Slap the Sign
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: Top Defensive Players Irish Will Face in 2018

By Jack Leniart

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 16: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines***Brad Robbins #3 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 16: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines***Brad Robbins #3 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 11
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Cameron Smith #35 of the USC Trojans warms up before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Cameron Smith #35 of the USC Trojans warms up before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Cameron Smith (Linebacker, USC)

Smith might be one of the grittiest guys in college football (pardon the cliche). He was an early enrollee at USC back in the spring of 2015 and earned a starting role as a true freshman.

After his freshman season was cut short by a knee injury, Smith didn’t slow down one bit. He returned the following season and led the team in tackles.

As a captain and a leader on the defense in 2017, Smith led the team in tackles again with 112. He also had 11 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PBUs, and a fumble recovery.

Now, as a four-year starter and two-time captain, Smith looks to lead this USC defense to an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish