Three Notre Dame upperclassmen poised for breakout seasons
There is a lot of talk surrounding the veterans returning to Notre Dame this season — especially on defense — after a 2021 with one of the youngest teams in the country.
Many of the starting spots will be taken by seasoned starters or star underclassmen in 2022, but there are a few upperclassmen in the mix that saw limited action last season due to injury or their position on the depth chart. With former No. 1 players moving on and returns from injury in mind, here are a few candidates in place to have a massive 2022 year.
Note: Players are classified by their academic year and not their eligibility.
Running back Chris Tyree
Tyree had a decent season during his second year in South Bend, but two notable road blocks kept his numbers down. The first was former Irish running back Kyren Williams, who got the majority of the carries last season. This year, Tyree has the opportunity to take that No. 1 spot.
Tyree will also have the opportunity to take over in a pass-catching capacity this year, a role which Williams also dominated in 2021. The rising junior had 24 catches for 258 yards (10.8 yards per catch) and two touchdown receptions last year despite being the No. 2 guy. With Williams gone, expect the all-purpose back role to become Tyree’s.
The second barrier Tyree dealt with last season was a nagging turf toe injury. He suffered the setback against Virginia Tech on Oct. 9, and he missed the contest against USC two weeks later. He returned against UNC on Oct. 30 but only played on special teams. Tyree averaged 21 offensive snaps in the first five games before the setback in Blacksburg and just 8.6 after the return at UNC.
Tyree has an immense amount of talent, and the door is open for him to have a breakout year. He just has to stay healthy.
Linebacker Marist Liufau
Liufau would have made this list last year too, as he was the expected starter at will linebacker in 2021 prior to a broken ankle in late August. Now, Liufau is back for his fourth year in South Bend, and the expectation, again, is that he can make a big impact.
Returning linebacker JD Bertrand stepped into Liufau’s role and led the team in tackles last season, but Liufau and Bertrand have differing skill sets. Liufau is faster and better in coverage than Bertrand, two elements the Irish defense lacked in 2021, especially down the stretch as wear and tear hit the group.
PROMOTION: Sign up for just $1 for first year at Blue & Gold
In 2020, Liufau notched 22 tackles, 0.5 sacks and recovered a fumble. He was a second-year player with little experience, and former Irish linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah took on that rover job. With more experience and a need for more speed from the Irish linebacking corps this year, expect Liufau’s 2022 numbers to blow those 2020 stats away.
Nose tackle Howard Cross III
Replacing three-year starting nose tackle and larger-than-life personality Kurt Hinish is a tall task, but Cross, a rising senior, will be up for the challenge.
Cross made the first start of his collegiate career on Sept. 25 against a stout Wisconsin offensive line. He passed the test with flying colors, as the Irish defense held Wisconsin to just 13 points and 78 yards on the ground. In total over three years, Cross has recorded 42 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He had a two-sack performance against Georgia Tech last season.
In addition to the skill he has demonstrated in his first three seasons, Cross will be able to learn from some of Notre Dame’s finest defensemen again this season, including fellow defensive linemen Isaiah Foskey, Justin Ademilola and Jayson Ademilola.
Look out for a breakout season if Cross gets his shot.
