Brian Kelly has to feel good about Notre Dame football heading into the summer but why should fans be excited about the upcoming season.
Notre Dame made its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2018 and there’s still room for the Irish to grow. Brian Kelly finally overcame the hurdle of getting in despite not being part of a conference, going unbeaten in the regular season last year.
Could Notre Dame go undefeated yet again during the regular season and make the College Football Playoff in 2019? It seems possible, especially after spring ball, but some are being cautious about their predictions for the Irish.
Why should be fans be excited about 2019 after spring ball?
5. Defensive line is scary
All you have to do is look at what Clark Lea gets to work with on the defensive line in order to be excited about the 2019 season.
Sure, Jerry Tillery is gone, but the talent returning is impressive.
Khalid Kareem is expected to be one of the best ends in college football this upcoming season, Jayson Ademilola was one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2018 class, Daelin Hayes is a monster off the bench and Julian Okwara should have a good chance to reach 10 sacks in 2019.
This group up front should be one of the best in college football this season and we have seen what elite defensive lines can do for national contenders — see: Alabama and Clemson.