Duke transfer Ma’Khi Jones was the presumptive starter at nickel, and that position is likely solidified now that Hobbs will be out. Now, the question becomes: who will slide in behind Jones on the depth chart with Hobbs out? Hobbs logged 106 total defensive snaps last season, 85 of which came in the slot for the Fighting Irish. Strong safety starter Ashlynd Barker played quite a bit in the slot last season with Earl Little Jr. and Edwin Joseph. On Wednesday, Norvell also named junior Ricky Knight III as "a guy that is pushing" for snaps in the slot.