Notre Dame Football: Three defensive story lines during fall camp

What can the Irish expect from their linebackers?

Without a doubt, the biggest question mark on Notre Dame’s defense is their linebacking corps. Asmar Bilal moves inside after playing the Rover position a year ago, following in the footsteps of Drue Tranquill who made the same switch a season ago.

Of course, there are major questions about how effective Bilal will be after making the switch. The bigger questions, however, will involved how his teammates at the position are able to fill the roles beside him.

In the spring, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was the one who filled the void at Rover after Bilal vacated it after last season. How will Owusu-Koramoah adjust to the new position? Will he take sole possession of the Rover or will others like Paul Moala get an opportunity in certain situations?

Finally, there is Jordan Genmark-Heath, who will be Notre Dame’s other linebacker on the inside when camp starts. Genmark-Heath came to Notre Dame as a safety, but made the switch to linebacker ahead of last season. The problem, however, is that he didn’t get many game reps at linebacker, as Drue Tranquill and Te’Von Coney rarely left the field last year.

Will Notre Dame’s inexperience up the middle of its defense prove to be its downfall?