Notre Dame football: Fall camp first impressions

We are now two days into Notre Dame football’s fall camp, and some story lines have already started to emerge. Who’s rising and who’s falling early on?

Now, obviously, it’s hard to say anything definitive this early in camp, and seeing as I am not actually at Culver Academy, these impressions are built solely off videos and articles by beat reporters on the scene. But there definitely seems to be consensus on a few things.

No. 1: Alize Jones is possibly better off for his suspension.

Or at the very least, he’s making the best of a bad situation.

To lose a top receiver just days before fall camp started could have been catastrophic for Notre Dame, but instead, the Irish have kept rolling along, relying on their depth at the tight end position.

But more noticeably, Jones seems to have taken advantage of the fact that he is still with the team and able to practice.

And then…

That work ethic in the face of a very long season away from action has already impressed his teammates and coaches.

Missing Jones will certainly hurt in the short term for Notre Dame, but it certainly appears to be for the best looking down the road, both for the program and for the sophomore. Hopefully his enthusiasm and good attitude regarding his status extends into the season and to his academics as well.

No. 2: Committees are in session, at least for the time being.

DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire, Josh Adams and Tarean Folston. Heck, even Durham Smythe and Nic Weishar.

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A lot of skill positions with a lot of uncertainty regarding who will get the starting job, and the early practices seem to indicate that uncertainty extends to the coaching staff.

Kizer and Zaire split first-team reps, Adams and Folston saw plenty of action, and the tight end situation is wide open.

Brian Kelly hinted in his opening press conference that Zaire and Kizer could both possibly start and play significant time for the Irish this season, and if he’s willing to do that, it’s a safe bet he’ll try his luck at other skill positions too. It’s an attitude the players involved seem to be embracing.

No. 3: The offensive line is as good as advertised.

Notre Dame’s offensive line came into camp as one of the most highly touted units on the squad. With Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson leading the way, the Irish front five were and are expected to do big things this fall.

And the first few practices have confirmed they are capable of doing just that.

This highlight video from Sunday’s practice features three offensive linemen: Nelson, McGlinchey and Sam Mustipher. All three acquit themselves very well, especially Nelson who just mauls backup defensive lineman Elijah Taylor.

Day One’s video was lighter on the offensive line, but based off reports from that practice, which was open to the media, Hunter Bivin appears to have the edge over freshman Tommy Kraemer at right guard.

No. 4: Maybe the drop off at linebacker won’t be that bad.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that after losing captains Jaylon Smith and Joe Schmidt, Notre Dame’s linebacking corps would be a weakness, not a strength, this upcoming season.

Instead, the unit will once again be the head and heart of the defense. At “Mike” linebacker, Nyles Morgan has stepped into the leadership role Schmidt occupied with unexpected maturity and and intelligence. He also is far more athletic than Schmidt and can simply do things on the field the former walk-on couldn’t.

At “Sam” linebacker, the Irish have another leader and star in James Onwualu, who has the most experience of the bunch and is similarly talented, with a strong knowledge of the defense.

Next: Notre Dame football: Quick hits from media day

And finally, at “Will” linebacker, Brian VanGorder has options with Asmar Bilal, who took advantage of injuries during the spring to ascend to the first team and remains there as camp starts, and Te’von Coney, who backed up Jaylon Smith last year and is a physically gifted player with huge upside. Neither one will equal Smith, obviously, but both could fill in for him admirably.