Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball after an interception during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

1. Kyle Hamilton (Safety)

Best Ranking: 1
Worst Ranking: 2

I do not think many Irish fans will be surprised to learn that Kyle Hamilton is the top-ranked player on our list. The 6-4, 220-pound safety is arguably the best player on Notre Dame’s roster and is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hamilton was a four-star prospect from Atlanta, Georgia. He was the highest-graded player in Notre Dame’s 2019 recruiting class.

Hamilton caught the attention of his coaches and teammates shortly after he arrived in South Bend. As a true freshman, he earned a spot in the secondary rotation. He played in all 13 games for the Irish during the 2019 season and recorded 41 tackles, six pass breakups, four interceptions, and a pick-six.

Following his stellar freshman season, Hamilton began to earn some national recognition. Analysts and scouts were already projecting where he would be selected in a future NFL Draft.
As a sophomore in 2020, Hamilton played in ten and a half games for Notre Dame. The half-game was against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he was ejected for targeting in the second quarter. He went on to finish the season with 63 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and one interception.

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.

Unsurprisingly, expectations are sky-high for Hamilton entering the 2021 season. Under new defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman, the Irish are projected to be one of the better defenses in college football. The most irreplaceable player on the Notre Dame defense is without a doubt, Kyle Hamilton.

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