Positional Analysis: Defensive Line
by: Thomas Mannion
August 26, 1999

    Several pre-season college football publications list Notre Dame's
defensive line as one of the best in the country.  The coaching staff
has stated that this years D-Line is the best at ND since 1992.

Week two and three will show if these are lofty expectations or accurate
predictions of talent.

Michigan and Purdue offer a firm test early for the Irish D-Line.  The Irish
need to pressure the QB more in order to win these two early road games.

Fortunately, the Irish have the talent up front to perform to these high
expectations.  However, consistency and experience are valid concerns
entering this season.

At Left End is Grant Irons (6-5, 263, JR).  Irons quickly grew out of his
linebacker position after his frosh year and performed well at the line
when he played last year.  Irons is a play-maker and, if he stays
healthy, should have a breakthrough year.  The coaches are expecting nothing
less from Irons.  The backup is Jason Ching (6-3, 260 SR) who was one
of the most coveted high school players four years ago.  Nagging injuries
have prevented Ching from logging in significant playing time.  Ching is
healthy now and figures to be rotating in the Irish line.

At Left Tackle is Big Brad Williams (6-4, 288 SR).  Williams, like Ching
was a hot prep prospect ( a first team Prep All-American)  Williams
struggled in his first two years with the Irish but came on strong last
year, his junior season.  Williams should benefit with the move to the 4-3
alignment and fill up the gaps to stuff the run.  Williams is a proven player that is improving
with every game.  Some NFL scouts have pegged Williams as a first round
selection.  Backing up Williams is Antwon Jones (6-3, 283 SR).  Jones
has been nothing short of a bust for the Irish so far.  However, Jones
dominated Spring football and has worked himself into the rotation.  The
coaches are expecting a solid year for Jones who has the talent to get to the passer.

Starting at Right Tackle is Anthony Weaver (6-3, 270 SPH) who started
at Left End last year as a true frosh!!  Weaver, member of the All-American
freshmen team showed good lateral movement and quick feet.  The move
to tackle is an effort by Coach Davie to get the best players on the field.
Moving Weaver to tackle allows Irons to move to left end.  Weaver gained
15-20 pounds of muscle during the off-season and this bulk should help
Weaver gain leverage against tank-built centers and interior linemen.  Weaver needs
time to adjust to the new position but ND has not had a pure athlete at
tackle since Bryant Young.  Lance "you better flee" LeGree (6-1, 296 SR)
is the back-up.  LeGree is a mountain that is better suited for the 4-3.
This move now gives LeGree the chance to prove that he is a run blocking
force that the 3-4 alignment did not show.  Unfortunately, LeGree suffered a knee
injury that will put him out till the end of September.  In his place will
be Andy Wisne (6-3, 277 JR).  Two true frosh also expect some playing time
in Darrell Campbell and Cedric Hillard.  These freshmen need time to
develop and despite some recent reports, Campbell and Hillard should not see
significant playing time until later in the season.

Finally, Right End will be played by Lamont Bryant (6-3, 260 SR).
Bryant will benefit the most in the new alignment and will no longer
be doubled team.  Bryant was a terror in pre-season camps and should
explode in his last year with the Irish.  Bryant is a consistent player
who made several big plays last year.  Bryant is a leader on this squad
not only because of his on the field performance, but also because his
motor is always running.  Backing up is Ryan Roberts (6-2, 253 SPH)
or Jason Ching.  Roberts made some plays in the annual Blue-Gold game
in the Spring and will be in the rotation to gain game experience.

Overall, this is a fine group that has the potential for a break out year.
However, depth is still a major question mark.  Two years ago, the D-Line
was the worst position the Irish had.  Well, solid recruiting has solved
that but experience and injury prone athletes are a big concern.  The Irish are
only one injury away from making this an average group.

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