Unfortunate Notre Dame injury could end up being a blessing in disguise for the Fighting Irish defense in the long term 

Heading into the 2025 college football season, Notre Dame fans were incredibly excited for this version of the Fighting Irish team and all they could potentially accomplish. After two competitive losses to begin the year, Marcus Freeman’s squad has gotten back on track in each of the last two weeks. They are a team that still needs to grow, but clearly are figuring some things out. 

As is the case with every college football team, there are always going to be some positions on your roster that lack depth or carry some question marks. That is true for the Fighting Irish, who entered 2025 with depth issues at both cornerback and tight end. The depth chart in the secondary was tested early in this season with both All-American cornerback Leonard Moore out each of the last two games with an ankle injury, as well as starting nickel DeVonta Smith sidelined after the Miami game until last week as well.

True freshman emerging

The injury to Moore forced true freshman Mark Zackery IV to start each of the last two games. The 5-11, 175-pound cover man had a rough first start against the Purdue Boilermakers two weeks ago, but showed major improvement against Arkansas during the blowout victory as well. In four games so far this season, the Indiana native managed to record five total tackles, two pass breakups, and a half of a tackle for loss.

With the improvement we have seen from Zackery, Coach Freeman has given him a strong review and vote of confidence during his media availability this week. Zackery is now a player that the Fighting Irish feel comfortable enough at either the boundary or field cornerback spots. That is a remarkable ascension for a freshman who had an uncertain role heading into the 2025 season.

That aforementioned injury to Smith also allowed for fellow true freshman Dallas Golden to get opportunities in the slot as well. The Florida native was able to record his first career interception against the Purdue Boilermakers and has flashed every week. At 6-0 and 187 pounds, Golden is a rare athlete who has the ability to play all three cornerback spots. Golden also could play safety or wide receiver on the college level as well if the need was there.

In two games that Golden has played, he has recorded seven total tackles, one interception, two pass breakups, and a half of a tackle for loss. If those flash plays are any indication, the future is very, very bright for the talented defender. This is just an early taste of how good Golden can become.

While you never want to see a player get injured, you have solved your depth issue to a degree during their absence. Smith is already back healthy and contributing, and a return for Moore is also just on the horizon. Whenever Moore does return, you have your best secondary that you could potentially put on the field. The key, however, is that you now have answers if another injury does happen down the road. The emergence of Zackery and Golden will make everyone feel a lot more comfortable about the answers that Chris Ash goes to in a moment of chaos.