Brian Kelly earned his first victory as head coach of the Fighting Irish in the 81st Blue-Gold Game last Saturday. Kelly led the Irish onto the field before an enthusiastic crowd of 27,000 plus. The game was stock full of offensive and defensive highlights, that really elevates the optimism heading into this season. Ultimately however, the spring game is a chance for individuals to showcase their talent. Therefore, here is a quick offensive break down by position:
QUARTERBACK
Shedding concerns about his injury, Dayne Crist impressed with his mobility after publicly admitting not being 100%. Crist however was easily overshadowed by Nate Montana, who returned to ND after a worthless and pathetic year at a California community college (you know I love Montana's commitment to ND). Montana finished 18 of 30 for 223 yards and a TD. Montana's performance provides ND fans with a level of comfort knowing Montana can fill in if Crist can't go. Not to mention, having witnessed Kelly succeed with multiple QBs at Cincinnati last season, I can feel good about ND's position at the close of spring ball.
RUNNING BACK
This is easily the most showcased position at a spring game, as evident in past MVP winners Junior Jabbie and Travis Thomas (both of whom flopped majorly at the tailback position). Therefore, it was no surprise for the RBs to provide the highlights - but just the names that did so. Jonas Gray ran for 57 yards and a TD while Cierre Wood rumbled for 111 yards and a TD. These two began the spring as #3 and #4 on the depth chart. However, getting this production from them during the year will go a long ways towards a successful season.
WIDE RECEIVER
This is easily the position with the least depth, and thus plenty of room for players to prove their worth. Shaquelle Evans racked up the most yards of the WRs with 69 yards, while Duval Kamara, Theo Riddick, and TJ Jones all caught TD passes. The Irish will without a doubt have a plethora of weapons at WR this season, and all will be called upon in Kelly's spread offense. It is just a matter of who will step up when it matters most.
TIGHT END
TE was a power position under Weis with starting NFLers Anthony Fasano and John Carlson. Kyle Rudolph is poised to follow in those footsteps, and Mike Ragone proved he might be there as well. Ragone filled in for an injured Rudolph amassing 75 yards and a TD. Health at the tight end position will be something to watch as Ragone has sat out the last two seasons and Rudolph is still hampered by a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, having multiple threats at the TE position will only strengthen the options for Kelly's offensive attack.
OFFENSIVE LINE
There has been much shuffling along the offensive front this spring. Trevor Robinson, Taylor Dever, and Zach Martin have all been in the mix at tackle and guard. 5th-year senior Dan Wenger and Braxton Cave have been battling it out at center. Chris Stewart is solid at guard. Matt Romine is looking to get in the mix at tackle. Basically, it's hard to get a good read based off a spring game. However, ultimately, I believe the starting five will be Dever and Martin at tackle, Stewart and Robinson at guard, and Cave at center.
-DH
