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Notre Dame Football: Five X-Factor Players for 2016

By Greg Hadley

Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Kevin Stepherson (29) attempt to catch a pass as safety Ashton White (26) defends in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Kevin Stepherson (29) attempt to catch a pass as safety Ashton White (26) defends in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike McGlinchey, Sr. LT

You could pick just about anyone along Notre Dame’s offensive line for this slot. The Irish lost Ronnie Stanley and Nick Martin to the NFL Draft this spring, leaving two gaping holes along the front line and a lot of expectations for a unit that has produced some of the best prospects in the nation the past few years.

But of all of the new faces and starters, McGlinchey is the most pivotal. He has starting experience, playing all 13 games at right tackle last season. He has size, standing 6-foot-7 and 310 pounds. He has seniority, as one of the oldest projected starters. He will be looked upon to anchor this line.

McGlinchey also has massive shoes to fill, though. Taking the place of a No. 6 overall draft pick is no mean feat, but it’s exactly what Brian Kelly and his staff are asking McGlinchey to do in his senior season.

Part of the reason DeShone Kizer developed so well last year was the excellent protection he was afforded, getting sacked 26 times total. Whoever plays QB for the Irish this season will be more experienced, to be sure, but with all the uncertainty surrounding who will be under center, it’s still crucial McGlinchey keeps his fellow linemates focused and do some blocking of his own.

Next: Nyles Morgan

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