Early enrollee Sheldon Day came in listed as a defensive end,
but at 6’2” 286 lbs. his frame is more suited for an interior defensive lineman
such as a nose guard or defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme. So depending on the need, expect to see Day
at defensive end, nose guard, and defensive end.
Kona Schwenke was listed as a defensive end last year and as
a nose guard this year by the Notre Dame Athletic Department. Schwenke rotated with Nix at nose guard as he
continued his conditioning and development.
Now, with Nix settling in and the departure of Aaron Lynch, he my play
both as Diaco rotates in fresh legs from play to play.
Stephon Tuitt came to South Bend as a defensive end with
huge potential, which included taking a few snaps in games at nose guard last
season. At 6’6”, 295 lbs. (listed at 295;
reportedly he is up to 303) and very athletic, Tuitt can come in from the end
position or stuff the middle at nose.
Again, with the departure of Lynch and the development of Nix, he will
spend most of his time at the end.
Chase Hounshell was a pleasant surprise, appearing in six
games as a freshman last season at defensive end. I was surprised he even saw the field in his
first year as there was seemingly no need
for his services. Although I don’t see
him in any circumstance playing the nose, he has put on some weight, and could
play at defensive tackle in the 4-3. And
for the record, I really like the way he gets after it when he plays.
Tony Springmann came into Notre Dame listed as a defensive end,
but is now listed as a nose guard in the Spring Prospectus. At 6’6” 290 lbs. (listed at 290, but word is
he is up to 300). Where and when Diaco
wants or needs a fresh set of legs in a game will dictate where Springman will
play.
Jarron Jones comes to South Bend at 6’6”+, 298 lbs. as a
defensive end, but time will tell exactly where he plays in his Notre Dame
career. Several recruiting services had
him listed as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. With his size athletic ability and long arms,
he could play multiple positions on either side of the ball; defensive end,
nose guard and offensive tackle. I
suspect he will redshirt this year, but depending how he does in camp and
potential needs, he may see the field this fall.
These players fit into Brian Kelly’s mold of get a great
football player and the positions will fall into place.
