BY LOU SOMOGYI
T
he conclusion of spring drills will
leave its share of uncertainties on
any college football team.
At Notre Dame this summer,
it will include trying to find a main
starter or time-share system with the
Everett Golson/Malik Zaire quarter-
back battle, settling in better on de-
fense under second-year coordinator
Brian VanGorder after a meltdown last
November from attrition, and attempt-
ing to find consistency at punter and
kicker while replacing Kyle Brindza.
Where the main strength and iden-
tity of the 2015 Fighting Irish team is,
though, might have played out during
the Blue-Gold Game April 18. Notre
Dame plans to lay it on the [offensive]
line for at least three reasons.
One is left tackle Ronnie Stanley, a
projected future first-round pick who
opted to return for his senior season
this year rather than depart for the
NFL.
LAYING IT
ON THE LINE
The offensive line wants lead
role for 2015 team identity
Fifth-year senior center Nick Martin (above) and the rest of the Irish offensive line — the deepest group in
head coach Brian Kelly's six seasons — is focused on carrying over the effort that produced 263 rushing
yards and 5.2 yards per carry in the 31-28 win over LSU in the Music City Bowl.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
