Notre Dame Football: Storylines to follow heading into Fall Camp

Heading into Fall Camp, Notre Dame football looks to find answers to a handful of questions. Will those answers be found or will they linger on for more time?

Special Teams

While this issue can easily be overlooked, it is definitely one that could have the largest impact on the season — and could very well end up costing the Irish a game or two. With the departure of captain and punter Tyler Newsome and Notre Dame football all-time leading scorer, kicker Justin Yoon, the Irish have huge shoes to fill at these positions.

Newsome — who was picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers — was considered by many as one of Notre Dame’s all-time best punters.  Left to fill his position is freshmen punter Jay Bramblett. With him being a freshmen, many fans — including myself — are wary of what’s to come.

When it comes to who is left to fill the shoes of Justin Yoon, most are looking at junior Jonathan Doerer, while some believe freshman Harrison Leonard could also take the job. My money is on Doerer. While I don’t believe he will be nearly as good as Yoon, I think he will suffice.

According to Brian Kelly’s press conference — which occurred Friday morning — it does seem as though Doerer will most likely win the kicking role. Kelly talked about Doerer’s confidence building, but that he still has a ways to go in camp. When it came to Jay Bramblett, Kelly acknowledged the fact that he didn’t punt well in the Spring, but they have confidence in him. To see Kelly’s exact words from the conference, click here.