Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/705594
2015 when Nelson went down, and he acquitted himself well. Now back at his more natural position, Bars has an opportunity to become more impactful. In 2014, Kelly said Bars was one of the best linemen he's been around in 25 years of coaching. Bars now enters his third year in the program, and he's expected to show the promise Kelly referenced. Joining him in the lineup is center Sam Mustipher, who was dominant during the Blue‑Gold Game in April. Mustipher is being tasked with re‑ placing two‑time captain Nick Mar‑ tin, a second‑round draft pick of the Houston Texans. Mustipher was supposed to en‑ gage in a position battle this spring against highly touted sophomore Tristen Hoge, but he entrenched himself as the starter before spring practice was even halfway through and earned high praise from Kelly. Mustipher, Nelson and McGlinchey are expected to provide Notre Dame with a physical and dominant trio to run the ball behind, and Bars will be on the opposite side ready for his own breakout season. Junior Jimmy Byrne will not be joining his classmates in the start‑ ing lineup, but a productive spring Junior Class Review Players Signed: 23 Players Available in 2016: 20 (three-star linebacker Niles Sykes did not enroll, choosing to transfer to Indiana; three-star defensive end Jhonny Williams transferred to Toledo; and three-star linebacker Kolin Hill transferred to Texas Tech) 2014 Recruiting Rankings: Scout (No. 6), Rivals (No. 11), 247Sports (No. 11) and ESPN (No. 11) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Alex Bars* OT 6-6 320 Poised to take over at right tackle after making two starts at left guard in 2015. Grant Blankenship DE 6-5 278 A spring suspension has made his status for 2016 unclear. Jonathan Bonner* DE 6-3 286 Finding a consistent role in the rotation is expected after spot duty in 2015. Justin Brent* RB 6-1½ 220 One of the better athletes on the team, but he's buried on the depth chart. Jimmy Byrne* OT 6-4 300 A solid spring has him competing for the backup spot at left tackle. Daniel Cage DT 6-1 315 Is expected to become a consistent contributor after two years as a rotation player. Jay Hayes* DE 6-3 285 Expected to tag team at weakside end with classmate Andrew Trumbetti. Corey Holmes* WR 6-0 190 An improved spring has him in position to earn the starting spot in the slot. DeShone Kizer* QB 6-4½ 230 Emerged as a playmaker last season, but still has to battle to keep his job.