Notre Dame Football Top 5 Storylines Fall Camp Texas A&M

SOUTH BEND — When Notre Dame football camp kicks off on July 31, optimism will be high.

And while that’s usually the case when the monotony of summer training gives way to real football activities, there’s good reason for Irish fans to dream big in 2024.

There’s no denying that the key losses from last year’s 10-3 team included two highly drafted offensive tackles, a record-setting rusher, a rugged linebacker who led the team in tackles three years in a row, a multi-year starter at cornerback and influential imports via the transfer portal at quarterback, nickelback and defensive end.

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However, it is also clear that the Irish squad remains full and talented, thanks to a recruitment drive that continues under third-year coach Marcus Freeman and an inbound transfer policy that moves with the times.

Here are five compelling storylines to follow ahead of the season opener on Aug. 31 at Texas A&M:

Is this still a shutdown secondary for Notre Dame football?

Notre Dame led the nation in defensive pass efficiency last season, thanks in large part to safety Xavier Watts and the seven interceptions that helped him win the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defender.

Watts’ decision to return for a follow-up campaign bodes well for defensive passing game coordinator Mike Mickens and co., but fellow All-America candidate Benjamin Morrison will be limited in his participation in the campaign after undergoing right shoulder surgery in late March.

With longtime starters Cam Hart and longtime Oklahoma State transfer Thomas Harper now with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, along with former Irish safeties coach Chris O’Leary, the Irish must induct three new starters into their starting nickel defense.

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Can Notre Dame football still score on offense?

With 1,300-yard receiver Audric Estime a Denver Bronco and Gi’Bran Payne, who suffered a torn ACL in the spring game, out of the running, assistant head coach/running backs Deland McCullough is expected to field a four- or five-headed monster in the Irish backfield.

Sophomore Jadarian Price, who just had his first career 100-yard game in the Sun Bowl win over Oregon State, will share primary duties with versatile sophomore Jeremiyah Love, who also spent time with the wideouts in the spring.

Sixth-year Devyn Ford returns for a second season after transferring from Penn State. Freshman Aneyas Williams shined as an early entrant in the spring, and Kedren Young should be back in shape after suffering a nasty hamstring injury in the spring.

Is Riley Leonard ready for his career at Notre Dame?

Before Riley Leonard underwent a second surgery on March 22 to repair a stress fracture in his right ankle, the senior transfer from Duke was just getting used to the fluid offensive game of Mike Denbrock.

Missing the final month of spring training means Notre Dame’s presumptive starting quarterback will have to make the most of every possible practice snap he takes in August. The coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on how much of Leonard’s two-way game he can regain ahead of the season opener against the Aggies.

And to make matters even more exciting, former Duke coach Mike Elko, who coached Leonard the past two seasons, is now at the helm in College Station.

Which Notre Dame Football Players Are Getting Severance?

First-year receivers coach Mike Brown has three intriguing transfers (Beaux Collins, Kris Mitchell and Jayden Harrison) in his position room and just as many fascinating freshmen (Cam Williams, Micah Gilbert and Logan Saldate).

With two-sport sensation Jordan Faison, a recent national championship winner in lacrosse, as the favorite in the slot, there is room for ideas on how the rest of the wideouts will be deployed.

Sophomore Jaden Greathouse and seniors Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie should be back in shape after dealing with lingering injuries last fall. The group also includes speedy KK Smith and former starting quarterback Tyler Buchner.

Is Notre Dame football still dominant in the trenches?

Every practice round that pits a rebuilt offensive line against an experienced defensive front will be of utmost importance.

Notre Dame lost a total of 60 starts at the two offensive tackle positions with the departures of first-round NFL draft pick Joe Alt and second-round pick Blake Fisher. Former starting guard/center Zeke Correll also took 31 with him to NC State as a transfer.

Young Charles Jagusah made his first start at left tackle in the Sun Bowl, but the starting right tackle position may not be known until mid- to late August.

It’s an advantage that center Ashton Craig and right guard Billy Schrauth started the final three games of last season, but Pat Coogan is suddenly the older man after just one season as the starter at left guard.

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com.