Answering the questions Part 1. Responding to John Heisler’s article Sunday Brunch: 20 Questions on Notre Dame Football 2016

1)      Q: Without the same sort of star power as a year ago, does Notre Dame have the makings of a CFP team for 2016?

A: Hopefully.  Star power recycles itself each season.  The Irish will have new stars that will shine for the first time this season i.e. Kevin Stepherson as well as having ones who may have dimmed shine again i.e. Jarron Jones.

2)      Q: Can the Irish in 2016 fill all those blanks and be as productive across the board as the Irish were last fall? (referring to players gone from last season)

A: Often productivity does not have a direct connection to individual talent.  Man for man there may not be as much established talent on the field when Notre Dame faces Texas on Sunday but I think overall they can be as if not more productive.

3)      Q: What does the future hold at quarterback for Notre Dame?

A: I have no idea however I do believe it will be good.  In addition to Kizer and Zaire Brian Kelly is lining up talent at the signal caller position for the foreseeable future with Wimbush and Phil Jurkovec.

4)      Q: Can the Irish be a consistently very good (if not great) running team?

A: More than anything it will depend on the offensive line which has the potential to be very good.  The Irish have two proven running backs in Folston and Adams.  The key here is consistently, if everyone stays healthy then yes.

5)      Q: Can Harry Hiestand put together an offensive line capable of allowing the Irish offense to prosper once again?

A: Hiestnad has done a great job moving Notre Dame from a rebuilding to a reloading situation in South Bend.  Between the talent, versatility and depth I think the Irish should be one of the best lines in the country.

6)      Q: Given how long it's been since these individuals played in live football games, is it realistic to expect all of them to hit the ground running (literally) when the 2016 season begins in Austin? (referring to players out last season due to injury).

A: No of course not.  However starting the season with Texas and Nevada gives the Irish an opportunity to rotate these players in a little bit more conservatively than needed.

7)      Q: What's the next step for Notre Dame's passing game?

A: First Kelly will have to settle on one quarterback.  Only then will receiver spate from the herd ass top pass catchers.  I do think it is a youth movement with so many freshman and sophomore potential leaders.

8)      Q:  Can a less-experienced-than-usual list of tight end candidates fill the bill for the Irish in 2016?

A: None of the current tight ends have to be an All American for the Irish to win this year, however they do need to play well and do their jobs.  I feel that the current group of tight ends are up to the task.

9)      Q: Is there a team in the country with two more competent and yet unsung players in the kicking game?

A: Probably not and that’s sung or unsung, but how many kicker and or punters do you know on any team besides the team you root for?  Ours are good, real good.

10)  Q: What will be the ultimate identity of the Notre Dame offensive unit in 2016--and how will that identity be impacted if both Malik Zaire and DeShone Kizer are consistent factors week to week at quarterback?

A: Ultimately the identity will be formed behind the play of the offensive line no matter who is throwing or running the ball.  With that being said it is important that whoever the starting QB is (even if it is both) the line must be in support and in sync with them.