Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Notre Dame completed its spring football practices for 2018 on Saturday with its annual Blue-Gold Game. The Blue squad beat the Gold squad 47-44. It was a successful spring for the Fighting Irish football team in many regards. A lot of answers were found, and some questions still linger. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the spring game and wrap up the entire spring, going position by position.

The BGI recruiting staff breaks down the commitment of Rivals250 DE Howard Cross and what it means for Notre Dame 

The BGI recruiting staff discusses the commitment of four-star safety Litchfield Ajavon to Notre Dame, what it means for the class and where Notre Dame goes from here at safety 

The BGI recruiting staff discusses the commitment of Rivals100 offensive lineman John Olmstead to Notre Dame 

The BGI recruiting staff previews a long list of visitors headed to South Bend for the Blue-Gold Game

To win in the modern era of football a team needs an impact quarterback. At times Notre Dame had that in 2017, and at times their quarterback play left a lot to be desired. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell talk about the importance of quarterback play, the positives of Brandon Wimbush at the position, the areas where he faltered in 2017, and his growth this spring. Following a lengthy discussion on the quarterback position, the staff discusses the offensive line, the secondary, the wide receivers and raise questions about the immediate future of the running back position.

The BGI recruiting staff breaks down the commitment of 2020 four-star QB Dew Pyne and what it means for Notre Dame 

The Blue & Gold Illustrated recruiting staff reviews an important list of visitors from this week and previews a huge list of talent headed to South Bend this weekend. 

Notre Dame suffered a loss last week when senior end Jay Hayes decided to transfer for his final season. The Irish have have players to fill the void, but the margin for error is thinner. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss what the loss of Hayes means for the Irish defense. They also discuss the potential replacements, juniors Khalid Kareem and Ade Ogundeji. The staff finished the podcast breaking down the April 7th spring practice and give the latest on the Irish as they get close to the conclusion of the spring session.

The BGI recruiting staff reviews a busy week of visits for Notre Dame and previews a strong list of visitors heading to South Bend this weekend 

Notre Dame suffered through a disappointing 2017-18 season, as injuries cost the Irish a chance at a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. Heading into next season, Notre Dame must now move forward with star forward Bonzi Colson and All-ACC point guard Matt Farrell. There is talent returning, but there are still more questions than answer at this point. Blue & Gold Illustrated reporter Corey Bodden and analyst Bryan Driskell discuss what was lost, what returns and who must step up next season. The staff also discusses Notre Dame's standout incoming freshman class and what UConn transfer Juwan Durham could bring to the program.

Notre Dame returns a deep and talented group of defensive backs, but there are a lot of questions remaining. How well those questions are answered will help determine how successful the entire defense can be. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the cornerback and safety positions and discuss what has to happen for the unit to excel. But before there was any football talk, the BGI staff talked about the women's basketball team, which is fresh off a dramatic Final Four that ended with the Fighting Irish cutting down the nets as national champions.

The BGI recruiting staff reviews some important visitors that saw Notre Dame this weekend and previews a big-time group of prospects headed to South Bend next week 

Notre Dame returns two highly productive starters at linebacker in 2018, but both will be manning new positions. It remains to be seen how they will adjust, and major question marks exist behind the starters from a depth and experience standpoint. Notre Dame will also have to find a new Rover this season, but the good news is the list of candidates is long and athletic. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the linebacker and Rover positions for the spring. They discuss how Drue Tranquill and Te'von Coney have to adapt their games to new positions, discuss the depth that must emerge behind them and how Notre Dame might use the Rover position in 2018.

Notre Dame concluded its fifth practice practice of the 2018 spring, and Blue & Gold Illustrated was on hand for every rep. Senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the practice, with an emphasis on the improvements seen from quarterback Brandon Wimbush and the Irish wide receivers.