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Notre Dame Football: 3 Upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman leads players on the field against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman leads players on the field against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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On September 11, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats safety Brandon Joseph (16) runs back a punt against the Indiana State Sycamores during the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
On September 11, 2021; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats safety Brandon Joseph (16) runs back a punt against the Indiana State Sycamores during the second half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Brandon Joseph: Safety, Senior (Transfer):

Northwestern transfer safety Brandon Joseph has as much pressure as any player on the defense this fall. First, Joseph takes over for All-American, first-round draft pick, Kyle Hamilton. Those shoes are pretty big, literally and figuratively.

Fortunately for Joseph, he was mentored by one of the best players in Northwestern history, cornerback Greg Newsome. Newsome’s tutelage alongside defensive backs coach Terry Joseph mentoring and Joseph should have a great season.

Joseph demonstrated his tremendous work ethic through his development while at Northwestern. He was a three-star recruit who blossomed into one of the stalwart defenders on Jim O’Neal’s defense.

This season at Notre Dame, Joseph needs to be more consistent as an open-field tackler, especially in the run game. The Irish can take full advantage of his ability with the ball in his hands, possibly sharing kick and punt duties with running back Chris Tyree.

Also, Joseph has great instincts with the ball in the air. Though he can get caught in space, he is a physical tackler despite his stature. The Irish need his range and skill as a former corner to replace what Hamilton gave them in the secondary.

Expect big things from Joseph.

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