Who's at right guard? Notre Dame football is still figuring that out

SOUTH BEND — As Notre Dame football prepares for its season opener against Wisconsin, the offensive line still has open spots to fill, accounting for roughly 40% of the starting positions. Beyond the ongoing competition between Joe Otting and Ashton Craig for the center slot, with doctors still determining Craig's readiness after his second ACL injury, the focus shifts to the right guard position, where Styles Prescod now stands as a strong contender.

Denbrock confirmed that the decision at right guard remains open, with several players being evaluated, including Prescod. Sullivan Absher was initially seen as the favorite, but a broken foot sidelined him, preventing Matty Augustine from seizing the starting position. Craig, who practiced at right guard during 2023, has also seen action there recently, following a stint at center earlier this season.

During a recent scrimmage, Prescod demonstrated his potential by effectively filling in at right guard, earning him additional drill work alongside Craig and starting right tackle Guerby Lambert, Notre Dame’s previous right guard. The coach remarked that Prescod's natural abilities and natural progression in the scrimmage were noteworthy indicators of his readiness for a larger role.

Styles Prescod, a 6-foot-6, 304-pound high school standout from Hamilton Southeastern in Fishers, Indiana, has impressed coaches with his keenness and consistency throughout practices. Despite limited playing time last year due to early-season shoulder surgery and a subsequent lackluster performance during his few appearances, Prescod is now poised to make a significant impact.

Denbrock acknowledged Prescod as a clear backup choice at tackle positions, but the offensive coordinator also highlighted the opportunity for him to showcase his skills beyond the tackle box, indicating that Prescod could also emerge as a strong contributor at right guard.