Notre Dame Football: 5 Toughest Defenders Fighting Irish Will Face in 2016
Notre Dame's offense is expected to carry the 2016 squad, but the Fighting Irish will encounter some of college football's best defenders along the way.
The top two individuals earned a place on Bleacher Report's post-spring practice top-50 list, while the other three players are among the leaders at their respective positions.
Although the list focuses on defensive abilities, versatility is not ignored. Two of Notre Dame's upcoming opponents are key pieces on special teams, and one contributes on offense too.
The Fighting Irish will challenge a few more standout players like Miami's Jermaine Grace, but the following five are the toughest.
5. Solomon Thomas, DT, Stanford
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Solomon Thomas isn't a household name, but he's quietly progressed as a leader for Stanford. The defensive tackle is going to change that in two ways next season.
"I try to lead by example, but there are times when I'll get really pumped up," Thomas said, according to Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Gate. "If I see people slacking off, I'll get them going. I'm not talking 24/7, but I'll talk when I need to."
Otherwise, the sophomore will let his performance speak for itself.
Thomas notched 39 tackles last year as a redshirt freshman, including 10.5 stops for loss and 3.5 sacks. He registered five hurries and returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown.
Aziz Shittu and Brennan Scarlett departed, so Thomas will occupy the preeminent role on the Cardinal defensive line.
4. DeVon Edwards, S, Duke
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Jeremy Cash headlined the Duke defense for three years, but DeVon Edwards was there for every season, too.
Edwards—a starter since the midway point of his freshman season—eclipsed the 100-tackle mark in both 2014 and 2015. He's recorded 298 total stops with five interceptions, adding 21 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and two defensive scores.
After spending most of his college career at safety, Edwards is moving to cornerback. Position coach Derek Jones said the senior made "huge strides" during spring practice, per the school.
He's also a dangerous weapon on special teams. Edwards has six career kickoff-return touchdowns.
3. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas
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"NFL scouts are already raving about Malik Jefferson," Bleacher Report's Matt Miller reported. "The arrow is pointing way up on the Texas sophomore linebacker."
So we're all in agreement that Jefferson is a tough defender, right?
He accumulated 61 tackles (seven for loss, 2.5 sacks) in 2015, tallying six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and one forced fumble. Jefferson was a freshman All-American by USA Today, ESPN, Athlon and Campus Insiders, just to name a few.
Jefferson had nine stops with 2.5 behind the line of scrimmage during his college debut, which was against Notre Dame.
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2. Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State
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Michigan State expects Malik McDowell to be the No. 1 contributor on a defensive line that must replace three starters. The junior believes he's more than that.
"I think I'm the best D-lineman in the country," McDowell said, per Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press. "I can't lie. If you want it, if you ask for it, you've got to be willing to take on the pressure, I guess."
For that statement to have merit, he needs to help create the 25.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks MSU lost in Shilique Calhoun, Lawrence Thomas and Joel Heath.
Now, the pressure for similar numbers isn't squarely on McDowell. His presence all over the line of scrimmage can free teammates for opportunities in the backfield.
Still, McDowell registered 41 tackles (13.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks) and eight hurries last season. His numbers should only improve in 2016.
1. Adoree' Jackson, CB, USC
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In 2015, Will Fuller torched Adoree' Jackson on two deep passes and successfully blocked him 30 yards downfield on C.J. Prosise's long touchdown run.
Notre Dame eventually secured a 41-31 victory, and Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times notes Jackson took the blame for the loss. "That was all my fault," he said.
The Irish earned the upper hand on Jackson once, but it's safe to say he'll be ready for the 2016 clash.
As a sophomore, Jackson logged 35 tackles, eight pass breakups and one interception. He also caught 27 passes for 414 yards and scored two punt-return touchdowns.
Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
