Notre Dame Football: 5 players who must step up in 2018

5. Drue Tranquill

Keep in mind that this list isn’t an indicator of previously poor performance, but rather a list of those who must either continue their stellar play or take it to the next level. For rover-turned-linebacker Drue Tranquill, stepping up mostly means successfully transferring his success from the rover position to inside linebacker.

Tranquill, a fifth-year senior out of Fort Wayne, IN, has played in 39 games for the Irish, recording 206 total tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions. Tranquill was also involved in four fumbles last season, five in his college career. Tranquill has been named a captain for the second year in a row, a testament to his leadership abilities both on and off the field.

As one can tell from those stats above, Tranquill has been a centerpiece for the Irish for quite some time. That role will only increase in 2018 given the departures of defensive leaders such as Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini.

We know what Tranquill can do at rover, but the Irish will need to see that same level of production at inside linebacker. Reports out of the Notre Dame camp indicate that the transition is going smoothly, a good sign for Tranquill’s development at the position. Regardless of where he ends up playing this season, Tranquill will need to maintain the success he has had thus far.