Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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helped him grab hold of the backup spot behind McGlinchey. IT STARTS UP FRONT — PART II Pro Football Focus ranks the Notre Dame offensive line as the top unit in the country heading into the 2016 season. The same expectations are not being placed on the defensive line, but the pressure on that unit will be just as intense. Notre Dame's defense surrendered more than 170 rushing yards per game in each of VanGorder 's two seasons. If the Irish want to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff that trend cannot continue, and changing that begins with the line. Senior end Isaac Rochell and fifth‑ year nose guard Jarron Jones are expected to anchor the unit, but no matter how well that duo plays that group will not produce at a champi‑ onship level unless the juniors rise significantly. Weakside ends Andrew Trumbetti and Jay Hayes will man the spot op‑ posite Rochell. Trumbetti has been an effective pass rusher in limited snaps the last two seasons, register‑ ing two sacks and 12 quarterback hurries. Now a third‑year player, he will be asked to provide a legitimate and consistent pass rush. Hayes is a power player whose game is suited for the strongside end or defensive tackle spots, but a lack Tyler Luatua TE 6-2½ 255 Nixed plans to transfer to BYU and will look to cement his role as the primary blocking tight end. Greer Martini LB 6-2½ 245 Will compete for the starting spot at Will after backing up at the Sam in 2015. Peter Mokwuah * DT 6-3 317 Aggressive defender that still needs some polishing before he contends for time. Nyles Morgan LB 6-1 245 Now entrenched as the starting Mike, a breakout season is expected — and needed. Sam Mustipher* C 6-2½ 305 Earned the starting center spot after a strong spring performance. Quenton Nelson* G 6-5 325 On pace to become one of the nation's top guards after a dominant sophomore season. Tyler Newsome* P 6-2½ 210 Averaged 44.5 yards per punt last season, which was the fourth-best single-season mark in Notre Dame history. Drue Tranquill* S 6-1½ 225 Despite missing last 10 games in 2015, he quickly emerged as a defensive standout in the spring. Andrew Trumbetti DE 6-3½ 260 Is co-starting with Hayes at the starting weakside end spot. Nick Watkins CB 6-0½ 200 Set to take over the left cornerback spot after a strong finish to the 2015 season. Nic Weishar* TE 6-4 245 Led all tight ends in snaps last season, but made only three catches. * Eligible for a fifth season in 2018