Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/542018
However, he broke his thumb during camp and sprained his ankle against Navy, two injuries that slowed him down throughout the season. Robin- son also missed a chunk of this spring because of a concussion. Now healthy, he will be important in turning Notre Dame's wide receiver unit from a team strength into one of the nation's best groups. PLAYING THEIR PART A number of players from the 2013 class are not expected to be among the team's top playmakers. Their roles, however, remain important. Sam linebacker James Onwualu is a capable run defender who could find himself in a role similar to that of for- mer linebacker Danny Spond, who in 2012 was an unheralded but key figure on the vaunted Irish defense. Onwualu is a smart and aggressive player who is becoming more comfort- able at the position. Wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. was the most regarded receiver prospect from the class, but his career has been hindered by injuries. He is finally healthy and in position to become a regular in the rotation. Hunter spent the spring in the slot, where he will push senior Amir Carlisle for snaps while senior C.J. Prosise works more out of the backfield. Devin Butler is a backup at corner- back and has the size, toughness and smarts to help out at the nickel spot or even free safety. He also contributes on special teams. Doug Randolph – now a defensive end after two years at linebacker – could help as a pass rusher with his quickness and natural pass rushing skills. Injuries in 2014 forced nose guard Jacob Matuska onto the field a season too early, but he used that to his ad- vantage. After a strong spring, he is in position to be a part of the defensive line rotation. A wild card is running back Greg Bryant, one of the more heralded play- ers from the class. He has been incon- sistent up to this point in his career, and the situation was made worse when it was announced in June that he would serve a four-game suspen- sion to open the season. When that ends, Bryant will need to work to get back into the rotation. If he can use his suspension as motivation to reach his potential, Bryant could be a force for the Irish offense late in the 2015 season. ✦ Free safety Max Redfield finished second in tackles last year with 68, highlighted by 14 in the Music City Bowl win versus LSU. He is expected to have a bigger impact in 2015. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND