Notre Dame Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart projections for 2020

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: TaRiq Bracy, Isaiah Rutherford, Shaun Crawford (Nickel)
Backups: Cam Hart, KJ Wallace

While the makeup of this roster has been relatively straightforward up to this point, that stops here. The losses of Troy Pride Jr. and Donte Vaughn hurt the Irish on both the starter and depth fronts, making it likely that the Irish will be starting at least one corner with little college experience at the position.

Junior TaRiq Bracy is first in line to replace Pride after playing in all but one game last season. Shaun Crawford, who has been with the team since 2015, has the versatility to serve either across Bracy or at nickelback. If Crawford does stay home at nickel, look for sophomore Isaiah Rutherford to get the nod at the No. 2 corner spot with sophomores Cam Hart and KJ Wallace providing depth.

Starting safeties: Kyle Hamilton (FS), Houston Griffith (SS)
Backups: DJ Brown, Isaiah Pryor

While the Irish are in line to lose more talent at safety than cornerback, the combination of Kyle Hamilton and Houston Griffith is one that the coaching staff should be comfortable rolling out come game day. After all, the Irish had one too many star safeties in the form of Alohi Gilman, Jalen Elliott, and Hamilton throughout the 2019 season.

With Gilman and Elliott trying their hands at the NFL, Hamilton will take sole ownership over the free safety spot. Hamilton is undoubtedly the next big star at the position, recording 41 tackles, four interceptions, and six passes defensed last season. Griffith, initially recruited as a cornerback, will likely start alongside Hamilton at strong safety.

Depth at the position is a little less clear, but junior DJ Brown and senior Isaiah Pryor appear to be the first men up at the time being.