Notre Dame Football: Week 1 Fall Camp Stock Report

DeShone Kizer and Malik Zaire have taken center stage at Notre Dame football's fall camp, but a couple of teammates are also trying to nab the spotlight.

The quarterback competition will draw the most headlines—and for good reason. Brian Kelly's club has national championship aspirations, and either Kizer or Zaire will be the focal point.

But the eventual winner must have a reliable offensive line in front of him. The Irish have almost identified the final piece.

Notre Dame's defense is missing a few segments of the puzzle, but a highly recruited freshman is grabbing some attention in his first August session with the team.

No Shortage of Confidence Behind Center

The Irish are facing an enviable problem at quarterback, but it still needs a resolution. Though Kizer has more in-game experience, both players have performed well on Saturdays in the fall. Kelly's confidence certainly isn't unfounded.

"We've got two really good quarterbacks," Kelly said, per George Schroeder of USA Today. "They're both guys that can lead us to a championship."

According to Chris Goff of the Journal Gazette, the seventh-year coach said there's currently no separation between Kizer and Zaire.

Depending on whether or not Kelly wants to have a known No. 1 when Notre Dame starts preparing for Texas, the decision will be unveiled in two or three weeks.

However, it's a safe bet the coaching staff won't rush into naming the starter. There might not be a wrong choice between Kizer and Zaire, but the Irish are still trying to identify the best one.

Right Guard Competition Narrowing

Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson highlight what should be a stout offensive line. Sam Mustipher earned the starting nod at center during the spring, and Alex Bars secured a spot at right tackle.

The final spot—right guard—is up for grabs.

Kelly had plenty of praise for Tommy Kraemer but said the 4-star freshman is no longer in consideration for the starting job, per Eric Hansen of the South Bend Tribune. Plus, Hunter Bivin will be a top backup.

That leaves Colin McGovern and Tristen Hoge as the lone options remaining. McGovern appeared in eight games last season, while Hoge took a redshirt.

According to Stephen Brooks of the Goshen News, Kelly called McGovern a "real steady performer" who knows the offense. Kelly added that the 6'4", 310-pound Hoge has obvious traits but is working to overcome the learning curve.

But like the quarterback position, don't expect an answer soon. "It's going to take awhile," Kelly said, per Brooks.

Hayes Turning Heads

Daelin Hayes enrolled early, which is a useful advantage for a true freshman. However, he missed spring practice due to injury. The 4-star is making up for lost time.

According to Matt Jones of Rivals, Kelly said Hayes is "faring quite well" against the first-string offensive line. That may be especially encouraging for Notre Dame fans, considering Hayes is battling a potential first-round NFL draft pick in McGlinchey.

"Daelin can do a little bit more," Kelly said, per Evan Sharpley of 247Sports. "He is not as stout [as teammate Jay Hayes], but he's pretty athletic and will be in our speed package. When we get into our speed package, Daelin is getting a lot of work there."

Last year, edge-rusher Romeo Okwara tallied nine of the team's 24 sacks. The Irish need to replace his impact, and the freshman Hayes might be working toward a regular third-down role.

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.