Notre Dame football: 2022 offensive position battles to watch this spring

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May 1, 2021; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (50) tight end Mitchell Evans (88) offensive 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: 2022 offensive position battles to watch this spring

OG: Rocco Spindler vs. Josh Lugg

Last season, the Irish brought in a talented group along the offensive line in their 2021 recruiting class, highlighted by offensive tackle Blake Fisher, and offensive guard Rocco Spindler. In the end, Fisher earned the starting left tackle job but was hurt in the season opener, and it was actually true freshman Joe Alt who had a Freshman All-American season.

Now, the Irish go into the 2022 season with their entire offensive line from last season intact, as Jarrett Patterson decided to pass on the 2022 NFL Draft despite being seen as the No. 2 center in the class. For Spindler, he has a chance to vault into the starting lineup, but he will have to beat out either Josh Lugg or Andrew Kristofic, who stepped up in a big way for the Irish last season as well.

The Irish have a new offensive line coach in Harry Hiestand this season, so he is going to allow his players to earn a starting job. This is another battle that could go well into the summer months.

Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; A view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish player's helmet on the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame football: Landing Carnell Tate is crucial for the 2023 class

The Notre Dame football program needs more bodies at the wide receiver position, and adding Carnell Tate has to be a priority in that department.

Overall, the offense has the talent to be explosive next season, and it all starts up front along the offensive line. There is depth at nearly every position group heading into these spring practices, and you can expect the open competition to be great for all those involved.

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