Last year at this time, spring drills had already been canceled for a couple of weeks, leaving several unanswered inquiries into August on some top position battles.

Who would be the lead running back?

Was there an alpha figure at receiver such as Chase Claypool in 2019 or Miles Boykin in 2018?

Could anyone among about five candidates emerge at weak side linebacker to replace the graduated Asmar Bilal?

Who would be the second cornerback opposite TaRiq Bracy?

So what are the main queries as the Fighting Irish prepare for 2021 spring drills (which are expected to begin this weekend)?

Here’s an overview:

As it should, the coaching staff likely will make the correct public comments about how it is open competition to succeed the graduated Ian Book.

Barring injury, though, this is Wisconsin graduate transfer Jack Coan’s job to lose after having started 18 games and passed for 3,278 yards at a successful Power 5 program. No one else on the roster is in the same stratosphere with that type of experience.

Still, who enters the season No. 2 and positions himself as the 2022 heir will have a ripple effect, including who will stick around down the road. Junior Brendon Clark has been slowed by a knee issue and his availability is in question. Then there is 5-11½, 194-pound sophomore Drew Pyne and early entrants Tyler Buchner and Ron Powlus III, with the former not even having a senior season in California.

It would be a surprise if a No. 2 is announced at the end of spring, just so everyone can keep engaged through the summer months and August camp.