Who to watch Spring Game Part II

As I reviewed the roster for this spring a few more names jumped out at me as being interesting to be to keep an extra eye on this Saturday.  Every player seemingly has some note or story that makes them interesting this spring but we have to limit this somewhere.  So in addition to the seven names from Monday’s article here are a few more to pay attention to in the Blue Gold Game.

Tony Jones Jr.

Tony Jones Jr.  Seen as the third string running back on a traditional depth chart, his praises are being song by coaches and media alike.  I am interested in seeing how he fits into the mix with Adams and Williams.

Nick Watkins  The Irish have a ton of potential in its defensive backfield but it comes in the form of mostly sophomores who were thrust into action last season.  Nick needs to be the leader of this group on and off the field and after his bouts with injury it needs to start now.

Brock Wright

Brock Wright  Based on number this freshman tight end could redshirt this year but based on what we have heard it might be impossible to keep him off the field.  I for one what to see if he is indeed college ready.

Sophomore Defensive Backs (Cornerbacks) Tony Pride Jr., Julian Love & Donte Vaughn (Safeties) Devin Studstill & Jalen Elliott.  All of these players were thrown into action last year as freshmen and had to sink or swim.  They all had ups and downs.  After a year under their belts I am interested in seeing who is ready to really step up.

Tom Rees

New Coaches Mike Elko, Chip Long, Brian Polian, Clark Lea, Del Alexander & Tom Rees (note Tom not Tommy).  Usually you only see this many new coaches when there is a new Head Coach.  I am interested to see how they carry themselves and interact with each other and the players. 

Who to watch - Spring Game

Each spring Irish fans can get a football fix to carry them over until August in the Annual Blue Gold Game.  The fact is the best fans should hope for is no injuries and impressive individual performances.  Overall if the offense looks really good does that mean the defense is in trouble or to the contrary if the defense looks impressive does that mean the offense is bad? 

That is why I like to key in on individual players and look for specific things from each of them.  Here is a list of players I will be paying extra attention to this Saturday afternoon when they take the field for Notre Dame’s annual scrimmage.

Aaron Banks

Aaron Banks I have hear a lot about this incoming freshman and am very interested in seeing if he is as good as advertised.

Ian Brook Pretty much everyone, including myself believe there is little question that Brandon Winbush will be the starting quarterback.  However God forbid something happened to Winbush it is very likely that Brook will assume that role and it is important that he be up to the task.

Chase Claypool After discussions about whether we would see this kid on offense or defense it seems to be settled that he will be a receiver (and special teams).  He is supposedly the most dynamic player on the roster so I want to see if he is ready to settle in at the receiver position and contribute.

Liam Eichenberg and Tommy Kraemer These two redshirt freshman are said to be in a dead heat for the last starting position on the offensive line.  I don’t think who will start at right tackle will be decided  on Saturday but I am excited to see firsthand how each of them do.

Durham Smythe

Durham Smythe  This is Smythe’s last chance to step up and be the main guy at the tight end position.  Being the main guy won’t mean having the most receptions but it will mean taking the most snaps and contributing in an impactful way.

Jerry Tillery For the most part we have seen what Jerry Tillery has been, s decent player however it is now time to see what he can and should be.  As good as he has played at times he has he has underachieved compared to his potential.  We need to see if he is going to move up to elite status for 2017.