‘Right now he is one of the best five out there’ - Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman gives praise to an extremely important projected starter 

Notre Dame football suffered a massive loss earlier this offseason, quite literally, when it was announced that starting right guard Charles Jagusah needed surgery to repair a fractured humerus. Without a known timeline, this created some uncertainty up front for the Fighting Irish. A question quickly arose about who would fill that hole left by Jagusah, at least until he returns healthy. 

The most likely answer to that question from the beginning appeared to be redshirt sophomore Sullivan Absher. The 6-8, 326-pound behemoth was already playing inside, and seemed like an easy slot in as a starter. With other intriguing options like Guerby Lambert, Will Black, or even Joe Otting on the table, however, there was still a question about how head coach Marcus Freeman and the staff would fill it. 

It’s just one practice into fall camp, but we may have gotten an early answer to that question. Absher did indeed take the first team reps on Thursday, and reportedly looked solid doing so. Following that practice, Coach Freeman spoke highly of Absher and his chances to fill that role. 

"We have a lot of confidence in Sullivan," Coach Freeman said. "Without hesitation when Charles went down, we made the move to put Sullivan in there. He has earned that trust through multiple years, through the spring, but he will be in a competition like everyone else. At the end of the day, you have to play your best five. Right now he is one of the best five out there, but it’s a deep room.

It might not be an old room but it’s a deep, and talented room. The competition will figure out who is the best five."

As Coach Freeman stated, this competition is far from decided. Absher might be getting the first early look at the job, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be his spot in the end. Consistently will be the name of the game for Absher over the next few weeks. 

The attention to getting the best five offensive linemen on the field is important, and certainly plays into Absher’s favor right now. He will have to hold off on guys like Black, who got reps inside today as well. Whether the staff opts for experience or upside will determine a lot for who starts at right guard against the Miami Hurricanes.