Notre Dame Football: Projected two-deep 2018 depth chart

Offensive Line

Starting tackles: Liam Eichenberg (LT), Robert Hainsey (RT)

Backup: Aaron Banks

The 2018 season will introduce full-time roles to both Eichenberg and Hainsey, with Eichenberg seeing a starting role for the first time and Hainsey being promoted from last year’s split-time scenario with guard Tommy Kraemer. We’ve seen some promise out of Hainsey in the past, but he’ll need to prove that he’s capable of holding down right tackle on every snap.

As for Eichenberg, all eyes will be on the junior as he transitions from little in-game action to an every-down role. Position coach Jeff Quinn has given the impression that he will move captain Alex Bars from right to left guard to balance out the experience along the offensive line, but it will be Eichenberg who decides his own fate at the end of the day.

While Banks is technically next in line at tackle, we’ll most likely see Kraemer move outside with a more experienced backup center or guard filling his spot in the lineup in the case of an Eichenberg or Hainsey injury.

Starting guards: Alex Bars (LG), Tommy Kraemer (RG)

Backup: Josh Lugg

As previously mentioned, fifth-year senior Alex Bars has been moved to left guard in an effort to offer support for the inexperienced Eichenberg. That will push junior Tommy Kraemer out of a 50/50 split with Hainsey and into a full-time role at right guard. This leaves a fair amount of uncertainty along the right side of the line, but we are sure to get some answers sooner than later.

While the Irish offensive line steered clear of the injury bug throughout the 2017 season, that kind of health is rarely guaranteed. Should injuries hit this year, sophomore Josh Lugg could be the first line of defense. Given the versatility of the Irish offensive line, Quinn can afford to plug in the best player available in the case of an injury. As for now, that player very well could be Lugg.

Starting center: Sam Mustipher

Backup: Trevor Ruhland

Center has often served as a position of strength for Notre Dame, and this year is no different. A team captain and student of former guard Quenton Nelson’s game, fifth-year senior Sam Mustipher returns as one of the Irish’s brightest stars. Having already been named to the Rimington Award watch list, Mustipher is already turning heads on a national level.

Senior Trevor Ruhland, who is in a position similar to that of Lugg, has served as a constant for the Irish coaching staff despite limited playing time. Depending on the number of injuries and where they happen along the line, it will be interesting to see whether its Ruhland or Lugg who gets the first crack out of the reserve role.