Notre Dame Football: Projected depth chart after 2018 NSD

After putting together an encouraging 2018 class, here’s an updated depth chart as Notre Dame football prepares for the upcoming season.

After piecing together an encouraging 10-3 record this past season, head coach Brian Kelly and his Fighting Irish still have work to do as they approach the heart of the 2018 offseason. While the Irish put together quite the 2018 class, most of those athletes will see a buffer before making their presence felt as starters.

With the 2018 class aside, the Irish still have plenty of talent at their disposal when it comes to fielding a competitive 2018 squad. There are certainly some departures that will have to be overcome, but Kelly and his group are confident that their team has what it takes to compete immediately.

With the 2017 season behind us, let’s take a look into who may be taking the field for the Irish when opening kickoff rolls around.

Offensive Line

Starting tackles: Robert Hainsey (LT), Tommy Kraemer (RT)

Backup: Liam Eichenberg

Of all the losses suffered by the Irish following the 2017 season, the holes on the offensive line will likely prove to be the hardest to fill. Tackle Mike McGlinchey and guard Quenton Nelson held down the left side of the line in exceptional fashion, making a smooth transition from experience to youth vital for Notre Dame’s success.

While both Hainsey, an incoming sophomore, and Kraemer, an incoming junior, spent time at right tackle last year, they will be tasked with holding down their respective positions on their own for the upcoming 2018 season. Liam Eichenberg didn’t see much of the field last season, but will be available in relief should either of his teammates find themselves on the bench for any reason.

Starting guards: Dillan Gibbons (LG), Alex Bars (RG)

Backups: Josh Lugg, Aaron Banks

Keep in mind that any projections for Notre Dame’s offensive line are subject to change. While it’s likely that incoming offensive line coach Jeff Quinn keeps his players at their natural positions, there’s also the chance that a preferred run-blocker in Kraemer finds himself switched to guard, thus changing the landscape of the entire offensive line.

However, assuming that Kraemer will be left at tackle, the Irish would be more than happy to keep incoming fifth-year senior Alex Bars at the right guard position. That leaves quite the decision as to who will take over left guard for Nelson, one that comes down to either Dillan Gibbons, Josh Lugg, or Aaron Banks, none of whom saw any action over the course of the 2017 season.

While it isn’t yet clear who will get the first call for left guard, Dillan Gibbons did receive Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year honors, perhaps giving him a step up on teammates Lugg and Banks.

Starting center: Sam Mustipher

Backup: Trevor Ruhland

While many changes may be to come for Notre Dame’s offensive line, the center spot should remained unchanged throughout the 2018 season. Center Sam Mustipher has already announced that he will be returning as a fifth-year senior and incoming senior Trevor Ruhland is expected to return and backup Mustipher one last time.