10. What jump do the Irish take in the Spring?
Although this would be extremely difficult to judge in the Spring Game, do the Irish look better? It is really difficult to do. For example, the offense dominates in the Spring Game. It is possible that the offense is that good. However, it is also possible that the defensive is equally as bad. That being stated, does the offense look to be in sync? Likewise, does the defensive look to be stout against either the run or the pass?
9. Do Irish recruits buy into the Notre Dame this Spring?
Coach Kelly and his staff managed to bring in a great recruiting class especially in the front seven. However, to build a top program, this staff must put great classes back to back. Will the Irish land big time recruits this Spring? Who will be the blue chip recruits that visit for practice and the Spring Game? I also believe the added national television coverage may pay dividends for Notre Dame. Big time recruits want exposure. Having your Spring Game televised on national TV is exposure.
8. How did the Irish improve in Off-Season workouts?
It was clear that Notre Dame clearly improved in the weight room last year. The team simply looked bigger and bulkier. Now after two years under Longo's strength and conditioning system, do the Irish continue to make large strides in the weight room? If Longo's program is as advertised, Notre Dame may have a competitive advantage over its opponents.
7. Are Freshmen Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams ready to make an impact?
According to Brian Kelly's press conference, these two gentlemen look like Juniors and Seniors. That is certainly impressive. A lot of young players, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, do not have the physical ability to play in their first year. This is obviously not a problem for Aaron Lynch and Ishaq Williams. However, these two individuals still need to quickly pick up the terminology in order to truly have an impact in the upcoming season.
6. Who plays next to Manti Te'o at the Will position?
Carlo Calabrese started at the beginning of the season for Notre Dame last year at this position. However, there is a great competition at this position. According to Brian Kelly, Seniors Anthony McDonald and David Posluszny, as well as Sophomore Kendall Moore, have a chance to compete for that position. Calabrese definitely has experience to play the position. Kendall Moore might be an individual who would bring added speed and talent to any already talented defensive.
5. Do Bennett Jackson and Lo Wood set up to fill the lack of depth at Corner?
Notre Dame's weakest position is definitely CB. The good news is Notre Dame already has a commitment from Tee Shephard out of California. The bad news is he is still in high school. Bennett Jackson moves to the position to give the Irish depth. However, can Jackson make a quick transition. I think there is no doubt that he has speed and he can tackle well. However, are his fundamentals at CB decent enough to make an impact? Notre Dame really needs Lo Wood to set up and be the Nickel corner.
4. Can Louis Nix give ND quality depth at the Nose Guard position?
Is Nix talented? Yes. Can he do the job? Yes. But, the how many snaps can he give Notre Dame this fall. Nix carries a lot of weight. If Nix is unable to play the entire game, can Brandon Newman and Hafis Williams give the Irish the depth needed to be successful at that position. If Nix is able to demonstrate that talent, the defensive line will benefit greatly.
3. Who sets up at the Dog position?
Steve Filer was a heavily recruit player coming out of high school. His career, so far, has been a disappoint and rather non-existent. Is Filer ready to finally take the field for Notre Dame? If not, can Freshman Ishaq Williams or Sophomore Danny Spond set up can handle the position. This is a critical battle for the defense.
2. How does ND recover from Michael Floyd's suspension?
This is a two-part question. There is the practical question, who can take over for Floyd? John Goodman has played a lot of football. Sophomore Daniel Smith also have a lot of ability and may be able to make an impact. The second part of this question is how does the team handle this situation mentally? How do they handle losing their best player on offense? Will this impact the QB situation?
1. Who will be the QB?
Crist or Rees? Rees or Crist? This is definitely the largest question of the Spring and the season. Will this question be answered by the conclusion of the Spring Game? There is a possibility that it goes into the fall. However, I do believe Kelly wants this battle to be over to make practice easier in the Fall.
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