Starting Battles

As fall practice enters its second week and the Kelly system enters its second year, most starting roles have been decided and even back-ups are pretty well cemented.  There are, however, some battles going on for first team spots.   Of course, we all know about the quarterback situation, and I have already stated my thoughts on that.

Starting on the defensive side of the ball, the nose guard position has options and excitement.  With Louis Nix being the heir apparent but still a work in progress (mostly in conditioning), I don’t think there will be a solid number one this season.  While the same player may “start” every game, there will be a lot of rotation getting fresh legs in between plays and series.   Although Sean Cwynar is listed as a defensive tackle, he spent the final four contests at nose guard, filling in for the injured Ian Williams.  That, along with 24 games of playing experience, makes him a valuable veteran who will see a lot of time on the field.  The nose guard position will be determined by committee this season.

Darius Fleming has one outside linebacker spot secured, but the other is still up for grabs.  With 13 games of playing experience, junior Dan Fox has the edge and is my pick to be the other starting outside linebacker.  However, sophomore Danny Spond also has some game experience, mostly with special teams, and has a great upside.  I like Spond to push Fox and may even get a few starts, definitely seeing significant playing time.   Throw 6’5” 255 lb. freshman Ishaq Williams into the mix, and the depth at this position will keep the defense fresh and solid.

Future All-World linebacker Manti Te’o is locked and loaded at one inside linebacker position, and junior Carlos Calabrese’s breakout sophomore season last year makes him my favorite at the other inside linebacker slot.  Sophomores  Prince Shembo and Kendall Moore are knocking on the door and will push and motivate Calabrese to play hard every down, and both will see playing time and keep the inside linebacker position fresh.

Danny Spond and Prince Shembo are also interchangeable between inside and outside linebacker positions and can be moved around for defensive packages.

At the safety position, Harrison Smith solidified his role as the lead man with a dominate performance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl.  The other starting safety position is up for grabs and the battle is between junior Zeke Motta and senior Jamoris Slaughter.  However, there are several other players in the mix for solid playing time.  Senior Dan McCarthy, brother of former Irish Captain Kyle McCarthy, has two years of game experience while sophomore Austin Collinsworth, son of former NFL wide receiver Chris Collinsworth, who moved at the beginning of spring practice to the secondary, may see some significant playing time.

On the offensive line, there is a guard battle between graduate student Andrew Nuss and junior Chris Watt for the starting role opposite of Trevor Robinson.   Right now, it’s a toss up, and with freshman legacy Conor Hanratty waiting in the wings, this may be a battle that goes down to the last week.