Notre Dame Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart projections for 2020
By Jacob Wilson
Offensive Line
Starting tackles: Liam Eichenberg (LT), Robert Hainsey (RT)
Backups: Josh Lugg, Quinn Carroll/Andrew Kristofic
The roster of a college football team is almost always churning, rotating talent in and out on a regular basis. As for Notre Dame’s offensive line, this is a unit that has remained constant both in terms of its production and personnel.
Liam Eichenberg, who will be returning for his fifth year with the program, is the linchpin of an offensive line considered to be among the nation’s best. Right tackle Robert Hainsey, a fast learner who started every game as a sophomore, is equally as important on the right side of the line. Senior Josh Lugg will possibly be the first man up along the entire line, with sophomores Quinn Carroll and Andrew Kristofic following closely behind.
Starting guards: Aaron Banks (LG), Tommy Kraemer (RG)
Backups: Josh Lugg, John Dirksen
Continuing with the trend of returning starters, senior Aaron Banks will return at left guard after starting in every game last season while right guard Tommy Kraemer will be returning for his fifth season with the team. Kraemer, who had some ups and down to start his career, earned second-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association in 2019.
As for backups, we know Lugg will be the first man up at either guard position, but things get a little murkier behind him. Trevor Ruhland was previously relied upon to backup the guard and center positions alongside Lugg, but his eligibility has run its course. For now, the Irish would likely rely on junior John Dirksen or dip into tackle depth to resolve numerous injuries at guard.
Starting center: Jarrett Patterson
Backup: Zeke Correll
Jarrett Patterson’s ascent to starting center was a bit of a surprise, but made more sense considering Ruhland’s health concerns as it pertained to the grind of an entire season at the position. When it was decided that Ruhland was best suited coming off the bench, Patterson made the most sense as former center Sam Mustipher’s replacement.
After seeing limited action as a true freshman in 2018, Patterson started all 13 games during the 2019 season. While there’s still some room for improvement, Patterson’s experience to date gives him a significant advantage over others at his position. In the case that Patterson is unavailable, the Irish will likely turn to sophomore center Zeke Correll.