Ink on Indy
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: 5 Key Skill Position Players to Watch in 2016

By Kyle Nishida

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Notre Dame Football
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Cole Luke (36) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Cole Luke

Ever since he stepped onto the Notre Dame campus, Cole Luke has been an excellent defensive player for the Fighting Irish. The senior cornerback needs to be the driving force of Notre Dame’s defense in 2016.

After playing in six games as a freshman, Luke made 26 starts in his sophomore and junior seasons combined. Specifically, Luke recorded 41 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions and five pass break-ups as a junior.

Luke will be the Irish’s primary cornerback and could be their top defensive player entering the 2016 season. For this reason, the Notre Dame coaching staff will most likely ask Luke to cover every opposing team’s top receiver.

At 5-11 and almost 195 pounds, Luke may be a little undersized. However, he has terrific technique and plays the ball very well when it is in the air. His excellent ball skills are the reasons why he has accumulated six interceptions and 18 pass deflections in his collegiate career.

Luke is a potential NFL prospect so there is some personal motivation for him to perform well in 2016. If he plays well, he could be a catalyst for the rest of his defensive comrades.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish need new leaders to step on defense in 2016. Cole Luke is one of those players the Irish are counting on to step.

He has the skill set and has made big plays in the past. It would not be shocking to see Luke have a solid 2016 season.

Next: WR Torii Hunter Jr.

Home/Notre Dame