Notre Dame has eyes set on talented transfer portal defensive lineman, and he would be a tremendous addition
After a slower start, Notre Dame football has begun to get more and more positive transfer portal news over the last week. They currently hold four commitments to date, including wide receivers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin), defensive back DeVonta Smith Alabama), and tight end Ty Washington (Arkansas). With the wide receiver position […]
After a slower start, Notre Dame football has begun to get more and more positive transfer portal news over the last week. They currently hold four commitments to date, including wide receivers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin), defensive back DeVonta Smith Alabama), and tight end Ty Washington (Arkansas).
With the wide receiver position seemingly figured out, there is no questioning what the biggest position of need is currently. Defensive tackle is a spot that needs at least one substantial contributor, but could also take two. It entered the portal period as the biggest need on the roster, and it’s paramount that the Irish staff figures it out.
According to some sources, Notre Dame already has their two defensive tackles committed, but the staff is keeping everything very quiet right now. Who those exact players are remains a question, but the deeper we get into the portal being opened, the smaller the pool gets.
It’s unclear how interested the Irish staff is, but there is some chatter around former Louisville defensive tackle Jared Dawson. He’s a player that Notre Dame knows well, having had gameplanned for him this season. The Tennessee native is also a graduate transfer, which lends well to Notre Dame’s chances.
Dawson was a part of a very deep and talented Louisville defensive line this season, but still made his impact known. In 10 games played, Dawson ended the season with 19 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Those pushed his career totals to 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
The 6-2, 305-pound defender played mostly three technique for Louisville, but has the body type to play some nose as well. His combination of flexibility and body type should allow for his versatility to come out, and give a prospective defense alignment upside.
With some young talent inside like Armel Mukam and Sean Sevillano, as well as Donovan Hinish and Gabriel Rubio returning, Notre Dame needs to find a couple of rotational players who can earn substantial roles. Dawson fits that description, and would be a very strong addition for the defense.
