Updated Notre Dame Roster Reactions
Notre Dame released an updated roster tonight and while there was nothing too significant that was revealed from it, there were weight gains and losses that piqued my interest.
Unsurprisingly, many of the biggest gains were from freshmen, but there were a few returning players included as well.
Gains
TE Eli Raridon +20, up to 245
It wasn’t that long ago that Raridon was built like more of a big receiver rather than a tight end, so him coming into camp at this weight is potentially a significant development. The health of his knee after coming back from an ACL injury will be something to watch, but if he’s good to go, then he’ll be someone to monitor with his 6’6” frame and leaping ability.
LB Jaylen Sneed +17, up to 215
Sneed reported in weighing not much more than Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah did as a true freshman, but it appears that being on campus as an early enrollee is already paying dividends when it comes to adding what he needs to in order to compete at linebacker. I don’t believe this means Sneed is moving away from Rover, but the hope would be that the added weight and strength helps him play a physical game on the perimeter.
He didn’t turn as many heads as expected in the spring given his lofty ranking as a recruit. Perhaps that changes after some physical development.
Vyper Joshua Burnham +19, up to 233
This felt inevitable after he made the move to an edge defender and is the next step in the process of it becoming his permanent home. Burnham has the frame to carry it and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s an even twitchier athlete now that he has spent the past several months focusing on strength and conditioning rather than participating in a basketball season in high school.
DT Donovan Hinish +12, up to 280
His brother came in and added too much weight too soon as a freshman. It took him a bit to reshape his body and turn the excess into muscle. This is more gradual and should be much better for the younger Hinish. He’ll get even more time to add in the next year with him more than likely redshirting this fall.
LB Nolan Ziegler +15, up to 220
Ziegler is someone I expect to get over 230 as he physically matures in college, but 220 is just right for now as he makes a transition to the Will linebacker position.
LB JR Tuihalamaka +11, up to 240
This one really caught my eye because I thought he looked fantastic and moved around great in the spring. This might end up being his playing weight for his entire career at Notre Dame. I imagine we’ll be hearing that it looks like a rocked up 240 as well.
G Rocco Spindler +15, up to 315
With offensive linemen, you’re always worried how good the weight is when it’s added, but Spindler has a frame that looks like he will get even bigger than this in a few years. He’ll have to be in great shape if he wants a chance at winning a starting job in camp.
C Zeke Correll +13, up to 308
He was undersized at guard last year and has been undersized since he arrived as a freshman. This feels appropriate for him as he looks to take control of the center position.
G Josh Lugg +11, up to 305
Maybe he lost a bit while recovering from the back issue he had at the end of last season and this is now back to normal? Either way, adding this is a good thing for him at guard.
TE Michael Mayer +14, up to 265
Will bigger be better for Mayer? That’s an important question and I’m guessing it will be in the run game.
He’s such a savvy route runner who understands leverage as opposed to winning with short area quickness, so I’m not sure this will have a negative effect in any way on his game. It may just make him way tougher to deal with in contested catch situations.
DL Rylie Mills +9, up to 292
Insert the thinking man emoji here. Mills has always looked like a beast and he is downright huge for someone playing defensive end. He’s a talented pass rusher who has not been dominant versus the run. There is no reason that he shouldn’t be from a physical perspective and him taking it to another level with that part of his game would be a big step for him.
CB Clarence Lewis +10, up to 203
Smaller doesn’t always mean faster at corner, but 10 pounds is notable for someone playing his position. And especially when that someone is a returning starter who will be fighting to stay on the field.
Consider me genuinely intrigued by this development.
Losses
OT Blake Fisher -8, down to 327
A sleeker version of Blake Fisher? Uh oh for all the edge defenders he’ll be blocking this season.
OL Michael Carmody -10, down to 280
This is…strange. Especially for someone who is entering his third season in the program. Perhaps it’s an error, but Carmody was someone I expected to compete as a potential “next man in” at multiple spots on the line.
This definitely has me interested in seeing how he performs in camp. Men’s Champion Green Halfzip Packable Jacket
