Notre Dame Football: 5 early signees who’ll have instant impact in 2019
By Jacob Wilson
3. NaNa Osafo-Mensah, DE
After experiencing a spike in production along the defensive line under defensive coordinator Clark Lea, Kelly and his recruiting staff appear to be chasing that feeling with the addition of defensive end NaNa Osafo-Mensah. Osafo-Mensah earns his money in the backfield, recording nine sacks and ten tackles for loss along with 16 quarterback hurries as a senior.
While there has been some talk surrounding the choices of Daelin Hayes, Julian Okwara, and Khalid Kareem in regard to the NFL Draft, it is more likely than not that we see all three of these guys back for their senior seasons. Along with these three, Osafo-Mensah will likely have to bite into the workload of Justin Ademilola if he wants to be considered for significant snaps.
This is no easy accomplishment as a true freshman, but Osafo-Mensah’s skills give him the ability to earn early snaps in some shape or form. We saw both Kurt Hinish and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa earn meaningful snaps as freshmen, so Kelly isn’t opposed to getting his young defensive linemen on the field if the situation warrants it.
Osafo-Mensah, at the end of the day, is a naturally-gifted pass rusher who has the ability to make immediate contributions on what has the potential to be a depleted Notre Dame defensive front. While it’s unlikely that the NFL Draft poaches numerous outside pass-rushers from Notre Dame’s pool, injury could make way for the NaNa Osafo-Mensah show shortly through the 2019 season.+