Folks in touch with Chicago sports are always going to have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on their radar, simply because of the proximity to the city. With that said, they also run an elite college football program that has a chance to compete for the playoffs every single year.
This year is no different. Although they are 0-1, their loss came against the now-No. 5 Miami Hurricanes. The No. 8 Irish are expected to make another run at the playoff following a year that saw them as the runner-up in the National Championship.
On Saturday, the Irish will face another ranked opponent, as No. 16 Texas A&M pays a visit to South Bend. The Aggies are 2-0 with strong wins to open the season.
NFL scouts will have their eyes on the field in this one, as multiple top young stars will be playing in the game, hoping to enhance their potential draft resumes. Of all the players to watch participate in this game, these four stick out above the rest:
Charles Jagusah, OT, Notre Dame
The Chicago Bears need a left tackle as bad as they need anything. If they can find themselves a left tackle that helps them protect the quarterback at a high level starting next season, it will be an offseason win based on that alone. Charles Jagusah is someone to consider watching over the course of the college football season. Going up against the Texas A&M front is going to be a difficult task, so if he plays well, it will be something for NFL teams to keep an eye on.
Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s defense relies heavily on a good defensive backfield. That will be on display against the Aggie passing attack and Christian Gray will be right in the middle of it. The Bears are strong in their defensive backfield at this time, but they do rely on players who are often injured and missing games. For that reason, they should be scouting Gray’s game.
Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
For the same reasons that you’d want to watch Christian Gray during this game, you’d also want to keep an eye on Will Lee III, who will play a role in trying to stop the game of the Irish offense. Following injuries in the secondary, cornerback is an area of need for the Bears.
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Chicago needs an edge rusher. Montez Sweat is a good player, but he hasn’t been an elite rusher since his first season with the Bears. They paid him a lot of money, so they might as well get him some help on the other side. Cashius Howell is going to be attempting to disrupt the passing game of Notre Dame. How noticeable he is may make NFL teams think about him on their draft boards.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 4 draft prospects to watch in Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame
Reporting by Vincent Parise, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
