Gold Team – Defense
The defense will receive tiered points for turnovers and stops, as well as a bonus point for holding the Irish offense to a field goal in today's unique team offense vs. team defense battle.
Defensive Linemen: Irish fans will receive their first look at early enrollee Sheldon Day in today's scrimmage. Day will be joined by fellow 2012 pledge Jarron Jones in the summer.
Outside Linebackers: The Spond/Councell matchup is one to watch as Shembo (toe) is unable to compete in his battle for the starting Cat LB role vs. Williams. Incoming freshman Romeo Okwara joins the unit in the summer.
Inside Linebackers: Te'o will play sparingly so Irish fans will have an early look at his heir apparent Grace inside.
Cornerbacks: The position was under a microscope for the duration of spring ball...it won't get any easier next fall.
Safties: The starters are set (Slaughter and Motta) as is the pair's top backups (Collinsworth and former walkon Salvi). With four joining the fray in the summer, backups McCarthy, Hardy, and Farley must continue to improve to fight off the incoming quartet. Each of the second trio above will likely play a key special teams role this fall.