Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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With Folston, Tranquill and sopho- more cornerback/nickel Shaun Craw- ford, the ACL tears they incurred usually require about nine months of convalescence, although Tranquill has been referred to as a freakishly fast healer. Limits likely will be placed on them on how much work they will be able to engage in during the spring. Sophomore wideout Equanimeous St. Brown underwent shoulder surgery in November, but has been 100 percent cleared for spring drills. He is the top candidate to replace departed All-Amer- ican Will Fuller at X receiver. Martini and Coney might be inactive this spring, and the same goes for fresh- man linebacker Daelin Hayes, an early enrollee. WHERE IS THE PASS RUSH GOING TO COME FROM ON THIS DEFENSE? There isn't a single standout likely to get double-digit sacks (the graduated Romeo Okwara had eight in 2015, three versus Wake Forest), but the return of Jones at nose guard should provide a stronger push up the middle that might enhance the possibility of opening more avenues toward the quarterback. His presence is going to be highly valuable on a unit replete with bodies but in a developmental stage with most of the players. WHO WILL BE THE TEAM LEADERS BOTH IN TALENT AND BY EXAMPLE? Last year, Kelly indicated that 10 cap- tains easily could have been selected, but settled for a school-record-tying five. Other than at quarterback and tight end (in a rebuilding phase last year), Notre Dame lost its best leaders/most vocal figures, most productive and/ or perhaps the top physically talented players from 2015 at every position group. As of March 2016, the best bets for captaincy roles would be Rochell and senior cornerback Cole Luke on de- fense, and McGlinchey on offense. This will be an especially crucial developmental area throughout the spring and summer before next season commences. ✦ 2016 Spring Scholarship Roster The heights and weights are from the 2015 season because no updates had been provided as of March 8. Players' class and years of eligibility remaining reflect what they will be during the 2016 cam- paign. The university has not officially released sixth- and fifth-year status, but five early entrants in the freshman class are on campus this spring. Quarterbacks (4) No. Player Ht. Wt. Cl./Elig. 14 DeShone Kizer 6-4½ 230 Jr./3 8 Malik Zaire 6-0 222 Sr./2 12 Brandon Wimbush 6-1 216 So./3 4 M. VanGorder 6-0½ 215 Jr./3 2015 Snaps: Kizer 735, Zaire 106 and Wimbush 27. Note: Head coach Brian Kelly has stated he plans to redshirt Wimbush in 2016.