NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
2013 College Football Early Preview
OFFENSE - 7
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 8
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Theo Riddick-RB, Robby Toma-WR, Braxston Cave-C, Mike Golic-OG, Tyler Eifert-TE (NFL)
DEFENSE: Kapron Lewis-Moore-DE, Manti Te'o-ILB, Zeke Motta-S, Jamoris Slaughter-S, Ben Turk-P
TE Tyler Eifert
- declared for NFL -
Quarterback / Defensive Front

Freshman Everett Golson grew up fast and was a major reason the Irish are playing for all the marbles. By this time next year, Golson will be considered a premier quarterback. His decision making ability whether to throw or run is remarkable for someone this young. Another Te'o doesn't exist on this year's roster, but the overwhelming depth and experience on this defensive front will continue to give ND a chance in every game they play. The Irish will still continue to win with defense.

Receiver

The passing offense isn't going to overwhelm anyone. If tight end Tyler Eifert returns for another season this could be a much more formidable passing attack though. The Irish need to find another playmaker catching passes this spring.

DE Stephon Tuitt
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2013 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
NOTRE DAME 2013 DEPTH CHART (updated Jan. 8)
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Everett Golson-So Tommy Rees-Sr / Andrew Hendrix-Jr
RB Cierre Wood-Sr George Atkinson-Jr
WR TJ Jones-Sr Chris Brown-So
WR DaVaris Daniels-So ..
WR Daniel Smith-Sr ..
TE Troy Niklas-Jr ..
OT Zack Martin-Sr ..
OG Chris Watt-Sr ..
C .. ..
OG .. ..
OT Christian Lombard-Jr ..
K Kyle Brindza-Jr Nick Tausch-Sr
 
NOTRE DAME 2013 DEPTH CHART (updated Jan. 8)
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Sheldon Day-So ..
NG Louis Nix-Jr Kona Schwenke-Sr
DE Stephon Tuitt-Jr Tony Springmann-So
OLB Prince Shembo-Sr Ishaq Williams-Jr
ILB Dan Fox-Sr Carlo Calabrese-Sr
ILB Jarrett Grace-So Kendall Moore-Jr
OLB Danny Spond-Sr Ben Councell-So
CB KeiVarae Russell-So Josh Atkinson-Jr
CB Bennett Jackson-Sr Jalen Brown-So
S Nicky Baratti-So ..
S Matthias Farley-So ..
P .. ..
QUICK TAKES

    12/18/12

  • The expectations for young quarterback Everett Golson have grown quickly in the span of a couple months. He shook off early cautious play and learned how to be a winner in Brian Kelly's offense with each game. His athletic skills and quick experience will carry Notre Dame into the 2013 promised land. Golson is an extremely legit signal caller.
  • The top two receiving targets (Eifert and Jones) are still underclassmen. However, Eifert will be a highly sought after NFL product. The Irish will need to locate a top level playmaker on offense without Eifert. Who that will be remains to be seen.
  • Is this offense still capable of grinding it out offensively? Yes, this is a workhorse offensive backfield with Wood, Riddick and Atkinson each sharing a piece of the load. Only Riddick departs. The OL won't be quite as strong but not far off either.
  • One of the nation's premier pass rushers in 2013 will be defensive end Stephon Tuitt. He should surpass the 12 sack mark set in 2012.
  • Another Heisman runner up linebacker is not on the roster. Replacing Manti Te'o as an individual isn't possible. However, replacing him through sheer numbers of talent and experience won't be a problem. With eight starters back from the nation's No. 1 ranked scoring defense, the Irish will win with defense again.

 

NOTRE DAME 2013 SCHEDULE

Aug. 31 - Temple
Sept. 7 - at Michigan
Sept. 14 - at Purdue
Sept. 21 - Michigan State
Sept. 28 - Oklahoma
Oct. 5 - vs. Arizona State @Arlington, TX
Oct. 19 - Southern California
Oct. 26 - at Air Force
Nov. 2 - Navy
Nov. 9 - at Pittsburgh
Nov. 23 - Brigham Young
Nov. 30 - at Stanford