Notre Dame Football: Projected depth chart after 2018 NSD

Linebackers

Starting linebackers: Te’von Coney, Jonathan Jones

Backups: Jamir Jones, Asmar Bilal

Here’s where things get interesting. The linebacker position, possibly the strongest position for the Irish outside of the offensive line, has some decisions to be made after the losses of both Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini. Before getting into who will start, there are two feasible scenarios for the Irish in terms of how they’ll roll out their linebacker unit.

First, the loss of Morgan and Martini could result in defensive coordinator Clark Lea moving captain Drue Tranquill to inside linebacker, thus removing Jonathan Jones from the starting equation. However, this projection is made under the pretense that Lea will keep Tranquill at the rover position in an attempt to keep the defense as similar as possible to that deployed by former defensive coordinator Mike Elko.

With that said, this past year’s leading tackler in Te’von Coney would move up to be a full-time starter, while Jonathan Jones would be tasked with filling the second vacant linebacker spot. Jamir Jones, a natural linebacker, and Asmar Bilal, more comfortable as a rover, would likely transition into primary backup roles.

Starting Rover: Drue Tranquill

Backup: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

The previously mentioned Drue Tranquill has enjoyed significant success as a rover. However, Brian Kelly, knowing Tranquill’s time with the Irish was nearing its end, sought out to find a replacement. And find a replacement he did, convincing three star athlete Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to sign with the Irish.

With Owusu-Koramoah’s developmental track unknown at this point, it worked out nicely that Tranquill was able to return for another season. Tranquill’s return allows Bilal to move inside while also giving valuable backup reps to the inexperienced sophomore. However, should Owusu-Koramoah prove unworthy of the task, Bilal would make a fine replacement in light of a Tranquill injury.