Notre Dame Football: 5 Position Battles To Watch During Fall Camp
By Andrew Hall
Oct 19, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) celebrates with cornerback Cole Luke (36) after breaking up a pass intended for Southern California Trojans tight end Jalen Cope-Fitpatrick (88) in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated USC 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4. Cole Luke vs. Cody Riggs (vs. Nick Watkins?)
The battle for the 2nd Cornerback position may be one of the lesser-known position battles heading into fall camp. Junior Cornerback KeiVarae Russell almost undoubtedly nailed the first Cornerback position. However, its’ importance cannot be understated. New Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder’s scheme requires excellent Cornerback play. Who will provide for the Irish in 2014?
Cody Riggs enters with the most experience. Riggs played both Cornerback and, most recently, Safety at Florida. In 2013, he collected 51 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups and 1.5 sacks. Riggs only has one career interception.
Cole Luke played the “nickel” position for the Fighting Irish in 2013. Luke collected 15 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and 2 passes broken up. Luke looked solid in Notre Dame’s annual Blue-Gold game.
One advantage that Luke has over Riggs is his size. Riggs stands at only 5’9”. Luke stands closer to 5’11”. Regardless of who wins the battle, both will likely play frequently in Notre Dame’s defense. The Irish will utilize “nickel” and “dime” packages to play man-to-man against spread formations. Whoever misses out on being Notre Dame’s 2nd Cornerback will be the first Cornerback off the bench in these packages.