Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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move to Sam linebacker, although that seems unlikely in 2015 with how deep the linebacking corps is and the safety position experiencing the opposite. Ju‑ nior Nicky Baratti will give it a go this spring after suffering yet another shoul‑ der injury and subsequent surgery last September. PROJECTED STARTERS: Redfield and Shumate are the smart bets to regain their starting positions after spending much of 2014 at the No. 1 spots on the depth chart. Sebastian, Baratti (assum‑ ing he stays healthy) and Tranquill will be the backups along with the freshmen. ✦ Top Position Battles: Defense The Irish return a full unit of players with starting experience and might even add cornerback KeiVarae Russell back to the mix this summer. While much of the starting configuration is mostly determined en- tering spring practice, there are possible position changes to accommodate all of the returning players. Three positions in particular, though, will be closely evaluated. 1. Mike linebacker — Notre Dame 2014 MVP Joe Schmidt went down in the eighth game of the season, which preceded a four-game losing streak to close November prior to the Music City Bowl win over LSU. Schmidt returns to the mix in 2015 after freshman Nyles Morgan kept his seat warm the remainder of the season. How the Irish get Schmidt, Morgan and sophomores Jaylon Smith and James Onwualu on the field together will be an intriguing spring storyline. Might Smith return to the exterior of the linebacking corps, where he excelled in 2013 prior to moving inside? Could Morgan play that role with Schmidt and Smith staying inside in 2015? Head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder have plenty of options with the group of linebackers, especially if 2013 starter Jarrett Grace is able to work his way back from the fractured leg suffered 17 months ago. 2. Safety — The Irish are slated to have seven safeties this fall, but the problem is only three will be taking part in spring ball. Nicco Fertitta and Mykelti Williams will enroll in June along with fifth-year senior Avery Sebastian, who is transferring from Cal. Freshman Drue Tranquill is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in No- vember and will be lost for spring ball. That leaves returning starters Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate, both of whom lost their No. 1 spots on the depth chart during the defense's November struggles, and backup Nicky Baratti, who is returning from shoulder surgery. Along with new defensive backs coach Todd Lyght, VanGorder will have more of a hands-on approach with the unit now that Mike Elston has moved to linebackers coach. A position switch would not be surprising, especially with the thin spring numbers. 3. Cornerback — Sophomore Cole Luke can already be penciled in at one of the two starting corner- back slots. His rise in 2014 was impressive, and a similar elevation in his game in 2015 could lead to an early entry into the NFL Draft next year. The other side is more of a question mark, although it would easily be answered if and when Russell is reinstated this summer, which Notre Dame expects to happen. Without Russell, sophomore Devin Butler would be the favorite to get the nod, with freshman Nick Watkins looking to work his way into the lineup this fall. — Andrew Owens