When a collegiate football program is as legendary and historic as Notre Dame, having players not just make it to the National Football League, but succeed, isn't a surprise; it's expected. This season is no different, as the Irish have 47 players who are on an active 53-man roster. Each week this season, the Irish Tribune will showcase the top NFL performers who once excelled on Saturdays. Photo by David Brytus - Imagn Images Offensive Standouts Malachi Fields, Wide Receive

North Carolina will need its top-25 scoring defense and the nation’s sack leader to show up big time on Saturday if they want a chance to knock off the 4-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Tar Heels' defense has been the strong suit of UNC through three games, limiting opponents to under 14 points per game and allowing just four total offensive touchdowns.

UNC enters Saturday averaging a modest 366 total yards per game, including 211 yards via the air and 155 via the ground. The Tar Heels are also averaging 23.3 points per game, but have limited their turnovers to just four, with three lost fumbles and one interception. It could be a long day for the Tar Heels offense this week, as they prepare to go against a Notre Dame defense that is ranked among the best in the country in nearly every key statistic.

The Fighting Irish have all their season goals intact with a 4-0 record for the first time in Marcus Freeman's tenure as head coach. With the first third of games now under their belt, let's take a look at a few things we've learned. Photo by USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect CJ Carr is as Good as Advertised Coming into the season, CJ Carr had higher expectations than anyone else on this team, and maybe the entire country. Through four games, Carr has lived up to the hype