Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Notre Dame has completed five practices and the Blue & Gold Illustrated staff breaks down where things stand in the early going. Senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell talk about what's different with this year's team - and with head coach Brian Kelly, the early camp standouts and key themes that have emerged thus far. The second half of the show was the staff answering question from listeners of the show.

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss 2019 defensive tackle Jacob Lacey's commitment to Notre Dame and answer fan questions.

Notre Dame is ready to kick off fall camp for its 2017 season, and the Blue & Gold Illustrated staff breaks down head coach Brian Kelly's season opening press conference and discusses what to look for and expect from fall camp. Senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell talk about expectations for the Irish this season, discuss strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball, and talk about what to look for from the team during the fall.

Recruiting reporter David McKinney is joined by BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell to discuss the commitment of four-star LB Jack Lamb

BGI recruiting reporter David McKinney is joined by BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell to discuss Notre Dame's two new commits; RB Jahmir Smith and rover Shayne Simon     

Notre Dame's special teams were a major issue for the Irish program in 2016, and a turnaround is needed. New special teams coordinator Brian Polian is being tasked with the rebuild, and his success will have a big impact on the team's overall results. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the Irish special teams, talk about 2017 expectations and answer subscriber questions.

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss the commitment of 2019 QB Cade McNamara and give a breakdown of where Notre Dame stands with the remaining wide reciever targets

Arguably no position on the team has more uncertainty surrounding it than the Notre Dame secondary. There is talent at both cornerback and safety, but proven production is minimal. In order to play good enough defense to get back on track in the win-loss column the Notre Dame secondary will have to produce this season. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell breakdown the Irish secondary, discussing the strengths and concerns with the unit. There were a lot of subscriber questions about the defensive backs, and we get to all of them.

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden talk about an important visitor headed to South Bend this weekend, and breakdown where things stand for Notre Dame with top OL/TE targets

Notre Dame's linebackers did not play overly well in 2016, but expectations are high for 2017. The Irish linebackers are experienced, talented the position returns a great deal of depth.  Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell preview the position. The staff gives an overview of the entire position, including what will be different for the backers this year from a scheme standpoint. They follow it up with a breakdown of each player before finishing the show off with subscriber questions.

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss two importnt upcomging visits for Notre Dame, and give their final thoughts on Notre Dame commits and targets at The Opening Finals 

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden wrap-up the action from the Opening Finals

Arguably no position on the Notre Dame roster is facing more scrutiny than is the defensive line heading into the 2017 season. Notre Dame's line was not overly effective for much of the 2016 season, and the Irish will now have to replace its two best players. It is an unproven group, but there is some ability and the Irish coaches seemed optimistic about the group during the spring. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the unit, discussing its top players, its rotation, the main questions about the group and the expectations facing the unit in 2017. 

BGI recruiting reporters David McKinney and Corey Bodden recap Friday's happenings from the Opening Finals in Beaverton, Ore. 

BGI recruiting reports David McKinney and Corey Bodden discuss the happenings from day one of The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Ore.