Notre Dame Football 2011: Predicting the Offensive Depth Chart

With kickoff against South Florida less than two months away, it's time to start taking a look at the depth charts.

Today we'll start with the offense and defense will follow tomorrow.

Notre Dame fans, coaches and players all know that last season's offense was only running at half speed, if that.

It took time for the players to adjust to Brian Kelly's no-huddle, hurry-up offense.

Injuries to key players such as quarterback Dayne Crist, running back Armando Allen and wide receiver Theo Riddick certainly didn't help matters.

This season's offense promises to be much improved.

The players are now very familiar and comfortable with the terminology and assignments of the system.

With most of last season's starters returning to the offense this fall, let's take a look at the projected offensive depth chart.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Michael Floyd

Backup: Daniel Smith

All-America candidate Michael Floyd is returning for his senior season despite a run-in with the law this offseason.

Brian Kelly suspended Michael Floyd from the football program indefinitely immediately following the incident.

However, all signs are pointing toward Michael Floyd playing this fall.

Michael Floyd is coming off a career season in which he hauled in 79 receptions for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He will go down as the best receiver in Notre Dame history when it's all said and done.

Sophomore Daniel Smith, a native of South Bend, will hope to crack the rotation at receiver at spending most of his time assisting on special teams last season.

Wide Receiver

Starter: T.J. Jones

Backup: John Goodman

T.J. Jones had an excellent season as a true freshman as he reeled in 23 receptions for 306 yards and three touchdowns.

He will once again be a starting receiver alongside Michael Floyd.

T.J. Jones' numbers should increase this season as he has one year of starting experience under his belt.

Backing him up will be senior John Goodman who had 15 receptions for 146 yards last season.

John Goodman's role in the offense should increase due to the lack of depth at the position.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Theo Riddick

Backup: Roby Toma

Theo Riddick was on pace to have a breakout season last year before going down with a severe high ankle sprain in the Western Michigan game.

On the season Theo Riddick had 40 receptions for 414 yards and three touchdowns.

That's not too shabby considering he missed four games and the majority of the Western Michigan game.

Look for Theo Riddick to become an impact player for the Irish this season.

Roby Toma is best known for being part of a package deal with Manti Te'o on national signing day in 2009.

Sometimes referred to as the "Hawaiian Rocket," Roby Toma is a shifty player who should see more playing time this season.

Left Tackle

Starter: Zack Martin

Backup: Tate Nichols

Zack Martin is in his second season as the starter at left tackle.

He has been nothing but solid at the position and has done a phenomenal job of protecting the blindside of both Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees.

Backing him up is sophomore Tate Nichols who redshirted last season while focusing solely on strength and conditioning. 

Tate Nichols is a monster at 6'8", 320 pounds and should see playing time in mop-up duty this season.

Left Guard

Starter: Chris Watt

Backup: Lane Clelland

Chris Watt takes over the starting spot at left guard after the departure of Chris Stewart.

The former 4-Star recruit from Glen Ellyn, Illinois has yet to make an impact in an Irish uniform, but will get his chance this season.

Center

Starter: Braxston Cave

Backup: Mike Golic Jr.

Braxston Cave enters his senior season as one of the nation's top centers.

He was recently named to the Rimington Award watch list.

Mike Golic will serve as a reliable backup.

Right Guard

Starter: Trevor Robinson

Backup: Andrew Nuss

Trevor Robinson is entering his final of season of eligibility at Notre Dame.

He has struggled with injuries for a majority of his career in South Bend and hopes to remain healthy this season.

The Irish need Trevor Robinson to be healthy in order for the offensive line to be running in full gear.

Right Tackle

Starter: Taylor Dever

Backup: Christian Lombard

Another senior, Taylor Dever has been one of the steadiest players during his career at Notre Dame.

It's expected by many that redshirt freshman Christian Lombard will push Dever for playing time as the season progresses.

Don't be surprised if Christian Lombard takes over as the starter later in the season.

Tight End

Starter: Tyler Eifert

Backup: Mike Ragone

With Kyle Rudolph now in the NFL, it is time for Tyler Eifert to continue the tradition of outstanding tight ends at Notre Dame.

It is the deepest position on the offensive side of the ball as four guys are capable of playing at any time.

Redshirt freshman Alex Welch should get a few snaps this season.

Running Back

Starter: Cierre Wood

Backup: Jonas Gray

After taking over for the injured Armando Allen, Cierre Wood went on to lead the Irish in rushing yards with 603 yards on 119 carries.

Heading into this season the position is thin as could be.

It is expected that incoming freshman Cam McDaniel will contribute.

George Atkinson is another freshman who may get some carries.

One other possibility that has been on the table for quite some time is Theo Riddick returning to the running back from his receiver position.

Quarterback

Starter: Dayne Crist

Backup: Tommy Rees

Dayne Crist amassed 2,033 yards and 15 touchdowns before going down with another season ending knee injury.

Tommy Rees took over and won four consecutive games as the starter. 

It is going to be a stiff race for the starting job down until opening kickoff against South Florida. 

Brian Kelly has also said that he will utilize multiple quarterbacks this season.

Andrew Hendrix is the third-stringer who may see playing time this season.