Notre Dame Football: Top 5 spring 2019 breakout candidates

With spring practices now in full effect, here are five candidates with breakout potential for Notre Dame football in 2019.

Head coach Brian Kelly has been fairly open and honest with the media this offseason, allowing media members to observe certain practice portions while giving what we assume to be honest feedback concerning issues along the depth chart. Nevertheless, there are a few positions that remain mysteries in the wake of significant departures on both sides of the ball.

Whether it be seasoned veterans preparing for their first opportunity in an Irish uniform or freshmen eager to make their mark, the Irish have a great deal of talent waiting in the wings. With the opportunity now there for the taking, who will make their presence felt as the coaching staff searches for replacements across the board? Here are a few names that could stand out this spring.

5. Jarrett Patterson, C

While longtime backup Trevor Ruhland was expected to compete hard for the starting center job, Kelly has suggested that physical limitations will keep him in a reserve role for the time being. With that said, sophomore Jarrett Patterson has found himself praised up and down by both Kelly and offensive coordinator Chip Long.

Outside of his natural leadership, Patterson has drawn a significant amount of praise as it relates to his ability to efficiently learn the offense in what will virtually be a continuation of his freshman year.

While other starting center candidates such as Luke Jones and Colin Grunhard have seen some time at the position, Patterson is by far and away the favorite for the job according to Kelly and Long’s comments.

Patterson, recruited by the Irish as an offensive tackle, makes the switch to center with both offensive tackle positions locked down by Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey. This move suggests that his talent is too great to ignore, putting him in the position to grow in a manner similar to that of former Notre Dame center Sam Mustipher.