Notre Dame Football: Julian Okwara could be hidden gem on defensive line
The one player that rounds out the complete rotation for the defensive line for Notre Dame football is potential standout in Julian Okwara.
Notre Dame football has a defense returning in 2018 that should make most opponents fear matching up against them. This defensive line has a few NFL level talents that make it tough for underrated players like rising junior Julian Okwara to work their way into more playing time in the rotation.
However, Okwara had to gain some of the attention of the coaching staff last year, coming near the brink of a breakout campaign in his sophomore year. The Fighting Irish head football coach Brian Kelly had someone new he could turn to along the defensive line given Okwara’s 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Almost more impressive than his other important stats from last season, Okwara nabbed one interception, that came against the North Carolina Tar Heels. His one forced fumble came against the Boston College Eagles, which was one of his best outings overall with three total tackles and one for loss.
Okwara should see another increase in his role come the start of the 2018 regular season. The Blue and Gold Notre Dame depth chart has Okwara listed as a defensive end behind fellow to-be junior Daelin Hayes. This is a deep area of the roster on the defensive side of the ball for the Irish.
Since Okwara would start for most teams in the nation at defensive end immediately, he’s a valuable asset for Notre Dame especially if injuries start to be an issue. He has the potential to rack up five sacks and eight or 10 tackles for loss this season. His stat line can explode similar to what it did in 2017.
Notre Dame has another grueling slate in 2018 with one of the toughest schedules in the nation. This team will need the depth to come through in a big way. Okwara could not be in a better position to take the spotlight in an unexpected way this year.
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With the physical tools that Okwara possesses, he could start to garner some attention from NFL scouts this season too. At 6-foot-4, he has a solid frame and versatile skill set that is attractive for teams that would be a good fit for him at the next level.