Notre Dame Spring Game: Most Vital Position Battles to Watch in Blue-Gold Clash

Although they perennially seem to disappoint their throngs of fans, there is no question that Notre Dame still has one of the premier programs in college football.

They haven't been National Championship contenders in quite some time, but the Irish are as high-profile a team as any, so all eyes will be on their spring game on Saturday.

The annual Blue-Gold Game is always quite a spectacle and this year will be no different. Notre Dame has a ton of talent and if everything comes together, then this could be a special season for the Fighting Irish. With that said, there is plenty of uncertainty entering the season.

Much of that could be cleared up by how players perform on Saturday.

Here are three position battles that bear watching during Notre Dame's Blue-Gold Game.

Quarterback - Tommy Rees vs. Andrew Hendrix vs. Everett Golson vs. Gunner Kiel

Because of past greats like Joe Theismann and Joe Montana, there are few positions in sports that are more glamorous than quarterback at Notre Dame.

While Tommy Rees held down that spot for much of last season, he had some issues with ball security, so he is in a full-fledged competition with three other skilled signal callers. Rees has the most experience, but Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson and Gunner Kiel all have interesting skill sets as well.

Right now Rees is probably the slight favorite with Hendrix close behind, but neither Golson nor Kiel should be counted out. Head coach Brian Kelly has made it quite clear that this is anyone's job to win, and it seems like he means it.

Whoever wins the job will be under immense pressure to lead the Irish back to prominence and he will also have three capable players breathing down his neck. Expect this muddled picture to become a bit clearer on Saturday.

No. 1 Wide Receiver - Robby Toma vs. DaVaris Daniels vs. John Goodman vs. T.J. Jones

With stud wide receiver Michael Floyd having graduated and moved on to the NFL, the Irish have quite the logjam at wideout.

There is undoubtedly a ton of talent in place, but it is unclear who will replace Floyd as the go-to target. Tight end Tyler Eifert's role is likely to expand even more as he is one of the best in the nation, but an outside threat will have to emerge among the quartet of Robby Toma, DaVaris Daniels, John Goodman and T.J. Jones.

Speedy junior Roby Toma is the most likely candidate, but with his diminutive size, he may be better suited as a slot receiver.

Goodman caught just seven passes last season, but he has a body similar to Floyd's and should be ready to step up as a senior.

Jones had the most success of the group a year ago with 38 catches, but he is more of a complementary guy.

The wild card is Daniels, who may possess more ability than any of them, but will only be a redshirt freshman this season. Somebody has to emerge and the Blue-Gold game is a good time to do it.

Right Guard - Nick Martin vs. Mike Golic, Jr.

It may not seem like a particularly important position battle on the surface, but there is an intriguing competition going on right now at right guard between Nick Martin and Mike Golic, Jr.

Martin is the upstart freshman with a ton of skill, while Golic is the veteran senior who is looking to finally break through as a starter. Golic has been a backup center over the course of his Notre Dame career, but may have finally found a starting spot at guard.

Martin is a highly-touted prospect with a bright future at Notre Dame, so he will have every opportunity to earn a starting job from day one.

With so much uncertainty at quarterback, it will be vital for the offensive line to hold up early in the season as whoever wins the starting signal-caller job tries to get his feet under him.

Also, running back Cierre Wood figures to be featured heavily, so run blocking will be important as well. Right guard is really the last remaining piece that has to be figured out in order to complete the offensive line puzzle.