Offensive Depth Chart Predictions: Post-Spring

Written by Mike Stacey ⏐ Writer ⏐ X: @MikeStaceyIT IG: @mikestaceyit

Photo by The Irish Tribune

On April 20th, we got our first real look at the 2024 Fighting Irish Football Team. I don't know about all of you, but I certainly was not disappointed. I felt the game was very crisp for a Spring Game, with limited mistakes and many players, including underclassmen, stepping up and playing well. There were quite a few position groups and players I had my eye on during this game. Some impressed, some not so much - but overall I was very pleased with what I saw. With that said, let's take a look at how I predict the Offensive Depth Chart to shake out come Fall. Again, this is a Fall prediction of where I think these players will end up after the summer. Let's dive in!

Quarterback:

1. Riley Leonard

2. CJ Carr

3. Steve Angeli

4. Kenny Minchey
   

As long as Riley Leonard is healthy, he will be the starter come fall barring something short of a miracle. Who will back him up, however, is a much different story. After watching the Spring Game, all of the quarterbacks who played had their moments, but CJ Carr looked like the most talented and poised player on the field. Not to overreact, but the fact that he displayed a very calm and decisive demeanor this early on has me VERY excited about what is to come. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was the most decorated player on the field. I think by the time fall comes around, he will be the clear cut number two. I know this may seem like a bit of a stretch given the sample size, but after seeing Carr spin the football, on top of his impressive outings at Spring practice, I'm willing to to put him at the two spot. Although Minchey and Angeli didn't play poorly during the Spring Game, the raw talent that Carr possesses might just be enough for him to make a push up the depth chart.

Running Back:

1. Jeremiyah Love

2. Jadarian Price

3. Gi'Bran Payne

4. Aneyas Williams

5. Kedren Young

An embarrassment of riches is what comes to mind when I look at this group. This unit is so good that Freshman Aneyas Williams, who looked anything but a true Freshman during the Blue/Gold game, is still rounding out the bottom of this group. The Irish ground attack will have no shortage of big play ability at every moment during any game. I think Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are 1A/1B, with Gi'Bran Payne and Williams being incredible third down options. Although Kedren Young didn't play in the Blue and Gold game, he's still an incredible talent who can't be overlooked. This could be shaping up to be one of the most electrifying backfields in recent memory, with every back bringing a unique skillset to the table.

Wide Receiver:

X:

1. Jayden Thomas

2. Micah Gilbert

3. Cam Williams

Z:

1. Kris Mitchell

2. Beaux Collins

3. Deion Colzie or KK Smith

Slot:

1. Jaden Greathouse

2. Jordan Faison

3. Jayden Harrison
   

Holy J's! This group took me the longest to pick, and I still don't know how I feel about it. The good news is I think this group is loaded with talent and potential - the bad news is I don't think I've seen enough of a sample size to be overly confident just yet. With the infusion of some new faces, the depth chart can be up in the air right until the Fall. Greathouse looked terrific as usual in the Spring Game, and newly minted FIU transfer Mitchell showed his deep ball threat, but Freshman Micah Gilbert stole the show with his 2 TD's. He is not someone I had breaking out prior to Spring practice, but an incredible and consistent showing has forced a lot of people's heads to turn. Expect some of the field and boundary receivers to be interchangeable as this offense begins to round into form. I would not be surprised to see Faison and Greathouse on the field at the same time often this year. Only time will tell!

Tight End:

1. Mitchell Evans

2. Eli Raridon

3. Cooper Flanagan

4. Kevin Bauman or Davis Sherwood or Jack Larsen

Not much surprise here. Mitchell Evans is an absolute stud and Eli Raridon can be a starter for most teams and is an excellent number two option. I think rising Sophomore Cooper Flanagan will round out the top three in this talented group where any of these 3 can make plays. I expect these three to be featured for the most part in the offense, with Kevin Bauman, Davis Sherwood and Freshman Jack Larsen seeing minimal action this coming season. The main thing to look out for in this group are injuries, as there have been plenty to go around between this group in the past couple years. Hopefully the injury bug has run its course, and fans can enjoy a full season of Mitchell Evans dominance.

Offensive Lineman: (2 Deep)

LT:

1. Charles Jagusah

2. Aamil Wagner

LG:

1. Rocco Spindler

2. Pat Coogan

OC:

1. Ashton Craig
   

2. Joe Otting

RG:

1. Billy Schrauth

2. Pat Coogan

RT:

1. Tosh Baker

2. Sullivan Absher

This is another group that has some question marks in my opinion moving forward. Jagusah, Craig, and Schrauth are all locks to be starters in my mind, but Baker, Absher, Wagner, Coogan and Spindler all have an opportunity to push for playing time. Like the Wideouts, I wouldn't be surprised to see some shuffling along the line as well to ensure the most productive players are on the field together.

These are my predictions, let us know yours in the comments!

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