Notre Dame Football: 3 players who deserve game balls vs Purdue

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 18: Tyler Buchner #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball as George Karlaftis #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers tries to make the tackle at Notre Dame Stadium on September 18, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker JD Bertrand

If this is the first time you are hearing the name JD Bertrand then you have not watched much of Notre Dame football so far this season.

The sophomore linebacker has been crucial for the Irish at not only the linebacker position but for the whole defense this year.

Bertrand had 12 total tackles on Saturday against Purdue. Coming into the week he already had 22 total tackles, and one sack so he really just added onto his already impressive start to the season.

JD Bertrand now has had three weeks in a row with double digit tackles. He really just does a great job of putting himself in great position week in and week out for the Irish defense.

You can tell that the Georgia native really just has a knack for being around the football at the linebacker position. Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman and the staff have to be loving what they are seeing from the young linebacker. Scary to think what he will look like on the field as a senior as he is only a sophomore right now.

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