Midweek thoughts about the Notre Dame football program, its recruiting efforts and college football.
BREAKOUT STARS FOR THE NOTRE DAME DEFENSE IN 2019
In last week’s Midweek Musings I discussed the breakout stars for the Notre Dame offense. Notre Dame needs those players to emerge if the offense is going to play well enough for the Irish to make another playoff run.
The story on defense is quite different. With players like Julian Okwara and Alohi Gilman returning, Notre Dame already has a pair of proven players getting All-American recognition. There is a strong foundation to build on, but there are a few other veterans poised for impactful seasons.
If that happens the defense will once again be outstanding, and I’m predicting it will happen.
Khalid Kareem, Defensive End – After an outstanding season in 2018, much of the preseason focus at end has been on Okwara, and rightfully so. Okwara and Daelin Hayes will combine to form an incredibly potent 1-2 punch at drop end this season, but a potential breakout from Kareem could be the difference between Notre Dame being really good up front or being elite.
The strongside end is so important for both the pass rush and the ability to shut down the opposition ground attack. Kareem earned Notre Dame’s third-best run defense grade according to Pro Football Focus, and only Hayes had a better run-stop rate among the regulars, but there is room for him to be even better. Being healthier would help, and Kareem is now going into his second full year in the rotation.
