Speed, fluidity at key positions, and experience in the secondary highlight Notre Dame's initial 2024 depth chart.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
It's officially game week and with that, Notre Dame released their first depth chart of the 2024 season.
While there were many certainties within this news, there were some lineups that appear noteworthy as the season progresses.
Obviously, Notre Dame's biggest question mark is the left-side of the offensive line, and after the injury of Charles Jagusah during fall camp, the Fighting Irish had an open competition. The original plug-and-place candidate was Tosh Baker; however, he was outdueled by true freshman Anthonie Knapp.
Next to Knapp is another inexperienced player, Sam Pendleton, who started camp as the backup center. Pendleton beat out two players who started for the Irish last year in Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan.
It should certainly be interesting to see the battle in the trenches between Notre Dame's weakest unit versus the biggest strength of the Aggie defense.
Another thing to note was the fluidity at key positions for the Fighting Irish. At every single receiver position on the two-deep depth chart read "or"; simply put, there is no true lineup in the Notre Dame receiver room. A ton of receivers will see the field, and deservedly so, because it highlights the depth at this position that the Fighting Irish haven't had in a long time.
On the other side of the ball, the same thing could be said about the linebacking core. Linebacker coach Max Bullough even said that they were going to rotate all five guys in that room: Jack Kiser, Jaylen Sneed, Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry, and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.
While the linebackers may be inexperienced outside of Kiser, the ceiling of this position group is through the roof. In order to keep up with powerhouse SEC schools, speed and versatility at the linebacker position is pivotal. Luckily, the Irish have just that.
Another way the Irish are trying to catch up to SEC speed is through the special team's unit. It was interesting to note that the alternative kick returner behind All-American Jayden Harrison, was Jeremiyah Love. Love's speed is something that every coach on the Notre Dame staff has raved about, but integrating him into the special team's unit could be a game changer. It should also be noted that Jadarian Price was featured as well, which shows Notre Dame's willingness to play their best players in all three phases.
The last thing to note about this initial depth chart was the true strength of the Notre Dame secondary. There are so many reliable options in the backend of this unit that Rod Heard, the man who's collected more snaps than anyone else on Notre Dame's defense, isn't in a starting role. This also displays the trust that the staff has in Adon Shuler and the jump he made going into his second year.
Christian Gray also won the battle against Jaden Mickey, but Mickey will still be a key figure in this Irish defense.
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