Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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be and how blessings cannot be taken for granted. Like in any year, the loss of past Irish greats such as 1953 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lattner or 1949 national title quarterback Bob Williams the past 12 months is in- evitable. But when a young, promis- ing life like Bryant's is extinguished way too early, it's even more sober- ing to former teammates. 2016 QB SELECTION SHOW While the presidential race be- tween Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump will be the most-talked about race this fall, the starting quarter- back candidacy between junior in- cumbent DeShone Kizer and senior Malik Zaire, the 2015 starter prior to injury, will have its own share of debates. Having two highly competent and battle-tested dual threats at the posi- tion is not a problem. Maintaining cohesive team chemistry and avoid- ing the quick hook if the starter hap- pens to falter (another inevitability at some point) might be a tougher balancing act. Regardless who is at the throttle, the quarterback will need to steer a potentially potent offense to com- pensate for a defense under third- year defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder that will be under much scrutiny after an inconsistent 2015, despite a veteran cast. HOME TURF INVASION With Kelly seemingly at Notre Dame for the long haul with a deal through 2021 (remember, Charlie Weis was "supposed" to be at Notre Dame through 2015), the recruiting appears to be at its strongest ever with 16 verbal commits already for the 2017 class through July 19, and four in tow for 2018. The growth of Irish Invasion, held this June 18, has especially become notable. Michigan has generated some buzz with holding satellite camps through- out the country, but the Notre Dame way is to sell top prospects first and foremost on the school's home turf. "You've got to get them on cam- pus, and we use Irish Invasion as a great opportunity to get them on campus," Kelly said. Closing out strong at defensive end and safety especially will be needed if Notre Dame is to land its third consensus top-10 class the past seven years, joining 2011 and 2013. ✦ Notre Dame Finishes 17th In Learfield Directors' Cup With the final data tabulated after June's College World Series, Notre Dame finished outside the top 10 of the Learfield Directors' Cup standings — which recognizes schools achieving success in all sports — for the first time in four years. A main reason was the Fighting Irish athletics department had a drop this year with zero Final Four finishes in any sport, a rarity the past 30 years.