Notre Dame football: 2016 defense should lead Irish to playoffs

We are about four weeks away from the Notre Dame football opener Sept. 4 against Texas. With that in mind, it’s time to break down the Fighting Irish defensive unit.

The defensive unit has a lot to accomplish to get in the good graces of Fighting Irish fans. Not many will forget how Stanford went 40 yards in fewer than 35 seconds to beat Notre Dame on a last-second field goal. It’s hard to ignore the 44 points scored by Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Still, even though the Irish lose a number of stars from last season, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the 2016 defense too. Although we will not know the starters for sure until after August camp, let’s break down the likely starters.

Senior Isaac Rochell returns at strong side defensive end. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Georgian is a two-year starter, and if he plays up to his potential, he has a chance to be an All-American. At weak side end, there should be a battle between last season’s starter Andrew Trumbetti (6-foot-3 1/2, 255 pounds) and redshirt junior Jay Hayes (6-foot-3, 285 pounds). This threesome will be a formidable group and should be better in rushing the passer.

Fifth-year senior Jarron Jones (6-foot-5 1/2, 315 pounds) returns at nose guard after missing the 2015 season with a leg injury. This two-year starter will be backed up by junior Daniel Cage (6-foot-1, 315 pounds). Cage played in 11 games last season, and he and Jones will provide a tremendous push in the middle of the line. At the three technique tackle position is last year’s starter, sophomore Jerry Tillery (6-foot-6 1/2, 310 lbs.). Tillery is a tremendous, quick athlete should come into his own this season and provide Notre Dame with a very good defensive tackle group.

The Irish lose two starters at linebacker positions: Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt. Of course, it will be difficult to replace Smith, but in his place are two four-star linebackers, redshirt freshman Asmar Bilal (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and sophomore Te’von Coney (6-foot-1, 235 pounds). Coney played in 12 games last year and had 13 tackles. Both of these linebackers came to the Fighting Irish as highly prized recruits, and the drop-off in play from Smith’s considerable standards should not be too drastic.

At middle linebacker is junior Nyles Morgan (6-foot-1, 245 pounds). He played quite a bit in 2014 when Schmidt was injured and acquitted himself well. Last season, he did not play as much when the veteran players returned and also because he did not have a full grasp of the Irish defense. But this year, he is more athletic, stronger and faster than Schmidt and may be an upgrade. Senior James Onwualu (6-foot-1, 232 pounds) will return at “Sam” linebacker and will be a steady influence on this group.

At right cornerback, senior Cole Luke (5-foot-11, 193 pounds) returns. He played in all 13 games and had 41 tackles and four passes defensed in 2015. He also improved his coverage of receivers. Luke will be backed up by red shirt freshman Ashton White (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) or senior Devin Butler (6-foot-1, 200 pounds). Luke has improved in all phases of his game and should improve even more this season.

Former starter KeiVarae Russell has since been drafted into the NFL and will likely be replaced by junior Nick Watkins (6-feet, 200 pounds). Watkins played in 12 games last year and started against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. This four-star recruit appears ready for the bright lights, and he gives Notre Dame a great pair at cornerback. His backup, red shirt freshman Shaun Crawford (5-foot-9, 180 pounds), had such a great summer camp last year he was named as the nickel corner before a leg injury cost him the entire 2015 season.

At strong safety, the Fighting Irish lose two-year starter Elijah Shumate but return Drue Tranquill (6-foot-2, 225 pounds). Tranquill has actually played a decent amount over the past two seasons but tore his ACL in an early-season game against Georgia Tech in 2015. He will be backed up by sixth-year senior Avery Sebastian (5-foot-10, 200 pounds).

At free safety, Notre Dame returns the enigmatic senior Max Redfield (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), who played his freshman year and started the last two years. He is one of the few five-star recruits Notre Dame has signed recently, but unfortunately, he has not lived up to the hype. Still, he is a great athlete, very fast and intelligent, and if he can finally play to his ability this season, he would be one of the best safeties in the country. Backing him up, Devin Studstill (6-feet, 190 pounds) is a true freshman who shined in spring camp and should see a lot of action this season.

The Fighting Irish defense may be the best one in defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder’s three years. It seems in his first two seasons this former NFL defensive coordinator may have had an overly complex defensive play book. Most of the defensive starters have had two seasons to grasp the VanGorder defense, and this should be their year to roll.

Next: Keep an eye on these Irish freshmen in fall camp

The defensive line is experienced with strength in the middle and speed on the outside. This year’s linebacking crew of Onwualu, Morgan, and Bilal or Coney may be more athletic and faster than last year’s group. The cornerbacks are veterans with plenty of youth and potential in the backups. If Redfield can fulfill his potential, he and Tranquill provide a tremendous last line of defense for the Fighting Irish. Although they lost some great players, this Notre Dame defense is skilled and experienced enough to lead the Irish to the College Football Playoff.

Home/Notre Dame Football