Marcus Freeman’s most noticeable activity in first two months as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator has been on the recruiting front. The Irish have landed a trio of four-star defenders since his arrival, a sign of potential long-term health for the defense and reason to believe it will stay on the level former coordinator Clark Lea brought it to in his three years.
Saturday, though, Freeman starts on-field work with the current defense when Notre Dame opens up spring practice. Among his tasks will be replacing a Butkus Award winner and projected first-round pick in Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, finding some answers in the secondary around rising junior safety Kyle Hamilton and filling holes at defensive end.
Here’s a best-guess attempt at the first team and backups for that first practice. This isn’t meant to be an opening-day projection, but a stab at what it might be Saturday.
Class years reflect a player’s status in fall 2021. Freshmen who aren’t on campus this spring aren’t included.
Weak-Side Defensive End
Starter: Isaiah Foskey (Jr.)
Backup: Jordan Botelho (So.)
