Notre Dame Will Have a Chance in 2017

[IrishInOntario]

In my opinion there will be too much turnover and not enough depth for ND to compete for a national championship in 2016, despite a much easier schedule (on paper) than the Irish faced in 2015.

With that said, by 2017, ND will again be primed to be a top 8 team, vying for one of those top 4 playoff spots...

Here is my "first look" at the projected 2017 depth chart that I think will ND a chance as long as they stay decently healthy.

QB: Malik Zaire (5th year SR) or DeShone Kizer (SR)
2. Ian Book (SOPH)

RB: Josh Adams (SR)
2. Dexter Williams (SR)
3. Tony Jones JR (SOPH)

WR: Torii Hunter Jr. (5th year SR)
2. Javon McKinley (SOPH)

WR: Equanimeous St. Brown (JR)
2. Miles Boykin (JR)

Slot: CJ Sanders (JR)
2. Demetris Robertson (SOPH)

TE: Aliz'e Jones (JR)
2. Durham Smythe (5th year SR)

LT: Alex Bars (SR)
2. Hunter Bivin (5th year SR)

LG: Quenton Nelson (SR)
2. Colin McGovern (5th year SR)

C: Tristen Hoge (JR)
2. Sam Mustipher (JR)

RG: Sam Mustipher (SR)
2. Trevor Ruhland (JR)

RT: Tommy Kraemer (SOPH)
2. Liam Eichenberg (SOPH)

WDE: Andrew Trumbetti (SR)
2. Daelin Hayes (SOPH)

DT: Jerry Tillery (JR)
2. Jay Hayes (SR)

NG: Daniel Cage (SR)
2. Elijah Taylor (JR)

SDE: Khalid Kareem (SOPH)
2. John Bonner (SR)

WILL: Te'Von Coney (JR)
2. Josh Barajas (JR)

MIKE: Nyles Morgan (SR)
2. Greer Martini (SR)

SAM: Drue Tranquill (SR)
2. Asmar Bilal (JR)

CB: Shaun Crawford (JR)
2. Nick Coleman (JR)

CB: Nick Watkins (SR)
2. Troy Pride Jr. (SOPH)

SS: Mykelti Williams (JR)
2. Spencer Perry (SOPH)

FS: Devon Studstill (SOPH)
2. Ashton White (JR)

K: Justin Yoon (JR)
P: Tyler Newsome (JR)

KR: Demetris Robertson (SOPH) and CJ Sanders (JR)
PR: Demetris Robertson (SOPH)

Notes

- Obviously I have the winner of Zaire and Kizer as my 2017 QB, with a lot of experience. The other will likely find another home to play and, unfortunately, I could see Brandon Wimbush doing the same, although it will would be great if they could convince him to stay and wait his turn.

- I'm going out on a limb and predicting that ND lands Demetris Robertson, who will combine with CJ Sanders to give ND a dynamic duo of returners and slot receivers. I think eventually Robertson moves outside, ala Will Fuller, but I think the X spot will be Torii Hunter's to lose for the next two years.

- Offensive line is really just a guess. I think I have the starters pretty acurrately depicted, but realistically, ND will probably only be 7-8 lineman deep relative to who they want to play, so not all 10 guys I listed would be the immediate replacement at position. Another guy may slide over.

- The defensive line should be the best ND's had since Tuitt, KLM and Nix were in South Bend in 2012. They'll be experienced and strong inside and they'll have some nice weapons against the run and as pass rushers at DE. ND should be able to play a strong rotation of guys given that there will be some decent players that I didn't even mention on the depth chart fighting for playing time.

- Linebacker has a chance to be lights out. I'm predicting a move to SAM by Tranquill after back-to-back knee injuries. I think he has a great athleticism and more importantly, the attitude to be a really good SAM backer. At 235lb (which he should easily reach) him and Asmar Bilal are going to battle it out for serious playing time.... I didn't have the balls to predict that ND lands Caleb Kelly, but if they do, watch out, as a SOPH he could seriously factor into the equation as well.

- DB is my biggest concern, not because of a lack of talent, but simply because the safeties will still be young. Extremely talented, but young. The corners should be just fine. Crawford will be a star and there will be lots of experience in the group by time 2017 roles around.

- The specialists, Yoon and Newsome especially, should be as good as it gets in the nation.

- I'm predicting 11 senior starters and 18 total seniors in the 2-deep (of which as many as 5 could be 5th year senior on offense). The only undersclassmen that I'm predicting to start in 2017 are four star SDE Khalid Kareem and five star OT Tommy Kraemer.

It goes without saying that if ND was retain a lot of its juniors off of this team, 2018 should be another very strong season for the Irish.

 

[88ND]

You took a lot of time to write that. I think the qb situation is a delicate one. We could prosper from it or be left with nothing. How this is handled will be closely monitored and interesting to see who starts and stays etc.....

I only disagree on one thing ...

Drew tranquil I think if he recovers fully will be a must at safety. He had shown in his short playing time a willingness to support the run with authority. He was huge in keeping the Navy run game in check. ..until the injury.
When he went out our secondary support vs. the run was pathetic. Hesitant...bad angles...lousy tackling.
We need aggressive tough run support from our secondary. Drew provides that.

 

[Bodizephax]

Great post IIO. But Josh Adams and Dexter Williams will be juniors in 2017 not seniors. I know it doesn't really effect what you were saying.

I think the Irish are set up to make a run for the playoffs in 2016, imho.

The Dline--- with Jarron Jones as a 5th year senior, Isaac Rochelle a senior who is a beast against the run, Jerry Tillery as a experienced sophomore, Daniel Cage who will be a experienced Junior, Andrew Trumbetti as a experienced Junior, With Kareem and Daelon adding some QB rushing ability on passing downs ---- is going to be very strong.

Plus Morgan and Greer as juniors with experience and Coney (experienced sophomore) and Asmir Balil ( who Brian Kelly said in as many words is the next Jaylon Smith) and Barajas as linebackers should be studs. They were all highly sought after recruits and are no longer frosh.

Add to that Shawn Crawford and Watkins. and Mykelti Williams and Senior Max Redfield who I think is going to have a huge year. He is a great player if he becomes more disciplined (think Harrison Smith or Zeke Motta)

I believe the defense will be better than last year barring a bunch of injuries.

Also college football is very QB driven and we have three of the better talents in America on our team. I think either Kizer or Malik or Wimbush could play Championship type football with the great Oline and great running backs and great receivers.

Also Cj Sanders (speed) and Damien Alloway (speed) will be explosive kick and punt returners.

Josh Adams and T. Folston and Dexter Williams and either three of our Qbs who can run behind a super Oline will be unstoppable.

Tori Hunter, CJ Sanders, Alize Jones, Eq. St. Brown, Corey Robinson, Durham Smythe, Corey Holmes (was highly recruited) and T. Folston out of the backfield should be plenty of weapons for Zaire or Kizer or Wimbush.

Notre Dame has not had four highly ranked recruiting classes since Holtz until now.

The Irish should be at the point of reloading not rebuilding now and I think they are.

Clemson lost a ton of players to the draft in 2014 but the players who replaced them made the team even better.

Go Irish !

*** Drue Tranquill is one of my favorite players but he has had serious injuries to both knees. If he comes back as the player he was I would be shocked. (but very happy). I think he will end up a medical hardship.
.

 

[88ND]

Great post IIO. But Josh Adams and Dexter Williams will be juniors in 2017 not seniors. I know it doesn't really effect what you were saying.

I think the Irish are set up to make a run for the playoffs in 2016, imho.

The Dline--- with Jarron Jones as a 5th year senior, Isaac Rochelle a senior who is a beast against the run, Jerry Tillery as a experienced sophomore, Daniel Cage who will be a experienced Junior, Andrew Trumbetti as a experienced Junior, With Kareem and Daelon adding some QB rushing ability on passing downs ---- is going to be very strong.

Plus Morgan and Greer as juniors with experience and Coney (experienced sophomore) and Asmir Balil ( who Brian Kelly said in as many words is the next Jaylon Smith) and Barajas as linebackers should be studs. They were all highly sought after recruits and are no longer frosh.

Add to that Shawn Crawford and Watkins. and Mykelti Williams and Senior Max Redfield who I think is going to have a huge year. He is a great player if he becomes more disciplined (think Harrison Smith or Zeke Motta)

I believe the defense will be better than last year barring a bunch of injuries.

Also college football is very QB driven and we have three of the better talents in America on our team. I think either Kizer or Malik or Wimbush could play Championship type football with the great Oline and great running backs and great receivers.

Also Cj Sanders (speed) and Damien Alloway (speed) will be explosive kick and punt returners.

Josh Adams and T. Folston and Dexter Williams and either three of our Qbs who can run behind a super Oline will be unstoppable.

Tori Hunter, CJ Sanders, Alize Jones, Eq. St. Brown, Corey Robinson, Durham Smythe, Corey Holmes (was highly recruited) and T. Folston out of the backfield should be plenty of weapons for Zaire or Kizer or Wimbush.

Notre Dame has not had four highly ranked recruiting classes since Holtz until now.

The Irish should be at the point of reloading not rebuilding now and I think they are.

Clemson lost a ton of players to the draft in 2014 but the players who replaced them made the team even better.

Go Irish !

*** Drue Tranquill is one of my favorite players but he has had serious injuries to both knees. If he comes back as the player he was I would be shocked. (but very happy). I think he will end up a medical hardship.
.

Bodie...
Good points on all but Max Redfield. Max might be fairly athletic but he very very weak on run support and in no way do I see him to be compared with Smith and Motta.

Drew is more like Smith and motta but hid injuries can he come back full capacity is unknown

 

[Bodizephax]

Bodie...
Good points on all but Max Redfield. Max might be fairly athletic but he very very weak on run support and in no way do I see him to be compared with Smith and Motta.

Drew is more like Smith and motta but hid injuries can he come back full capacity is unknown

I meant that I think Max will have a breakout season like Zeke and Harrison did late. We need his experience--he was one of our leading tacklers before the Ohio State game because he can make up a lot of ground. I thought it would be in 2015 but hopefully 16. Better late than never.

 

[Tru2Irish]

I meant that I think Max will have a breakout season like Zeke and Harrison did late. We need his experience--he was one of our leading tacklers before the Ohio State game because he can make up a lot of ground. I thought it would be in 2015 but hopefully 16. Better late than never.

`I don't see Wimbush on your chart at all.How can Book be ahead of him?

 

[TeddyOH]

Agree with every part of this analysis except one.

Almost every person on your depth chart got significant experience this season. We have to fill a couple holes on the O-line, but it's not like we have scrubs waiting in the wings. I am a bit concerned about the safeties, but what else is new.

Will we have the best athletes in 2016? No, but I would say we're top-10 talent-wise without a doubt. That gets you in the running. I see no reason to write off 2016 yet!

 

[septon34]

It will all depend on the d-line and secondary. If Hayes, Tillery, Crawford, Trumbetti, etc. don't prove to be impactful players this year, then I think your projection for 2017 is unlikely unless they get elite d-line (and DB) recruits this year and next.

 

[BGI User 348]

Remember we all thought ND's year was 1989.....but they won the NC a year early.......an improved DEFENSE........outstanding QB play.....and Irish Luck......TWO IN A ROW BABY!!!

 

[perseverare]

amazing: the way off seasons go for ND and the way changes both player or staff, happen, that any idea of a projection for '17 could be conjured up when we have not even gotten to Sept '16 intact or seen who is for real by way of the real season result! exercise in futility!

 

[MTIrish98]

You took a lot of time to write that. I think the qb situation is a delicate one. We could prosper from it or be left with nothing. How this is handled will be closely monitored and interesting to see who starts and stays etc.....

You could argue that Urban's mishandling of the QB situation cost them a shot at the title. I know that JT was starting for MSU, but if he'd started the whole season the Buckeyes might have pulled out of their funk a few weeks earlier.

I don't know the right answer, but I think any of the 3 QBs could/should win 10 games next year. 11 or 12 will depend on the defense.

 

[twalsh]

`I don't see Wimbush on your chart at all.How can Book be ahead of him?

I assume that he is proposing that Wimbush is transferring before 2017. It's likely that one of the current three will, but too early to tell which one.

 

[Bodizephax]

I assume that he is proposing that Wimbush is transferring before 2017. It's likely that one of the current three will, but too early to tell which one.

I have Wimbush on my chart. The poster must have missed it. I wrote where I thought all three qb's Kizer, Malik, and Wimbush are championship level quarterbacks.
I hope he gets playing time in 2016 so he won't transfer.

 

[twalsh]

I have Wimbush on my chart. The poster must have missed it. I wrote where I thought all three qb's Kizer, Malik, and Wimbush are championship level quarterbacks.
I hope he gets playing time in 2016 so he won't transfer.

There's a decent chance that, based on spring practice, one of the three might be somewhere else in 2016.

 

[NDAyers]

You took a lot of time to write that. I think the qb situation is a delicate one. We could prosper from it or be left with nothing. How this is handled will be closely monitored and interesting to see who starts and stays etc.....

I only disagree on one thing ...

Drew tranquil I think if he recovers fully will be a must at safety. He had shown in his short playing time a willingness to support the run with authority. He was huge in keeping the Navy run game in check. ..until the injury.
When he went out our secondary support vs. the run was pathetic. Hesitant...bad angles...lousy tackling.
We need aggressive tough run support from our secondary. Drew provides that.

I think 2023 will be the year! The depth chart will be loaded. Kelly said so.

 

[NDCap]

2016 can be a great year . Gotta beat Texas !

 

[88ND]

I think 2023 will be the year! The depth chart will be loaded. Kelly said so.

Barring injuries

 

[GoIrishinKW]

The name everyone forgets but will remember come next fall. Justin Brent.

 

[IrishInOntario]

My prediction is based on the fact that I think ND will be too young and inexperienced next year to go 11-1 or better vs that schedule. I think they'll go 10-2, have a good season and get left out.

Also, I have Wimbush transferring because I don't think he's going to sit for 3 years and not have a legit chance to start until he's a senior. QB's transfer these days. That's what happens.

Perse,

It's not hard to make predictions based on what ND has now. They can be subject to change later.

 

[SwlaDukie]

Well I like the 2016 cause I believe ND maybe better at many positions. More importantly many of the teams on ND's schedule will be either starting a new QB or have a new coach. The toughest game maybe home games this season depending on USC improvement. Which ever QB that comes out Spring practice as a starter will be great. Hopefully Sanford can fix the turnover issues and get the tight ends more involved on offense. I think ND will have some signing day surprises, just hopefully it more along the lines the Manti Teo year in opposition to the Irish Army year with the Greenberry year.

In 2017, they should be special if Beal stays committed and the kid from Bishop Gorman signs. But injuries

 

[IrishInOntario]

Freshman linebackers and DL are not going to be difference between ND contending and not contending in 2016 and 2017. RARELY do guys a those physically demanding positions make a serious impact on a championship level defense until their SOPH year at the minimum. Even if ND lands Caleb Kelly in 2016, he's not going to start as a freshman, and likely won't even play menaningful minutes on defense. The same is true of Robert Beal, Josh Kaindoh and Haskell Garrett in 2017. Those guys won't likely do much until 2018 at the earliest. The difference makers in that defensive front 7 will be guys like Tiller, Cage, Trumbetti and Tranquill, Bilal, Coney and Morgan (hopefully).

ND will be young, talented and should be hungry in 2016... In 2017 they should return 14+ starters and those guys will be upper classmen. That's 1/3 of recipe for success.