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Notre Dame Football: The Top 5 – Ranking 2020’s Most Impactful Players

By Andrew Hall

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball after an interception during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball after an interception during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Kyle Hamilton

Best Ranking: No. 1

Worst Ranking: No. 3

The expectations facing Kyle Hamilton for his Sophomore campaign are tremendous. Perhaps, the lofty expectations are unfair to Hamilton. However, this is an indication of how talented the 6’4” Safety is.

ESPN named Hamilton one of top returning Safeties for 2020. This is amazing considering that he only started one game during the 2019 season. Despite only starting against Southern Cal, Hamilton finished the 2020 campaign with 41 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 4 interceptions. In his first snap in Notre Dame Stadium, Hamilton intercepted a tipped pass and returned it for a touchdown. Those types of plays demonstrate that he is a playmaker who performs even with all the eyeballs on him.

What will his 2020 year look like? Of course, fans (and probably coaches) are expecting Hamilton to grow exponentially. His role in Clark Lea’s defense will definitely expand. But, with an expanded role, comes more responsibility on the shoulders of Hamilton. This could effect the level of his play. In other words, he may not win the Jim Thorpe Award this year. This does not mean the Sophomore from Atlanta, Georgia will not be the most impactful player on the defense. Hamilton and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will battle for that title all season.

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