John Dirksen’s 2020 Outlook
As most are aware, Notre Dame enters 2020 with what is anticipated will be one of, if not the best offensive lines in the country. That’s great news for Notre Dame obviously, but will make playing time in non-blowouts tough to come by for guys like Dirksen.
2020 sets up to be a big year for Dirksen to establish himself as a potential starter for the 2021 season. As is the case with most offensive lineman, even the best (see Quenton Nelson), Dirksen spent his first year on campus redshirting as he did not see any game action.
Dirksen’s 6-5, 309 pound frame is that of an NFL body. Can he earn his way onto the field and set himself up to potentially start in 2021 when a few offensive line positions become a lot more up for grabs?
That’s what you’re looking at with Dirksen who may not be a big part of the plans for the 2020 offensive line, but is entering a big year in development as a year from now we expect him to be one of the prime contenders for a starting position.
For now expect to continue to see Dirksen on special teams, likely even more-so than last year and to get reps on the line in blowouts.