With Signing Day in the rearview mirror, the offseason scab picking can accelerate to greater heights. Perhaps the area of
greatest frustration for many looking back on the 2015 season was the continued struggles on the defensive side of the ball. Injuries certainly had a meaningful impact. From Jarron Jones, to KeiVarae Russell, to the way the season ended for Jaylon Smith, it seemed like just about every defensive player had to deal with a substantial health issue. Yet, when juxtaposed with the offense who faced similar health issues and not only survived but actually excelled, the consternation inevitably swung back around to Notre Dame’s Uncle Rico: Brian VanGorder.