Welcome to college football, Jerry Tillery. Your time to shine has arrived just months after arriving on Notre Dame's campus as an early enrollee.
Unfortunately, Tillery's increased role in the Irish's 2015 defense comes at the expense of defensive tackle Jarron Jones, who sustained a season-ending MCL injury requiring surgery. Following numerous reports, head coach Brian Kelly confirmed the injury in a press conference.
It's a tough blow for Jones, who missed what amounted to the final few games of last season with a foot injury. He'll be able to redshirt and return for 2016, but you have to feel for the guy all the same.