Notre Dame announces captains for 2022 season
Notre Dame has more than a week to go until it opens the season against Ohio State in Columbus. Ahead of the game, the Fighting Irish announced their captains for the 2022 campaign.
Avery Davis, Jarrett Patterson, Michael Mayer, Bo Bauer, Isaiah Foskey and JD Bertrand will serve as the captains for Marcus Freeman’s group this season, starting with that season opener against the Buckeyes.
Davis got dealt some tough news earlier this month when he tore his right ACL, just one year after tearing his left ACL. Still, Freeman opted to name him a captain after sharing some high praise for what he brings to the Fighting Irish program.
Mayer is one of the biggest pieces coming back for the Notre Dame offense after a huge 2021 season. He totaled 840 receiving yards — second on the team only to Kevin Austin — and seven touchdowns as one of the Fighting Irish’s primary targets. He’ll likely have a similar role in 2022 now that Tyler Buchner is under center to start the year.
On the other hand, Foskey is the anchor of the defense. He had 10.0 sacks in 2021 and could’ve tested the NFL Draft waters after such an impressive year. Instead, he came back to Notre Dame for one more go-round under Freeman, who served as his coordinator last year.
Bertrand is another major playmaker on the Notre Dame defense after racking up a team-high 102 tackles last year to go with 6.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He also had a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble as a junior. Bauer is also a key contributor after totaling 47 tackles and tied for the team lead with five passes defended in 2021.
High expectations surround Patterson this season on the Notre Dame offensive line. He’s a preseason AP All-American, but is currently dealing with a foot sprain that leaves him questionable for the season opener.
Notre Dame and Ohio State get their seasons started Sept. 3 at The Horseshoe in Columbus. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.