Blue & Gold Illustrated: Notre Dame Football And Recruiting

Notre Dame suffered a loss last week when senior end Jay Hayes decided to transfer for his final season. The Irish have have players to fill the void, but the margin for error is thinner. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell discuss what the loss of Hayes means for the Irish defense. They also discuss the potential replacements, juniors Khalid Kareem and Ade Ogundeji. The staff finished the podcast breaking down the April 7th spring practice and give the latest on the Irish as they get close to the conclusion of the spring session.

The BGI recruiting staff reviews a busy week of visits for Notre Dame and previews a strong list of visitors heading to South Bend this weekend 

Notre Dame suffered through a disappointing 2017-18 season, as injuries cost the Irish a chance at a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. Heading into next season, Notre Dame must now move forward with star forward Bonzi Colson and All-ACC point guard Matt Farrell. There is talent returning, but there are still more questions than answer at this point. Blue & Gold Illustrated reporter Corey Bodden and analyst Bryan Driskell discuss what was lost, what returns and who must step up next season. The staff also discusses Notre Dame's standout incoming freshman class and what UConn transfer Juwan Durham could bring to the program.

Notre Dame returns a deep and talented group of defensive backs, but there are a lot of questions remaining. How well those questions are answered will help determine how successful the entire defense can be. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the cornerback and safety positions and discuss what has to happen for the unit to excel.

But before there was any football talk, the BGI staff talked about the women's basketball team, which is fresh off a dramatic Final Four that ended with the Fighting Irish cutting down the nets as national champions.

The BGI recruiting staff reviews some important visitors that saw Notre Dame this weekend and previews a big-time group of prospects headed to South Bend next week 

Notre Dame returns two highly productive starters at linebacker in 2018, but both will be manning new positions. It remains to be seen how they will adjust, and major question marks exist behind the starters from a depth and experience standpoint. Notre Dame will also have to find a new Rover this season, but the good news is the list of candidates is long and athletic.

Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the linebacker and Rover positions for the spring. They discuss how Drue Tranquill and Te'von Coney have to adapt their games to new positions, discuss the depth that must emerge behind them and how Notre Dame might use the Rover position in 2018.

Notre Dame concluded its fifth practice practice of the 2018 spring, and Blue & Gold Illustrated was on hand for every rep. Senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the practice, with an emphasis on the improvements seen from quarterback Brandon Wimbush and the Irish wide receivers.

The BGI recruiting staff previews a big weekend of 2019 and 2020 visits coming up at Notre Dame 

Notre Dame saw a big leap in production from its defensive line in 2017, and it returns all but one rotation player returns in 2018. The Irish have a chance to be much improved up front, and it starts during the spring. Blue & Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi and football analyst Bryan Driskell break down the unit by discussing who returns and what is expected of them in 2018.

The BGI recruiting staff previews the huge month of visits coming up for Notre Dame