Notre Dame football: Which seniors will stick around for 2017?

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Apr 18, 2015; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) is hit as he throws by defensive lineman Jacob Matuska (89) in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at the LaBar Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

The why nots?

The critical difference the why bothers and the why nots is what they can offer Notre Dame in 2017 in terms of on-field productions. They’re not exactly more talented, but given the roster gaps the Irish have and the particular assets they bring, the why nots are players the coaching staff wants to retain but the NFL certainly doesn’t want. So it makes perfect sense for them to stay.

5. Jacob Matuska

Backup tight end/defensive lineman Matuska is really just a special teams warrior, and a pretty good one at that. Role players such as him are vital to Notre Dame elevating a good season to a great one, or an average one to subpar. He will be extremely valuable next year, though relatively unnoticed.

4. Hunter Bivin

Bivin nearly grabbed the right guard spot this fall, but lost out to Colin McGovern. But don’t think for a second an experienced coach like Harry Hiestand will let Bivin slip away. Injuries are so common, and offensive line is such a punishing position, Bivin has already played in every game this year, and in one play he could be vital to the team’s plans for 2017.

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