Notre Dame Football: Tommy Rees and 5 Key Players for Irish in 2012

As the 2011 Notre Dame Football season progresses, more people are beginning to look forward to the future.  With that said, there are many upper-classmen moving on to the NFL draft who leave heavy shoes to fill in the wake of their departure.  Their departure, as well as other question marks, will leave even more compelling questions on the roster.

Who will be the starting Notre Dame quarterback in 2012?

Sophomore quarterback Tommy Rees has gained the trust of head coach Brian Kelly.  As a freshman last year, he quickly mastered Kelly’s system and positioned himself nicely for a coup over incumbent senior QB Dayne Crist.  Following a shaky opening first half against South Florida, Crist was benched for the younger and more poised Rees.  Rees has had command ever since.

Despite some of Rees’s struggles and heavy criticism, Kelly seems determined to stay the course with Rees, stating he desired “continuity” at the position, at least until the end of this season (NBC Sports, Keith Arnold).

Even though the prospects for a BCS birth seem bleak for 2011, can Tommy Rees direct this team in the following years back to the promised land?

It’s been what seems like forever since the once dominant Irish stood atop the NCAA rankings.  If it’s going to be Rees at the helm, he’s going to need help in order to get there.

Who else will play huge roles in the Irish 2012 effort? 

TJ Jones, WR, So.

Per the University of Notre Dame’s Official Athletics website, TJ Jones was just the second freshman wide receiver to haul in a touchdown pass in opening day of his freshman year.  Also, he was the first freshman to record touchdown receptions in both of his first two games.  From there, the sky was the limit for Jones.

His 4.45 speed makes him a legitimate breakaway threat the defenses must account for.

Jones has had some growing pains, specifically with game awareness and catching, but has begun to turn the corner.  With the pending graduation of Michael Floyd, a large chunk of the Irish passing attack, Jones will immediately see an increased role and increased targets. 

He’s shown he has the ability to make plays, having already snagged 20 catches (23 in 2010) and three touchdown passes in 2011, matching the three he grabbed in his freshman year last season.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Red-Shirt So.

The 6’5”, 250lb Eifert is as prototypical a tight end as you will find.  Not only is he a great pass catcher and route runner, he is also a ferocious blocker.  His solid play on the offensive line and reliable hands downfield have given Tommy Rees a “go-to” outlet in clutch situations.

He has played solid and been heavily involved in the Notre Dame Offense, demonstrating the continued importance of the tight end.  His production and performance continue to improve the more he plays.  Currently, he sits second in the reception category, behind Floyd, with 24 receptions to date.

Like Jones, Eifert will benefit greatly from Floyd’s graduation this Spring. 

The only concern for Eifert in 2012 is whether he will be wearing the Blue and Gold or entering the NFL draft.

Louis Nix III, DT, So.

Louis Nix is not lighting up the stat sheets or the highlight reels but he is quietly playing a huge role in the much improved Notre Dame defensive front.

Then again, the only crowds nose tackles draw are offensive linemen.

Nix is receiving an increased workload in 2011.  Although he may not be an every-down player in 2011, he will be next season.  Just as crucial as any other cog on the defense, his dominance in the inside commands double teams and clogs up an offense’s running lanes.  This opens up holes for Notre Dame’s highly vaunted linebacking corps to exploit.

And exploit they have.  Thanks to Nix.

Aaron Lynch, DE, Fr.

At 6’4” and 240lbs Aaron Lynch is a powerful pass rushing defensive end.  Hailing from Cape Coral, FL, Lynch has made the biggest impact of the three five star defensive line recruits committed to Notre Dame in 2011.

As a true freshman he has commanded attention from his coaches and the media alike.  Only seeing action in four of the five games this season thus far, Lynch has burst on to the scene and recorded 11 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss!

The youngster looks to see an expanded role as 2011 progresses and will be a key fixture on the Irish defensive front for years to come.

George Atkinson III, WR/RB/KR, Fr.

Explosive, a true playmaker; George Atkinson III has shown flashes of greatness already in the opening five games of 2011.  The wide receiver group and running back stable may be full, but Atkinson III has found an opportunity to excel. 

On a Notre Dame special teams unit that has seen significant struggles so far this year, freshman George Atkinson III has been a welcomed addition.  His 30.56 yards per return average ranks him fifth in the nation (ESPN.com).

Let’s not forget his exhilarating 89-yard kickoff return touchdown that sent Michigan State reeling in the first quarter of Week 3.

Running back Jonas Gray and star wide receiver Michael Floyd both graduate in the spring.  Additionally, starting running back Cierre Wood may opt to enter the NFL draft.  Nfldraftscout.com ranks Wood as the fourth best running back and early projections peg Wood as a potential second to third round selection if he were to enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

As mentioned, this would leave a void in the offense’s distribution of the ball.  Atkinson’s explosiveness and experience from this season will garner him early consideration for playing time next season either at running back, wide receiver or in a hybrid role.