Blue Gold Game - What to look for.

Spring games are traditionally tame, played safe and only offer very small glimpses  of what might be in the fall.  If the offense looks good does that mean the defense is bad and if the defense looks good does that mean the offense is bad.  Probably not.  Watching spring games you hope to see individual accomplishments and NO injuries.  The Blue Gold game is not different.

Below is a list of Irish players that we think you should keep an extra eye on Saturday.

Linebacker Josh Barajas.  Coming out of high school Barajas had a huge upside and he may need to have a big year to help Notre Dame's inexperienced linebacker corps.

Defensive Lineman Grant Blankenship.  The Irish are in need of a number one pass-rusher on the defensive line.  There are some very good athletes along the D-line but a pass rush specialist is lacking, Blankenship could be that missing piece.

Tight End Alize Jones.  Jones came to South bend as a tight end but has looked a bit more like a straight receiver.  There is little question about Jones's talent and potential the question is where will he line up, especially with many questions at the tight end position.

Center Sam Mustipher.  It's not so much as to watch Mustipher as an offensive linemen but as the starting center.  Without a smooth initial exchange the offense is in trouble at the start.

Safety Max Redfield.  Redfield can to the Irish as a Five-Star recruit and has shown hints of greatness but his is the year we need to see consistency.

Wide Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown.  Brian Kelly has been high on this kid for a year now, his size is very good and their just seems to be something about him.

Running Back Dexter Williams.  Williams was the odd man out last year when Josh Adams got the majority of carries between the two freshman.  I can very curious to see if he will fit in this season.

Honorable mention (keep a second eye on); Jay Hayes Corey Holmes, Martini Greer, Nyles Morgan, Pretty much any and all linebackers).

Players coming back from injuries also need to be watched highlighted by Jarron Jones, Tarean Folston, Drue Tranquill, Alex Bars and Malik Zaire.