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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EVANSTON, IL- SEPTEMBER 16: Scott Miller #21 of the Bowling Green Falcons catches a pass and is tackled by Paddy Fisher #42 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half on September 16, 2017 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

3. Paddy Fisher (Linebacker, Northwestern)

Fisher earned a starting role as a redshirt freshman last season. He wasted no time making an impact and became one of the leaders of the Northwestern defense. At 6′ 2″ 245 lbs, he is a prototypical Big Ten inside linebacker.

He led the team in total tackles with 113 and also had 9 TFL, 2 QB hurries, 1 INT, and 4 forced fumbles. At the end of the season, he was named Third Team All-Big Ten and was selected as the Big Ten Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Fisher will be a lynchpin on the Northwestern defense moving forward. After an auspicious start to his collegiate career, we should expect his production to increase as he grows into his role.

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