Engaging the defender may be the crux of the problem for the offensive line. More speed and quickness off the ball enables an offensive lineman to more easily engage the defender. At this point the questionable speed and quickness of the offensive line may be a liability. Fortunately the running backs are good enough to make up for some deficiency in offensive line play.

As far as individual performers go, each of the starting five has his positives. Sam Young will anchor the right tackle position. Young is a very lean 6’8” and 330 lbs, coming into Fall camp in exceptional physical condition. Perhaps the top offensive tackle recruit in his class, Young has yet to live up to his potential. It has been reported that he is taking more of a leadership role, and, as the experienced veteran of the unit, this bodes well. The primary problem Young faces is balance as his height makes it difficult to stay low. At times he can over-compensate, extending his body too far from his center of gravity.

To Young’s left, manning the right guard position, will be Chris Stewart. Stewart also has good size at 6’5” and 337 lbs. He took a while to develop into his role, needing to lose weight and improve his speed, but the work has paid off as he has shown improved quickness to go with his size. Stewart really looks poised to have a very good junior campaign.

Dan Wenger will man the center position for the Irish in 2008. He played admirably in limited duty at the end of the 2007 season, replacing the injured veteran John Sullivan. Wenger has exhibited a physical, aggressive mentality in his play during the Fall, something lacking from the 2007 version of this unit.

Lining up at left guard will be Eric Olsen. Similar in stature to Wenger, Olsen also brings toughness to the Irish offensive line. He comes of the ball quicker than most of the other linemen on the roster, staying low and driving his opponent.

Perhaps the most surprising outcome of the Fall practices has been senior Michael Turkovich winning the battle for left tackle. Turkovich spent most of his time at guard in the past but won the position battle for left tackle with Paul Duncan due to improved quickness and footwork during the Fall.

Defense

Defensive Line

Most of the Irish defense appears solid heading into the 2008 campaign. The lone exception may be along the defensive line. The primary challenge for the Irish defense appears to be against the run, particularly on first down. If the Irish can force opponents into long down and distances the rest of the defensive personnel is built to pressure the quarterback and lock down receivers in man coverage.

There are few big names along the defensive front for Notre Dame where the modus operandi seems to be smaller, quicker personnel. Pat Kuntz returns after missing all of the Spring, moving outside from the interior of the defensive line. Kuntz has a work ethic that is second to none, and will contribute valuable minutes in 2008. His lack of pure athleticism, however, prevents him from being an overwhelming presence on the field.

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