Notre Dame Football: 5 post-spring bold predictions for 2019

5. Kurt Hinish replicates Jerry Tillery’s production

Roughly one year ago, Irish fans were pleasantly surprised to hear that both Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bonner would be returning for yet another year. These decisions would prove to be huge for the Irish, especially as it relates to the former’s impact on the 2018 season.

With both Tillery and Bonner now gone, the torch is in line to be passed to a new group of defensive depth that includes defensive tackle Kurt Hinish. He, one of eight Irish players to record over one sack in 2018, has served as a reliable depth source since joining the team as a freshman. Nevertheless, his consistency is bound to be tested as he takes on a more permanent role in 2019.

Filling in for Tillery is a tall task, one that may or may not end up being fulfilled by Hinish.

Regardless, defensive coordinator Clark Lea has displayed a propensity for developing and properly utilizing talent throughout his recently inherited defense. The defensive interior has been considered a weakness for the team this spring, but Hinish offers the potential to change that.