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MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK

How the Charles Jagusah injury may have completely altered the Notre Dame plans for one player in particular

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 5:44 PM ET

When you talk about the 2025 Notre Dame recruiting class, most people would probably say that the top overall recruit was offensive tackle Will Black. The 6-7, 305-pound blindside protector, who is originally from Canada, earned elite status while starting for Wallingford (Conn.) Choate Rosemary Hall the last two years.

With the offensive line pretty much settled entering the 2025 college football season, there was a big question about just what to expect from Black as a true freshman. Playing offensive line on the college level isn’t easy, especially at offensive tackle. There is a lot of merit for letting younger players develop, both physically and technically.

With the recent humerus injury to starting offensive guard Charles Jagusah, and a timeline of recovery unknown, the outlook for Black may have just shifted big time. There is now a competition set for right guard for however long Jagusah will be out. The question is just how much Black could be involved in it, and where he would fit.

The most likely option, at least to get the first crack at playing, is redshirt sophomore Sullivan Absher to fill in at right guard. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph would be, however, best served to have some competition. Black, along with Guerby Lambert (if healthy), are two intriguing options to test out.

Black didn’t enroll until the Summer, so he will be playing from behind a bit in terms of development. If he is physically ready, you know that the athletic traits will allow him to compete. There is a world where Black is one of the five best offensive linemen on this team this preseason, and if that is the case, you have to play him.

In this hypothetical reality where Black is ready, there is an interesting debate about where would be the best place for him to play in his first season. He is a left tackle by trade, and you would think that would be where his comfort lies most, at least for now. There is a major issue if that’s where he needs to play early, the presence of Anthonie Knapp.

I’m not here for the debate about where would be best for Knapp to play. I was a part of the push to see Knapp moved inside and Jagusah sticking at left tackle, but that isn’t the world we live in. Right or wrong, Knapp has Coach Rudolph’s full trust at left tackle, and I don’t see him moving him right now.

With that in mind, the cleanest transition would be for Black to compete inside at guard. While his profile isn’t perfect inside, he has the requisite size and power to make an impact on the interior as well. Slotting someone new in at right guard also eliminates having two new starters up front at two different positions, and that cohesiveness can be huge for the offensive line.

Plus, playing guard is just easier than guard, at least in theory. You have more help on each side, and it’s easier to protest lack of inexperience.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves and obsess over best fits, one thing needs to happen first, Black prove to be one of the five best options. While there was set to be some patience with the freshman, this injury has definitely changed the timeline for his impact.

This fall camp will be very telling about just how open Rudolph is to the unknown, and coaching up high level talent on the fly. It’s a little more risky, but could be worth the reward long term.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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