Notre Dame Football: Khalid Kareem could qualify for elite award in 2019
By Ben Belden
Khalid Kareem was a big part of the success of the Notre Dame football team in 2019. He’s poised for even bigger things in 2019.
Notre Dame football’s strong side defensive end Khalid Kareem has been a major part of Notre Dame’s rise to the top of college football. In recent years, the Irish have excelled at recruiting and developing players on the defensive line. That success has been crucial to the accolades the Irish have achieved over the past few seasons and will be crucial to their success moving on.
A year ago, many wondered how Kareem would hold up as a full-time starter when Jay Hayes made the decision to transfer. What transpired was that Kareem had a career season, even earning this website’s award for unsung hero along the Irish defense.
However, Kareem certainly won’t be able to fly under the radar this season. In fact, he’s gained love in a few mock drafts, which have tabbed him as a first-round talent.
After a standout junior season in South Bend a year ago, Kareem is poised for even bigger numbers in 2019.
Taking a look at the numbers, Kareem played in all 13 games for the Irish, totaling 42 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
Looking ahead to 2019, it’s reasonable to conclude that Kareem’s numbers will continue to increase in his senior season. As the Irish adapt their new defense to make cover for the inexperience at linebacker, even more opportunities could be abound for Kareem.
In obvious passing situations, the Irish can load the defensive line with speed and move Kareem inside. With the likes of Julian Okwara and Daelin Hayes garnering attention on the outside, Kareem can move inside and exploit matchups against interior defensive lineman.
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If Kareem can continue to improve on his stats from a season ago, there is a legitimate chance that he could contend for prestigious awards such as the Chuck Bednarik or Bronco Nagurski Awards that go the best defensive players in college football. He also would qualify for the Ted Hendricks Award, which goes to the nation’s best defensive end.