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ries at that position as well," Kelly said. "Then we're going to have to see where we go from there." 8. OG QUENTON NELSON Nelson and fellow sophomore Alex Bars competed for the starting left guard job in spring camp and part of the fall before Nelson became the clear leader to start. The former five-star recruit is one of many gems position coach Harry Hiestand has recruited to Notre Dame, and Nelson will play a critical role in completing what could be a dominant offensive line. With projected top-10 NFL Draft pick Ronnie Stanley (left tackle), Nick Martin (center) and Steve Elmer (right guard) the returning starters, Nelson and right tackle Mike McGlinchey form the remaining 40 percent of the unit. "Where he's made the most prog- ress probably is in pass protection," Kelly said. "Passing off games, work- ing with Ronnie. Ronnie's been great. Ronnie will rip you and let you know, and then he'll put his arm around you and say, 'Hey, this is what we've got to do.' "He's been terrific in working with the young guy next to him. He's got a freshman next to him and it's been really fun to watch that relationship grow because that's what it is. Those guys are linked together. If Ronnie's out off the edge, Quenton's got to be with him." 9. CB COLE LUKE Luke quietly put together one of the best seasons by an Irish player in 2014, flourishing after KeiVarae Russell's suspension and Cody Riggs' Novem- ber injury issues. Luke held his own against a list of opposing standout receivers that in- cluded Jaelen Strong (Arizona State), Kyle Prater (Northwestern), DeVante Parker (Louisville) and Nelson Ag- holor (USC). "Cole is learning to play harder more consistently and to play with more technique," defensive backs coach Todd Lyght said. "Cole is a very talented and very gifted athlete, and he's been able to get away just on his athleticism alone, but when he focuses on the fundamentals and technique part of his game, he can really play at a high level. "For Cole, the key for him is going to be consistently playing hard and playing with technique." Another year of knowledge and comfort in VanGorder 's scheme should help as well. "The scheme was definitely kind of hard to get used to when he first got here, but we all know it like the palm of our hand right now," Luke said. "I felt like a year ago, you get the call and you know your job. "Now you get the call, you know his job, the D-line's job, why they're doing it so when something comes your way you know where you fit on the defense and stuff like that. It's not just getting called on; it's more like I know everyone's job around me." 10. S ELIJAH SHUMATE The storylines with Shumate are similar to those of his fellow starting safety Redfield. He hopes to improve