Ink on Indy
Fansided

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: College Football Preview

By Dave McKee

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next

Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Malik Zaire (8) celebrates with receiver Will Fuller (7) after a touchdown during the first half against the LSU Tigers in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

With Everett Golson now in Tallahassee, can Malik Zaire take the reigns and lead this offense to the Promise Land?

Quarterback:

2014 starting  quarterback Everett Golson transferred to Florida State following Notre Dame’s spring practice – he was recently named their starter. Now, the controversy is over and Malik Zaire will be the lone starter barring injury. Zaire was raised eyebrows following his breakout game in, the Music City Bowl against LSU. Notre Dame QB Malik Zaire may have little experience, but he does have a ton of talent?  Without taking too many hits, Zaire needs to be able to make good decisions with the football and not press like his predecessor did in the second half of the season – well enough to be the catalyst consistently? According to Brude Felman of Fox Sports:

Offensive Line:

The offensive line is the core component the offense is built around. Anchoring the offensive line is a fifth-year senior center, Nick Martin, and tackle redshirt junior Ronnie Stanley. Both are multiple NCAA trophy watch list candidates.  They lead a quality unit who will be tasked with opening up rushing lanes and keeping QB Malik Zaire upright and mobile while also opening up the rushing lanes to keep the offense balanced and the defense guessing. Coach Kelly commented on Martin’s journey back from injury and praised his leadership that reaches beyond his position group.

"“Nick Martin last year was named a captain, had to fight through a very difficult injury that he had the year before and it was difficult for him most of the season just to get healthy. You could see this year being fully healthy how he’s been able to lead not only the offensive line, but the entire offense. He’s been a great leader for us, so it’s just great to watch him lead and be such an integral part of what we’re doing offensively. He’s a great representative obviously both on and off the field.”"

Running Back:

Two intriguing names at running back for the Fighting Irish are sophomore Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant. Athlon sports provided an irrefutable analysis of the two in their recent preview of Notre Dame.

"“Running back Tarean Folston also had a quality sophomore season (889 yards rushing). Now the challenge is to get former five-star recruit Greg Bryant in the mix with Folston.”"

Wide Receiver:

Corey Robinson and Will Fuller, both awards list nominees, will be the Zaire’s leading targets by season’s end. Robinson, son of NBA legend David Robinson, creates a matchup nightmare for opposing DBs. Robinson excels in the red-zone and in down the field jump ball situations. Will Fuller is developing into a complete wide receiver. He had a career year last season finishing with a stat line of 76 receptions for 1,094 yards and tying for a team record 15 touchdowns. Amir Carlisle and Torrii Hunter Jr and Chris Brown fill out the roster and are all capable receivers ready to step in and make a play or two when their number is called.

Final Note:

This year marks the 127th football team fielded by Notre Dame. Believe it or not, there is some significance to that. After all 127 is a prime number and Team 127 is primed for a championship run in 2015.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves even if the schedule is favorable for them. The first step starts with game 1 against Texas:

Be sure to check back to Ink On Indy for more Notre Dame Football coverage!

Next: Purdue Boilermakers: College Football Preview

More from Ink on Indy

Home/Notre Dame