NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
Head coach: Charles Fant (58-20 in six years here and overall)
Returning starters: 9 offensive, 5 defensive
Key players: LB Monroe Beard III (6-0, 205), OL Jacob Brigman (6-1, 270), OL/MLB Dallas Brown (6-0, 230), RB/LB Jeffrey Watkins (5-9, 185), ATH Cameron Wynn (5-11, 170).
Team strengths: All but two starters are back from a quick-strike offense that averaged 43 points during an 11-game winning streak that carried the Irish to the Division II-AA state championship game a year ago.
Team concerns: The Irish not only are replacing six defensive starters but also are making the switch from an odd front to a 4-3 scheme on that side of the ball. They also graduated 16 seniors and have only six on this year's roster. Finding new team leaders among such a small senior class - plus how quickly the younger players adapt on defense - could determine if this team returns to the title game.
Newcomers to watch: Tarik Nelson was slowed for much of last season by a hamstring injury. He's now healthy and ready to join the running back rotation. Also, entering his junior year, Watkins might be the most versatile back on a team with no shortage of speed.
Season outlook: The Irish took an offense that was more popular in the 1930s and gave it a new-age twist to put up video-game type numbers last season. As good as they were at running the single-wing, the Irish should be even tougher to stop with nine starters returning, including 2017 state Mr. Football finalist Wynn - who gained nearly 2,000 yards - plus the addition of several young athletes with track speed.
"There is absolutely a difference in attitude as we head into this season," Fant said. "When you make a run like we did, it gives everyone a new sense of confidence. We saw what it takes in the championship (game) as far as size, strength and training to take that last step and win it all, and this group has had a work ethic during the offseason that is unlike anything I've seen.
"Besides our talent at the skill positions, we have three starters back on the offensive line, and two of our three linebackers are older guys who can help bring along the younger ones. The kids are flying around all over the field, and one of the good things about having more guys going both ways is that we're in great shape. We are a very confident team."
Notre Dame's schedule is set up nicely with an off week at the midway point and again just before the playoffs begin.
"Those breaks are at a great time because it can help get guys healed up," Fant added. "We have a chance to have a really special season."