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Notre Dame Defensive Player of the Game: Jerry Tillery Was A Monster Among Men

By Mason Plummer

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal is sacked by Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: K.J. Costello #3 of the Stanford Cardinal is sacked by Jerry Tillery #99 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The title of this article is the best way to put it. Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery was simply a monster among men against Stanford on Saturday night.

I truly have tried to avoid repeating players in my Notre Dame “Defensive Player of the Week” articles, but when you have a game like Tillery did Saturday night, he forced my hand. The man was unreal.

Named the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week, Tillery looked unstoppable against Stanford. They simply had no answer for the Notre Dame star defensive lineman.

Just five weeks into the season, this is now Tillery’s 2nd Walter Camp DPOW award, and I don’t think anyone would be surprised if he racked up a few more. Thus far through the season, Tillery has the potential to be a top-15 pick in the NFL draft. He’s been that good.

Tillery tallied a total of 6 total tackles (4 solo), including 4 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble. Yes, you read that correctly. 4 SACKS. Tillery was a man possessed when his team needed him the most — in a huge win for the Irish.

Notre Dame’s defensive effort as a whole in this game was absolutely unreal. Stanford came into the game ranked ahead of the Irish, in large part due to their two star players — WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and RB Bryce Love. Both are considered to be top-3 at their position, if not the best at their position in college football.

While both Arcega-Whiteside and Love did score against the Irish, they were held in check outside of those scores. Arcega-Whiteside had only 5 catches for 30 yards, and Love was held to just 80 yards of total offense. I think it’s fair to say Tillery had a monumental impact on shutting down both of these players.

Next. Claypool was Unsung Hero against Stanford. dark

Irish fans, sit back and enjoy Tillery and this Irish defense while you can. This season is a special one.

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