Notre Dame Football: Six Players to Watch During Crucial Winter Workouts
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Notre Dame football is entering a crucial phase as winter workouts get underway, setting the stage for spring practice, which is unofficially slated to begin on March 18. Following the longest football season in Notre Dame history, six players have been identified as especially intriguing to watch during this period.these athletes have the potential to substantially impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season by maximizing their development during this short window.Among those highlighted is vyper end loghan Thomas, who, despite being a freshman early enrollee in January of 2023, has shown promising potential.
Loghan Thomas: vyper End Primed for Growth
Loghan Thomas arrived at Notre Dame in January 2023, weighing in at 196 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame, lighter than any of the team’s linebackers. This was also roughly a month after undergoing labrum surgery on his shoulder. Despite these challenges, thomas maintained high aspirations for his future wiht the Irish. He was held out of all 15 Irish football practices last spring.
By 2025, Thomas had bulked up to 224 pounds, still 16 pounds lighter than his classmate and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. He played 42 reserve snaps at vyper for the NCAA runners-up (14-2). His Pro Football Focus (PFF) film grade of 70.9 was notably impressive for such limited playing time.
This PFF rating placed him between Howard Cross III and Jaylen Sneed in terms of defensive player ratings. Beyond his role at vyper, Thomas also made notable contributions on special teams, logging 195 plays on kickoff return, kickoff coverage, and punt return, surpassed only by max Hurleman and Davis Sherwood on the Irish roster.Thomas’s high school track and field background, combined with his MVP honors at the All American Bowl National Combine in San Antonio in January 2023, further underscore his potential.
Even with Jordan Botelho and boubacar Traore possibly returning healthy at the vyper position, increasing the competition, the need for pass-rushers was evident in Notre Dame’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the CFP title game. Thomas possesses the length and burst to become a difference-maker.
Anthonie Knapp: Offensive Lineman Aiming for Strength Gains
Anthonie Knapp,heading into his sophomore year,achieved a rare feat in 2024,becoming only the 11th true freshman offensive lineman since 1972 to start at least one game. He was also just the third to start a season opener, following Sam Young (2006) and Blake Fisher (2021). Knapp and Young are the only two in that group of 11 to have started more than eight games as a freshman. Knapp started 15 games before an ankle injury sidelined him for the national title game against Ohio state.
Despite his significant playing time, Knapp’s PFF score of 62.5 suggests room for betterment. His primary challenge isn’t a steep learning curve, but rather his 6-foot-4, 294-pound frame, which stands to benefit from another offseason under the guidance of director of football performance Loren Landow. This development is crucial whether Knapp remains at left tackle or transitions to an interior position, perhaps making way for Charles jagusah.
Brenan Vernon: Defensive Tackle at a Critical Juncture
Brenan Vernon, a junior-to-be and former Rivals100 prospect, faces a pivotal spring. after transitioning from field end to defensive tackle last offseason, Vernon recognizes the importance of making significant strides. the 2024 season was largely about adapting to the changes of playing inside, including the necessary body size and strength. Vernon himself acknowledged the dramatic nature of these changes.
While there are no clear obstacles to climbing the depth chart, Vernon faces competition from a crowded defensive line. with 11 players already vying for positions and freshman Gordy Sulfsted arriving in June, Vernon understands the urgency of the upcoming weeks. He gained 18 pounds during the season, reaching 280 pounds, but played only eight snaps across two games.
“The weight room is gonna be huge; just getting bigger, just getting stronger. With the weight room comes eating. You gotta eat a whole lot. That’s what it’s gonna be. This offseason’s gonna be huge for me. Looking to make the biggest step of improvement in all aspects of my game and myself.”
Brenan Vernon, Inside ND Sports
Kevin Bauman: Tight End seeking a Larger Role
Kevin bauman’s decision to return for a sixth year,utilizing his COVID exemption,came as a surprise,given that his career-high for snaps in a season was only 77 in 2022.Bauman, who has battled injuries throughout his career, missed the entire 2023 season with a second ACL tear in as many years.
He explained his thought process back in August 2024:
“Coach [Marcus] freeman was grate. All of my coaches were extremely supportive of me taking some time away. My parents came down here, and I was able to sit down over a few days and talk to them, kind of weigh out pros and cons of everything. At
Notre Dame Football: Can Winter workouts Forge a Championship Contender?
Notre Dame’s winter workouts are more than just drills; they’re a crucible where the next generation of Irish stars is forged. This year, several players are poised for breakout performances, potentially shifting the team’s trajectory.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Michael Davis, you’ve been analyzing Notre Dame football for over two decades. given the intense competition in college football, what makes this yearS winter workouts so crucial for the Fighting Irish?
Dr.Davis: This winter is absolutely critical for Notre Dame. The team’s success hinges on individual player progress,especially for those who’ll play key roles. The winter conditioning program allows for strength adn conditioning gains, injury prevention, and the refinement of techniques that build a cohesive team.We’re not just talking about physical gains; we see the molding of football intellect and strategic awareness. This is where the subtle shifts happen— mastering route combinations offensively, honing defensive schemes against varying formations, and improving special team play.
Interviewer: Let’s delve into some specific players. Loghan Thomas, the vyper end, is generating significant buzz.What’s his potential, and what needs enhancement?
Dr.Davis: Loghan Thomas is a engaging case.His combination of size, speed, and the high school accolades indicate an athletic ceiling far from reached. While his PFF grade was excellent for a reserve,he must improve consistent pass-rushing moves and tackle proficiency under pressure. He needs to transition from raw talent to a fully formed edge rusher. Remember, adding bulk for a linebacker-to-end transition is tough— it requires structured weight training and a disciplined nutrition plan to avoid losing speed.His progress in these crucial areas during winter training will determine how impactful he’ll be. The key: improving his pass-rush moves,such as speed rushes,spin moves and counter-moves to defeat offensive linemen,will significantly increase his effectiveness.
Interviewer: Anthonie Knapp, the offensive lineman, started impressively as a freshman. What are his areas for improvement?
Dr. Davis: Anthonie knapp’s freshman season was remarkable, showing exceptional potential. However, his relatively low PFF score suggests room for refinement in technique and power. Strength training is paramount here. He needs to increase his strength and power to sustain blocks effectively against more seasoned opponents. The winter workouts will be focused on building that upper body and core strength. His position flexibility— whether he stays at left tackle or moves inside— also requires adaptation, and the winter workouts become a crucial period to explore those adjustments. We all agree, focusing on strength gains and refining his technique can significantly elevate his performance.
Interviewer: Brenan Vernon, the defensive tackle, faces a very different challenge.
Dr.Davis: Vernon’s story is one of adaptation and improvement. Switching from field end to defensive tackle requires a major physical change; a change that involves adding muscle mass to handle the larger, more intense physical contact. This doesn’t just happen in the gym; nutrition and recovery are essential. He needs explosive power and an ability to read and react. This is the battle of the trenches — you need to dominate physically. This winter period dictates whether he can effectively hold his ground against larger and physically stronger offensive interior linemen, and refine his techniques that allow him to use leverage and powerful push to overcome them.
Interviewer: Kevin Bauman, a sixth-year player, is making a surprising comeback.What are the factors determining his success?
Dr.Davis: Kevin Bauman’s decision to return speaks volumes about his tenacity and drive.We need to consider the injury history. Coming back from two ACL injuries requires meticulous rehabilitation and careful monitoring of his recovery. His success hinges on regaining his physical form and strength. During this winter workout, his focus must be on building his health, flexibility and regaining his strength to prevent any further occurrences. This is crucial for his confidence and ability to play, as recovering from injury is a major element in playing top-level football. The winter workouts serve not only to develop his physical abilities but will serve to build his mental confidence following his rehabilitation.
Interviewer: What is your overall assessment of notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming season?
Dr. Davis: Notre Dame’s potential is undeniable. Though, consistent performance and limiting costly mistakes are crucial. The winter workouts, as we’ve already seen, become the foundational development stage for several pivotal players. The team’s overall strength, resilience, and overall execution of their game strategies depend heavily on how these individuals progress during the conditioning period. This offseason is pivotal in determining whether Notre Dame truly contends for a championship.
Final Thought: the journey to a championship is paved with preparation. Notre Dame’s winter workouts will be a pivotal chapter in determining their destiny. What are your predictions for the upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!