When one takes a look at Notre Dame’s 2014 two deep on defense, the amount of youth is staggering.
From last Saturday night’s game against Navy, only two of the 22 top players on the two-deep defense will be out of eligibility in 2015: cornerback Cody Riggs and defensive lineman Justin Utupo.
Riggs’ loss can be compensated for with the projected return of KeiVarae Russell, a 26-game starter in 2012-13 but unable to participate this year because of an academic issue, similar to quarterback Everett Golson in 2013. Meanwhile, Utupo made his first career start for the Irish to aid a revamped defense versus the triple option.
In a 4-4-3 type scheme against Navy, the linebackers included freshmen Greer Martini, Drue Tranquill and Nyles Morgan (in for an injured Joe Schmidt) at one point, along with sophomores Jaylon Smith on the outside (converted for this one game from the inside to the perimeter) with James Onwualu, a receiver last year.
The defensive interior included sophomore Isaac Rochell with Jarron Jones, who has two more years of eligibility in 2015-16. Giving Jones a breather was freshman Daniel Cage. Because junior Romeo Okwara was not as adept against an option scheme and freshmen Andrew Trumbetti and Grant Blankenship were also neophytes against it, the 6-1, 290-pound Utupo received the nod.
“Utupo gave us the ability to get off some blocks,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “[The freshmen] are big, physical kids who can control the line of scrimmage, but not get off the blocks the way you need to.”
In addition to four tackles, Utupo made two huge plays in the fourth quarter. First, he pressured QB Keenan Reynolds into an errant pass when a blown coverage saw Jamir Tillman break wide open downfield for what might have been a 71-yard touchdown at the 8:57 mark with Notre Dame leading 42-31. Later on that series, Utupo snared an interception in Navy territory.
“If he doesn’t deflect that pass that is intended for the tight end over the middle, who knows where the game ends up,” Kelly said.
“That’s why it’s so important to have fifth-year players: they’re mature. We’re playing so many young kids, to have a veteran like that on your football team, it’s so important. That’s why I’m such an advocate having these guys hang in there and they’re going to get a chance to play and contribute. I think it says a lot about him and sticking with his teammates and wanting to be a part of Notre Dame, where you have a lot of other guys who are not thinking about their teammates. They just want to go play. That’s why Justin’s a special kid.”
"It’s a blessing, hearing from the coaches that I was going to play a lot more,” Utupo said. “When you hear that, you still have to have the same mindset as if you’re not starting. You have to have the same attitude, the same work ethic and try to do your best.”
In 2015, Notre Dame will have well over a dozen fifth-year candidates, but there might be room for only about six or so. Offensively, starters Golson, center Matt Hegarty, guard Nick Martin and slot Amir Carlisle are the best bets, with receiver DaVaris Daniels a dark horse. Defensively, Schmidt and nickel Matthias Farley would be the prime figures (Kelly already indicated it's safe to assume Schmidt is returning), with end Ishaq Williams and linebackers Ben Councell and Jarrett Grace the dark horses.
Taking a cue from Navy, it has been all hands on deck this year for the Irish defense, and someone such as Utupo provides veteran value.
“It’s a 15-round fight to the end,” Utupo said. “Those types of players at Navy [they are] some of the best guys and leaders in our country and they’re going to give their all every play.”
The same will be required on Notre Dame’s end in the home stretch of 2014.
