(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Prior to the beginning of the 2009 Notre Dame football season, I picked out 10 impact players/coaches for the season (follow the link to the original here). Since we are five weeks in and have arrived at the bye week, I thought it was fitting to give interim grades (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory/Incomplete) to measure their progress.

Ian Williams

My original measurement for impact: the safeties aren’t 1-2 in team tackles this year (it’s not a good thing when safeties lead the team in tackles, trust me).

Update:

Tackle Leaders: Kyle McCarthy (49), Harrison Smith (32), Brain Smith (26)….Ian Williams (12)

Grade:

Incomplete. The line has shown steady improvement over the past few weeks, with more activity from Williams, Ethan Johnson and Kapron Lewis-Moore. I am still holding on to hope for this unit…but only just.

Toryan Smith

My original measurement for impact: 60-plus tackles on the season.

Update:

14 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery

Grade:

Unsatisfactory. Averaging just under three tackles a game results in about 35 over the season. Considering Brian Smith will now be starting at Mike and Manti Te’o at Will (forcing T. Smith out of a starting job), the numbers will only decline. On the bright side, he has been good in stopping the run and was part of the outstanding goal-line unit in the Washington game. Now relegated to a situational player, I still expect him to make a play or two here and there.

Bryant Young

My original measure for impact: ND defense holds the opposition to under 3.5 yds/carry (vs. 4.1 yds/carry in 2008).

Update:

The defense is currently yielding 4.4 yds/carry, more than the ’08 squad. This is due in part to the overall poor tackling, which will hopefully improve. Maybe.

Grade:

Incomplete. As stated above, the line has been improving, and with Te’o bound to see most of the snaps at Will, the opposing offense will have to account for him by changing blocking schemes. Looking back at the numbers for the Washington game and his improved tackling (did I mention that yet?) could equal a possible passing grade.

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