State Of The Irish: Notre Dame Defensive Backfield
State of the Irish will be a nine-piece miniseries analyzing Notre Dame football from top to bottom, also predicting what's ahead for the team.
Cornerbacks
No. 2 Darrin Walls, Senior-RS (6'0", 190)
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Welcome back, Mr. Walls.
A breakout year in 2007 had put Walls' name on the top of everyone's '08 depth charts. Things went sour when he decided to leave school for personal reasons with hopes of returning in time for the following season.
Now back on campus and ready for the expectations again, he finds himself slotted as the starter at right corner. Although the two starting corners will see the field first, there will be a consistent rotation because of the depth and talent on the edges. The more competition, the better.
After a year off, Walls will return to his old form and pick up right where he left off. I'm predicting at least one pick-six this year for him.
No. 12 Robert Blanton, Sophomore (6'1", 185)
The "little" man on campus isn't so little anymore.
Coming into school running his mouth, Blanton backed his talk up with a productive first year. After a pick-six of his own, he had fans begging for more of him.
He's battling with Walls for a starting spot in camp, but both of them are penciled in the starting corner spots. They should form a dynamic duo in the defensive backfield, and are giving the Floyd/Tate tandem a run for their money on the practice field.
Blanton is going to have a monster year for the Irish. Not only does he use his athleticism to his advantage, but he can make impact plays.
No. 8 Raeshon McNeil, Senior (6'0", 190)
McNeil is one of the most underrated players on the team.
After leading the '08 unit with 11 pass breakups, he still finds himself fighting for a starting spot with Blanton at left cornerback. Not to mention he finished seventh on the team with 41 tackles.
Why is McNeil even being considered as a backup this year, you ask? Depth.
Whether or not he starts on September 5, you will see No. 8 on the field making plays and wrapping up opponents.
No. 4 Gary Gray, Sophomore (5'11", 190)
Anyone who saw Gray play in the All-American bowl while a high school senior became anxious to see him on the field right away.
Due to depth and missing the spring season, he finds himself as the fifth cornerback.
Gray played in nine games (15 tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups) and produced rather nicely. There is no reason we shouldn't see him on the field more this season.
Big things will come out of him as an upperclassmen when his opportunity arises.
No. 26 Jamoris Slaughter, Sophomore-RS (6'0", 185)
When I first saw this kids' name pop up on the Irish recruiting radar last year, I labeled him my favorite recruit. A defensive back with the last name "Slaughter"?
In my humble opinion—a must get.
After arguably having one of the best springs out of the cornerbacks, Slaughter has put his name on the depth chart for other reasons.
Although the backfield is more stacked than ever, he will most likely find his way onto the field this year in some fashion. He is going to be something special in the future, and will back up his name with production.
Safeties
No. 28 Kyle McCarthy, Senior (6'0", 210)
The heir apparent to David Bruton, McCarthy has been dubbed the leader of the defensive backfield.
Totaling 110 tackles in '08, he set the record for most tackles by an Irish defensive back. Not bad for a guy who was overlooked because of the bigger names of Bruton and Tom Zbikowski.
In his final year in the program, expect McCarthy to have another great year for the Irish. Although he won't set another record (a good thing in terms of rush defense), he is going to have another all-around solid year under Corwin Brown.
McCarthy and Harrison "Hayseed" Smith should form a very dependable back two for the Irish this year.
No. 22 Harrison Smith, Sophomore (6'2", 207)
The nickname came from Jon Tenuta and it has stuck.
"Hayseed" moves back to his natural position in '09 after spending his freshman campaign at OLB. Even playing out of position, he still managed eight-and-a-half tackles for loss, which led the team.
One of the most athletically gifted players recruited under Weis, Smith won't play the prettiest game of football. But when the clock hits triple zero, you know he will have produced and done his job.
Big things are expected out of the sophomore this year, and he should wind up leading the team in yet another category again this season.
No. 31 Sergio Brown, Senior (6'2", 205)
Being compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a football sense can be a good and bad thing.
Brown seems to show flashes of brilliance in one game, and then disappear for the next. As I stated last year, he simply confuses the brain.
The nickle back in '08, he totaled 28 tackles and six pass breakups. He has a knack for flying all over the field, yet can sometimes be prone to giving up the big play.
He finds himself serving as the backup to the older McCarthy in his final year, but will see plenty of time. Expect him to have a very similar season to that of '08.
No. 15 Dan McCarthy, Sophomore-RS (6'2", 205)
Being bigger than your older brother is always an accomplishment. Beating him out for playing time is one that might be a little more difficult.
After a serious injury in his senior year of high school, McCarthy was eased into his first year at Notre Dame. Strictly playing on the scout team and taking a red-shirt, he served a pivotal role in preparation for '08 opponents.
Helping your team practice and win is great, but helping your team on the field to win is what every player wants.
McCarthy will have to wait another year for his time, but don't be surprised if he turns out better than his brother by the end of his time at Notre Dame.
No. 17 Zeke Motta, Freshman (6'2", 215)
Motta, or Harrison Smith II, is another case of freakish athleticism and versatility.
Enrolling early this year, he started off spring getting reps in the linebacking corps. By the start of training camp, Motta found himself making the transition to strong safety.
He played safety in high school, and will be groomed alongside the younger McCarthy to be the successors to the upperclassmen.
Motta might see limited time on defense, but expect him to be an impact special teams player.
Others: No. 27 EJ Banks (Freshman), No. 6 Ray Herring (Senior), No. 24 Leonard Gordon (Senior), No. 37 Mike Anello (Senior)
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