Notre Dame Fighting Irish: College Football Preview
By Dave McKee
Sep 13, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) celebrates after Notre Dame defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 30-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame is fielding one of the most talented and highly touted, top-10 defenses heading into 2015.
The Notre Dame defense may be more exciting to watch than the offense this season. Why? call it a hunch… Barring any major injuries, this group looks impressively built – with the necessary depth – to take on the top teams in the NCAA. Four of the five team captains are defensive players. Defensive tackle, Sheldon Day; linebackers Jaylon Smith (outside), and Joe Schmidt (middle); and defensive back Matthias Farley are not only on defense but at each level of the defense. The leadership on this side of the ball makes me feel comfortable with that hunch.
Defensive-Line:
Senior, Sheldon Day is a dominant defensive tackle and likely a first-round pick whenever he decides to start his NFL career. Jarron Jones was another preseason watch list player who, combined with Day, headlined a stellar defensive front. Unfortunately, in mid-August, Jones was lost for the season due to a torn MCL. Day can take up blocks to open lanes or drive into blockers to collapse the pocket with interior pressure. Day was a difference-maker before, but this offseason’s improvements were not only evident on the playing field, but also in the position meetings. According to Nick Ironside of 247sports, He has grown into a strong leader. Per Ironside coach Kelly spoke very highly of Day’s evolution off the field:
"“Sheldon Day similarly as an underclassman, I don’t know that he truly knew how to lead as an underclassman. He was afraid at times to step on the seniors’ toes and was hesitant at times to speak up. That’s not the case this year. He truly has control his room, the defensive line room. I think what’s impressed me the most about him is the way he’s practiced. Every single day with energy and a desire to want to get better every day. I’ve been very impressed with him as a senior and the way he’s competed.”"
Linebacker:
Jaylon Smith is the marquee name of the Notre Dame defense. His official position is listed as a WILL linebacker, but in all reality he can play inside or outside with ease. Smith has all the tools to become a top-5 draft pick. He is just that talented. Teams will have to gameplan for him which will add to the confusion and frustration of opposing coordinators. Alongside Smith is a fellow team captain and fifth-year senior Joe Schmidt. The middle linebacker missed five games last season with an ankle injury and was still awarded the team’s defensive MVP. Junior, James Onwualu will line up as the SAM linebacker setting the edge for the defense. Coach Kelly praised both, Smith and Schmidt’s leadership qualities.
"“Jaylon is just such a force on the field. Makes such an impact. He’s so impactful that you can’t help but notice him every single down that he’s out there. And he’s our best player on defense by far. It’s not even close. He’s that good of a player. Sheldon Day’s a really fine player. KeiVarae Russell is a very fine player, but he is a dominating football player and we just felt like it was important that he be in a leadership position.”"
"“Joe Schmidt I think speaks for himself in the sense that, boy, what a representative for our program in the community, in the classroom. Class, distinction, and then on the field just a great communicator. Just a galvanizer as a leader.”"
Secondary:
The secondary for the Fighting Irish is led by team captain and fifth-year senior Matthias Farley and by multiple award nominee KeiVare Russell who returns from an academic scandal that left him suspended last season. Add in Elijah Shumate and Cole Luke and you have one stingy defensive backfield. Russell’s return might steal the spotlight early, but each one of these defensive backs is capable of highlight reel-worthy plays at any time.
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