Notre Dame football: Isaiah Foskey returning key on so many levels

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)
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) /
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The Notre Dame football team got the news that Isaiah Foskey would be returning in 2022, and that is key for this program on so many levels.

The Notre Dame football program has been getting great news all over the place since their Fiesta Bowl loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. They have already gotten word that the Ademilola twins will be returning in 2022, as will wide receiver Braden Lenzy, and cornerback Cam Hart.

Then, on Friday, it was announced that Harry Hiestand would be returning as the school’s offensive line coach, and he is by far one of the best in the business. All things are pointing up for new head coach Marcus Freeman, and on Saturday, he got back one of the best edge rushers in the county.

Notre Dame football getting Isaiah Foskey back for 2022

While the return of players like Hart and the Ademilola twins is certainly huge for this defense, a unit that is expected to be one of the best in the country next season, the return of Isaiah Foskey puts the group over the top. Foskey had a breakout season for the Irish in 2021 and will look to continue to improve his draft status, possibly moving him up into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Also, Foskey returning will help in the development of some elite true freshmen coming in for the 2022 season, including Aiden Gobaira, who could eventually take over in the Vyper role in 2023 and beyond. Head coach Marcus Freeman is a defensive genius and got so much out of this defense in 2021 as the defensive coordinator, but he can take the unit to new heights next fall.

Players love Marcus Freeman, and that is pretty clear after seeing how many guys want to return for a shot at a possible national title next season. The Irish start with a season-defining game, on the road against Freeman’s alma mater, Ohio State, and they will have an incredible defensive line, led by Foskey, ready for the challenge.