5 Breakout Candidates for Notre Dame Football in 2021

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Avery Davis (3) catches a pass in the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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A big season will be needed from Isaiah Foskey. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football breakout candidates: Isaiah Foskey, DE

After the first few weeks of 2020, it seemed like Isaiah Foskey was going to have his breakout season last year.

He recorded a sack in the first two games and caused a lot of disruption in the backfield, including shutting down a South Florida fake punt attempt in week two. Despite Foskey’s drop in production after his hot start, he still proved to be a key depth piece on a loaded Notre Dame defensive line.

He finished the season with 4.5 sacks, 20 tackles, and a pass deflection. He also added a few huge special teams contributions, including a blocked punt that he recovered in the end zone vs Pittsburgh.

Foskey should see his playing time and snap count skyrocket next season, and the numbers on the stat sheet should follow suit. He is arguably the most talented defensive lineman on the roster, which is saying something considering the talent in that unit.

I would not be shocked to see Foskey hover around double-digit sacks in 2021. He is a freak athlete that can get pressure off the edge, be solid in the run game, and block a punt or two in the process.

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