Notre Dame’s defensive line dealt with several significant injuries throughout last season but still managed to play solid football all year, so it is expected to take the next step this fall under the tutelage of line coach Al Washington.
One player that ESPN has highlighted to be a sleeper player for the Fighting Irish is sophomore Bryce Young. The defensive lineman leads a deep group on the outside and figures to see a serious uptick in snaps this fall.
From ESPN: With Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III leaving for the NFL, the Fighting Irish are looking for another player who can rush the quarterback. The answer might be sophomore Bryce Young, who certainly looks the part at 6 feet, 7 inches and 273 pounds. Last season, he played in all 16 games and had 23 tackles with a team-high three blocked kicks. Young has the right potential too. His father, Bryant Young, was an All-American at Notre Dame and a Pro Football Hall of Famer after a standout career with the 49ers. His mother, Kristin, ran track and field for the Fighting Irish. — Mark Schlabach
While Jordan Botelho will be sidelined to start the season, this is still a talented and deep DL unit. Both Gabriel Rubio and Jason Onye are healthy again at tackle, and Boubacar Traore has a chance to be a pass-rushing force off the edge if he also proves he’s healthy.
There is proven depth across the line with a lot of high upside for several players, led by the emerging Young.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: ESPN names Notre Dame’s Bryce Young as sleeper breakout candidate
Reporting by Dave Miller, Fighting Irish Wire / Fighting Irish Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
