Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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60 PRESEASON 2017 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED given a chance to compete against sophomore Tommy Kraemer. Kraemer seems to have the starting spot locked down, but Hainsey has an opportunity to be the next man in at tackle. If Kraemer falters, Hainsey and sophomore Liam Eichenberg are right on his heels. Hainsey's versa- tility also could allow him to slide inside to guard if the need arises. Notre Dame is deep at tight end with the return of fifth-year senior Durham Smythe and junior Alizé Mack. Their talent and experience is making it challenging for senior Nic Weishar and the freshmen to crack the lineup, but that is still a possibility. Brock Wright was ranked as the nation's top tight end in the 2017 class, and getting a seven-month head start on the strength program was a bonus. He isn't pushing for a main pass catching role, but his size (6-4½, 254) and advanced strength is giving him an opportunity to take over the blocking role that was vacated when senior Tyler Luatua was forced to retire because of concussion issues. Wright has thrived in one-on-one blocking drills, and has shown the power and attitude to block effec- tively against veteran players. Shor- ing up his technique and continuing to adapt to the system are the next steps for Wright. Kelly has mentioned fellow tight end Cole Kmet as a camp standout, but his similarity in style to Smythe, Mack and Weishar could make it harder for him to crack the lineup, at least early in the season. Notre Dame has a deep corps of receivers returning, and the unit was bolstered by the arrival of graduate transfers Cameron Smith and Freddy Canteen. Making the rotation will be difficult for the two freshmen wide- outs, but both have been impressive in fall camp. Lee's Summit, Mo., native Jafar Armstrong was a late addition to the 2017 class. Offensive coordinator Chip Long and wide receivers coach Del Alexander made Armstrong a priority after they were hired, and their immediate pursuit helped flip him from Missouri a week before Na- tional Signing Day. The three-star recruit has excited with his size (6-1, 214), ball skills and advanced route-running. He is still behind the majority of the veterans, but his play is forcing them to stay more focused. Possibly the most impressive freshman athlete during fall camp has been Louisiana native Michael Young. What he lacks in stature — he checked in at 5-10 and 190 pounds — he makes up for with top-level ath- leticism, and he plays the game with the proverbial chip on his shoulder. Young has exhibited the kind of speed and after-the-catch ability that Long wants more of in the offense, and he came out with the No. 2 unit at the Aug. 20 scrimmage in Notre Dame Stadium open to the public. His playing time opportunities also extend to special teams. His quick- ness, strength and fearless playing style have him making a push for ac- tion in the return game. A role on the coverage units could also be within his grasp because of his toughness. POTENTIAL SPECIAL TEAMS IMPACT Special teams coordinator Brian Polian was hired in December, and it didn't take long for him to identify kicker/punter Jonathan Doerer as a player he wanted. Doerer, a native of Charlotte, N.C., was committed to Maryland when Polian made his initial push. A visit to Notre Dame in late January re- sulted in making a flip to the Irish. The 6-3, 193-pounder provides Po- lian a security blanket at both kicker and punter. Doerer is being given every opportunity to win the kickoff duties right away, with Kelly stating his ideal scenario is that he has a dif- ferent player handling the placekick- ing, kickoff and punting duties. Doerer has a powerful leg — he just needs to effectively place the ball in order to win the job. The youngest member of the 2017 class is Hampton (Va.) Bethel native Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who won't turn 18 until November. It was thought that he would redshirt dur- ing his first season, while he learned behind senior starter Drue Tranquill Michael Young's speed and athleticism could prove impactful at both wide receiver and on special teams. PHOTO BY COREY BODDEN