Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/514677
BY BRYAN DRISKELL F rom the moment the class of 2014 signed with Notre Dame, few could have imagined just how much the class would be called upon in its first season. The academic suspension of three starters and a devastating rash of de- fensive injuries forced a number of players from the 2014 class to play ear- lier than expected. There were impres- sive moments, but its youth and inex- perience contributed to Notre Dame's late-season swoon. In 2015, the sophomore class will lit- ter the Notre Dame depth chart. The class will be counted on to provide strong support and in some cases the hope is for more impactful play. We list the position groups and play- ers that will be counted upon the most for Notre Dame in 2015: 1. Defensive End — Last fall, only Andrew Trumbetti was expected to work himself into the two-deep. Trum- betti was one of the crown jewels of the class, and being an early enrollee gave him a head start. Trumbetti finished with 5.5 tackles for loss and five quar- terback hurries. He notched his first start in the Music City Bowl and made the most of the opportunity by turning in the best game of his young career. Whether he emerges as the starter or the first end off the bench, Trumbetti will be called upon to provide even more production. He is a more instinc- tive player than senior Romeo Okwara. Trumbetti is quick, strong at the point of attack and has an excellent motor. He also brings position flexibility, pos- sessing the athleticism to play on the weakside and the strength and tough- ness to play on the strongside. When Ishaq Williams was suspended during fall camp last year, Grant Blan- kenship was forced into the rotation. The Texas native is talented, but re- quires time to develop the strength and technique to thrive. Blankenship still needs more physical development, but he will be counted upon to provide quality minutes and production. During the spring, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly noted Jonathan Bon- ner as a player from the class that was impressing. Bonner was testing off the charts and was making a move up the depth chart. A turf toe injury prema- turely ended his spring and might slow down his progress this fall. The most intriguing player of the group is Jhonny Williams, a 6-4, 260-pound end with freakish athletic ability but one who also needs a great deal of technical work. The hope is in time he can work himself onto the field as a pass rusher, which is a significant need in 2015. 2. Offensive Line — The four-man haul here was one of the nation's best in the 2014 class, and all four were able to preserve a season of eligibility. In 2015, the group will need to make an impact. Prep All-Americans Quenton Nel- son and Alex Bars spent the spring bat- tling for the starting left guard position. Kelly raved about both players last sea- son. His eyes lit up every time he talked about Nelson's power, and late in the season he claimed Bars was "one of the best I've seen in 25 years." Nelson is a massive and strong young lineman. At 325 pounds and