Irish Sports Talk: Notre Dame Football

Nick Watkins can make a case to be the starting cornerback when the Irish play defense but he'll be behind Nick Coleman who has claimed the spot since Watkin's injury. Brandon Wimbush will redshirt this season unless there's injury to one of the starting quarterbacks.

Avery is a transfer from Cal where his career was trending up but an injury sidelined his ambition and it's been a struggle to get back on track. He currently finds himself behind starting strong safety Drue Tranquill but with the dismissal of Max Redfield, could help at the free safety if the freshmen struggle.

Zaire is in a quarterback battle with Kizer and newcomer, Daelin Hayes while not fighting for a starting role has emerged as a potential specialist for the Irish.

Max Redfield is off the football team and Notre Dame now needs to figure out what will be done at Free Safety.

As a freshman he was consistent and we expect more of the same as a sophomore.

Shaun Crawford was the missing piece of the Irish defense in 2015 but now that he's healthy many are expecting a dynamic Notre Dame defense. Shaun is the starting nickel and will probably be the starting cornerback opposite Cole Luke.

There's still questions facing the staff in regards to the wide receiver group but things are getting clearer at right guard, defensive line, and cornerback.

Jalen Elliott has the opportunity to play as a freshman as the Irish look for answers in their defensive backfield. But there will be competition from other freshmen defensive backs as well.

Asmar remained on the scout team in 2015 but is competing for the starting spot at Will with Coney and Martini.

Until the season begins it's unclear in how many ways Drue Tranquill will contribute to the Irish defense in 2016 but you can be certain it will be huge. Although he's struggled in coverage when needing to turn and run he will be the starting strong safety unless a freshman can beat him out.

Last season Tarean's season ended before it began. But all appears well and back on track for the senior running back. The question will be how will the carries be split between Folston, Adams, and Williams.

Ashton White spent the 2015 season on the scout team but could make a difference for the Irish on special teams in 2016. There's a lot of young competition fighting for the 2-deep and Ashton will need to have a solid Fall Camp to find a spot.

The Irish are desperate for answers on defense and Nick Coleman could answer one of those questions at cornerback. Nick played in all 13 games as a freshman, mostly on special teams, and could play a significant role for the Irish at cornerback.

Brian Kelly said a number of freshman defensive backs will play this Fall, will Julian be one of them?

Brian Kelly announced what the focus is for the football team and some position battles of interest. The freshmen defensive backs will be given ample opportunity to prove themselves and the wide receiver group is one of the most important ones to get sorted out. On the QB's Brian Kelly is in no rush to make a decision but he is considering all options, even playing both.