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Notre Dame Football: Which Defensive Players Will Make Preseason Watch Lists?

By J.P. Scott

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after making a tackle against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 05: Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after making a tackle against the Texas Longhorns during the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 5, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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A handful of Notre Dame football defensive players could see their names on the “Watch Lists” of some of college football’s most prestigious awards in 2018.

During these dog days of Spring and Summer, the days without football seem to drag by slowly. Months without Notre Dame football seem like years, and all we have to keep our minds occupied and football appetites satisfied are the thoughts of what could come during the 2018 season.

In a couple more months, college football’s most prestigious individual awards will begin releasing their annual “Watch Lists” — the players most likely to perform well enough to be in contention for the respective rewards.

In all likelihood, several Notre Dame football players will see their names on these lists. Here are our best guesses in terms of the defensive players who will be named as well as the awards they’ll be competing for.

Julian Love, DB

Love is likely to see his name on a couple of lists this preseason. The Thorpe Award — given to the nation’s top defensive back — is probably a sure thing. Additionally, you could see his name on both the Bednarik and Nagurksi Award lists — given to the nation’s top overall defensive player.

Drue Tranquill, LB

Tranquill might be a longshot for all of these due to his recent position change, but don’t be shocked to see his name on the Bednarik and Nagurski lists as well as the Butkus. The Butkus Award is given to the nation’s top linebacker.

Te’Von Coney, LB

Like Tranquill, Coney should see his name on the Bednarik, Nagurski and Butkus. If he can stay healthy, I can see him being a serious contender for the Butkus Award.

Jerry Tillery, DT

Tillery could be in store for a monster season. There’s no reason to to expect to see his name on several lists, including the Outland, Nagurski and Bednarik. If the Irish have a solid defensive season and Tillery is a key reason why, he’ll be a serious contender for all three awards.

Next: Is 2018 a Make or Break Year for Brian Kelly?

We’ll have our predictions for offensive players who could make watch lists tomorrow.

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