Interchangeable Parts

With the exception of Kapron Lewis-Moore, the defensive line may lack experience in game play, but it also may be the most interchangeable crew on the team.  Next to Louis Nix and Tyler Stockton, nose guard Lewis-Moore is probably the least interchangeable player on the D-line this year.  Going into his last season with the Irish, Kapron will bring leadership and experience as well as good size.

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.