Notre Dame Football: Marcus Freeman has veteran group of LBs in 2021
By Brad Weiss
Notre Dame Football: Marcus Freeman has a veteran group of LBs in 2021
Probable Starters
Looking at this Notre Dame football depth chart heading into the Spring Game, one name that stands out as missing is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. For the past two seasons, JOK has been the leader of this group and played his way into being a likely first-round draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Without JOK in the fold, the Irish are going to need players to step up, and that begins with Drew White, a standout middle linebacker who could be in for his best season yet. White is the perfect player for Freeman’s scheme, is an elite tackler, and is a key reason this Irish defense was so good last season.
To White’s right and left will likely be Marist Liufau and Jack Kiser, giving Freeman some solid veteran players to work with in Year 1 in South Bend. Liufau had six tackles in both the ACC title game against Clemson and again in the CFP Semifinal against Alabama, proving he can make an impact in the biggest of games.
Kiser is entering a huge junior season for him, as he looks to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball as the team’s Rover. Kiser had his moments last season, including getting the Game Ball against South Florida, but in 2021, he needs to step up and be a leader of this defense.