When Isaiah Foskey was playing for the Notre Dame football team, he was one of the best defensive linemen to come through South Bend. While he hasn't quite lived up to his Fighting Irish hype yet, a reunion with his college defensive coordinator in Al Golden could light a fire under him.
Foskey broke the all-time school sacks record when Golden was his coach in 2022. He was a 2022 Consensus All-American. Named a captain before the season, he tallied the fifth-most tackles on the team at 45, including 23 solo. He also led the Irish with 11 sacks for the second-straight season, and recorded 14 tackles for loss. Finally, Foskey led the team with six quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Former Notre Dame football sack master Isaiah Foskey signs with Bengals
Now signing a new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, the former Notre Dame football star will look to do the same thing in the Queen City as he did in South Bend under Golden's tutelage.
Foskey was a second-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he played in 10 games but notched just 10 tackles and half a sack. Last season, he played in all 17 games for the Saints, getting 16 tackles. He was cut when New Orleans had to make their final 53-man roster.
Those numbers are fine, but the man who was a pass-rushing machine for the Irish hasn't shown that same drive and energy so far in the NFL. Now that he's got a second lease on his professional life with the coach that unlocked him, the former Notre Dame football star could be a nice defensive addition for a Bengals squad still picking up the pieces after being among the worst in the league last year.