Notre Dame Football: A Look at the Defensive End Position in 2020

First, the fifth-year senior and starter, Ade Ogundeji.

Appearing in all 13 games for the second season in a row, Ogundeji has proven his ability to say healthy and contribute at a position that injuries are prominent.

Last season, Ogundeji was extraordinarily impactful considering he came into the season as the fourth defensive end on the depth chart. He tallied 34 tackles (17 solo), four and a half sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

The Michigan product seemed to always be causing problems in the opposition’s backfield and its clear he has a knack for finding the ball. He has big shoes to fill, but Ogundeji seems more than capable.

Next in line after Ogundeji is junior Justin Ademilola.

Another player originally recruited as an outside linebacker, the Notre Dame staff saw potential on the defensive line for Ademilola. It’s tough to tell exactly if that was the right decision just yet as Ademilola is just entering his junior season, but this season is most definitely his chance to shine.

We saw the production that Ogundeji had last season as the fourth defensive end on the depth chart, and that is likely where Ademilola will find himself this season.

Last season, Ademilola appeared in five games for the Irish, where he tallied nine tackles (six solo). This season is his chance to make an impact and truly make a move at defensive end for Notre Dame.

Third, on the depth chart is NaNa Osafo-Mensah.

The sophomore out of Fort Worth, TX redshirted last season, but will likely see a decent amount of playing time this season. The staff seems to be high on Osafo-Mensah, who was a standout player on the practice squad and in spring practice last season.

If things go well for Osafo-Mensah, it is within the realm of possibility that he competes for playing time with Ademilola. The Texan is a twitchy athlete with deceptive speed on the edge that that staff loves.

Look out for reports about Osafo-Mensah coming from my twitter, @Masonplummer6 — he is one of my favorite players to watch this spring.

Following Osafo-Mensah is the junior, Kofi Wardlow.

Wardlow was taken as a project piece, but it hasn’t quite worked out. Coming into his third season with Notre Dame, Wardlow has appeared in just three games and registered one tackle.

He is likely a transfer candidate as Notre Dame tries to get down under the 85 scholarship mark, but if he does stay, he comes in at fourth on the defensive end depth chart, a place you don’t want to be.

Lastly is the German, Alexander Ehrensberger.

Definitely a project piece, Ehrensberger comes in last on the defensive end depth chart solely because not a ton is known about him. The level of football in Germany is not great, so he may dominate over there but the competition at Notre Dame will be unlike anything he has experienced prior.

Standing at 6’7″ and 238-pounds, Ehrensberger has a ridiculous frame that Notre Dame sees plenty of potential in — and how could you not? Ehrensberger is the tallest player on the defensive side of the ball and tied height-wise with offensive linemen Quinn Carroll, Josh Lugg, and Tosh Baker.

Strength coach Matt Balis will be eager to put some muscle on Ehrensberger’s already lanky frame, we could see Ehrensberger realistically get to the 250-270-pound mark. It is highly unlikely we will see Ehrensberger touch the field this fall. However, his future with the Irish could be bright.