Notre Dame Football: 5 breakout players to watch in Spring Practice

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter of a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame seems to be set along the defensive line, but that could all change at the conclusion of the 2018 season. Most of the starters along the defensive line are rising seniors, like Jay Hayes and Jerry Tillery. Fifth-year senior Jonathan Bonner and Daelin Hayes are important pieces too.

To build up the strength of the defensive line rotation, the Irish need to find a few new answers from some younger players. A good portion of the backup lineman are rising sophomores, and one name that sticks out is nose guard Kurt Hinish.

In very limited action in 2017, Hinish racked up eight total tackles and one half of a tackle for a loss. He’ll likely get more exposure come the 2018 season, especially during the course of Spring Practice. Kelly definitely needs to start building up the depth for the younger lineman.

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Hinish could work himself into some playing time during the upcoming regular season, behind the experienced Bonner. He also gets the exposure of playing behind, and learning from, a talented lineman like Bonner. Look out for some underrated players to make an impact for the Notre Dame defensive line this year.

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