Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Louisville in Week 1

2. Seven Notre Dame linebackers see action

Of all the position units on the roster, linebacker probably took the biggest hit. The Irish did lose both Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bonner along the defensive line, but their replacements are far more experienced than those who will be tasked with replacing Drue Tranquill and Te’von Coney at linebacker.

The Irish have released their official depth chart for their matchup with Louisville, and it aligns with what we’ve anticipated over the last few weeks. Asmar Bilal (by far the most experienced option) will move from rover to buck linebacker, following in the footsteps of Tranquill who had made the same switch before. Junior Drew White will make the start at mike despite playing only two games in 2018.

Defensive coordinator Clark Lea has made it clear that these starters are by no means set in stone. While Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has things virtually on lock at rover, there are four other linebackers behind Bilal and White that will be looking to make some noise themselves if given the chance against Louisville.

These players include Jordan Genmark Heath, Jack Lamb, Shayne Simon, and Bo Bauer. Lea has hinted that all of these players have the potential to make it onto the field. If these four do end up on the field at some point or another (not including special teams, of course), the Irish would have played seven linebackers over the course of the game. That’s certainly a lot, but it might be the new normal for the Irish in 2019.