Earlier in the fall, we released a projected starting lineup for Notre Dame football when they open up against Texas A&M on August 31st. That was based on what we have seen, and everything we have heard. It was more of a predictive nature.
While that is what we will most likely see, there is also a conversation about what we would most like to see. With that in mind, here is an offensive depth chart that would be most appealing for me heading into game one. There are some slight tweaks that would appeal heavily to my fandom.
Quarterback
- Riley Leonard
- Kenny Minchey or CJ Carr
This was never a competition. We have known from the jump that Leonard was going to be the starting quarterback, and he should. If healthy, the former Duke signal caller has the talent to be Notre Dame’s most dynamic quarterback in several years.
The semi “hot take” comes behind Leonard, where most people are projecting Steve Angeli to be the main backup this fall. While that’s probably the smart money, I would love to see either Minchey or Carr get the nod as the quarterback that gets a chance to play. Both players are very talented, and have high upside. It would be great to see at least one of them on the field this fall, and more than the final drive of a big blowout.
Running back
- Jeremiyah Love
- Jadarian Price
The running back position is the most no-brainer position on the offense for the Irish. Love is set to be a dynamic weapon for the team, while Price will also be a big time playmaker. Both of them are home runs waiting to happen, bringing big speed to the table. You should expect that duo to be one of the best in college football this season.
Behind Love and Price, it would be really positive to see one of Kedren Young or Aneyas Williams to get opportunities. Both freshmen bring a nice upside to the table. Young is the powerful downhill runner with explosiveness, while Williams is a nice all-around weapon. They each bring a dynamic to the table that the offense could need more of.
X - Beaux Collins
X - Jayden Thomas
Y - Jaden Greathouse
Y - Jordan Faison
Z - Kris Mitchell
Z - Cam Williams
There isn’t really a hot take here. Faison has been playing a lot at Z, and should be utilized all over the field. Otherwise, we know we are going to see a lot of Mitchell and Greathouse. They are probably the favorites to lead the team in receiving, bringing big upside in terms of speed and a high volume pass catcher respectively.
The big difference, opposed to what many believe will happen, is to see Williams garner reps as the main backup to Mitchell at the Z position. KK Smith is expected to play a role, but Williams brings more upside. I would love to see what he can accomplish in a low volume role.
Tight end
- Mitchell Evans
- Eli Raridon or Cooper Flanagan
Let’s not waste too much time… yes, Notre Dame is loaded at the tight end position. If healthy, Evans returns as one of the best at his position in college football. He hauled in 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown despite playing in only eight games.
If Evans isn’t back to full health, or suffers a setback, the Fighting Irish will still be in a great situation. Raridon, who has dealt with his own series of injuries in the past, is a freaky athlete. He might be the best overall athlete on the roster regardless of position. You add in Flanagan, who is an imposing blocker and big frame in the passing game.
That is an imposing trio of talents at the position.
Offensive line
LT - Anthonie Knapp
LT - Tosh Baker
LG - Pat Coogan
LG - Rocco Spindler
C - Ashton Craig
C - Sam Pendleton
RG - Billy Schrauth
RG - Chris Terek
RT - Aamil Wagner
RT - Guerby Lambert
The center, right guard, and right tackle positions have been solidified now for several weeks. That group brings a lot of optimism to the table, and should be impressive as they find their footing. Notre Dame is especially excited for what Schrauth can become at right guard.
The left side of the offensive line is much more up in the air. Recently there seems to be a battle brewing between Tosh Baker and freshman Anthonie Knapp at left tackle. It appeared that it would be Baker early on, but Knapp has been making waves recently. Seeing what the freshman can do could be best for the long term, as well as 2024.
At left guard, we have seen Rocco Spindler’s name mentioned, as well as Sullivan Absher, and Sam Pendleton recently. Call it a hunch but it feels like the veterans will end up winning out there. Coogan is a player that the staff is comfortable with, and I’m honestly okay with him starting for now.
Most Popular
Comments / 0