Notre Dame Football: 3 biggest questions on defense for Irish in 2021
By Andrew Hall
When Clark Lea left for Vanderbilt, and the Irish lost to the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl, the Notre Dame football program seemed destined for an unusually dark off-season. The hiring of former Wayne High School standout and Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman completely changed the outlook of many Irish fans, as his infectious personality, recruiting prowess and track record immediately permeated the program.
Freeman faces the unenviable task of replacing key defensive starters and still maintaining a defense that finished in the top-15 each of the past three seasons. From 2018-2020, the Irish defense allowed 18.2, 17.9, and 19.7 points per game, respectively.
This is a defense that lost key contributors: cornerback Shaun Crawford, defensive end Daelin Hayes, linebacker Jack Lamb, cornerback Nick McCloud, defensive end Ovie Oghoufo, defensive end Ade Ogundeji, and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Replacing these stars and leaders will not come easy for Freeman.
The Notre Dame football roster has the depth to absorb the losses among the defensive line and linebackers. However, finding replacements in the secondary might prove difficult. How well Notre Dame reloads in the secondary might determine the trajectory of the 2021 defense.
If the Irish find answers within the program, or in the transfer portal, the 2021 unit could rival any of the trio of dominant defenses from 2018-2020. Safety and probable first-round selection Kyle Hamilton will be the cornerstone of the 2021 defense, and his success will be mirrored in the defense’s triumphs.
Here are the biggest questions facing first-year defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame defense.