Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2017 31 attack offenses from depth. The rover position allows Tranquill to play much closer to the line of scrim- mage, and the results have been con- spicuous. He tallied two stops behind the line in the Blue-Gold Game, and his quality play carried into fall camp. He showed he can make plays in space and handle himself in coverage, plus has a knack for getting into the backfield. If Elko's defense is working the way it is designed, the two inside linebacker spots and the rover will be highly pro- ductive. That means Morgan, Martini and Tranquill will be given an oppor- tunity to be leaders with their play. WATKINS RETURNS Nick Watkins was the lone corner- back to sign with Notre Dame in the 2014 class and was rarely used the first 25 games of his career. Injuries to a pair of corners late in 2015, however, allowed him to step into the starting lineup against Ohio State in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, and he handled himself well. His size (6-1, 207), skills and play against the Buckeyes raised expecta- tions for him during the spring of 2016, but an arm injury that took a long time to heal cost him his junior season. Now healthy, Watkins has quickly emerged as Notre Dame's top cor- nerback, locking down the boundary corner position and providing much- needed veteran leadership to a second- ary that has six sophomores and three freshmen. SPECIAL TEAMS AND DEPTH Senior Tyler Newsome enters his third season as the team's punter, and a jump in consistency could make him one of the best in the land. He ranked 26th nationally in punting average (43.5 yards a kick) last season, but the Irish ranked only 106th nationally in net punting (35.28 yards) due in part to Newsome's inconsistency. Now a senior, Newsome is expected to combine his length and strength with improvements in consistency and accuracy. Senior tight end Nic Weishar was a four-star recruit and led the Irish tight ends in snaps during the 2015 season. Weishar, though, has had a hard time climbing up a loaded depth chart at the position, but he will provide qual- ity depth this season. Nose guard Pete Mokwuah has ideal size inside at 6-3½ and 326 pounds, but has struggled with technique and play- ing with the necessary energy through- out his career. Jimmy Byrne provides depth and versatility along the offen- sive line, possessing the ability to play both tackle and guard. ✦ Players Signed: 23 Players Available In 2017: 14 (QB DeShone Kizer declared for the NFL Draft following the 2016 season; WR Justin Brent transferred to Nevada; WR Corey Holmes transferred to Purdue; TE Tyler Luatua retired from football due to concussions; DE Grant Blankenship transferred to Oklahoma; DE Jhonny Wil- liams transferred to Toledo; DE Kolin Hill transferred to Texas Tech; DT Daniel Cage is sitting out the 2017 season due to concussions; and LB Nile Sykes transferred to Indiana) 2014 Recruiting Rankings: Scout.com (No. 6), 247Sports (No. 11), ESPN (No. 11) and Rivals.com (No. 11) Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Alex Bars* OG 6-6 312 A transition to guard and improved conditioning have him poised for a breakout. Jonathan Bonner* DT 6-4 291 After serving as a backup for three years, he is now the main man at defen- sive tackle. Jimmy Byrne* OT 6-4 285 Provides versatility on the depth chart thanks to his ability to play guard and tackle. Jay Hayes* DE 6-4 290 A strong camp has him poised to become a key figure on the Irish defense. Greer Martini LB 6-3½ 236 After three years as a swingman, he has emerged as a force at Buck line- backer. Peter Mokwuah * DT 6-3½ 325 Still has work to do if he wants to join the interior line rotation. Nyles Morgan LB 6-1 235 Has emerged as the vocal leader on the Irish defense. Sam Mustipher* C 6-2½ 305 His emergence has solidified the middle of the offensive line. Quenton Nelson* G 6-5 330 Has developed into one of the elite offensive linemen in college football. Tyler Newsome* P 6-2½ 210 Notre Dame needs him to harness his powerful leg and become more con- sistent. Drue Tranquill* ROV 6-1½ 231 A move to rover has helped him become more comfortable in the defense. Andrew Trumbetti DE 6-4 263 With a strong spring and fall camp, he is finally showing off his athletic skills. Nick Watkins CB 6-1 207 His return has given the Irish secondary a much-needed veteran presence. Nic Weishar* TE 6-5 243 Trying to move up a deep and talented tight end depth chart. * Eligible for a fifth season in 2018 Senior Class Review Cornerback Nick Watkins, who missed all of the 2016 season due to a bro- ken arm, has quickly developed into Notre Dame's top cover man. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND