After analyzing some potential candidates for Notre Dame football’s offensive advancement, it’s time to move on to the other side of the ball.
The Irish defense will not be the same as last year, with many new starters across the board. This means there will be a lot of untested players getting playing time this fall, but that doesn’t mean they won’t perform at a high level.
Let’s take a look at five potential players for Notre Dame this fall, with a few honorable mentions to start the group.
Honorable mentions
There are several players who missed the cut, many due to the opportunity to take the field frequently. I believe we will see good safety Adon Shuler and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa as they are primed for bigger roles in the coming years. If they are both forced onto the field, it wouldn’t surprise me if they show they belong.
Cornerback Christian Gray
Like others on this list, Gray started getting his feet wet as a freshman, recording one interception along with 11 tackles. The experience will help him transition into a larger role, and he will be tested as one of the youngest members of this positional group. Gray should be up to the task and make an impact during his second year with the Irish.
Defensive lineman Bryce Young
2024 Notre Dame DE commit Bryce Young is one of the most unique athletes in the country at 6’5, 240 and had an impressive week in the Charlotte Christian win. pic.twitter.com/4eSpYIN1wg
-Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) August 19, 2023
One of the top signees in the class of 2024, there is room for the true freshman to make his mark on the defensive line. There aren’t many players other than RJ Oben who should keep Young from playing this year. He already has a structure that can handle the college game.
Linebacker Jaylen Sneed
Nana Osafo-Mensah said she noticed Notre Dame’s defense hit USC QB Caleb Williams in the head during the Irish’s 48-20 defeat of the Trojans.
This Jaylen Sneed sack confirmed that for him.
“That’s when we really knew we had it under control, for sure. From that point on, it was all of us.” pic.twitter.com/6jpjnZWyP5
-Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 25, 2023
The former 5-star prospect has all the tools to be a major disruptor and should have the chance to do so this fall. After waiting a few years, Sneed should be eager for this extended play opportunity and should perform up to expectations.
Defensive lineman Joshua Burnham
A similar situation to Young, Burnham will have his chance to be a pillar in the defensive line rotation. He is at the top of the list due to experience, and that should help him as he knows what it takes to get the job done. There’s a good chance Burnham emerges as a playmaker this fall.
Linebacker Drayk Bowen
Another successful weekend for Andrean Football Alums:
Drayk Bowen (Class of 2023) recorded a pair of tackles in No. 14 Notre Dame’s win over Pitt!
Bishop Byrd picked up another sack and TFL for Kentucky Wesleyan yesterday. pic.twitter.com/V4QoAAUZsl
-Andrean Futebol (@FootballAndrean) October 30, 2023
Another young player expected to start, Bowen shined multiple times during his freshman year. He has earned his place on the field and must know how to make the most of his playing time. Bowen is an elite athlete who has all the tools to be an exceptional linebacker who could become a national name by the end of the season.
This article was originally published on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame Football: Five Defensive Breakout Candidates
