All-America team will be well-represented when Notre Dame hosts Michigan, Stanford

The AP released its preseason All-America team earlier in the week. Notre Dame, Michigan and Stanford each had multiple names on the prestigious list.

The Associated Press released its annual preseason All-America college football team earlier in the week. Three Notre Dame players were on the list:

Alex Bars, Guard, 2nd team

Sam Mustipher, Center, 2nd team

Julian Love, Cornerback, 2nd team

All told, 50 players from across the country made the list, comprised of offense, defense and special teams.

When Michigan visits Notre Dame on September 1st, one tenth of the AP’s preseason All-America team will be on the field at Notre Dame Stadium. Michigan linebacker Devin Bush was named to the first team, while Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary was named to the second team.

These five players aren’t just college superstars. They are also surefire NFL Draft picks who draft geeks like myself will be keeping an eye on all season.

As impressive as it is to have five All-Americans playing in one game, it won’t be the largest number represented in a Notre Dame game in 2018. When the irish host Stanford, there will be seven All-Americans on the field. The Cardinal had four members names to the preseason All-America team:

Bryce Love, Running Back, 1st team

Nathan Herbig, Guard, 1st team

Kaden Smith, Tight End, 1st team

Jake Bailey, Punter, 2nd team

The individual honors bestowed upon these players further demonstrates just how difficult Notre Dame’s 2018 slate will be in 2018. Unfortunately for the Irish, these two matchups bookend the month of September on the Notre Dame schedule.