Notre Dame football defensive intel heading into spring practice as the team looks to build an elite group under new DC Chris Ash

After two years of elite defense under defensive coordinator Al Golden, Notre Dame football is beginning a new era. Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash takes over for Coach Golden, and he inherits a ton of talent on that side of the football. While things will look a little differently schematically, you can also expect […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Loghan Thomas (10) and Fighting Irish safety Jordan Clark (1) celebrate after their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

After two years of elite defense under defensive coordinator Al Golden, Notre Dame football is beginning a new era. Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash takes over for Coach Golden, and he inherits a ton of talent on that side of the football. While things will look a little differently schematically, you can also expect Coach Ash to focus on what made this defense so good. 

Spring practice for Notre Dame is set to kick off on March 19th. There is a lot of excitement on the horizon, and it will begin in just a few days. Over the last several days, I have spent some time gathering as much info as possible. He is what I have learned for the defense. 

  • One pass rusher with a great opportunity to break out this offseason is sophomore Loghan Thomas. We saw a little of him this past season, and there were moments of brilliance as a pass rusher. The biggest question about Thomas has been size, listed at just 224 pounds last season. From the sounds of it, Thomas has embraced the strength and nutrition program at an even higher level so far since the season ended. Adding good weight has been a priority. With both Boubacar Traore and Jordan Botelho coming back from injury, this Spring is a huge opportunity for Thomas. While he may not solidify a starting spot next season, a role on pass rush downs is very much on the table.
  • This note shouldn’t surprise most, but junior safety Adon Shuler has already taken a big step as a leader this offseason. Replacing Xavier Watts from a leadership perspective means a lot to Shuler. It wouldn’t be overly surprising to see Shuler eventually earn a role as a captain before next season. He has quickly become one of the veterans on the back end, and according to a source, Shuler has taken that pressure and is running with it. Expect Shuler to take a massive step in 2025.
  • Junior linebacker Drayk Bowen has also taken a step forward from a leadership perspective. With Jack Kiser heading to the NFL, there is a need for a strong voice on the second level. With players like Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaiden Ausberry, and Jaylen Sneed figuring out their exact role, Bowen is the fixture we know exactly where he will be playing. There was a lot of positive play in his first year as a starter, but Bowen is expected to become one of the nation’s best this Fall.
  • Down the stretch of the playoffs, freshman safety Jadon Blair began practicing with the team. Blair, who is listed at 6-5 and 195, is so athletic that he was practicing at wide receiver on the scout team some. I’m told that Blair has really been hitting the weight room hard, and he knows how important that part of the process will be for him to get on the field a ton in 2025. Blair already has a lot of people around the program very excited, and I expect him to earn a big role similarly to what we saw from Kyle Hamilton as a freshman in 2019. 

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