Notre Dame Football: Fighting Irish's 2016 Offseason Summer Checklist

Notre Dame football could hardly avoid injuries last year, and collective health is the primary storyline of the 2016 offseason.

Most everyone knows about Malik Zaire's situation, but spring practice brought new issues and ailments—one of which could end the football days of a potential starter.

While one college career might finish, though, the coaching staff will be working to start many others via the recruiting trail. One particular weekend could bring a flurry of commitments.

Off-the-field successes will soon become a secondary topic, though. Since Notre Dame has national championship aspirations in 2016, a new starter must have a complete understanding of the defense.

Without that, a healthy team might not be enough for a title.

Malik Zaire: Get Comfortable

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Zaire healed from a broken right ankle and participated in spring practice, but that was merely a milestone in his recovery.

"I thought he was a little rusty earlier in the spring," Kelly said, according to Nick Ironside of 247Sports.

Although the competition between Zaire and DeShone Kizer grabbed most of the headlines, nobody expected a final decision. That wouldn't have been fair to Zaire, who wasn't at full strength.

Fall camp, however, is a different story. That built-in excuse will no longer apply for Zaire. Either he's ready to win the No. 1 spot for the second straight offseason, or Kizer will remain the starter.

Find out Where Corey Robinson Stands

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Corey Robinson's football future is up in the air.

Near the end of spring practice, Kelly said a decision from Robinson (concussions) about his status for 2016 was "forthcoming," according to J.J. Stankevitz of CSN Chicago.

For whatever reason—and that's not at all to suggest the wait is improper in any fashion—the senior wide receiver has not publicly announced his choice.

Regardless, it's been seven weeks since Kelly's update. Whichever route Robinson takes, he will be supported. If he chooses to retire, the Irish must replace five of their top six receivers from 2015.

Add to the Recruiting Class

Notre Dame is off to a respectable start in the 2017 recruiting cycle. The class rates No. 9 nationally, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

David Adams, Avery Davis and Pete Werner are three of the seven 4-stars in the 10-man group, and each prospect committed after visiting the campus on the weekend of March 19. Kurt Hinish and Drew White also joined the fold after attending junior day.

Another such weekend—the Irish Invasion camp—is set for mid-June. Prospects from all over the country will head to South Bend.

Not only is there a decent chance Notre Dame picks up a couple of commitments, it would be shocking if the program didn't.

Keep Preparing Nyles Morgan

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Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has taken criticism from both fans and analysts about a complicated scheme. However, whether that's fair or not is a different story.

Somebody on the field has to understand it all. This year, that responsibility belongs to Nyles Morgan.

The junior middle linebacker logged significant action to close the 2014 season, but he was just a freshman forced into action due to injury. In 2016, Morgan has a greater understanding of what's happening in VanGorder's system.

"Now I get the whys," Morgan said, per Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune. "Why this is this, why this is that. Once you get the whys, it makes you that much more confident."

Morgan needs to have the scheme perfected mentally. By all accounts, he's off to a great start, and Morgan's summer learning will be critical on Saturdays in the fall.

Stay Healthy, If Possible

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This one, without a doubt, is easier said than done. Injuries—especially to knee ligaments—heavily affected Notre Dame in 2015.

Players like Drue Tranquill, Jarron Jones, Durham Smythe and Tarean Folston were shaking off the rust during spring practice.

But Te'von Coney, Greer Martini and Daelin Hayes were unavailable for the workouts. Nick Watkins (broken left arm) and C.J. Sanders (hip flexor strain) had their spring sessions end early.

Injuries kept the Irish from reaching their championship ceiling in 2015. Minor issues can be overcome, but soon, a three-month recovery time means missing six regular-season games.

And that, potentially, is a huge problem.

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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.