Scouting the Notre Dame Defensive Line

Ethan Johnson (DE) leads a big defensive line. 

The Irish use a 3-4 base defense, putting three big bodies on the line and allowing the linebackers to either come up in the box to blitz and support the run or to drift back in pass coverage.  While not a traditional defensive line that we are use to seeing, they can plug up the running game and allow the lineabackers to get in and attack even more. 

Let's take a look at the Irish defensive line and the depth they have. [keep reading]

Starter (Defensive end)

Ethan Johnson - 6-4 300-pounds - Senior

Johnson has started in 28 career games (has the body type of a defensive tackle, but the ability to get off a great pass rush). Last season, he recorded 34 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, forced 1 fumble, and even broke up 2 passes. No matter who lines up at tackle for the Bulls, Popek, Eatmon, etc. will have to slow him down.

Reserves

Aaron Lynch - 6-6 265-pounds - Freshman

Lynch, from Cape Coral, Florida, is a top prospect that will be relied on to help add depth at the position. His inexperience is a weakness the Irish have on the line.

Chase Hounshell - 6-4 265-pounds - Freshman

Another freshman on the depth chart (from Kirtland, Ohio). Lack of experienced players on the line should be something USF can exploit during the game.

Starter (Nose tackle)

Sean Cwynar - 6-4 285-pounds - Junior

Cwynar made 4 starts last season, appearing in all 13 games for the Irish. He finished the year with 33 tackles, including 3 tackles for a loss and forced 1 fumble. Cwynar and the reserve nose tackles aren't going to get the biggest numbers, but will cause trouble on the line, plugging up running holes and moving the quarterback around in the pocket.

Reserves

Louis Nix III - 6-3 326-pounds - Sophomore

Nix is a big, physical player that will get plenty of snaps in this game. He has never played a down in collegiate football though.

Hafis Williams - 6-1 295-pounds - Senior

Williams played in 13 games last season, so he is an experienced player. He totaled 11 tackles, including a half tackle for a loss and even broke up one pass.

Tony Springman - 6-6 280-pounds - Freshman

A top prospect from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Will try to get onto the field somehow.

Starter (Defensive end)

Kapron Lewis-Moore - 6-4 300-pounds - Senior

Lewis-Moore has made 22 career starts during his time at Notre Dame. He totaled 62 tackles last season, including 2.5 for loss, 2 sacks, forced and recovered 1 fumble and broke up one pass. He has the size of a defensive tackle, but the pass rush abilities of an end, a very dangerous combination.

Reserves

Kona Schwenke - 6-4 285-pounds - Sophomore

Schwenke has action in 5 games last season, totaling 2 tackles and forcing one fumble. He has added weight in the off season and is a key member player on the depth chart.

Stephon Twitt - 6-5 295-pounds - Freshman

A top prospect from Monroe, Georgia. Will try to battle his way onto the field