Marcus Freeman: Right guard competition unsettled; Notre Dame could rotate

Notre Dame has settled its quarterback competition, but right guard is still undecided between redshirt freshman Guerby Lambert and redshirt sophomore Sullivan Absher.

The two largest individuals on Notre Dame’s roster, listed at 6-foot-7, 335 pounds and 6-foot-8, 327, respectively, are listed as co-starters at right guard on the team’s first official depth chart. Notably, Lambert’s name is listed first, but there is an “OR” between him and Absher.

Lambert is also listed as redshirt junior Aamil Wagner‘s primary backup at right tackle.

Freeman confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Notre Dame has yet to determine which of Lambert or Absher will start on Sunday night at Miami. It is possible, he also said, that the Irish feature both in their offense.

“They both could be involved in the game plan,” Freeman said. “We have to make a decision, probably after our Tuesday or Wednesday practice, who’s going out first. But it could be a situation where you see them both.”

The rest of Notre Dame’s offensive line has been set since spring practice: sophomore Anthonie Knapp at left tackle, redshirt junior Billy Schrauth at left guard, redshirt junior Ashton Craig at center and Wagner at right tackle.

Right guard seemed to be settled at that time as well, but redshirt sophomore and projected starter Charles Jagusah broke his humerus in a UTV accident July 5. Jagusah will return at some point this season, but he is out for the foreseeable future.

Rotations on an offensive line are rare, but not unheard of, particularly when it’s at one spot and the other four are rock solid. Freeman and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph must come up with a plan, though, to combat Miami’s defensive front.

“I think No. 3 and No. 4 [Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr.] are as good as you’ll see, coming off the edge and moving inside,” Freeman said.

Bain in particular is considered a potential top-10 pick. The Hurricanes will move him inside to match up against Lambert and/or Absher, particularly in obvious passing situations.

Notre Dame takes on Miami at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Other Notre Dame position battle notes

• Virginia Tech graduate transfer Jalen Stroman will start alongside redshirt sophomore Adon Shuler at safety.

• Notre Dame’s starting defensive line is as follows: redshirt sophomore defensive end Boubacar Traore, redshirt senior defensive tackle Jason Onye, redshirt junior defensive tackle Donovan Hinish and sophomore defensive end Bryce Young.

• Redshirt senior Tyler Buchner is Notre Dame’s third quarterback, beating out true freshman Blake Hebert.

• Notre Dame’s kicker will indeed be North Carolina graduate transfer Noah Burnette. Its kickoff specialist, though, is junior walk-on Marcello Diomede.