Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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most playmaking ability of any Irish linebacker not named Nyles Morgan. Barajas was also a consensus four- star recruit and was ranked by Scout as the No. 51 overall prospect in the land. He moved around his first year, but during the spring he spent the majority of his time at Mike line- backer as Morgan's backup. He struggled to pick up the system and the position, flashing playmak- ing ability but not the consistency to be a legitimate factor. Barajas should, however, be able to use his size, strength and agility to make a push for a role on special teams this season. 4. Kicker — Yoon was the one 2015 signee whose starting role was never in doubt. He got off to a shaky start, missing a field goal in each of the first two games while missing an extra point in the third and fourth games. He settled in, though, and nailed his final 12 field goals and 34 extra points. On top of his accuracy, Yoon also showed a strong leg as a rookie, con- verting field goals from 52, 46 and 38 yards. A change in holders in the spring — from junior DeShone Kizer to class- mate quarterback Montgomery Van- Gorder — caused some inconsistency for Yoon, something that will have to be monitored during fall camp. 5. Secondary — One could argue that the secondary — the cornerbacks specifically — are as talented as any position group in the class. While the members here might not occupy many starting spots — or possibly any starting spots in the base defense — the trio of cornerbacks and safety Nicco Fertitta will make their pres- ence felt this season. Shaun Crawford was poised to be- gin his freshman year as the start- ing nickel, but a season-ending ACL injury in August altered those plans. He is now back to full speed and has regained the starting role at nickel. His speed, including the ability to close, was considered his best trait when he signed with Notre Dame, but his intelligence and instincts are what the coaching staff raved about all spring. Crawford could compete to start opposite two-year starter Cole Luke at cornerback, but he will definitely be a factor at the nickel. When he went down a season ago, Notre Dame lost its ability to go with that lineup. With Crawford back and healthy, the Irish are better suited to match up against the faster teams on the schedule. The most athletic player at the po- sition might very well be Nick Cole- man, an Ohio all-state running back at Kettering (Ohio) Alter. At times during the 2015 campaign, Coleman was the first cornerback off the bench when a starter needed a breather. He has quick feet and possesses the physical traits to thrive in Notre Dame's man-to-man schemes. At this point all Coleman needs is more refinement with his technique, something that keeps him from play- ing with the consistency needed to truly challenge for a starting spot. Ashton White lacks the athleticism of his classmates at the position, but he is a savvy playmaker with natu- ral skills in coverage. White was a