Notre Dame football: Irish defense needs Isaiah Foskey to return in 2022

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 09: Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of the game at Lane Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 09: Isaiah Foskey #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half of the game at Lane Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Notre Dame football team has some talented defensive players coming via the 2022 recruiting class, but Isaiah Foskey returning is key in 2022.

After watching Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji get drafted during the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear that the Irish needed someone to step up along the edge in 2021. Luckily for head coach Brian Kelly, and then Marcus Freeman, Isaiah Foskey was a player who showed an ability to get after the quarterback in 2020 playing behind both Hayes and Ogundeji.

When it came time for someone to step in and lead this team’s pass rush, Foskey was more than happy to, and put together an outstanding season for the Irish. With his sack in the Oklahoma State loss in the Fiesta Bowl, Foskey notched his 11th sack of the year, and with that, moved into third place all-time in Notre Dame football history for most sacks in a single season.

Foskey also forced six fumbles, making an impact in nearly every game the Irish played this season. He is eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, and will likely be a Day 2 pick, but Notre Dame and Freeman need him back next season.

Notre Dame football needs Foskey’s leadership in 2022

Foskey’s 2021 season started with a bang, notching two sacks against Florida State, and racking up a season-high eight tackles. With his rare blend of size and speed coming off the edge, he has a strong future ahead of him at the next level, but the Irish have to be hoping that can wait one more year.

This week, it was announced on Twitter that he would likely let his intentions for 2022 be known on January 8, one week after the loss to Oklahoma State. Based on the roster for next season, the defense needs some of their playmakers to return, and Foskey would certainly be a team leader and captain.

Overall, the Irish have a few potential 2022 draft picks that need to return for another go-around, but the NFL is a tough place to shy away from, especially when you have improved your draft status as much as Foskey did this season. There is steam picking up that he will return, but as is the case with all of these situations, we will find out when Foskey announces it in a few days.