Notre Dame Football: 5 players who earned Blitz Stickers vs. Michigan

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 01: Zach Gentry #83 and Khalid Kareem #53 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a 24-17 win over the Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Stadium on September 1, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The junior from Detroit, Mich., had an impressive showing against the Wolverines on Saturday, totaling nine tackles — seven of which were solo — and two sacks. He added 2.5 tackles for loss on his way to earning a Blitz Sticker.

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Many were expecting improvements, but this type of performance? Kareem played a minimal role last year, recording only 20 tackles — 10 solo and 10 assisted. He did manage three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss, though, giving a glimpse of his talents.

The Irish defense only surrendered 10 points Saturday, the other seven coming from Michigan’s kickoff return team. They’ll need — and possibly expect — this type of performance from Kareem moving forward.

Is this production sustainable? The Wolverines are known for running the ball on offense. and Kareem and Co. held Michigan to only 58 yards on the ground.

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