4 portal defensive tackles that Notre Dame football should be pursuing to add for the 2025 season
There has been a lot of positive transfer portal news for Notre Dame so far. Last week we learned the official additions of Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith, wide receivers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin, as well as former Arkansas tight end Ty Washington. The Irish are off to a strong start. It’s […]
There has been a lot of positive transfer portal news for Notre Dame so far. Last week we learned the official additions of Alabama defensive back DeVonta Smith, wide receivers Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin, as well as former Arkansas tight end Ty Washington. The Irish are off to a strong start.
It’s great for the team to have the wide receiver position already figured out, as well as the nickel position as well. Notre Dame fans are, however, waiting anxiously to hear about the defensive tackle position. It is arguably their biggest need in the portal, and there are some talented defensive tackles to keep a close eye on.
An announcement of which defensive tackles Notre Dame has closed on is expected over the next week or two. Here are a few players that would make some sense.
David Gusta (Washington State)
A former defensive end recruit, Gusta has now developed into a 6-3, 302-pound versatile interior defender. While his production won’t pop off the screen in 2024 (21 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a sack), Gusta was asked to do a lot of the dirty work for the team. While Gusta is incredibly strong, he also has a good first step to be a threat behind the line of scrimmage.
Travis Shaw (UNC)
In terms of pure size and strength, you aren’t going to find many more impressive than Shaw. He’s a massive defensive tackle at 6-5 and 330 pounds. The former high-caliber recruit didn’t quite live up to his expectations in Chapel Hill, but there is still upside to tap into. Shaw is a true nose tackle who excels working at the point of attack.
Keanu Tanuvasa (Utah)
At 6-4 and 301 pounds, Tanuvasa has the body type to handle more powerful interior offensive lineman at the point of attack. What makes him so unique is that the former Utah standout also does possess really nice movement skills. During the course of his Ute career, Tanuvasa managed to record 13 tackles for loss and three sacks. The All-Big 12 honoree probably isn’t likely for the Irish, but would be an ideal addition if they could make it work.
Tyler “TO” Onyedim (Iowa State)
Onyedim began his career as a defensive end but has steadily built into the 6-4, 296-pound interior defender you see today. Iowa State has asked him to play up and down the line of scrimmage, and Onyedim is an impressive looking athlete. He would potentially give Notre Dame a lot of alignment versatility, similarly to the departed Rylie Mills.
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