2020 Roster

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Yes. The entire starting OL from game #1 in 2019 returns for game #1 2020. Defense probably will be slightly down next year, but offense should be the best since 2015.

IDK, defensive end looks strong despite defections, DT could be outstanding, and I would expect the LBs to collectively take a step forward from where they are now (which is OK but somewhat limited). I'm not worried about safety and I like what I've seen from Bracy. If Crawford returns I feel pretty darn good about that defense.

As for the offense they would add Tyree as a change of pace guy they don't really have on hand right now and everybody else has another year of experience. At wide receiver losing Claypool hurts but the group of Austin, Keys, Lenzy, and Johnson are collectively pretty explosive. Add McKinley as a big body guy and I feel pretty good about that group. And ND will have the best tight end room in the country.

I think 2020 could mean big things and if ND gets more out of the QB position that Clemson game might be real interesting.

 

[Luckylucci]

Because we didn't get the type of play we expected out of Okwara, Gilman, Kareem, Pride, and Elliot I think the defense could be better.

DT: This is a very confident arrow up. Which outside of the UM debacle has been pretty darn good and everybody returns plus some new studs to the mix.

DE: Current production hasn't come close to meeting the hype. Some of that is injuries, Hayes was having quite the start. Is Hayes healthy? if so, seems like a push.

LB: Wu and White return at LB with experience which should make that unit better. Wu flashes so much it's exciting and I think he is 1 year away from being dominant. I think Lea will find a Buck that is ready and that's probably Simon.

S: Hamilton is probably better right now than both starting S's. Sounds like Griffith has been looking good and pushing for PT. Wouldn't surprise me if this unit is better. 18' S > 20' S > 19' S

CB: is hard to gauge. Because, I'm not enamored with what we have on the field but the unknown is a concern. I can't possibly say better when I have no idea so I'll say arrow pointing down.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

The 18' DB class was actually quite good on paper but man has it blown up. They took a risk on Boykin which seemed reasonable at the time, but he transferred. D. Allen transferred as well. They tried Griffith at CB and he needs to play S, apparently. DJ Brown to S as well. They moved Wilkins to WR. Moala to Rover. They "recruited" 7 DB's in the 18' class and only 1 is currently on the roster playing CB.

Since Pryor is on board next year, I wonder if DJ Brown could move back to CB?

IDK, defensive end looks strong despite defections, DT could be outstanding, and I would expect the LBs to collectively take a step forward from where they are now (which is OK but somewhat limited). I'm not worried about safety and I like what I've seen from Bracy. If Crawford returns I feel pretty darn good about that defense.

As for the offense they would add Tyree as a change of pace guy they don't really have on hand right now and everybody else has another year of experience. At wide receiver losing Claypool hurts but the group of Austin, Keys, Lenzy, and Johnson are collectively pretty explosive. Add McKinley as a big body guy and I feel pretty good about that group. And ND will have the best tight end room in the country.

I think 2020 could mean big things and if ND gets more out of the QB position that Clemson game might be real interesting.

DT should be the best unit on the defense next year, depth and ton of talent. DE should be good, but losing Okwara, Kareem and Jamir Jones and not knowing if Hayes returns 100% I say the unit takes a step back.

Because we didn't get the type of play we expected out of Okwara, Gilman, Kareem, Pride, and Elliot I think the defense could be better.

DT: This is a very confident arrow up. Which outside of the UM debacle has been pretty darn good and everybody returns plus some new studs to the mix.

DE: Current production hasn't come close to meeting the hype. Some of that is injuries, Hayes was having quite the start. Is Hayes healthy? if so, seems like a push.

LB: Wu and White return at LB with experience which should make that unit better. Wu flashes so much it's exciting and I think he is 1 year away from being dominant. I think Lea will find a Buck that is ready and that's probably Simon.

S: Hamilton is probably better right now than both starting S's. Sounds like Griffith has been looking good and pushing for PT. Wouldn't surprise me if this unit is better. 18' S > 20' S > 19' S

CB: is hard to gauge. Because, I'm not enamored with what we have on the field but the unknown is a concern. I can't possibly say better when I have no idea so I'll say arrow pointing down.

I'm going to disagree with you on Kareem. I think he has played really well this year and has met my expectations. He doesn't have huge sack numbers, but I didn't expect him to. i was thinking he would get about 7, which he is on pace for. And the guy plays his tail off!

 

[fightingirish26]

1) RB T. Jones (may feel he has done enough to get drafted late) - Only with a ticket does he make a NFL game

2) DE K. Wardlow (place on depth chart) - Graduate with ND degree > play time at BSU with a BSU degree

3) LB J. Jones (no meaning full playing time )-See #2

4) DB/RB A.Davis ( on position and more playing time)-See #2

Jon Jones will have his degree

 

[Luckylucci]

FWIW, I'd take a roster full of Khalid Kareem. Very solid football player, plays hard, and is assignment correct. There is value in that but this isn't a participation trophy and he's not producing like even he would want too. 7 sacks is a low number and I'd bet a lot of money that's not the number he thought he'd have when he was pushing for a 1st or 2nd rd draft grade. Guys like Prince Shembo (7.5) and Romeo Okwara (9) had more than 7 sacks in a season. Him and Julian were billed by many (even outside of ND) as the best DE duo in the country. Supposed game wreckers. We didn't get that or at least haven't yet.

 

[Riddickulous]

Any positions we might target in the transfer portal?

 

[Luckylucci]

Any positions we might target in the transfer portal?

CB seems like the obvious one. If we could even get a Cody Riggs type that'd be big. Crawford balking on the 6th year is also big.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

FWIW, I'd take a roster full of Khalid Kareem. Very solid football player, plays hard, and is assignment correct. There is value in that but this isn't a participation trophy and he's not producing like even he would want too. 7 sacks is a low number and I'd bet a lot of money that's not the number he thought he'd have when he was pushing for a 1st or 2nd rd draft grade. Guys like Prince Shembo (7.5) and Romeo Okwara (9) had more than 7 sacks in a season. Him and Julian were billed by many (even outside of ND) as the best DE duo in the country. Supposed game wreckers. We didn't get that or at least haven't yet.

I think Kareem still is in the mix for the 2nd round. And he does so much more than just average pass rusher numbers. He is the best DE run defender on the team. And as you mentioned does all the little things correct. I’m just higher on his play this year than you are. Every game Ryan Harris raves about Kareem’s play. Now Ryan is a homer, but I do put a lot of weight into his observations.


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[stlnd01]

I love Kareem. Dude plays hard and is very productive against the run. No, he’s not lighting it up in the sack department but I’m not sure he was ever supposed to be an elite pass rusher himself so much as the other bookend to one in Okwara.
I don’t know where he’ll get drafted and don’t particularly care, but he’s been a very good college football player.

 

[stlnd01]

As for next year, am I right that the only starters we’ll likely lose on offense are Claypool and Finke? With Austin, a more experienced Lenzy/Keys, and the various touted freshmen incoming? That’ll be fine.

Just got to find some cornerbacks.

 

[ThePiombino]

CB seems like the obvious one. If we could even get a Cody Riggs type that'd be big. Crawford balking on the 6th year is also big.

Crawford has since put the possibility back on the table.

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[stlnd01]

Also the schedule next year shapes up pretty favorably.

Wake and Wisconsin in the first month are certainly decent but we should be better than them. Same with Stanford, especially at home. Having those three back-to-back-to-back is a little daunting but that's why you have depth. We're clearly better than the other teams we play in September and October.

So we really ought be 8-0 when Clemson comes to town in November. Host Gameday and put that home winning streak to the test. Then Ga. Tech (meh) and Louisville (maybe good) and wrap up against USC, who could be quite good by that point, depending on their new coach and stuff. Or not.

But by all rights we should be in the playoff hunt all season, with final outcome hinging on Wisconsin, Clemson, USC and avoiding an upset elsewhere. Should be fun.

 

[CIrishWin]

If PJ can't beat out Book for the starting job maybe he really isn't that good.

I hope this is not the case but maybe.

 

[CIrishWin]

1) RB T. Jones (may feel he has done enough to get drafted late) - Only with a ticket does he make a NFL game

2) DE K. Wardlow (place on depth chart) - Graduate with ND degree > play time at BSU with a BSU degree

3) LB J. Jones (no meaning full playing time )-See #2

4) DB/RB A.Davis ( on position and more playing time)-See #2

I thought all 3 would have their degree.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

Also the schedule next year shapes up pretty favorably.

Wake and Wisconsin in the first month are certainly decent but we should be better than them. Same with Stanford, especially at home. Having those three back-to-back-to-back is a little daunting but that's why you have depth. We're clearly better than the other teams we play in September and October.

So we really ought be 8-0 when Clemson comes to town in November. Host Gameday and put that home winning streak to the test. Then Ga. Tech (meh) and Louisville (maybe good) and wrap up against USC, who could be quite good by that point, depending on their new coach and stuff. Or not.

But by all rights we should be in the playoff hunt all season, with final outcome hinging on Wisconsin, Clemson, USC and avoiding an upset elsewhere. Should be fun.

This. We definitely have a chance next year with the way our schedule sets up.

08/29 - vs Navy (in Dublin, Ireland)
09/12 - Arkansas
09/19 - Western Michigan
09/26 - vs Wake Forest (in Charlotte, NC)
10/03 - vs Wisconsin (in Green Bay, WI)
10/10 - Stanford
10/17 - at Pitt
10/31 - Duke
11/07 - Clemson
11/14 - at Georgia Tech
11/21 - Louisville
11/28 - at USC

Wake will be a nice warm up and good barometer of ND's quality next year. Win there would set up a big showdown with Wisky. With a win over them (definitely not a given) we should vault into the CFP discussion leading up to a huge chance to make a statement at home against Clemson. Now we could get blown off the field but at the very least we have a chance to stake a claim at the top 4. I think Stanford is on their way down so I'm fairly confident in that one.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

This. We definitely have a chance next year with the way our schedule sets up.

08/29 - vs Navy (in Dublin, Ireland)
09/12 - Arkansas
09/19 - Western Michigan
09/26 - vs Wake Forest (in Charlotte, NC)
10/03 - vs Wisconsin (in Green Bay, WI)
10/10 - Stanford
10/17 - at Pitt
10/31 - Duke
11/07 - Clemson
11/14 - at Georgia Tech
11/21 - Louisville
11/28 - at USC

Wake will be a nice warm up and good barometer of ND's quality next year. Win there would set up a big showdown with Wisky. With a win over them (definitely not a given) we should vault into the CFP discussion leading up to a huge chance to make a statement at home against Clemson. Now we could get blown off the field but at the very least we have a chance to stake a claim at the top 4. I think Stanford is on their way down so I'm fairly confident in that one.

It's a ways a way. but, ND at home I just don't see them getting blown out by Clemson. The tricky game next year to me is at Pitt the weak after Stanford.

 

[zelezo vlk]

It's a ways a way. but, ND at home I just don't see them getting blown out by Clemson. The tricky game next year to me is at Pitt the weak after Stanford.

Phil transfers to Pitt, gets immediate eligibility and embarrasses ND.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Phil transfers to Pitt, gets immediate eligibility and embarrasses ND.

Could you imagine.


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[zelezo vlk]

Could you imagine.


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I have spoken it into being

 

[calvegas04]

2021 Schedule is even better for ND to make a run and the team should have a lot of play makers.

 

[Wingman Ray]

It's a ways a way. but, ND at home I just don't see them getting blown out by Clemson. The tricky game next year to me is at Pitt the weak after Stanford.

Close game vs Clemson = no sweat vs Wis. Clemson > Wis x 10

 

[Sherm Sticky]

2021 Schedule is even better for ND to make a run and the team should have a lot of play makers.

The issue with the 2021 team is there will be 3 to 4 new OL starters.


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[zelezo vlk]

The issue with the 2021 team is there will be 3 to 4 new OL starters.


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Yeah that's a big problem and something that was in my mind earlier this year.

 

[irishff1014]

This. We definitely have a chance next year with the way our schedule sets up.

08/29 - vs Navy (in Dublin, Ireland)
09/12 - Arkansas
09/19 - Western Michigan
09/26 - vs Wake Forest (in Charlotte, NC)
10/03 - vs Wisconsin (in Green Bay, WI)
10/10 - Stanford
10/17 - at Pitt
10/31 - Duke
11/07 - Clemson
11/14 - at Georgia Tech
11/21 - Louisville
11/28 - at USC

Wake will be a nice warm up and good barometer of ND's quality next year. Win there would set up a big showdown with Wisky. With a win over them (definitely not a given) we should vault into the CFP discussion leading up to a huge chance to make a statement at home against Clemson. Now we could get blown off the field but at the very least we have a chance to stake a claim at the top 4. I think Stanford is on their way down so I'm fairly confident in that one.

Clemson
USC
Wisconsin
Pitt

Those 4 games are the most to worry about next year.

But on a recruiting platform we play away in a different country and all the away games are in NFL stadiums.

 

[stlnd01]

Kind of wild that we only play one game - USC - on another school’s campus next year.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

The team should look drastically different by the time Clemson comes to town. Hopefully either a new QB or OC, or both, add in a healthy Kevin Austin, Tyree and JJ, the 2 TE and Kmet/Tremble/Wright and we're loaded at TE. Team SHOULD be very formidable, I wonder what the sticker price will be on those bad boys? I remember shelling out a ton for Michigan night game, the one where Shoelace Robinson got picked 4 times. Te'o was a machine in that game...anyways lol, I'm going to that Clemson game, and it will be both of my sons (5 and 7) first ND game, can't think of a better environment.

 

[Legacy]

Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 2020 Scholarship Chart

 

[CIrishWin]

TJJ is gone. Who is next?

 

[Dizzyphil]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> DE Ade Ogundeji announced on Instagram he will return for his fifth year. <a href="https://t.co/0wz1EdJFqc">pic.twitter.com/0wz1EdJFqc</a></p>— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfreemanISD/status/1212417487977033729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[texbender]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> DE Ade Ogundeji announced on Instagram he will return for his fifth year. <a href="https://t.co/0wz1EdJFqc">pic.twitter.com/0wz1EdJFqc</a></p>— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfreemanISD/status/1212417487977033729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Great, D line should be pretty stout next season. Strong front 7 always helps the back end.