The State of Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Defense

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 08: Kurt Hinish #41 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish fights off a double team by Zac Ricketts #71 and Andrew Poenitsch #64 of the Ball State Cardinals 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) /

Defensive Tackle

Currently on roster: Kurt Hinish (3 star), Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa (3 star), Jayson Ademilola (4 star), Ja’Mion Franklin (3 star), Jacob Lacey (4 star), Hunter Spears (4 star), Howard Cross III (4 star)

Current commits: Rylie Mills (4 star), Aidan Keanaaina (3 star), Gabriel Rubio (2021 4 star)

Much like defensive end, this is a position group that has vastly improved over the last several seasons. Unfortunately, they don’t have the luxury of returning their entire 2-deep for the 2019 season. First round pick Jerry Tillery is out the door, as is 2018 starter Jonathan Bonner. However, talent and depth awaits — even if it is young and unproven talent and depth.

If you start with the 2018 cycle, Mike Elston and the rest of the defensive staff has welcomed six 4-star caliber players into the fold and two more 3-stars they are very excited about. Kurt Hinish and MTA look to have the two starting spots locked up for now, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if players like Jayson Ademilola, Jacob Lacey and Howard Cross increase their snaps and production throughout the season.

The 2019 depth might have some question marks – especially if injury strikes – but the future is very bright along the interior of the defensive line.

Linebacker

Currently on roster: Asmar Bilal (4 star), Jonathan Jones (3 star), Drew White (3 star), Jordan Genmark-Heath (3 star), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (3 star), Matthew Bauer (4 star), Shayne Simon (4 star), Jack Lamb (4 star), Paul Moala (3 star), Osita Ekwonu (4 star), JD Bertrand (4 star), Jack Kiser (3 star), Marist Liufau (3 star).

Current commits: None

Linebacker is an interesting transition for Notre Dame — somewhat like defensive tackle — but even more drastic. This is one position on defense that Notre Dame has rarely been bad at under Brian Kelly. You can think of standouts like Manti Te’o, Jaylon Smith and more recently Drue Tranquill and Te’Von Coney. All of these guys were highly recruited players and turned into outstanding college football players — Te’o and Smith even more so.

When you look at the current roster, it should resemble what Irish fans are used to at the position. Multiple 4-star talents are on the roster with the future looking bright. The issue here is experience. Fans want to see guys like Simon and Lamb take a leap as first year starters, and that may or may not happen this year. There just isn’t a ton of experience on the roster right now with Tranquill and Coney out the door, and because of that linebacker is the biggest question mark on the 2019 roster.

With that said, from a pure recruiting standpoint, fans should be very happy with where Clark Lea and company are at right now.

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