Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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although he was withheld from con- tact work in the Blue-Gold Game. Summary: Notre Dame could still be a top-25 contender if it had only the tandem of Williams and junior Jus- tin Brent. Adding Folston and Adams makes this maybe the highest volume of quality in the backfield since 2001, when future pros Julius Jones, Tony Fisher and freshman Ryan Grant were present on the 5-6 team. WIDE RECEIVER Top Story: On the team's youngest and least experienced position, senior Torii Hunter Jr. established himself as the alpha figure with his versatility to line up anywhere. His size and skill set is comparable to 2013 Team MVP TJ Jones, although wide receivers coach Mike Denbrock believes Hunter is faster (hand-timed at 4.42 seconds in the 40 this winter). As a slot receiver in 2015, Hunter was mostly reduced to short and intermediate routes. Other News: Junior Corey Holmes created a buzz this spring by running the team's fastest 40 (4.39) to go with a superb 41-inch vertical. He began translating it into "functional football speed" while settling in at slot receiver after sophomore CJ Sanders had to un- dergo hip surgery. With multiple concussions incurred the past year, senior Corey Robinson's future in football is uncertain. Summary: The quintet of Holmes, sophomores Sanders, Equanimeous St. Brown and Miles Boykin, and fresh- man Kevin Stepherson — maybe the top overall surprise on offense — has two career catches. Nevertheless, this green unit collec- tively could become better than last year if it can weather early growing pains. Look to how the 2012 corps blos- somed overall minus Michael Floyd. TIGHT END Top Story: Sophomore Alizé Jones (13 catches for 190 yards last year) be- came too appealing a target to not use him split wide, especially with the in- experience at wideout. He could join Hunter as a favorite target this season. "He's physical and athletic, and a guy we've got to find a role for," Kelly said of potentially using Jones as the W receiver. "He can't be in a rotation as the third tight end on the field. That's pretty clear." Other News: Senior Jacob Matuska made a fine transition from the de- fensive line, cutting his weight to 275. He could provide the in-line blocking element the position lost when Tyler Luatua opted to transfer to BYU. "He catches the ball better than we thought and is really picking up the techniques as an in-line blocker," Kelly said. Summary: This position might be a year away from ranking among the best nationally, but it's on a promis- ing path. Weishar had the most snaps (286) at the by-committee position last season, and a similar rotation could occur again. A healthy season from se- nior Durham Smythe would facilitate Jones' versatility at other spots. OFFENSIVE LINE Top Story: With the shift of senior Mike McGlinchey from right to left tackle (the same move that was done with Ronnie Stanley in 2014), Kelly