Notre Dame Football: 5 takeaways from the Irish victory over Duke
By Matt Clark
Isaiah Foskey emerges
When Asmar Bilal graduated following the 2019 season, a void was left at the BUCK linebacker position. Many believed that Jordan Genmark Heath, Jack Lamb, or Marist Liufau, who were all listed behind Bilal on the depth chart last season, would assume the starting role this season.
Instead, when the depth charts were released, a former drop end was named as the starting BUCK linebacker for the Notre Dame football team. Sophomore Isaiah Foskey would be named at the top of the depth chart, with Genmark Heath opting to transfer out of South Bend.
The decision was somewhat surprising given the older more experienced players on the roster that were ahead of Foskey on the depth chart. Nonetheless, the sophomore assumed the role in the linebacker corps.
Despite playing in only three games last season and recording five total tackles, Foskey did not look the least bit overwhelmed in his new starting role against Duke. Instead, he looked like a savvy veteran and a force to be reckoned with.
The 6’4″ and 255-pound starting BUCK linebacker would finish the game with two total tackles, one and a half sacks, a pass deflection, and a tackle for a loss. Foskey was playing like a man possessed and if his first game in the role is any indication, the combination of he and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are going to be a difficult duo for opposing offenses to match up against.
Foskey very much has the look of a legitimate NFL talent. Given his youth and inexperience, if he can continue to improve upon his impressive first game at linebacker, the sky is the limit for Isaiah Foskey and the Notre Dame football team will have an even more formidable defense than expected.