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Notre Dame Football: Top 10 Defensive Players the Irish Will Face in 2019

By Jack Leniart

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines tackles Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines tackles Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds #49 and safety Reggie Floyd #21 of the Virginia Tech Hokies tackle running back Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

10. Reggie Floyd (Safety, Virginia Tech)

Floyd anchors what should be a solid secondary for the Hokies in 2019. His partner on the back end of the defense, Divine Deablo, may have a better name, but Floyd figures to have a greater impact on the season.

Floyd recorded 88 tackles last season, which was the second most on the team. He also had two interceptions and a pass break up.

9. Josh Metellus (Safety, Michigan)

Michigan’s defense should be a strength of the team again in 2019. Metellus and the Wolverine secondary are one of the reasons why that is the case. He was named first team all Big Ten this offseason.

Metellus finished the 2018 season with 49 total tackles, five pass break ups, and three interceptions. He returned those three interceptions for 104 yards and a touchdown.

Notre Dame football fans did not get to see much of Metellus when the teams met last season, as he was ejected for targeting in the first quarter. Irish fans are sure to notice him when the teams meet again this October.

8. Christian Rector (Defensive End, USC)

Rector will play a big role in a defense that is looking to bounce back from a rough year. The Trojans finished the 2018 season ranked 59th in yards per game allowed and 63rd in points per game allowed.

Rector was the most productive defensive lineman on the team last season. He tallied 48 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. There is a good chance that Rector will once again be the most impactful defensive lineman on the team.

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