Notre Dame’s linebacker puzzle has found its figurative corner piece. If nothing else, fifth-year Asmar Bilal has established himself as a rotational piece, Irish head coach Brian Kelly said Saturday after the ninth spring practice.
Bilal ending up in the starting lineup has been long anticipated after he worked as the starting rover throughout 2018, but the where has been in doubt. Kelly did not specify, and things could certainly still change, but Bilal looks likely to end up as the starting Mike linebacker, filling in where Te’von Coney left off. Alongside him, at least on passing downs, could be rising sophomore Jack Lamb, finally healthy after a weight room pectoral injury limited him last season.