Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2015 spring game: Top Five Storylines to Watch

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Hunter Bivin (70) and tight end Durham Smythe (80) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Will Durham Smythe be the next great weapon at tight end?

And now here is the later I mentioned from number two. This is a very intriguing question for me about the Irish. Over the years Notre Dame has proven to be able to develop some very good tight ends that are decent blockers, but very good receiving threats. Smythe in my opinion could be the next in line of that mold of player.

Smythe is 6’5” and 240 pounds giving him the size of a tight end, but could be a little light. This would mean he is more in the mold of a move tight end, which means he is more of a receiver and just a phantom blocker, basically just getting in someone’s way.

The good news for Smythe is he should be able to outrun linebackers and be too big for safeties, as well as the fact the middle of the field should be open based on the help over the top teams will have on Will Fuller, accounting for Corey Robinson and for Folston out of the backfield.

This game will go a long way towards establishing the trust Smythe has from the coaches, if he has added weight and a brief idea if he is ready for a full-time role.

Next: Will the defense led by Jaylon Smith be up to the challenge?