Pressing for playing time behind Kuntz is freshman Ethan Johnson. Johnson came to Notre Dame with much fanfare and hasn’t disappointed so far. He has a very large frame with room to add weight, shows good explosiveness off the ball for his size, and has good technique for a freshman. The knock on Johnson, like all freshmen along the offensive and defensive fronts, is his strength. While he does have good size (275 lbs) and speed to contribute early, his strength will likely prevent him from playing an high number of minutes. Still, he will be looked upon to contribute depth to the defensive end position.

Justin Brown and Maurice Richardson will man the other side of the defensive line. Like Johnson, Brown has good quickness and agility, but his size may be a liability. At 277 lbs, he may struggle against larger offensive lines late in games. Richardson will no doubt be spelling Brown, trying to ease the fatigue and keep both players fresh. He seems to be settling in nicely to the defensive end position after switching from outside linebacker in the Spring. Richardson has shown excellent quickness, balance, and hand technique throughout the Fall. If he is able to increase his weight from 255 to 285+ lbs he could be an every-down contributor for the Irish.

The wildcard in the mix may be freshman Kapron Lewis-Moore. While somewhat under-sized Lewis-Moore has shown excellent athleticism in his limited time on campus and may be a promising pass rusher. With the lack size all along the defensive front, an added body to share the load will help keep a regular rotation of fresh linemen.

Coming off an All-American freshman season Ian Williams will now start at nose tackle for the Irish. The move to a full-time playing role is a change he welcomes and he certainly has the size and strength to play well. Williams continues to play low and uses good leverage. He also sheds blocks well but his recognition, at times, is slow. He will be counted on to control both A-gaps against the run, as well as provide a pass rush surge up the middle. Effectively performing both duties is a tall task for any one player and Williams may need help.

Behind Williams are junior Paddy Mullen and a promising freshman. Like Williams, Mullen has good size and strength, but lacks the athleticism of freshman Brandon Newman. Newman certainly has the physical build at 6’ and 310 lbs, giving him a low center of gravity and allowing him to play with good leverage. What he lacks in straight-line speed he makes up for in explosiveness off the ball. Most of the Fall practice footage indicates he has excellent footwork and agility for his size. Newman also seems to have the requisite strength to contribute right away, something the majority of the other freshmen lack.

Linebackers

The linebacker corps will be led by senior Maurice Crum. This Fall has been all about business for Crum, trying to lead the redemption movement from the 2007 season. A four year starter, Crum has played outside and inside linebacker in his career at Notre Dame. He has a nose for the football, good athleticism, and good speed, and should thrive as the weak inside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme if the front three can occupy blockers.

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