Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish attempts to tackle running back Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter 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 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 10-6

6. Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End

Best Ranking: 4
Worst Ranking: 9

Isaiah Foskey was a four-star prospect from football powerhouse De La Salle High School in Concord, California. He was a member of Notre Dame’s 2019 recruiting class, which is turning out to be one of the better classes in the Brian Kelly Era.

The Irish coaching staff limited Foskey’s playing time to just four games during his true freshman season to preserve a year of eligibility. In those four games, he recorded five tackles, a quarterback hurry, and a blocked punt that was subsequently recovered for a touchdown.

Foskey played in all 12 games for the Irish last season. He went on to finish the year with 20 total tackles, four and a half sacks, five quarterback hurries, a pass break-up, and a blocked punt that he recovered for a touchdown..

Over the course of the past year, Foskey has started to receive a ton of buzz. He has become one of the most popular picks to have a breakout season for the Irish in 2021. He has also received some national attention. Bruce Feldman of the Athletic included Foskey in his annual list of the top 100 “freaks” in college football.

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - MAY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts during the second half of the Blue-Gold Spring Game at Notre Dame Stadium on May 01, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Notre Dame football: Key two-deep battles to watch for 2021

Examining the different two-deep battles on the Notre Dame football roster less than a month before the 2021 season starts.

Expectations for Foskey are sky-high this year (maybe unfairly so). If he performs well during the 2021 season, he could significantly elevate his NFL draft stock.

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