Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 25-21

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Apr 13, 2019; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmets sit on the field following the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 25-21

No. 24: Jordan Botelho, Defensive End

Best Ranking: 19
Worst Ranking: 25

Jordan Botelho was a highly touted four-star prospect out of Honolulu, Hawaii, and he was the top defensive player in Notre Dame’s 2020 recruiting class. As a true freshman last season, most of Botelho’s playing time came on special teams, where he was an absolute menace to opposing teams.

He delivered a few big hits on kickoff coverage, returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, and nearly blocked another punt.

In addition to his role on special teams, Botelho is positioned to be a key part of the defensive line rotation in 2021. He is second on the depth chart at the “vyper” defensive end position behind Isaiah Foskey, but we could see both players utilized in a variety of ways.

The defensive line could end up being Notre Dame’s best position group in 2021. A big sophomore season for Jordan Botelho would help cement that, as they are loaded up and down the line, and should dominate the trenches once the regular season rolls around.

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