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Notre Dame Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection

By Jacob Wilson

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Chris Brown #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hauls in a third quarter touchdown over cornerback Gareon Conley #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Chris Brown #2 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hauls in a third quarter touchdown over cornerback Gareon Conley #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 01: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 01: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting Linebackers: SR Greer Martini (Buck) / SR Nyles Morgan (Mike)

Martini has grown exponentially in his production for Notre Dame since recording 26 total tackles as a true freshman in 2014. Last year he managed 55 total tackles with three sacks and seven tackles for a loss.

Martini should be locked in as the team’s buck linebacker due to his effectiveness against the run. Morgan, Notre Dame’s best linebacker and potentially best overall defensive player, will go into the season with little competition for his job. This will allow him to get to work early and make sure he is in the right shape for the upcoming season. Morgan recorded 94 total tackles last year while also accruing four sacks.

Backups: JR Te’von Coney, SO Jonathan Jones

Te’von Coney is easily Notre Dame’s third best linebacker. If not for the incredible play of Martini last year, Coney would likely still have the starting job. He will back up both Martini and Morgan in two linebacker sets with sophomore Jonathan Jones mixing in as a Mike when needed.

Starting Rover: SR Drue Tranquill

Notre Dame has enjoyed recent success instituting the rover position into their lineup, likely due to the exceptional versatility of senior Drue Tranquill. Tranquill registered 33 total tackles in his freshman year, greatly impressing coaches and giving good reason to develop a role specifically for him. Tranquill has embraced the role and registered 79 total tackles with the team in 2016.

Backup Rover: JR Asmar Bilal

Bilal flourished after being groomed by veterans in his first year on the scout team for Notre Dame as he recorded 29 total tackles in his first year seeing the field. He will provide just enough of a presence to keep Tranquill working to keep his job but should not be considered a significant threat to the position.

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