Linebackers Joe Schmidt and Jarrett Grace look to overcome injuries and help rebuild the Notre Dame defense
The decimation of Notre Dame's linebacking corps was a story that grew with each passing loss in November 2014. The Irish defense was a MASH unit at almost every position, but linebacker in particular stood out, with true freshman Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini thrust into significant roles. Brian Van Gorder's group badly needed veteran experience outside of Jaylon Smith, and the absence of two linebackers was magnified.
Jarrett Grace and Joe Schmidt had very different routes to Notre Dame, but both find themselves in the same position heading into 2015 - looking to regain a prominent role at middle linebacker after painful injuries that sidelined them for months (or in Grace's case, over a year).