it the expectation will be that he be‑
comes a game changer. His support‑
ing cast will be far less proven than a
season ago, meaning Kizer will have
to become a playmaker after being
more of a facilitator as a sophomore.
• Left guard Quenton Nelson is
already one of the best players in
the country at his position, with Pro
Football Focus ranking him as the na‑
tion's No. 13 guard after the 2015 sea‑
son. Now entering his second season
as a starter, Nelson is set to become
a difference maker up front. His rise
to prominence is not surprising —
Nelson was the lone Rivals five‑star
recruit in Notre Dame's 2014 recruit‑
ing class.
He will be paired with senior of‑
fensive tackle Mike McGlinchey on
the left side. Nelson and McGlinchey
had dominant moments during the
After filling in for an injured Malik Zaire last fall, quarterback DeShone Kizer is now a dark horse
Heisman Trophy candidate.
PHOTO BY ANDREW IVINS
