Notre Dame Football: Midweek Musings

No matter how good a team is, it seems every year there are players who show dramatic – and surprising – improvements in play. But there are also veterans expected to improve that regress. That is what happened with right guard Tommy Kraemer in 2018, but now the senior could be in line for a breakout season.

Kraemer started nine games at right tackle in 2017, his redshirt freshman season, playing his role on the nation’s best offensive line. A move to guard in 2018 was expected to allow him to build around his best strengths (size, power, run blocking) and mask his areas of concern (playing in space, athleticism).

Instead of his game improving, Kraemer took a major step back. According to Pro Football Focus, his pass blocking grade was even lower at guard in 2018 than it was at tackle in 2017. Kraemer appeared a bit out of shape, and his ability to handle more athletic linemen suffered, as did his ability to handle the twists and stunts thrown.