The already shallow depth of the Notre Dame football defensive secondary just got a bit thinner as an Fighting Irish spokesman announced on Wednesday that Austin Collinsworth could miss a large portion of the upcoming season.
The junior safety is expected to miss the next four to six months of football after undergoing shoulder surgery to fix a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Collinsworth was praised during this spring for his improved play and relentless energy.
“Collinsworth is having a nice spring,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco said during spring drills. “He's a load. He's a werewolf.”
Collinsworth was to have added depth behind starters Jamoris Slaughter and Zeke Motta this spring. As a sophomore, Collinsworth made 15 tackles on special teams and earned the Special Teams Player of the Year honors. He also had 13 tackles on kickoff coverage and a team-best two stops on punt coverage.
“I love that guy,” Diaco said. “He's hard not to like. He's a high-collision player.”
Collinsworth has played in all 26 games in his first two seasons, primarily on special teams. Through his first two seasons with the Irish, Collinsworth has totaled 25 tackles and forced one fumble.
“He is fast when he steps on the gas pedal,” Diaco said. “He's got some things that he needs to work on, but he is one of the more entertaining players to watch and be around.”
