Preseason Preview - Notre Dame Defense - UwantRadie's Dynasty

Arena Blog Dynasty Scores Sign Up ☰

UwantRadie's Dynasty Blog

Preseason Preview - Notre Dame Defense Stuck

Posted on July 18, 2010 at 03:16 AM.

(0)

Will The 3-4 Defense Work in South Bend?

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Ian Williams will be tasked with plugging the middle.

Along with a new offense, the Irish will be displaying a new look on the other side of the ball as well. Returning to a 3-4 front after a brief stint with the 4-3 in 2009, the defense will look to rely on the speed on the secondary and linebackers. Anchoring the defensive line will be Ian Williams (Sr.) as the lone defensive tackle on the line. Williams has played in every game of his Notre Dame career.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Johnson will move to the outside in the new defensive plan.

The new scheme will see Defensive Tackle Ethan Johnson (Jr.) shift over to Defensive End and push Kerry Neal (Sr.) back into the line backing corps. Both highly athletic, Johnson and Neal are expected to line up at several positions on the defensive front. "You never know where Coach is going to put us." said Johnson, "That's something else the offense is going to have to think about".

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Te'o is as smart and talented as they come. The Irish need a big year from the Sophomore.

At line backer, the Irish have both old and new. Brian Smith (Sr.) is ready to make an impact in his final year on campus, while standout Manti Te'o (So.) will look to solidify his spot in the national spotlight. Much is expected of Te'o. "I know I am young, but no one is more determined to get Notre Dame back to hard hitting football then me" said Te'o when asked about his youth and inexperience.

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Gray is just one of several speedy defensive backs the Irish will use.

Speed is the key for the Notre Dame secondary. Cornerbacks Gary Gray (Jr.) and Robert Blanton (Jr.) will lead a deep field of zippy Defensive Backs. Dan McCarthy (So.) has shown considerable growth and will back up Harrison Smith (Sr.) at Stong Safety as well as Jamoris Slaughter at Free Safety.

What the Notre Dame defense lacks in experience, it more then makes up for in potential. A relatively soft schedule will help to give this young team some time to find it's identity before it faces some solid challenges in some of the Rival games on the schedule.

You don't expect Notre Dame to have one of the best defense in the nation, but it would hardly be surprising to most experts.