the field last season in a backup role,
burning his redshirt season. Kelly
has mentioned Wimbush might be
on tap to regain that redshirt this up-
coming season, assuming the senior
Zaire and Kizer, a junior, are able to
stay healthy.
Wimbush is exactly what Kelly and
the offensive staff want in a quarter-
back. He's a bright football player,
he is lauded as a hard worker, he
is extremely athletic and his arm is
electric. If his name is called upon
this season, Wimbush has the physi-
cal tools to quickly emerge as a play-
maker the way Kizer did last season
— and he's well ahead of his pace.
8. Offensive Line — Notre Dame
signed a small line class in 2015,
and neither center Tristen Hoge nor
guard Trevor Ruhland are expected
to start this season.
Hoge battled junior Sam Mustipher
for a starting role, but the veteran
quickly beat him out. Hoge is a tech-
nician, which is one of the main traits
the coaching staff raves about with
him. His advanced technique and
talent could result in him moving to
guard if seniors Colin McGovern and
Hunter Bivin are not effective.
Ruhland is still a year away from
competing for a significant role, but
he will head into the season as the
backup to Quenton Nelson at left
guard. ✦
Placekicker Justin Yoon set a Notre Dame freshman record with 95 points, converting 15 of 17 field
goals and 50 of 52 extra points in 2015.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
