Notre Dame Football: 5 Things We Learned About the Fighting Irish This Spring

Definitive takeaways are rare in spring practice, but Notre Dame Fighting Irish football provided a few significant insights during the recent offseason workouts.

The Fighting Irish completed the first phase of a nationally relevant quarterback competition. Although no winner emerged, the position did manage some separation.

Spring hype doesn't always translate to fall success, yet a couple of breakout players emerged on both sides of the football, while injuries robbed practice reps from several expected contributors.

Not all developments were positive, but Notre Dame's overall 2016 outlook is promising.

It's Not Brandon Wimbush

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Heading into the spring, head coach Brian Kelly said that the Irish would entertain a three-man competition between DeShone Kizer, Malik Zaire and Brandon Wimbush, per Tom Coyne of the Associated Press.

Few—if any—anticipated Wimbush to remain a major factor. The expectation held true.

Kelly called the sophomore an exciting quarterback but said, "I haven't figured out how to get him involved in this race," according to Mike Vorel of the South Bend Tribune.

Neither Kizer and Zaire pulled away from each other, but they created a gap between second- and third- string spots.

Big Changes at Receiver

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Notre Dame knew it had to replace Will Fuller and other top pass-catchers. However, the process became increasingly difficult when injuries plagued the receiving corps.

Corey Robinson (concussion) and C.J. Sanders (hip) missed a majority of the spring. Consequently, Torii Hunter Jr. was the lone receiver with significant previous experience—though Sanders almost exclusively contributed as a returner.

Equanimeous St. Brown, Miles Boykin and Corey Holmes were in leading roles while Kevin Stepherson and Chris Finke garnered praise. Tight end Alize Jones spent some time outside, too.

The Irish should present a respectable unit, but developing from scarcely used reserves to top targets is an ongoing process, which could get harder if Robinson elects to retire from football.

Real Concerns on Defensive Line

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By no means is panic necessary. However, Notre Dame's collection of defensive ends is nowhere close to being labeled dominant.

Fortunately for the Irish, talent itself isn't an issue. Jay Hayes, Andrew Trumbetti, Daelin Hayes, Isaac Rochell, Jonathan Bonner and Khalid Kareem compose a deep group.

The recurring question in South Bend, though, is if this unit will actually pressure the quarterback. Last season, defensive linemen managed a total of 16 sacks. In 2014, Notre Dame tallied just 13 up front.

Now, the Irish must progress without Sheldon Day anchoring the middle or Romeo Okwara shooting off the edge. Will the 2016 crew quiet the concerns?

Expectations Are Soaring for Nyles Morgan

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As a true freshman, Nyles Morgan accumulated 47 total tackles. Most of his production came after he entered the starting lineup when an ankle injury ended Joe Schmidt's 2014 season.

Schmidt stayed healthy in 2015, though, so Morgan didn't see the field often. This year, Morgan is tasked with replacing Schmidt, which involves lining up the defense and constantly communicating.

But the junior impressed coaches.

"There's always a lot of talk about coach [Brian] VanGorder's system, and it's so complicated, and you've got to communicate, and no one's really talked about Nyles and it's because Nyles has been that good this spring," Kelly said, per Nick Ironside of 247Sports.

Morgan's hype train is picking up steam, but the regular season will determine whether or not it derails.

Secondary Is in Good Shape

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While the D-line could become a major issue, the secondary looks like the strength of Notre Dame's defense.

Cole Luke and Nick Watkins—when healthy—are poised to start on the outside, while Ashton White and Nick Coleman are in the picture for regular snaps. Shaun Crawford is back after missing 2015 because of a torn right ACL and should be the nickelback.

Early enrollee Devin Studstill earned first-team reps at free safety over Max Redfield, who, despite frustrating moments, still is the leading returning tackler. Strong safety Drue Tranquill (torn right ACL in September 2015) had no limitations during the spring game.

Questions overshadow the front seven, but the secondary is full of answers.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.