If 1 or 2 LB's from the '17 cycle transfer or can't be relied upon to actually play LB in a game, it kind of is a big deal, especially when looking at overall numbers and roster management. This has been an ongoing problem during the Kelly era. CB, S, DT, DE, possibly LB have all been position groups that the staff has had major numbers problems with and had to over recruit in cycles. Kids from the next cycle aren't giving ND as much of a look because they loaded up at that position the previous year. But then players already on the roster decide to transfer because there's a glut at their position and/or they aren't really able to cut it. But by then, Kelly and staff are trying to fix the problem 1 or 2 cycles later, when it's already a pressing issue.
Can anybody envision a scenario next season where Mustipher, Bars, Jones, Adams, and Tillery return, but Coney and Tranquil leave? I can. And what we'd have is a seemingly stacked roster, at virtually all positions (except 1), poised for a potential Natty run...except ND is playing and relying on true FR at the LB position, and it ends up costing them dearly in only 1 or 2 games, ending the Natty run.
It seems like most years, ND coulda/woulda been great, except for the problems/lack of depth at 1 or 2 position groups.
