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

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) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 21: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines hits Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

9. Khaleke Hudson (Safety/Linebacker, Michigan)

Last season, Hudson had to fill the role on the Michigan defense that was vacated by Jabrill Peppers. Some players may have been intimidated and overwhelmed when given a task like that. Khaleke Hudson was not.

He was a stand out on one of the best defenses in college football and even outperformed Peppers in some categories. He finished the year with 83 total tackles, 18.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 9 PBUs, 2 INTs, and 2 forced fumbles. Not too shabby.

The position Hudson plays is a safety/linebacker hybrid with some similarities to the “Rover” position that is featured in Notre Dame’s defense. He will play a key role on what should be one of the best defenses in 2018.

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