: underline;">Offense

Quarterback

From very limited video Jimmy Clausen looks to have picked up right where he left off in the Spring. Physically, Clausen is a different player and it shows as he has considerably more zip on his passes. He also looks more comfortable in the offense suggesting his grasp of the playbook has progressed.

Sharpley is the entrenched backup behind Clausen. He should serve as a dependable second signal caller should the Irish need him. Dayne Crist is the most imposing physical specimen at the position. He has a very strong arm but his accuracy leaves quite a bit to be desired. To date, Crist doesn’t seem that comfortable in the offense as his “happy feet” indicate. If Weis’ comments are any indication Crist won’t see the field this year, redshirting and giving the third string duties to the son of former Notre Dame great Joe Montana.

Running Back

If there is one position where Notre Dame has top-to-bottom talent, it’s running back. There is size, speed, and quickness in surplus and the increased strength in the off-season should pay dividends in yards after contact. The Irish have three legitimate contenders for the starting role but will likely employ a “running back by committee” approach. Junior James Aldridge and sophomores Armando Allen and Robert Hughes head the triumvirate, with Hughes likely getting the majority of the carries.

Hughes might have lost a step in straight-line speed from a year ago but his cuts are more decisive and his power is exceptional. He can move the pile, something valuable in short yardage situations. He also has exceptional balance and agility for a back in the 240 lbs range but could benefit from running with a lower pad level. His ball skills are good, protecting the football before contact and always keeping the ball on the outside.

Aldridge is much of the same but with a little more quickness, especially in his cuts. He runs just as tough as last season and the competition at the position seems to have brought out the best in his effort. He also looks to have increased his speed in the off-season.

Allen has to be the most improved back in the mix. He is running with more authority and patience, something he desperately needed to develop after the 2007 season. Allen has showed better vision, waiting for holes to develop rather than charging ahead through the line of scrimmage, and his balance is nearly as good as Hughes. He has elite speed and quickness, rarely slowing to make a change of direction. This, coupled with good hands and increased pass protection skills, and Allen could be very dangerous in passing situations. He has run tougher this Fall than last season, but his shiftiness prevents defenders from getting a solid hit on his small frame which should help his durability.

Lost in the mix of the top three are junior Barry Gallup Jr. and freshmen Jonas Gray. Gallup seems to be an afterthought after a Spring switch from wide receiver, but he has looked very good in the Fall. He has very good cutting ability in space, rarely slowing down to change direction. While not the first choice for getting carries, Gallup could provide solid minutes if needed.

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