Notre Dame football 2017: Projected Fighting Irish depth chart

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Sep 10, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Nyles Morgan (5) warms up before the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 39-10. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense

Notable Losses: Multiple defensive losses will be felt next season. This starts at the noseguard position, as Jarron Jones left for the NFL Draft. Starting cornerback Cole Luke is gone from the school, as well, leaving a gap open in the secondary. Add in James Onwualu, making for a handful of gaps in the defensive lineup.

DE: Jay Hayes, Senior

NG: Jerry Tillery, Junior

DT: Jonathan Bonner, Senior

DE: Daelin Hayes, Sophomore

WLB: Greer Martini, Senior

MLB: Nyles Morgan, Senior

Nyles Morgan will return as the main linebacker for Notre Dame. He led the team in tackles (88) and sacks (4) in the 2016 season, so his presence will be welcomed on a rebuilding squad. Expect Morgan to keep similar production in his final collegiate season.

ROV: Drue Tranquill, Senior

Another returning linebacker is Drue Tranquill. He’ll come back after putting up 79 tackles in 2016, which was second on the team. Tranquill and Morgan will head this defense in the front seven for their final seasons in South Bend.

CB: Shaun Crawford, Senior

CB: Julian Love, Sophomore

FS: Nick Coleman, Junior

SS: Jalen Elliott, Sophomore

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Special Teams

KR: CJ Sanders, Junior

PR: Chris Finke, Junior

K: Justin Yoon, Senior

P: Tyler Newsome, P

After a successful junior season, Yoon should remain the kicker for the Fighting Irish. He went 13 for 17 on field goal attempts and missed just two extra points. Newsome’s spot should be secured, too.

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