2001 Notre Dame probable starters
| OFFENSE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
| SE | 21 | Javin Hunter | Irish deep threat, caught four passes of 40+ yards in ’00 |
| LT | 78 | Jordan Black | Started all 12 games in ’00, most experience on line |
| LG | 79 | Sean Mahan | Shared time with Jim Jones in ’00, played in all 12 games |
| C | 52 | Jeff Faine | Lindy’s ranks him as the third-best center nationally |
| RG | 65 | Sean Milligan | Earned starting job after great spring, played in two games |
| RT | 75 | Kurt Vollers | Fifth-year player who started all 12 games last season |
| TE | 84 | John Owens | Making first start at TE after playing DL most of ’00 season |
| FL | 6 | David Givens | Multipurpose player who can run, catch, pass and return kicks |
| QB | 10 | Matt LoVecchio | Was 7-1 as a starter for the Irish in 2000 |
| FB | 36 | Tom Lopienski | Rated 12th among fullbacks by The Sporting News |
| – or | 40 | Jason Murray | Fifth-year player who played seven games in ’00 |
| – or | 47 | Mike McNair | In the mix at FB after two injury-filled seasons |
| TB | 12 | Tony Fisher | Doak Walker Award candidate, 16 career touchdowns |
| – or | 22 | Julius Jones | Irish leading rusher for ’00 with 657 yards |
| – or | 32 | Terrance Howard | Slashing runner completes three-pronged tailback attack |
| DEFENSE | |||
| Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
| LE | 98 | Anthony Weaver | All-star candidate begins fourth year as defensive regular |
| DT | 60 | Darrell Campbell | Ready to impact defense after gaining 30 lbs. in offseason |
| NG | 94 | Andy Wisne | Assumes starting role after departure of Lance Legree |
| RE | 44 | Grant Irons | Missed most of ’00 season with shoulder injury |
| ILB | 51 | Tyreo Harrison | Greatly improved, emerging as a leader of defense |
| ILB | 33 | Courtney Watson | Replaces second-team All-American Anthony Denman |
| OLB | 30 | Rocky Boiman | Named to The Sporting News “Great Unknowns” team |
| LCB | 15 | Clifford Jefferson | The most experienced defensive back on the Irish roster |
| FS | 28 | Donald Dykes | Moves into starting role replacing Tony Driver |
| SS | 5 | Ron Israel | Fifth-year veteran who has played in 32 career games |
| RCB | 42 | Shane Walton | Leader of the secondary, recorded 40 tackles in ’00 |
| SPECIALISTS | Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
| PK/KO | 13 | Nicholas Setta | Made 8-of-14 field goals in ’00, cool under pressure |
| P | 17 | Joey Hildbold | A Ray Guy Award candidate, 40.9 yard average in ’00 |
| HLD | 80 | Adam Tibble | Second year as holder for Setta |
| SNP | 56 | John Crowther | Walk-on who will snap on field goals, PATs |
| 91 | Jeff Thompson | Emerged as a possible long snapper in preseason camp | |
| PR/KR | 22 | Julius Jones | 2000 first-team All-America kickoff returner by CNN.SI.com |
| 34 | Vontez Duff | Incredible speed, exciting with the ball | |
| Source: Notre Dame Sports Information Office | |||