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Notre Dame Football: The 3 Most Irreplaceable Players on the Irish Defense

By Mason Plummer

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Nolan Givan #88 of the Ball State Cardinals catches a touchdown pass over Alohi Gilman #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 08: Nolan Givan #88 of the Ball State Cardinals catches a touchdown pass over Alohi Gilman #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish walk through the tunnel toward the field before the game against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

When it comes to having a successful season, often times there are players a team can’t lose. Who can’t Notre Dame football afford to lose on defense?

To put it simply, the 2019 Notre Dame football defense will be one to watch. There is amazing depth at certain positions (defensive end), while there is lack of experience and depth at others (cornerback, linebacker).

It makes for what should be a fun defense to watch at times, with plenty of potential breakout candidates. Jack Lamb, Shayne Simon and Houston Griffith are all names that could make a huge impact come this fall.

However, none of those three players are considered to be irreplaceable just yet — by my standards anyways.

To me, irreplaceable means the defense is going to crumble without that certain player in the lineup. For example, when Julian Love went out injured in the Clemson game last season, the Notre Dame secondary got torched without its best corner. Or when Jaylon Smith left the game after his horrific knee injury against Ohio State a few years back.

The Notre Dame defense never looked the same after losing either of those guys. Both were in the class of “irreplaceable.”

When you take a look at this year’s team, there are a few places where Clark Lea and Co. need guys to stay healthy. Players like Alohi Gilman, Julian Okwara, Kurt Hinish, Troy Pride and Jalen Elliott will be key if Notre Dame wants to have another successful season and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

So, who are the three irreplaceable players on defense this season?

Let’s find out.

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