Notre Dame Football: What can we expect from the Irish in 2020?

Clark Lea, Irish reloading on defense

At this point we know better than to question Clark Lea’s abilities as a defensive coordinator, but he’ll have some work to do after losing seven starting-caliber players last season. Of those seven, the losses of defensive ends Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem have the potential to be most impactful, although returners Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji are excellent replacements.

With that said, the departures of defensive backs Alohi Gilman, Jalen Elliott, and Troy Pride Jr. will likely be the most difficult to overcome. Even the loss of cornerback Donte Vaughn hurts Notre Dame on the depth front. In the wake of this restructuring, junior Houston Griffith figures to slot into the strong safety position across from standout Kyle Hamilton while TaRiq Bracy takes over for Pride at corner.

Things get a little murkier when it comes to the No. 2 corner spot should Shaun Crawford remain at nickel. Graduate transfer Nick McCloud could be the favorite to land the job after transferring from N.C. State, but an eventual push from sophomores Isaiah Rutherford, Cam Hart, and KJ Wallace can’t yet be ruled out.

Lea has done a fine job moving his players around when the situation warrants it, and there’s little doubt he’ll be able to do so again. With a solid linebacker corps spearheaded by early-round draft prospect Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Lea should once again bring to the table a defense with the potential to finish the season as a top 10 unit.