Notre Dame football: 4 Reasons Kyle Hamilton will win the Bednarik Award

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 19: Safety Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 after a first quarter interception against the Clemson Tigers during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: 4 Reasons Kyle Hamilton will win the Bednarik Award

The Marcus Freeman Factor

There is going to be a question in terms of how players on Notre Dame adapt to Marcus Freeman’s new defense. However, it’s safe to assume that Kyle Hamilton will thrive. It’s a defense that functions by putting athletes in space to compete, and letting them win individual matchups. This differs from Clark Lea’s approach, which was a very structured defense.

Now, none of this is to say that one is better than the other, but they are different systems. Different systems that some players are better in than others, and from everything that we’ve seen so far, it looks like Freeman is set to thrive under this new defensive system, taking yet another step forward.

Assuming that Hamilton and Freeman work well together, there’s really no telling just how good he can be. The reward for that potential comes during award season, though.

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