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Notre Dame football: Which IOL has the most to prove in 2021?

By Brad Weiss

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Jarrett Patterson #55 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish snaps the ball during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Jarrett Patterson #55 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish snaps the ball during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame Football
May 1, 2021; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) tight end Mitchell Evans (88) offenisve lineman Michael Carmody (68) offensive lineman Tosh Baker (79) and quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) run onto the field in the second half of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: Which IOL has the most to prove in 2021?

The Case for Rocco Spindler

For many, Rocco Spindler was the crown jewel of the 2021 recruiting class, coming in as a top talent in the country, and someone viewed as a Day 1 starter. Alongside Blake Fisher, this combination is going to be the cornerstone of this offensive line for years to come, and while Fisher is penciled in to be the team’s left tackles in 2021, Spindler may have to wait his turn at one of the offensive guard spots.

The problem Spindler is facing has nothing to do with his talent, as he has already shown that he is ready to take over in a starting role for the Irish. The problem is that he has two potential All-Americans in front of him, as Patterson has moved to offensive guard, and Cain Madden has transferred in from Marshall.

Patterson and Madden make up arguably the best offensive guard duo in the country, so unless one of them gets hurt, Spindler may have to spend the season as the third guard for this offense. He will then have to prove he is ready to step in and be a starter next season, something I believe he will have no problem doing.

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