Notre Dame Football: Projected two-deep 2018 depth chart

Defensive Line

Starting interior: Jonathan Bonner (NG), Jerry Tillery (DT)

Backups: Kurt Hinish, Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa

Heading into this past offseason, it appeared as if the Irish were going to have to put a significant amount of energy into making replacements along the defensive front. However, many of Kelly’s concerns would be put to rest with the returns of Jonathan Bonner and Jerry Tillery. With Lea making few changes along the defense, Bonner will take over at nose guard while Tillery shifts to defensive tackle.

Bonner and Tillery did most of the heavy lifting in 2017, but the Irish still managed some production out of their young reserves as well. Current sophomores Kurt Hinish and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa were most notable, but don’t rule out significant progress from any of the young depth behind them.

Starting ends: Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem

Backups: Daelin Hayes, Ade Ogundeji

Despite the combination of Jay and Daelin Hayes on the outside last season, 2018 may bring a pair of new faces to the starting lineup. As of now, junior Khalid Kareem looks like the favorite to lock down the strong side after logging three sacks last season. Across from him, juniors Julian Okwara and Daelin Hayes look to play off each other in what should be a position of strength for the Irish in 2018.

With Okwara, Hayes, and Kareem all in line to earn a significant amount of playing time this season, the last cog along the defensive line is junior Adetokunbo Ogundeji. Despite little experience, the Irish coaching staff has enough confidence in him to consider him a key reserve.