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Notre Dame football 2024 practice: Depth chart projections, Riley Leonard predictions from Irish insiders
By CBS Sports Staff,
3 hours ago
USATSI
Notre Dame is one of the most decorated programs in college football and the Fighting Irish will try to add to that storied history in 2024. The Fighting Irish have made the College Football Playoff twice since 2018, but they're 0-2 in those games. Head coach Marcus Freeman will try to lead the Irish back to the College Football Playoff, which is expanding from four to 12 teams this season. However, Notre Dame will have to replace several key pieces from last year's team, which posted a 10-3 record. The Fighting Irish will turn to Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback after Sam Hartman graduated, but they'll bring back All-American safety Xavier Watts to anchor the defensive side of the Notre Dame football roster.
Led by Tim Prister, who has covered Notre Dame since 1982, the staff at Irish Illustrated is on the ground covering every Fighting Irish practice and game. With their decades of experience, Irish Illustrated is one of the most trusted authorities of Notre Dame football coverage. They are always out front on football news, analysis and insight and there's no better collection of veteran voices than at IrishIllustrated.com, which also features community message boards where fans can connect and get even more insider information.
Notre Dame was dealt a serious blow on the offensive live earlier this month. Sophomore offensive lineman Charles Jagusah was expected to be the starter at left tackle in 2024, filling the spot left by two-time All-American and first-round NFL Draft pick Joe Alt. However, Jagusah will miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn right pectoralis muscle earlier this month.
The former blue-chip prospect spent much of last season on the scout team, but was thrust into the starting role for the Sun Bowl with Alt opting out in favor of preparing for the draft. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound offensive lineman was on the field for 61 snaps in the victory over Oregon State, helping Notre Dame's ground game rack up 236 yards and two touchdowns. Get more updates on the Notre Dame RB at Irish Illustrated .
The Fighting Irish will have to replace production at the running back position after Audric Estime went to the NFL. Estime recorded 210 rushing attempts for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, leaving a gaping hole in Notre Dame's offense. Sophomore Jeremiyah Love is set to take on the lead-back role for the Fighting Irish, while junior Jadarian Price is also expected to see game action.
Love has used this offseason to add muscle, moving up from 190 pounds last December to 210 entering August camp. Love averaged 5.4 yards per carry and produced 462 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. Meanwhile, Price is a full 25 months removed from a career-altering Achilles Tendon tear. Price's 2023 return to action was likewise his collegiate debut season, one highlighted by a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown against USC. Find out more about Mike Denbrock's new offense at Irish Illustrated .
How to get insider Notre Dame football practice insights
The staff at Irish Illustrated is on the ground for every Notre Dame practice. They will be regularly reporting on Notre Dame football breakout players, Notre Dame football recruiting, and Notre Dame depth chart projections, so be sure to get every update now .
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