Notre Dame Football: A Look at the Defensive End Position in 2020
After the fifth-year senior Daelin Hayes on the depth chart is sophomore-stud, Isaiah Foskey.
Foskey redshirted in 2019, appearing in three games for Notre Dame (New Mexico, Bowling Green, Stanford). He made an impact in each, registering two tackles against New Mexico and Stanford, and one against Bowling Green.
The California product figures to be involved much more this season, as he could potentially challenge the injury-plagued Daelin Hayes for reps with the first team this spring/summer. Standing at 6’4″ and 233-pounds, Foskey is a force to be reckoned with and will be very eager to get on the field this fall.
Overall, there is no question Foskey possesses the size, speed, and strength to be an impact player for Notre Dame this season.
Third on the depth chart is impact junior, Ovie Oghoufo.
In relatively limited playing time last season, Oghoufo contributed in a big way. After Daelin Hayes went down last season, Oghoufo got his chance to shine at defensive end for Notre Dame. In five games played, Oghoufo tallied 12 tackles, one sack and one pass defended.
Originally taken as an outside linebacker in the 2018 class, Oghoufo seems more comfortable at defensive end. He will have to fight for playing time with Foskey, but Oghoufo is more than talented enough to earn playing time this fall.
Last, is the freshman, Jordan Botelho. The 4-star defensive end out of Honolulu, HI, and St. Louis HS is one of the more exciting recruits in the 2020 class. It does not take much of watching Botelho’s film to see just exactly how violent he can be.
Botelho plays with a true edge and chip on his shoulder whenever he steps between the lines. He is aggressive and loves nothing more than to get after the opposing quarterback. Standing at 6’3″ and 230-pounds, Botelho already has the size to compete at the college level.
The Hawaiian will redshirt this season barring a ridiculous amount of injuries, but it seems likely he will get to see the field for the redshirt-maximum four games. As a player, Botelho reminds me of former Notre Dame player Aaron Lynch. Yes — he can be that good.