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Notre Dame Football: 3 biggest questions heading into 2020

By Dante Pryor

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 05: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on before the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Notre Dame Stadium on October 05, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 16: Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Stadium on November 16, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 16: Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Stadium on November 16, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. How will the Irish replace NFL talent?

Last season’s 10-win season was a testament to how well the Irish have recruited the last three years. The 2018 squad featured Dexter Williams, Myles Boykin, Jerry Tillery, Te’Von Coney, Drue Tranquill and Julian Love. They replaced that talent and had a 10-win season last year.

This year, they have to replace exponentially more talent than last season.

Offensively, they have to replace Tony Jones Jr., Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet. Ian Book needs a go-to receiver next year. Tommy Tremble has to step up at tight end next season. Either Micah Jones or Northwestern transfer Ben Skowronek have to be the big-bodied receiver Book has had his last two seasons.

Defensively, they are replacing their entire secondary. Alohi Gillman was a rock at safety along with Troy Pride and Donte Vaughn. We saw how talented Kyle Hamilton was last season. Isaiah Pryor will be a good addition next to Hamilton.

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The concern is cornerback. There are a lot of guys that haven’t seen much action that must mature quickly next season. We’ll see how well they’ve recruited and if they can win 10 games again.

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