2. The players who the Irish can’t afford to lose for long stretches of the season are quarterback Jimmy Clausen, kicker Brandon Walker, nose tackle Ian Williams, defensive end Pat Kuntz, center Dan Wenger.

That doesn’t mean they’re the best five players — arguably free safety David Bruton is the best — but depth at those positions needs to be built over time and can’t be microwaved.

3. Five freshmen who would be on the field, at least as key reserves, if the season started today: cornerback Robert Blanton, tight end Kyle Rudolph, defensive end Ethan Johnson, center/long snapper Braxston Cave and wide receiver Mike Floyd. Blanton is at the head of the class.

"He’s one of those guys that the wide receivers can’t stand because he chirps the whole time," Weis said of Blanton. "As the head coach now, and not as the guy who calls the offensive plays, I love guys like that. I used to hate guys like that when I was (the offensive play-caller) because they’re the guys that really annoy you.

"That’s always been his game. It was his game in high school. He’s as mild-mannered as they come off the field, but he’s a chirper and he has a lot of confidence in his ability."

Just because a freshman doesn’t play early or at all in 2008, doesn’t means he’s on the back-burner for the long term. Look no further than sophomore Harrison Smith for an example.

4. Some of the most improved players on the team over last year come at a spot where it’s needed the most — offensive line.

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Right guard Chris Stewart leads the way, followed by right tackle Sam Young, tight end Mike Ragone, center Dan Wenger, left tackle Mike Turkovich, backup left tackle Matt Romine, nose tackle Ian Williams and quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Incumbent starting tackle Paul Duncan, who began preseason drills as No. 1 at left tackle, is currently the No. 2 left guard.

5. Weis is kinder/gentler off the field, all business/all the time on it.

"I’m in training-camp mentality," Weis said, "so I’m always in an ornery mood in training camp when it comes to a lot of things."

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