Notre Dame Football 2019 Look Ahead: Linebacker

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader waves a flag during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against the Clemson Tigers at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Freshmen Focus: As for the freshman, it is difficult to see a road to playing time on the Notre Dame defense with so many bodies already competing for snaps. In-state early enrollee, Jack Kiser, has the leg up on the rest as he is already on campus. With his background as a multi-sport, swiss army knife in high school, it is easy to see him on special teams this coming season. As for position fit, ROVER seems likely and the staff will see how his body develops. Osita Ekwonu is probably the most physically mature of the four-man linebacker class, but again, special teams will probably be his calling card in 2019 if he demonstrates college readiness.

Marist Liufau and J.D. Bertrand are in similar positions as possible grey shirt candidates. However, assuming for a second that both arrive in South Bend this summer, a red-shirt is probable for both. I would imagine that Liufau could thrive on special teams with his unique athletic profile, while Bertrand is also unique in his fundamentals at the position. Regardless, it would be far fetched to pretend either guy will receive significant playing time in 2019 as it currently stands.

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