20 Questions #3

On January 16th UND.com posted an article "20 Questions for Notre Dame Football for 2015".  This is question 3.

Jimmy Byrne

3. Even with Ronnie Stanley, Nick Martin, Steve Elmer, Mike McGlinchey and Matt Hegarty back in the fold, there are a host of young Irish offensive linemen in the mix. Consider the likes of John Montelus, Colin McGovern, Quenton Nelson, Sam Mustipher, Jimmy Byrne, Hunter Bivin and Alex Bars—most all of them highly regarded when they showed up on campus. Can any of that group develop into a major contributor by the time the 2015 campaign unfolds?

Sam Mustipher

Answer;  We addressed some of this in question #2, however this questions has us look a little more in depth into specific two deep and back up players.  Kelly believes it is always most important to have the best football players on the field, positions are secondary.  He and Offensive Line Coach Harry Hiestand want to get the right combination of men along the line the good news is that the players they have and move from position to position along the line.  I hope they can figure out that combination sooner than later this upcoming season.

The probable starting line check in at 6' 5.5" 315lbs, 6' 4.5" 295lbs, 6' 5.5 315lbs, 6' 7.5'" 315lbs and 6' 4.5 295lbs for an average of 6' 5.5" and 307lbs.  The possible two-deeps listed above come in at 6' 4" 310lbs, 6' 4.5 313lbs, 6' 4.5" 325lbs, 6' 2" 305lbs, 6' 4" 295lbs, 6' 5.5" 296lbs and 6' 6" 305lbs for an average of 6' 4.4" and 307lbs.  Physically there is not much of a drop off in size about an inch on average and 0 in pounds.  There may not be much of a drop of in ability or potential but there would be a drop of in game experience.

John Montelus

If they can stay healthy and Nick Martin and get back to form I presume the expected starting line up to start against Texas.  However if those five don't get the job done Kelly and Hienstand won't hesitate to give another guy, or five a chance.  Out of all the secondary options at offensive line I expect Montelus, Nelson and Bivin to definitely see the field next year maybe even getting considerable time.