Notre Dame’s Fifteen Most Important Players in 2017 (6–10)

Ben Belden
Jul 28, 2017 · 3 min read

In our second leg of our countdown of Notre Dame’s most important players for the 2017 campaign, we start with number 10 and count backwards to number 6.

10. CB Nick Watkins (Junior):

In spring practice, Watkins was perhaps Notre Dame’s highest riser, according to the coaching staff. As a freshman, Watkins played mostly on special teams, but was thrust into a starting role due to an unbelievable amount of injuries in the Irish secondary. In 2016, however, Watkins was the victim of injury, missing the entire season with a broken humerus. This year, however, Watkins is poised to break out. He’s been impressive, and at least of the time-being, he has made the coaching staff forget about talented freshmen Troy Pride, Jr. and Donte Vaughn. If Watkins can stay healthy, he and fellow junior Shaun Crawford will make a tremendous cornerback duo for the Irish defense.

9. RB Josh Adams (Junior):

Adams has had two good seasons for the Irish, but here’s to hoping his third year is his best yet. Adams has always been explosive, as he really burst on to the scene with a 98-yard touchdown run his freshman season against Wake Forest that is Notre Dame’s longest play from scrimmage in program history. Since then Adams has burst to the endzone many a time, logging touchdowns of 67 yards and 41 yards, just to name a couple. Adams’ yards per carry average (5.9 in 2016) is a little deceiving because of this, begging the question of whether he can develop the consistency to lead a balanced running game. If he can take advantage of an experience offensive line and a Chip Long offense that will keep defenses off guard, he will be poised for a breakout 2017 season.

Josh Adams #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs for a touchdwon against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Notre Dame Stadium on November 19, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. (Nov. 18, 2016 — Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

8. TE Aliz’e Mack (Junior):

After gaining valuable pass-catching experience as a freshman, Mack was suspended for his sophomore year at Notre Dame. Playing with the practice squad against Notre Dame’s first team defense, however, gave Mack valuable experience in playing different positions and occupying different roles within an offense. Back for his junior season and bulking up to 251 (at last check of his twitter account), Mack will use his versatility to be a cog in Notre Dame’s offense. Once his biggest weakness, blocking will likely be a strength, which, coupled with his route-running and pass-catching abilities, will allow Mack to be an every-down player. Mack can and will create matchup problems for opposing defenses. Even better, he seems to have a great off-field chemistry with Brandon Wimbush. If this translates on the field, expect Mack to catch his share of important passes in 2017.

7. LB Nyles Morgan (Senior):

In his career at Notre Dame, Morgan has been perhaps the defense’s most consistent player. He’s probably slightly undersized for a true middle linebacker, but he makes up for it in speed and athleticism. Morgan will continue to move around in Mike Elko’s defense, which will allow him to get after the quarterback in some situations and play coverage in others. Of course, he will be perhaps Notre Dame’s most valuable piece in stopping the other team’s rushing attack, as well. Morgan has a ton of experience in South Bend, which is something a relatively young defense desperately needs.

6. OL Quenton Nelson (Senior):

Nelson is a going to be playing guard on Sundays next season. He’s that good. Had he opted to leave early, he likely would have been a 2nd or 3rd round pick in last May’s NFL Draft. Instead, Nelson is back to make up for a disappointing 2016 season for Notre Dame’s offensive line, along with his running mate, left tackle Mike McGlinchey. On paper, there aren’t many better guard-tackle duos in college football. With inexperience at quarterback, Notre Dame will rely on the running game to pick stay ahead of the sticks and convert on 3rd and 4th down in short-yardage situations. If Nelson is able to help anchor an inconsistent running game from 2016, Notre Dame’s offense will be hard to stop.

Stay tuned for players 1–5 in the next installment of our Most Important Players in 2017 series.

Golden Domer Daily

A one-stop blog for Notre Dame athletics and recruiting.

Ben Belden

Written by

English teacher and basketball coach. University of Dayton alumnus.

Golden Domer Daily

A one-stop blog for Notre Dame athletics and recruiting.

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