The Notre Dame linebackers entered this season, arguably, as one of the best corps in the nation. They returned junior Drayk Bowen, redshirt junior Jaylen Sneed, sophomore Kyngtonn Viliamu-Asa, redshirt sophomore Jaiden Ausberry and brought in talent true freshman Madden Faraimo. Linebackers coach Max Bullough has a lot of talent at his disposal and after a shaky start to the season, this unit has been a strength of the defense we believed we would see in week one against the Hurricanes.
The overall defensive scheme, philosophy and identity didn't play to the strengths of this linebacking corps. They aren't 'read and react' linebackers; this group flies down hill and makes plays at or around the line of scrimmage. They weren't meant to be used as quarterback spies or dropping back into zone coverage and playing hook-curl routes. Each players has their own individual skillset they bring to the table, but they were being asked to be molded into what the scheme demanded.
Thankfully, that narrative has changed in the last month and we're seeing Bullough's unit start to play at a high level. Bowen, who's the middle linebacker and captain, is currently second on the team in tackles with 36 and has 11 total stops on the season. Viliamu-Asa, probably their most well rounded backer, has 30 tackles on the season, 15 total pressures, two sacks and is credited with 15 stops on the season. He's also turned into their best linebacker from a coverage standpoint as well.
Ausberry stepped into the starting lineup after the Texas A&M game and has started ever since. He's fifth on the team in tackles and has been a strong force against he run. Last season, he was one of Notre Dame's best tacklers and only missed 11 tackles through 16 games. This season, he's taken a slight step back and has already logged seven missed tackles in seven games. This is something I'm sure will get cleaned up as the season progresses, but he'll have to get that issues shored-up when they get into post-season play.
Sneed has turned things around, and Bullough has found a rotation for the redshirt junior that works. Sneed began the season as their starting WILL linebacker but has since taken on a rotational role that suits his skillset. He's able to come off the sideline as a pass rusher and has seven pressure and two sacks on the season according to PFF. He's still making strides as an every-down linebacker and had an exceptional game against USC in their last outing. Sneed is player that's getting closer to his potential, but has to continue ascending in these final five games.
Bullough, from a talent and experience perspective, has a top five unit in the country and I don't think they're fifth. With that being said, they have to continue to grow in this new system and use that athleticism, length and aggressiveness and turn it into production. They're now seven games in with Chris Ash as defensive coordinator. These linebackers are game changers; Bullough has done an exceptional job at getting them ready this season. Now it's up to Ash to let them loose and eat in the final five games.
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