Notre Dame Football: A Look at the Prospective 2012 Offensive Depth Chart

The beginning of the 2011 season is right around the corner, but it's never too early to look ahead to upcoming seasons.

2012 has all the signs of being a memorable season for the Irish, especially on the offensive side of the football.

That claim is substantiated by the fact that Brian Kelly is a master of player development and an excellent molder of raw talent.

It also helps that Kelly is an offensive guru.

Let's take a look at the 2012 offensive depth chart to see what Coach Kelly has to work with in a season where many expect the Irish to make a run at the national title.

Center

Mike Golic Jr.

Bruce Heggie

The Irish will miss Braxston Cave heading into 2012 as he will have exhausted his eligibility following the conclusion of the current season.

In steps Mike Golic Jr., the son of former Irish great Mike Golic. The only concern surrounding Golic Jr. is his lack of experience as he has played sparingly in his three seasons on campus.

Sitting below Golic Jr. will be former defensive end Bruce Heggie. The coaching staff knew that depth was an issue at center, so moving Heggie over from a loaded defensive line makes sense.

Left Guard

Chris Watt

Matt Hegarty

Chris Watt will enter his senior season at left guard with one season of eligibility remaining. He saw significant action in 2010 providing depth behind the recently graduated Chris Stewart.

True freshman Matt Hegarty, a former 4-Star recruit, will likely earn a few snaps this season and figures to take over as the starter in 2012.

Right Guard

Conor Hanratty

Brad Carrico

Trevor Robinson's departure following the 2011 season will open the door to two current freshmen in Conor Hanratty and Brad Carrico.

Neither are likely to see much playing time this season, so they'll have to prove themselves in next year's spring and fall practices.

Left Tackle

Zack Martin

Christian Lombard

Zack Martin has established himself as one of the nation's premiere offensive linemen and is destined for the NFL. Beginning with this season, he has three years of eligibility remaining.

The battle for second-string reps behind Martin will come down to Christian Lombard and former Florida State commit Jordan Prestwood.

Right Tackle

Tate Nichols

Nick Martin

The Irish will miss Taylor Dever at right tackle, but two very talented players in Tate Nichols and Nick Martin are chomping at the bit to get on the field. 

Nichols is a monster of a human being at 6'8" and 320 pounds, but Martin may have the edge as his older brother Zack, is the current starter at left tackle.

Tight End

Tyler Eifert

Alex Welch

Incumbent starter Tyler Eifert has established himself as one the country's top tight ends as witnessed by his inclusion on Rivals.com list of the top 10 tight ends.

Also battling for playing time will be former 4-Star recruit and Cincinnati native Alex Welch. Tight ends coach Mike Denbrock has had nothing but praise for Welch during fall camp.

Wide Receiver

T.J. Jones

DaVaris Daniels

T.J. Jones had an excellent first season in an Irish uniform, hauling in 23 receptions for 306 yards and three scores.

He'll have two years of starting experience under his belt beginning in 2012, which has all the makings for him to be a top 10 receiver.

Behind T.J. Jones will be current freshman DaVaris Daniels who will most likely be used on special teams this season.

Wide Receiver

John Goodman

Daniel Smith

John Goodman seems poised to break out, but has yet to do so in an Irish uniform—2012 may be his year.

It will be interesting to see if Daniel Smith earns this backup role as injuries have plagued him during his time in South Bend.

Wide Receiver

Theo Riddick

Robby Toma

The slot-receiver spot will be the most competitive in 2012 with two very talented players in Theo Riddick and Robby Toma. Riddick will likely be the starter, but Toma continues to impress the coaching staff.

No matter how you look at it, the Irish are loaded at the slot position and both players will have a chance to make an impact.

Running Back

Cierre Wood

Cam McDaniel

Incumbent starter Cierre Wood will likely return for his third season of eligibility and will be an elite back.

The coaching staff knows he will produce, but depth remains a concern.

Current freshman Cam McDaniel played running back at the highest level of high school football in Texas, so that experience may prove that he is battle tested.

Quarterback

Dayne Crist

Tommy Rees

The quarterback depth chart remains the same in 2012, but if Dayne Crist plays well this season, there won't be a battle for starting duties next fall.

Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson will once again be fighting for snaps and Brian Kelly will likely want to get one or both on the field.