Irish Sports Talk: Notre Dame Football

Nicco Fertitta played safety in high school but at with the talent Notre Dame has brought in at safety there's not a path for him to compete for a starting role. But he can make a huge impact on special teams and take over where Matthias Farley left off in 2015.

No question that Kevin Stepherson caught the eye of coaching staff and media this Spring as an early enrollee but can he continue to stand out this Fall with the CJ Sanders returning and other incoming freshmen.

Josh came into Fall camp in 2015 as a freshman and wasn't physically where the coaches wanted him to be. In the Spring of 2016 he had remade his body and the coaches were pleased with how he looked physically. He's only training at Mike linebacker behind Nyles Morgan and even though he's the 2nd stringer at that position because "It's the most difficult position to learn." he probably won't see game action except for blowout games.

Notre Dame has question marks on the defensive side of the ball but one thing is certain from Brian Kelly's Fall Camp opening press conference and that is that freshman defensive backs will be playing for the Irish this Fall. Spencer Perry isn't a guarantee to contribute as a freshman but he will be given opportunity.

Brian Kelly said that Tony is the thunder and while Reuben and Randall don't exactly agree on when Tony will be relied on they both like what he brings to the table as a power running back.

Josh Adams was a big part of Notre Dame's running game in 2015 and some believe he will be the primary back in 2016 even with the return of senior Folston. Regardless if he leads the team in carries, he will be a major factor in the Irish running game again.

DJ Morgan is a freshman safety for the Irish. Although there's lots of questions in the defensive backfield it's unlikely DJ sees the field this year as a true freshman.

Brian Kelly will kick off Fall Camp with a press conference on Friday and then Saturday football begins. Osiris St. Brown will likely announce his commitment in the coming weeks. Gunner (former Notre Dame QB) is 3rd string at Cincy and unlikely to be drafted in the NFL. Randall makes a Netflix suggestion "Last Chance U".

Cole Luke will be one of the old guys on a defense that will have numerous first year starters. He may not have the statistical year he did in 2014 as teams take advantage of less savy players but Luke will be looked on to lead the DBs in 2016.

Notre Dame is fortunate to have Quenton Nelson back on the offensive line and if the Irish running game continues to have success it will be in large part because of number 56.

Notre Dame's Trevor Ruhland finds himself behind NFL prospect, Quentin Nelson at left guard. Trevor could be in the mix at the right guard position but most likely will play sparingly this year with a chance to make a push once the starters move on.

Elijah Taylor is a redshirt freshman who has the athleticism to make a contribution this season, but it begins with having a strong Fall Camp.

John, who was a highly ranked OLine recruit, has switched to the Dline and hopes to make an impact at the Nose Tackle this Fall. He'll be fighting for sub packages and has the opportunity to get on the field with a productive Fall Camp.

Notre Dame's long snapping duties will be in sure hands this fall with the 5th year senior, Scott Daly.

There's lot's going on around Notre Dame football. The Irish released the 2016 Shamrock Series Uniforms and we include our Twitter poll in the discussion. Several new high schoolers gave their verbal commitment to Brian Kelly. Lou Holtz received some PC criticism from ESPN and lastly Showtime will have another "Season With" FSU. Are you excited about watching "A Season with" FSU? Reuben and Randall are split. Send us a tweet with your thoughts.