In the wake of Notre Dame left tackle Charles Jagusah sustaining a season-ending injury earlier this month, plenty of movement is in the works under head coach Marcus Freeman, who is preparing his team for the season opener vs. Texas A&M inside what could be a sold out Kyle Field.
Knowing that the Irish O-line will face one of the top defensive lines in the country, especially after Aggie’s head coach Mike Elko landed former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton from the transfer portal, Notre Dame O-line coach Joe Rudolph’s track record speaks for its self, but this will be a tough starting unit to assemble, and feel confident about ahead of the opener.
With Jagusah officially sidelined, it was revealed by The Athletics’ Pete Sampson that freshman Anthonie Knapp was working with the first-team offensive line this week over grad student tackle Tosh Baker at the left tackle spot. In contrast, redshirt freshman Sam Pendelton started at left guard during the team’s final open practice this week.
While the right side of the line consisted of multiple redshirt sophomores with some depth behind them, this provides Elko and defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to strategically move around Scourton, Turner, Stewart, and former Bowling Green Edge Cashius Howell to readily expose the inexperience of the left side of Notre Dame’s line.
A stat to note: All four Aggie pass rushers mentioned (Scourton, Turner, Stewart, Howell) combined for 27 sacks last season. Advantage Texas A&M for now.
Notre Dame had its last open periods of practice on Thursday. Take this for what it’s worth.
Freshman Anthonie Knapp worked as the No. 1 left tackle over Tosh Baker.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 15, 2024
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