Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Blue & Gold Illustrated recruiting insiders EJ Holland and Mike Singer break down Notre Dame's recent football commits, talk about their time on the road, where the coaches have been visiting, and why they joined BGI.

Notre Dame has plenty of veterans in important positions in 2019, but if the Irish are going to once again compete for a playoff berth a number of young players will also have to emerge as factors on both sides of the ball.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell begin the show by discussing three "redshirt sophomores" that are key figures in Notre Dame's 2019 success. That is followed by a discussion of the first or second year players on offense and defense that also must become key players for the Irish this season.

Notre Dame had a monster week on the recruiting trail, landing commitments from four-star defensive end Rylie Millsand four-star offensive tackle Tosh Baker. Blue & Gold Illustrated football analyst Bryan Driskell breaks down the game of both players, what it means for the Notre Dame class and what's next on the recruiting trail at both positions.

Notre Dame hosts New Mexico on September 14, but it's not your typical Notre Dame vs. Mountain West game. The Lobos are coached by former Irish head coach Bob Davie, who returns to Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss Davie's tenure in South Bend before talking about the 2019 Lobos and what the matchup will look like for Notre Dame.

It has to happen for Notre Dame, or any team with playoff aspirations. Top players are gone to the NFL, and other veterans must take their game to higher levels for the offense - or defense - to once again play championship caliber football.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell give their choice for the three players on each side of the ball whose emergence or improvement will have the biggest impact on the team's success in 2019.

Sometimes they agree, and sometimes they don't.

Notre Dame starts off the 2019 season with a road game at Louisville. The game will take place on Monday, Sept. 2 in what will likely be a primetime game. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the Cardinals, who will have a brand new coach after going 2-10 last season.

Notre Dame had six players selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down each pick and talk about the undrafted players that found new homes. Following that discussion the takes a very early look at the top draft prospects that are returning for the 2019 season.

Notre Dame is off to a hot start on the 2020 recruiting trail, but cornerback is a bit concerning. Todd Lyght and the defensive staff will have to finish strong to get the position where it needs to be. Blue & Gold Illustrated recruiting reporter David McKinney and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss the position, go over names to know and then answer BGI subscriber questions in the latest episode.

In today's podcast we discuss the prospects for former Notre Dame players in the 2019 NFL Draft, which begins tonight. Following that discussion the staff dives into the 2019 schedule. After an overview of the schedule, Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss the toughest opponent, the toughest stretch and the biggest trap game on the schedule. The show concludes with a discussion of what games they would like to see Notre Dame schedule in the future.

Notre Dame has gone 22-4 over the last two seasons, putting itself in position to take a giant leap forward as a program. The Irish have a chance to reach heights that fans of the program haven't seen since the 1990's. So what exactly would success of that caliber look like in 2019?

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell talk about just that before finishing the show with answers to questions posed by BGI subscribers.