Notre Dame Football: Defensive Line Ready to Establish Itself

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Strongside End

Isaac Rochell (6’4” 285 lbs.) & Grant Blankenship (6’5” 250 lbs.)

            Isaac Rochell saw action in 11 games his freshman year. Last year this junior started all 13 games for the Fighting Irish. He had 39 tackles, seven and a half for losses and two and a half sacks. He had a career-high nine tackles against Northwestern. He will be counted on to lead the pass rush on opposing quarterbacks.

Sophomore Grant Blankenship played in 11 games, backing up Rochell. With injuries discriminating the defense, Blankenship played a lot more in the second half of the season and even recorded his first sack against Southern Cal.

Next: Three Technique Tackles