arriving on campus, but he and Brey have both talked about his need to keep getting stronger. Other Lineup Impressions Only one exhibition game had been played heading into November, but there were some other hints about what lineups the Irish might employ this season. Guard/forward Pat Connaughton played a decent amount of the "four" position (power forward) and grabbed nine rebounds despite his 6-5 frame. Putting the two-sport standout there allows Brey to play three guards (sometimes sophomores Eric Atkins, Jerian Grant and Jackson) for a more athletic approach. The drawback with such a lineup is that a Notre Dame team already weak on the Sophomore forward Cam Biedscheid could sit out the 2013-14 boards loses a big man. With four frontcourt members likely season to preserve a year of eligibility. photo by joe raymond to make the rotation once all Jackson, the local Mishawaka, Ind., four are healthy, playing two at a time standout that is locked into the posi- lowers the rebounding liability. tion of top guard off the bench. Behind Any lineup with Jackson is likely to him, guard Steve Vasturia and for- be an aggressive one. The freshman is ward V.J. Beachem have stood out in already a very strong on-ball defender, preseason practice with their shooting but needs to adjust to a new NCAA ability and athleticism, respectively. rule implemented this year. Brey noted Both appear primed to fight for min- the effect of the NCAA rule change utes and, with Jackson and sophomore that highlights the enforcement of frontcourt backups Zach Auguste and hand-checking rules in a game where Austin Burgett, minutes might just be a total of 38 fouls were called. The oftoo difficult to attain for Biedscheid. ficials assessed four to Jackson. The 6-7, 186-pound forward has added "They're calling it close and they call