Notre Dame football: 4 most underrated Irish players in 2021

Sep 14, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are reflected in a helmet as they sing the Notre Dame Alma Mater following the win over the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are reflected in a helmet as they sing the Notre Dame Alma Mater following the win over the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Griffith(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: 4 most underrated Irish players in 2021

Houston Griffith

When it comes to the Notre Dame secondary, the one big name that stands out is Kyle Hamilton, who could be a top-5 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since emerging for the Irish, Hamilton has become one of the best safeties in the country, and in 2021, he is going to have some serious help alongside of him.

After entering the transfer portal in January, Houston Griffith returned to the Irish, and since coming back, he has been outstanding for new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman. Griffith has been in a battle with D.J. Brown for the starting job, but after being a captain in the Blue-Gold Game, he is going to be in the starting lineup when the team plays Florida State on September 5.

Griffith is a veteran player, and is someone who has played all over the defensive backfield since arriving in South Bend. With the emergence of Clarence Lewis at cornerback in 2020, and with the tandem of Griffith and Hamilton at safety, the defensive backfield for the Irish could be a special unit this season.