Notre Dame Football: Domino Effect of Starter Matt Hegarty's Transfer

Heading into fall camp last season, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly and offensive line coach Harry Hiestand still hadn't decided how their offensive line would look. That certainly won't be the case moving into 2015.

News broke Wednesday morning that starting center Matt Hegarty will play his fifth year elsewhere. ESPN's Matt Fortuna reports that Hegarty will look to play center somewhere full time, setting off a domino effect as the Irish offensive line begins to take shape.

There doesn't seem to be any ill will between Hegarty and the Irish coaching staff. The New Mexico native sounded appreciative of his time spent in South Bend, releasing a statement via ESPN that adds some clarity to a competitive offensive line battle:

"

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Notre Dame Football program has afforded me. I want to thank Notre Dame, my coaches, my teammates and friends at school for the four great years I had at Notre Dame. I also want to thank the Notre Dame Nation for all of their support over the years. My focus has been to pour myself into everything that I have done at ND. I have worked hard and have always done everything that was asked of me. Recently my coaches informed me that they wanted me to change positions. They also explained that with many younger players in the wings, they wanted to develop them more heavily in the rotation—a need that I understand and appreciate.

Unfortunately, I have already had to miss a precious amount of football battling back from my stroke, and I value every rep and opportunity going into my final year of college ball that much more. My goal is to contribute this season, continue to develop my skills and pursue my dream of playing in the NFL. Because of this goal, I have asked for a transfer to play at another school where I can contribute more on the field. Notre Dame has amassed formidable depth on the O-line and have many very talented players to fill all positions.

So I wish everyone at ND the best this year and especially to my 15 brothers on the offensive line as they prepare for the 2015 season.

"

Expected to be one of the strengths of the team, the offensive line that powered Notre Dame to 263 rushing yards against LSU was returning in its entirety. But Hegarty's departure points to Nick Martin's return to center, where the veteran started nearly all of 2013 and began 2014 before a thumb injury required a move.

The younger players Hegarty mentioned in his statement point to a competitive spring when new blood will compete for the open guard job. That includes highly touted rising sophomores Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars. Nelson worked inside during bowl preparations in December. Bars drew raves from Kelly, as well. 

With Conor Hanratty also departing the program (concussions contributed to the likely end of his football career), the depth chart should have a different look. Junior John Montelus will certainly get some attention, as will fellow junior Colin McGovern.

After starting last season at right tackle, junior Steve Elmer seems to have found a home at guard. After being thrown into the lineup at tackle against USC and LSU, rising junior Mike McGlinchey looks to be the bookend opposite All-American candidate Ronnie Stanley. Stanley's decision to return for his senior season also likely weighed into Hegarty's decision to leave.

Without Stanley, the Irish coaches would've needed to push another young player into the starting lineup, making Hegarty's playing experience invaluable. Stanley's return made Hegarty disposable, especially with some roster moves still needed to get down to 85 scholarships.

Expect there to be plenty of interest in Hegarty, with many programs looking for a starting-caliber center. Hegarty will earn his degree in May, allowing him to join a program in June for summer workouts and classes.

But after struggling to find a cohesive offensive line in 2014, Kelly appears to have learned his lesson. While the Irish head coach is taking a gamble on the young talent he's stockpiled the past few years, it allows the offensive line to find its rhythm this spring.