Alabama Football: Notre Dame players you need to know

Players to know for Notre Dame vs. Alabama football

Let’s wrap up with two more defensive players. These seniors bring experience to the back seven for the Fighting Irish.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB

JOK is a senior linebacker with a key role in this defense. Owusu-Koramoah does just about everything for Notre Dame. He has 38 solo tackles. He leads the team in forced fumbles. He has a few deflections, and he even has an interception. Whenever Notre Dame needs a job done, they turn to this guy.

That will be vital against the Crimson Tide. Alabama has plenty of versatility on offense, and you can expect Sark to use his bag of tricks in the Rose Bowl. Because of this, Owusu-Koramoah will have a variety of tasks. He will be used to stop the tight ends in the passing game. He might be assigned to cover Najee Harris at times. He will have to step up in the running game. This will be the script, but he also has the talent to jump around and cover for other players’ mistakes.

Nick McCloud, CB

McCloud didn’t have a great career with NC State, but he has been a crucial starter in Notre Dame’s secondary. He uses his size to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. He also leads the team in deflections. While both of Notre Dame’s corners are physical, McCloud will likely be lining up against Smitty. He has more experience than Clarence Lewis, so expect him to draw the toughest assignment.

While McCloud will almost definitely get safety help against DeVonta Smith, he still needs to stick with him with every step. Smitty can turn the smallest advantage into a touchdown, and you have to play nearly a perfect game to avoid getting exposed.

Alabama football fans will need to keep an eye on these six stars for Notre Dame football. They are the leaders on both sides of the ball, and they will be crucial to stopping the Alabama Crimson Tide.