Notre Dame is poised to have another tremendous defense under Al Golden. There’s a chance that the 2024 version is the best so far. In order for them to do so, the team will be counting on several younger players.
That includes some true freshmen who could assume important roles. Here are the talented underclassmen to keep a close eye on. It’s an extremely talented group to work with.
EDGE Bryce Young
You don’t often see freshman defensive ends that are 6-7 and 258 pounds. That is a rare size profile, especially for a player who moves as well as Young does. Notre Dame fans are obviously very familiar with the Young family because of his father Bryant, who was one of the best defensive linemen to ever wear the blue and gold. If Bryce is anything close to his father, Irish fans are going to fall in love quickly.
Playing the “big end” position in Notre Dame’s system, there isn’t necessarily a massive need for the North Carolina native to play a big role in 2024. They have former Duke standout RJ Oben and Joshua Burnham already slated to play a lot there. There is a chance, however, that Young is just too good not to play this season. Don’t be shocked if you see No. 30 on the field a lot come the fall, utilizing his rare skill set in short bursts.
LB Kingstonn Viliamu-Asa
Like Young, Notre Dame doesn’t need Viliamu-Asa to play a lot in 2024. The former five-star recruit is just so advanced that he could contend for a role despite competing with players like Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry, Jaylen Snead and Preston Zinter. Despite being a true freshman, Viliamu-Asa might be the most instinctual second level defender that the Irish have right now.
At first, he will contend to be the main backup to Bowen at middle linebacker. If he plays well, there is a world where Viliamu-Asa can contend for a starting spot down the stretch of the season, either at middle linebacker or at WILL. It all depends how quickly he progresses.
Cornerback depth
With the offseason transfer losses of Clarence Lewis and Micah Bell, cornerback has gotten quite a bit thinner. That leaves a massive opportunity for playing time for the true freshman coming in. Does that mean that Leonard Moore plays a lot in 2024? Maybe Karson Hobbs? Possibly both?
Right now, there is no clear answer to backup Jordan Clark on the nickel. If Benjamin Morrison is banged up then one of them will have to be ready to serve an important backup role. Opportunity is definitely there.
DT Sean Sevillano
Notre Dame returns one of the best defensive duos in college football this fall with Howard Cross and Rylie Mills both returning this offseason. Behind them, there is a ton of talent but it is largely unproven. Gabriel Rubio and Jayson Onye are expected to play key roles, but if the Irish are looking for more beef, Sevillano may be able to provide it.
At 6-1 and 320 pounds, Sevillano actually lost nearly 20 pounds since arriving in South Bend. Whether it is in short yardage or in base downs, there is a chance to find a niche in this talented defense. While it might not be a high volume role, don’t be surprised if we see some Sevillano this season.
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