Notre Dame football: Top-5 defensive players returning in 2021
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football program got their top target at defensive coordinator this offseason, bringing in Marcus Freeman from the University of Cincinnati. An incredible recruiter and teacher, Freeman will be tasked with improving a Notre Dame defense that was outstanding at times last season.
There are a bunch of players leaving, including Ade Ogundeji, Daelin Hayes, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but talent remains as well. Here are the top-5 returning players on the defensive side of the ball
Notre Dame football NT: Kurt Hinish
The Irish got great news early on this offseason, as Kurt Hinish announced that he would b returning for a fifth season. Teaming with Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Notre Dame football has a veteran tandem in the middle of their defensive line, which is huge considering all the talent they are losing on the edge.
A possible captain in 2021, Hinish is coming off a solid season that saw him rack up 7.5 tackles for a loss. He has appeared in 50 games heading into the 2021 campaign and will be expected to be a leader for Freeman in his first season as DC.