Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/542018
from being just a playmaker to becom- ing the vocal leader of the defense. The situation became worse when defen- sive tackle Sheldon Day missed the final two games of the regular season and nose guard Jarron Jones was lost for the rest of the year after just one series against Louisville. Smith did what he could, but the lack of support around him doomed the defense. Now in year two of defensive coor- dinator Brian VanGorder's scheme and surrounded by a healthier and deeper supporting cast, Smith is primed to lead. After earning second-team All- American honors in 2014, he is in po- sition to contend for the nation's top linebacker spot, similar to what Manti Te'o did in 2012. The dominant season Te'o achieved boosted Notre Dame's stellar defense. Smith has that kind of ability. GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Running back Tarean Folston, cor- nerback Cole Luke and defensive end Isaac Rochell have been vital players for Notre Dame the last two seasons, but the trio must now take their play to the next level. Folston broke out over the second half of his freshman season, rushing for 354 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in the final five games. He emerged as Notre Dame's top back as a sophomore, but it took Isaac Rochell led the team last year in quarterback hurries (10), tied for second in tackles for loss (7.5), broke up three passes and also blocked a field goal against LSU. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA