Tag: Aaron Banks

2021 NFL draft: An interior offensive lineman for Chargers in each round

The Chargers will be remodeling the offensive line this offseason.

The interior part of the offensive line needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft for the Chargers, considering Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney will be free agents and Trai Turner could be a cap casualty.

Luckily, this year’s crop has starting caliber talent from the first day of the draft all the way until Day 3.

With that being said, here’s an interior offensive lineman from each round that could fit in Los Angeles:

Round 1 | Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

Slater chose to opt out of the 2020 season, but the season before that he was credited with allowing zero sacks, one quarterback hit, and just five quarterback hurries, from 787 snaps, including an impressive outing against former Ohio State and current Redskins edge defender Chase Young in 2019.

Slater is a good athlete and light on his feet. In the pass game, he is technically sound with his upper body. In the run game, he moves upfield quickly, squares up defenders in space. He has very good competitive toughness and works hard in through all four quarters.

His knock is that he lacks the height and arms necessary to remain at tackle in the NFL, but Slater’s agility and athleticism will allow him to kick inside and be an impactful player at guard from Day 1, with All-Pro potential.

Honorable Mention: Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC

Round 2 | Landon Dickerson, Alabama

Dickerson was named first-team All-SEC (league’s coaches) and first-team All-American (Associated Press) while earning the SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy and being chosen as a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.

While there durability concerns, Dickerson has great strength, hands, and awareness to flash dominance both in the run and pass game. While center is his natural position, he has played all five spots along the offensive line.

With his combination of power, length, high football IQ, versatility and leadership skills, Dickerson has enough traits to be an impactful contributor for a long time in this league.

Honorable Mention: Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Round 3 | Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Banks, the three-year starter at left guard was an anchor for the success of The Fighting Irish over that time span.

The first-team All-American allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks was the only Power Five guard who earned a pass-blocking and run-blocking grade over 80.0.

At 338 pounds, Banks is a rugged, good-sized mauler as both a pass protector and run blocker who won’t lose many one-on-one battles. He uses his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control defenders.

In the NFL, Banks projects as a good starter at guard early on in his career.

Honorable Mention: Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Round 4 | Kendrick Green, Illinois

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside, either at center or guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.

Honorable Mention: David Moore, Grambling State

Round 5 | Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame

Hainsey was a four-year starter and a two-time captain at Notre Dame, manning the right tackle position. During his performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl last month, Hainsey raised some eyebrows with his ability to play guard and center.

On the field, Hainsey shows a solid anchor at the point of attack. His handwork is precise to fend off counters and he is always on alert to recognize additional blitzers. In the run game, he seals well and runs his feet at contact, creating movement and widening run lanes.

Due to his lack of length and athleticism, Hainsey’s best fit is inside at the next level, but he has the ability to backup multiple positions across the offensive line. He might not be a Day 1 starter, but his consistency and versatility will go a long way.

Honorable Mention: Jaylon Moore, Western Michigan

Round 6 | Robert Jones, Middle Tennessee State

Jones, the former two star recruit, started off as a JUCO-player before transferring to Middle Tennessee State in 2019. In two seasons, Jones never missed a game and was named All-Honorable Mention Conference-USA twice. He played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he performed well.

Jones is a massive, powerful lineman with surprising quickness and athleticism, but will be making a leap from a lower level FBS school, where his easy dominance, sufficient hands and overall technique in pass protection will take time to translate, projecting as a reliable backup.

Honorable Mention: Larry Borom, Missouri

Round 7 | Royce Newman, Ole Miss

In 2019, Newman started all 12 games at guard, allowing only one sack on 416 pass-blocking snaps. This past season, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder kicked back outside to tackle, where he shined again. Following the season, he participated in the Senior Bowl.

Newman needs to continue and get stronger and develop physically, but he has the frame, athleticism, technique and football character that makes him an ideal developmental player who offers versatility to play either tackle or guard, but offers more upside inside.

Honorable Mention: Tristan Hoge, BYU

NFL draft expert not terribly high on Notre Dame players in 2021

Brooks recently released his top-five rankings for each position group for the 2021 NFL draft and perhaps surprisingly, the College Football Playoff qualifying Notre Dame Fighting Irish saw just one player listed by Brooks.

Bucky Brooks has made a name for himself as one of the better football analysts around, especially in terms of the annual NFL draft.

Brooks recently released his top-five rankings for each position group for the 2021 NFL draft and perhaps surprisingly, the College Football Playoff qualifying Notre Dame Fighting Irish saw just one player listed by Brooks.

That player was linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who Brooks ranked as the second-best linebacker behind only Micha Parsons from Penn State.

It’s not that I think he’s terribly far off on this but I do have questions as to how guard Aaron Banks was passed over on this list.

To me, Banks has been seemingly undervalued in almost all draft evaluations.  Some think he can move to tackle in the league while he still projects on the inside.

Banks is the one I would go to bat for and argue is worthy of a mention not just in the top-five but very near the top.

The other takeaway is both good and bad for Notre Dame:

The good – Brian Kelly and company were able to coach a team to a CFP appearance while having only one truly elite talent in terms of draft eligibility according to these rankings.

The bad – the gap in overall depth of true star talent is obvious when you look at Notre Dame compared to Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State.  As we’ve discussed many times there is a difference between being really good like the Irish have been lately, and being great, something they’re yet to accomplish.

Related:

Fromer Notre Dame captain meets with pair of traditional NFL powers

Owusu-Koramoah stock slipping in latest USA TODAY mock draft

Notre Dame players official Senior Bowl measurements

Here is how the six Notre Dame players measured out this week, all of whom will be playing for the National team in Saturday’s game. 

The annual Senior Bowl takes place this weekend, with kickoff between the American and National coming at 2:30 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on NFL Network.

Last year saw four players from the Senior Bowl selected in the first round of the NFL draft.

Notre Dame has six players participating in this year’s Senior Bowl and although it’s unlikely that any of those six will have their name called in the first round, the majority will have their name called at some point.

Here is how the six Notre Dame players measured out this week, all of whom will be playing for the National team in Saturday’s game.

6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 1 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes will receive attention from Los Angeles.

Day 1 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

On this gloomy and rainy day in Mobile, AL, there were a handful of NFL draft prospects who shined on the first day.

Here are six players that stood out who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

The Chargers could be in need of a blindside blocker, especially if the team lets Sam Tevi walk. Radunz, the 6-foot-5 and 304 pound tackle, came into this week known primarily for his run-blocking prowess. He showed that he was not only capable of clearing the way in the run game, but defending the edge in pass protection. Radunz currently projects as a second or third-round selection. If Los Angeles elects to pass up on a tackle in the first-round, Radunz could be available on Day 2.

OT D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

If the Chargers want a toolsy tackle with starter upside, Smith could be that guy. Coming in with with the longest arms at 35 2/8”, Smith did not let many bodies around him. He was very explosive off the snap, showing outstanding feet and a square base in pass protection. When he landed his hands on defenders, the rep was over.

OG Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Forrest Lamp’s future remains to be seen, which means that the team could be looking to fill the left guard position. In my eyes, Banks was seen as a second-round pick, but he helped his case today at practice. A wall in pass protection and a mover in the run game, Banks was getting the job done up front with sheer power. He should start his professional career at guard, but he has previous experience at left tackle.

EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami

Regardless if Melvin Ingram is back next season or not, the Chargers need more juice in the pass-rush department. Day 2 in the draft is a sweet spot to address the need and someone like Roche would be the perfect player to play the outside linebacker role. Reminiscent of Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett, Roche was consistently in the backfield, showing speed, flexibility and quick hands. He had a great rep against potential first-round tackle Alex Leatherwood.

EDGE Jordan Smith, UAB

If the Chargers miss out on Roche, Smith would be an excellent consolation prize. The 6-foot-5 and 255 pounder was fantastic off the edge, showing power in his hands, utilization of his long arms, explosion off the line of scrimmage and great agility when turning the corner. Like Roche, Smith had a standout rep against Leatherwood. Arguably one of the biggest risers in this year’s class, Smith has the chance to go before the end of the second day in the draft.

CB Thomas Graham, Oregon

Even if Michael Davis is re-signed, the Chargers need more talent in the cornerback room, especially since this will be the last year under contract for Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. Prior to coming to Mobile, Graham led the nation in passes defensed. Graham was strong carrying receivers vertically and in man coverage. He displayed quick feet & hips and physicality at the line of scrimmage. He currently projects as a Day 3 selection, but he could be a steal when all is said and done.

Chargers 7-round mock draft: Senior Bowl-only edition

13 Chargers players of the last four drafts attended the showcase in Mobile, AL.

With the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl just days away, this is an appropriate time for a mock draft of what the Chargers could do if they only had players in the annual all-star game to choose from.

This is just an exercise, but keep in mind general manager Tom Telesco does covet the Senior Bowl as an outlet to find talent. 13 Chargers of the last four drafts attended the showcase in Mobile, AL.

Round 1, No. 13, Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Chargers will need to upgrade the offensive line after finishing near the bottom this past season. The left tackle position will be a spot that Los Angeles looks to address early on because Sam Tevi is slated to be a free agent.

Named the 2020 Outland Trophy winner, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football, Leatherwood, the 6-foot-5 and 313 pounder, made 47 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018.

Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses great size, length and physicality. While he does show some stiffness in his lower body, the 22-year old possesses the heavy hands to stymie pass rushers at the next level, projecting as an NFL starter.

Round 2, No. 45, Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame

Forrest Lamp is another starting offensive linemen from this past season that is set to hit the free agency market. Even though Lamp played in every single game, the results were inconsistent, which is why they could decide to let him walk.

Banks, the first-team All-American, allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. He is a good-sized smooth-moving mauler as both a run blocker and pass protector who won’t lose many one-on-one battles.

Banks has a mammoth body type with 330 pounds neatly packed on his frame, where he using his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control, projecting as a plug-and-play guard.

Round 3, No. 77, Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami

There’s a chance that Melvin Ingram, who is set to be a free agent, won’t be back next season. The Chargers could roll with Uchenna Nwosu as one of the outside linebackers, assuming they run a 3-4 defense. Regardless, the team needs more talent up front.

Roche eclipsed 11 quarterback pressures in three games in 2020 for the Hurricanes. The year before that, he amassed 68 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks for Temple in 2019.

Roche is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, functional strength, and length to threaten the pocket on a regular basis and defend the run, projecting as a promising outside linebacker at the next level.

Round 3, No. 97, Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan

The Chargers need to add more pieces to the cornerback room. Casey Hayward took a step backwards last season and will be entering the final year of his contract and Michael Davis will be a free agent this offseason.

After serving as a depth piece, Thomas found his way in the starting lineup in 2019. In 12 games, Thomas totaled 38 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.

Thomas is a lengthy athlete who can stick with receivers downfield with  good play speed and fluid hips. Thomas uses his athleticism to make plays on the ball and receiver, showing a nice amount of ball skills to finish through contact. He is also physical in the run game.

Round 4, No. 117, Jacoby Stevens, S, LSU

In Staley’s defense, position versatility is key. He covets hybrid defensive backs that are capable of being put in different coverages and those who can play the pass and the run equally effectively. Stevens is a do-it-all player who fits that mold.

Lining up everywhere from single-high safety to an outside linebacker, Stevens logged 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 2020.

Stevens is a competitor who has the instincts and physicality to play in the box. There, he can roam around the backfield and jam opposing receivers, cover tight ends, rush the edge on blitzing downs and come up in run support, making him an ideal fit for the present day NFL secondary.

Round 5, No. 156, Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida

The Chargers have talent in the wide receiver room, but they could afford to get more explosive at the position.

Grimes joined the Gators as a transfer player from Ohio State. During his time with Florida, Grimes accumulated 97 receptions for 1,444 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, the senior receiver hauled in 38 receptions for 589 yards and nine touchdowns.

Grimes is a big, physical receiver who has deep speed and brings strong hands and contested-catch ability. He uses that size and physicality in the run game, where he is stout as a blocker.

Round 6, No. 194, Royce Newman, OG, Ole Miss

General manager Tom Telesco made the point at his end-of-season press conference that addressing the offensive line would be a focal point this offseason. To shore up the unit, Telesco takes the third offensive lineman of this year’s draft.

In 2019, Newman started all 12 games at guard, allowing only one sack on 416 pass-blocking snaps. This past season, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder kicked back outside to tackle, where he shined again, particularly in the run-blocking department.

Newman needs to continue and get stronger and develop physically, but he has the frame, athleticism, technique and football character than makes him an ideal developmental player who offers versatility to play either tackle or guard.

Round 7, No. 237, Ta’Quon Graham, DL, Texas

The Chargers have some players up front that should benefit from Staley’s defense, but they could afford some additional depth in the trenches.

In four seasons, Graham amassed 70 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 46 quarterback pressures, seven quarterbacks hits, 41 runs stops and only eight missed tackles.

Playing both on the outside and over the B-gap as a more traditional three-technique tackle, Graham is a balanced athlete for his size with the long arms, movement skills and play strength, projecting as a productive rotational player.

Does a certain stat validate Notre Dame’s status as O-Line U?

A stat brought to light by Pro Football Focus shows why Notre Dame should be at the top of the O-Line U rankings.

Plenty of schools argue back and forth which team has sent the best talent from their universities off to the NFL. There was an interesting stat that Pro Football Focus brought to light recently that should give Notre Dame fans plenty of ammo to fight off those other schools as to who produces the best offensive line talent into the NFL.

The number of snaps played is a great indicator of talent, especially along the O-Line where there aren’t many stats to back-up performance. Multiple former Notre Dame linemen stars including Quenton Nelson, Sam Mustipher, Mike McGlinchey and Zach Martin are huge forces for their NFL teams.

Not only that, we should see each of the four NFL Draft eligible (Liam Eichenberg, Robert Hainsey, Tommy Kraemer and Aaron Banks) ultimately hear their names being called in late April.

Jarrett Patterson will also hear his name getting called when he leaves South Bend and surely some of the younger players like Tosh Baker, Blake Fisher, Rocco Spindler and Zeke Correll should make it to the next level as well.

It’s safe to say that for the time being, Notre Dame holds the mantle of O-Line U.

Notre Dame’s Senior Bowl Participants

Notre Dame has six former players participating in this Senior Bowl which is more than any other school.

The annual Reese’s Senior Bowl gets underway this week in Mobile, Alabama before the game takes place on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Some of the best talent from all of college football will be on display this week as players from all over and programs big and small try to improve their draft stock.

Notre Dame has six former players participating which is more than any other school.

Will all six get drafted?

Unlikely but here s a very brief profile on each former Fighting Irish player participating in Senior Bowl activities this week:

12 potential Chargers to watch during Senior Bowl week: Offense

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists 12 offensive players in the Senior Bowl that could be on the Bolts’ radar.

The pre-draft process leading up into the 2021 NFL draft is headed to Mobile, AL, for the Senior Bowl. This event is one of the biggest college football all-star games that will feature the most prolific prospects in the country.

This week will draw the attention of many Chargers’ scouts, coach Brandon Staley, and general manager Tom Telesco to do their homework on players that could potentially be suitors for Los Angeles come April.

Last year this event brought in quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Joshua Kelley, safety Alohi Gilman and wide receiver K.J. Hill. The year before that the team found safety Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill.

It all starts with three days of practices and finally, the game on Saturday. I’ll be in attendance, constantly giving updates throughout the week.

With that being said, here are 12 players to keep an eye out on the offensive side of the ball.

OT Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

Leatherwood elected to return for his senior season, and was arguably the nation’s best left tackle. Leatherwood, a consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 2020 Outland Trophy, made 48 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018. Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses a wide base, clamps as hands and the physicality to grow into a very reliable tackle or guard at the next level.

OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Notre Dame has done a fine job of producing quality NFL offensive line and Eichenberg is next in line. Arguably one of the most consistent left tackles over the past two seasons, on over 900 pass-blocking snaps in that span, Eichenberg allowed only 27 pressures. He possesses smooth movement skills, is strong at the point of attack, using physical hands to occupy pass rushers. A mauler in the run game, Eichenberg plays the game with a mean streak.

OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa

After starting 32 of 33 games, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive at the next level. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection and is an outstanding run blocker. He needs to develop more power and the finer details to the position, but he could end up being a steal.

OT Alaric Jackson, Iowa

Jackson put himself on the NFL radar dating back to his freshman season, starting at left tackle over Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs. Jackson suffered a knee injury that injured the majority of his 2019 campaign, but he took a major step forward in his final year. While he needs to get stronger and clean up his footwork and hands, Jackson has the length, reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess to become a high upside tackle at the next level.

OL Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Playing next to Eichenberg, Banks started the last 30 games for the Fighting Irish at left guard. Banks allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. The first-team All-American is a good-sized smooth-moving mauler as both a run blocker and pass protector who won’t lose many one-on-one battles. Banks has a mammoth body type with 330 pounds neatly packed on his frame, using his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control. Banks has the versatility to play both guard spots and even left tackle at the next level.

OL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Meinerz, the 6-foot-3 and 320 pound guard, is capable of being this year’s Ben Bartch (Jaguars), a former Division III player who gets drafted and plays a significant role in the NFL. The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection. Overpowering the small-school competition, Meinerz will have the opportunity to show that he’s capable of stymieing some of the top interior talent.

OL Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Humphrey started the final 26 games of his career, earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors for the second time this season. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Humphrey earned second-team AP All-America honors in 2019. Humphrey isn’t the most athletic lineman, but toughness, instincts and consistency in pass protection and the run-blocking department are starter quality at center.

OT James Hudson, Cincinatti

Hudson, the first-team All-American Athletic Conference, didn’t give up a single sack this season and allowed just six total pressures at left tackle for the Bearcats, per Pro Football Focus. While his technique is still a work in progress, his lower body athleticism, wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers are NFL-ready.

TE Hunter Long, Boston College

Even if Hunter Henry is re-signed, the Chargers could afford to end a reliable and consistent No. 2 tight end. Long is a smart, willing blocker who shows athleticism in his routes, has very good speed, and chunk yardage creation after the catch, possessing the ability to be a monster off of play action. He finished his stint with the Eagles with 89 catches for 1,297 yards and nine touchdowns.

TE Tony Poljan, Virginia

Poljan played quarterback at Central Michigan, before converting to tight end. Upon making the positional change, he amassed 71 catches, 907 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Poljan has a large catch radius, soft hands, and enough speed to produce at the next level, but he will have to work on his blocking to become at a complete player.

WR Shi Smith, South Carolina

The Chargers have talent in the wide receiver room, but they could afford to get more explosive at the position. In his Gamecock career, Smith appeared in 42 games, posting 171 receptions for 2,176 yards and 13 scores. Smith is a crafty route runner who has the speed, quickness, and yards after the catch ability to be a solid contributor at the next level.

WR Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State

After tearing his ACL in 2019, Wallace bounced back in a big way this past season, finishing the 2020 season as the leading receiver in the Big 12 Conference with 922 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games played. The 6-foot and 185 pound wideout has the natural speed and ease of movement to be a home run threat any time he touches the ball. He also possesses great leaping ability, constantly winning contested situations.

Watch: Ben Skowronek Speaks Ahead of Senior Bowl

This past season was kind to Ben Skowronek. All it took was a move from Northwestern to Notre Dame for his true potential to be unleashed.

This past season was kind to Ben Skowronek. All it took was a move from Northwestern to Notre Dame for his true potential to be unleashed. Now, he’s getting ready to play in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 30 in Mobile, Alabama. He took some time to speak with WPTA-TV, the ABC affiliate in his hometown of Fort Wayne:

That’s some pretty elite company praising and helping Skowronek. Clearly, they think he has serious potential to succeed at the next level. That will be a nice asset during an NFL Scouting Combine that will be drastically different from years past. It only adds to what’s always a serious challenge for NFL hopefuls.

Skowronek is one of seven Notre Dame players in this year’s Senior Bowl. Rounding out that list are Ian Book, Liam Eichenberg, Robert Hainsey, Aaron Banks, Daelin Hayes and Adetokunbo Ogundeji.

Reload or rebuild for Notre Dame in 2021?

Will Notre Dame have a season where they struggle like in 2016 or will it be a prosperous season like this past season?

The list keeps growing with Notre Dame players making their intentions for next year known, many of them opting to move on instead of come back. Quarterback Ian Book, tackles Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey, guards Tommy Kraemer and Aaron Banks, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, tight end Tommy Tremble, defensive lineman Ade Ogundeji, cornerback Houston Griffith transferring are just a few of the players on the move.

Recently, ESPN took a look at which schools have recruited the best (insider) to have success in 2021 due to their recruiting. Although Brian Kelly’s efforts have been great, they didn’t make the main portion of the article, the Irish were mentioned in the second group of teams.

Being on the list alone is a good omen for Notre Dame, as the list of players moving on that were major contributors from this past season is significant. Luckily, Kelly has done a great job accumulating talent in South Bend, giving hope that 2021 won’t have a similar result as the 2016 season did.

Per the ESPN article, the Irish will have 38 players returning to the 2021 roster at the current moment that were ranked inside their top 300. So what does that mean for the ‘21 season?

There will be some bumps in the road with many of the younger players getting their first significant amount of playing time, but that doesn’t mean it will be all bad. This past year saw multiple freshman (cornerback Clarence Lewis, tight end Michael Mayer, running back Chris Tyree, defensive end Rylie Mills and linebacker Jordan Botelho) each show flashes of their futures. The first three really shined and you can add Jordan Johnson to the list as well.

Second-year players like safety Kyle Hamilton, interior lineman Zeke Correll, defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey, running back Kyren Williams, linebacker Marist Liufau, and punter Jay Bramblett were major contributors. This group will need to continue to grow.

As for the 2018 class which was ranked in as the 10th best class nationally, they have struggled to make a significant mark. Griffith transferring along with quarterback Phil Jurkovec already leaving and wide receiver Kevin Austin unable to stay healthy has hurt the classes outlook. Those three were the top ranked players in the class. There, however, have been contributors from that class, with include linebacker Jack Lamb, wide receiver Braden Lenzy and tight end George Takacs, linebacker Bo Bauer and center Jarrett Patterson. This class needs to step up in a big way for the Irish to be successful this coming season.

I haven’t even touched on the potential incoming-freshman contributors, which include tackle Blake Fisher, wide receiver Deion Colzie, guard Rocco Spindler, quarterback Tyler Buchner, linebacker Prince Kollie and other talented players.

The schedule isn’t quite daunting, the first three games should give Kelly plenty of time to get the pups feet wet before their big contest against Wisconsin in Chicago.

In my opinion the Irish are not rebuilding, but they aren’t quite reloading. Having a regular spring schedule will be extremely important for this team. The reps and practice time will further develop the players who don’t have as much experience. We should not see another year like 2016.