This is the time of year that all the pre-season college
football publications come out, with team synopses', player reviews, and
rankings. Most of these dedicate one
page to each team along with others containing pieces on position rankings and
player and game rankings. We will sift
through s few of these and share the Notre Dame highlights so you don't have
to.
We'll start with the Athlon Sports College Football 2016
Preview which has the Irish ranked 8th overall in their preseason poll.
As part of their publication Athlon ranks teams by units and
the Irish appeal on several of lists. #4
of top quarterback units and with physical talents like Kizer and Zaire it's no
surprise. #18 of top running back units,
with Folston returning, Josh Adam's impressive freshman year and Dexter
Williams potential they could be ranked much higher at the end of the
season. #13 for top offensive lines,
which is pretty impressive considering that some starting spots are not even
secured yet. That speaks to the depth
across the line. #21 for top defensive
lines which is accurate if Jarron Jones stays healthy and a little low if the
second string guys step up.
Of all the incoming freshmen to South Bend here are their
top ten #1 OT Tommy Kraemer, #2 OT Liam Eichenberg, #3 WR Javon McKinley, #4 DE
Daelin Hayes (early enrollee), #5 WR Chase Claypool, #6 DL Khalid Kareem (early
enrollee) , #7 CB Troy Pride, #8 DE Julian Okwara, #9 DB Donte Vaughn & #10
RB Tony Jones.
Their overall evaluations covered;
Offense; How to handle the quarterback situation, the
running back situations in good hands and the receiver position is deep with
talent. The Irish are young but deep at
the receiver position.
Defense; the loses at linebacker leave a lot of question
marks. The strength on this side of the
ball is defiantly the line.
Special Teams; solid in placekicking and punting.
Analysis; With Kelly's contract set, depth improved and a
forgiving schedule a 10 win season is attainable.
