Moving along into our top half of the most important players for Notre Dame in 2012, we land on #4, fifth-year senior Jamoris Slaughter. Besides being one of the Fighting Irish's best players on defense, Slaughter increases his importance by filling potentially three roles on this team. He's probably the most versatile guy on the defense and one of the hardest hitters to boot. His play this season could determine how successful the defense will be overall.
Slaughter has taken a long route to this point. He entered Notre Dame as a safety, then moved to cornerback before settling in at safety. Then last season, while playing well at safety, slid down and enjoyed some time at linebacker as well. One guy, three different positions. That's what makes Slaughter so vital to this team.
The biggest thing Slaughter brings is three years of playing experience in which he has performed at a high level. Teaming with Zeke Motta at safety gives Notre Dame two quality, experienced players at the position. Those two could be a very stout line and having both of those guys back there might help out a thin, inexperienced cornerback corps.
But Slaughter won't just help out the young corners by providing leadership from the safety spot, Slaughter will play some corner as well. This will be especially vital if Lo Wood, Bennett Jackson, or Josh Atkinson struggle and cannot fulfill their duties. Having Slaughter in the mix certainly helps and at least give some protection over the weakest aspect of this football team.
Slaughter's not just done there however. Besides his safety and cornerback possibilities, Slaughter will most likely see more action at drop linebacker this season, something he did late last year. Slaughter had so much success, including collecting two sacks against Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl, that it's only natural to have him see some time at linebacker again. He's not big like most linebackers, but he's tough, has good speed, and is a smart player as well.
It'll be interesting to see just how Slaughter is deployed this season. If he stays healthy, he may see more snaps on defense than almost everyone else. Hopefully the young corners can show themselves capable of handling their jobs because it would seem a shame to force Slaughter to play mostly corner when he could be so disruptive elsewhere. No matter the spot, you can be assured that Slaughter will make a mark this year as he tries to help lead this Irish defense to a championship level.
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