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Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, Honorable Mention

By Jack Leniart

SOUTH BEND, IN - AUGUST 30: The mural at the Hesburgh Library, commonly known as "Touchdown Jesus" is seen on the campus of Notre Dame University before a game between the Norte Dame Fighting Irish and the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - AUGUST 30: The mural at the Hesburgh Library, commonly known as "Touchdown Jesus" is seen on the campus of Notre Dame University before a game between the Norte Dame Fighting Irish and the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Bo Bauer (52) during a punt in the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Bo Bauer (52) during a punt in the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, Honorable Mention

Honorable mention No. 4 and 3

  • 4. Rylie Mills, Defensive Tackle

Rylie Mills was a four-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, and standing at 6′ 5” and 275 lbs, he is one of the more physically imposing players on Notre Dame’s roster. As a true freshman last season, Mills appeared in nine games, which included the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

He earned a spot in the defensive line rotation midway through the season and finished the year with seven total tackles and a half-sack. Mills is poised to step into a much bigger role for the Irish defense in 2021. He brings quality depth to a Notre Dame defensive line that is considered to be one of the team’s best position groups.

  • 3. Bo Bauer, Linebacker

If you have watched Notre Dame football games the past three years, you likely know Bo Bauer as the most animated member of the Irish kickoff team. The hard-hitting linebacker brings a ton of energy onto the football field and helps set the tone for Notre Dame.

Bauer was a four-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, and he earned playing time, mostly on special teams, as a true freshman before becoming a regular part of the linebacker rotation during his sophomore and junior seasons. Bauer has recorded 64 tackles, one sack, one pass break-up, and one interception in his college career so far.

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