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Notre Dame Football: Irish Set At Sam Linebacker

By Walt Kosin

Sep 12, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Ryan Santoro (88) runs with the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker James Onwualu (17) chases in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Fighting Irish won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Ryan Santoro (88) runs with the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker James Onwualu (17) chases in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Fighting Irish won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Where does Notre Dame stand with its SAM linebackers?

As the Fighting Irish prepare for summer camp, it will be interesting to see how the personnel plays out for the defense, in particular the Sam linebacker position where James Onwaulu will probably start, but will also share reps with Greer Martini.

James Onwaulu is a 6’1” 230-lb. senior who attended Cretin-Derham High School in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is the same school where Notre Dame recruited offensive lineman Ryan Harris and wide receiver Michael Floyd. Onwaulu was recruited as a wide receiver. He played mostly on special teams his freshman season in 2013, even though while playing wide receiver, he caught two passes for 34 yards. He was moved to linebacker halfway through that season.

In 2014, he played in 13 games and started in eight. He had 24 tackles for loss. It was during this season that he became a mainstay on the defense. Last season, Onwaulu started 11 games, where he had 38 tackles, 20 of them were solo tackles and he had six tackles for loss. He also had three sacks and one forced fumble.

Greer Martini is a 6’3” 245 lb. junior from Woodberry Forest High School in Woodberry Forest, Virginia. Martini played mostly on special teams during his freshman season in 2014. In 2015, he had 26 tackles 17 of them solos with two tackles for loss and one sack. His first career start was against Navy and he had nine tackles in that game. Last season, Martini played in all 13 games and had 35 tackles, 19 of them being solos with two tackles for loss and one sack. He was used mostly against run-heavy teams such as Georgia Tech and Navy and in third and short run situations.

During spring practice, Onwaulu played well and probably ensured that he will start this fall, while Martini did not participate in spring practice because he was recovering from surgery. Martini is the only linebacker on the team who can play all three linebacker positions. It is expected that during summer practice, Martini will be given time at the Sam position, but also the opportunity to play all three positions. With Onwaulu likely to start at the Sam position, it’s encouraging to know that the Fighting Irish will have a two year starter there with Martini possibly seeing time at all three linebacker positions.

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