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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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 21: Defensive tackle Ricky Walker #8 of the Virginia Tech Hokies picks up a fumble and returns it for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

5. Ricky Walker (Defensive Tackle, Virginia Tech)

Walker flew a bit under the radar on a Virginia Tech defense that was loaded with talent. Four players from the Hokies’ 2017 defense were selected in the NFL Draft – including two in the first round.

He finished the year with 41 total tackles, 12.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. His stats were actually slightly better than those of his teammate, Tim Settle, who was one of the players taken in the NFL Draft.

Walker returns for his senior season and is expected to be the anchor on the Hokies’ defensive line. At 6′ 2″ 304 lbs, I don’t think he should have much of a problem doing so.

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