2008 OUTLOOK: The hiring of respected defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta -- a coach that Charlie Weis had trouble solving when Tenuta was at Georgia Tech -- should end up being a stroke of genius. His attacking style, combined with more speed in recent recruiting classes, has a chance to remake the Irish's defense. There is a still a lot of pressure on Jimmy Clausen and the young skill players. Notre Dame should be able to compete better this season, and at least have a moderately successful season with a minor bowl.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE
This unit might all grow up together. With QB Jimmy Clausen (138 of 245 passes for 1,254 yards, with seven touchdowns and six interceptions) and Duval Kamara (32 catches fort 357 yards and four touchdowns) could really develop a special connection. The offensive line, such a problem area with penalties and giving up sacks, returns four starters, including tackle Sam Young. As with all the other positions on offense, the line has much improvement to do, but should be better.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE
Notre Dame can't replace defensive lineman Trevor Laws, who was its best player last season and its best example of all-out effort. A bad offense last season put the Irish "D" in some tough spots, but Notre Dame might not have been quite as bad as the numbers indicated. There were way too many blowout losses, of course, and there's still doubt as to whether the Irish are ready for the bigger games on their schedule. The first month includes Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Brandon Walker kicked better in the spring than he did last season, when he made 6 of 12 in his freshman season. Geoff Price is gone at punter, with Eric Maust next in line. Maust averaged 42.1 yards as a fill-in last season. The main kick returns are back -- Armando Allen and Golden Tate -- but someone must be found to replace Tom Zbikowski on punt returns.

ROSTER REPORT

--Senior DT Pat Kuntz was not enrolled at Notre Dame in the spring. He might return. Kuntz would be a valued veteran addition to the middle of the line.

--Notre Dame had four players selected in the NFL Draft -- TE John Carlson (2nd round), DL Trevor Laws (2nd), Tom Zbikowski (3rd), John Sullivan (6th).

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