Notre Dame Football: Defensive Line Ready to Establish Itself

Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Sheldon Day (91) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half against the LSU Tigers in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Notre Dame won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Three Technique Tackle

Sheldon Day (6’2” 285 lbs.) & Jay Hayes (6’3” 285 lbs.)

Senior captain Sheldon Day delighted Fighting Irish fans by staying at Notre Dame for his senior season. Day is a potential All-American and high draft pick. He played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2012 and had 23 tackles. As a sophomore, he played in 11 games, started eight and had 33 tackles. Last year Day started 11 games but suffered a knee injury on November 15 and missed the last two regular-season games. Even with those games missed, Day registered 40 tackles with seven for losses. Besides being a run stuffer, he will be counted on to be a force on the inside pass rush. His play and leadership will make an impact on the defensive line.

Sophomore Jay Hayes was being red-shirted when Sheldon Day and Jarron Jones were both injured. He was forced to burn his redshirt by playing in the last two regular season games and the Music City Bowl. He was a highly rated recruit who will see plenty of action this season.

Next: The Man in the Middle