Notre Dame Blue-Gold Defensive Standouts

Noah Wehby
Apr 17
3 min read

Notre Dame's Blue-Gold game was the first chance for the Irish defense to take the field and show off the work they have been putting in over the offseason. Let's take a look at some of those standouts on defense.

Photo via Notre Dame Athletics

Luke Talich - Safety

Talich has been with the Irish since 2023, and is looking to build some momentum after a compelling showing during the annual Blue-Gold game. He did not see much of the field last year, with players like Xavier Watts and Adon Shuler slotted in front of him, but he did have a few highlight reel plays when called upon. Against Florida State, he took an interception back 79 yards for a touchdown in the waning stages of the game, and he also made a head-turning tackle against a Penn State punt returner in the Orange Bowl. During the Blue-Gold game, Talich looked like the type of player competing for a significant role on this very talented defense. He recorded nine total tackles, one of them being for a loss. At 6'4" and 215 pounds, he used his big frame to his advantage in the run game, proving once again that he can be relied upon. Talich seemed to be all over the field on Saturday, and a performance like that will surely heat up the competition for the safety position, which is already one of the most intriguing battles set to play out.

Karson Hobbs - Cornerback

Hobbs is another player who hasn't played much in college, but hopes to change that this fall. His performance in the Blue-Gold game may have helped his chances. Hobbs displayed not only his ability to make life hard on wide receivers in coverage, but also his willingness to make tackles in the run game. He finished the scrimmage with four tackles and one tackle for loss. On the TFL, Hobbs quickly read the play and blew up a screen pass to Kedren Young, using a combination of intelligence, speed, and physicality to capitalize. In the passing game, Hobbs' presence was also felt, recording two pass breakups. Hobbs is an integral part of a very talented young secondary, and will continue to vie for opportunities to take advantage of heading into the fall.

Jared Dawson - Defensive Tackle

Dawson is the shiny new toy along the interior after spending four seasons with the Louisville Cardinals. He has big shoes to fill, as he looks to replace the heart and soul of Notre Dame's defense for the past few seasons in Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III. In his first time playing in a Notre Dame uniform, Dawson performed well, finishing with three tackles. Although his stats may not reflect dominance, Dawson's impact was felt. He did a good job using his size to plug up holes in the run game and collapse the pocket. Dawson may not end up being the pass rusher Cross III and Mills were, but he will bring a physical presence to the inside of the line, something the Irish desperately need going into next season.

Bryce Young - Defensive End

Young was thrust into a major role last season due to the injuries to Jordan Botelho and Boubacar Traore. During that time, Young showed flashes of his dominant athletic ability and developing skillset, particularly on special teams. As a true freshman, it was clear Young had all the tools to become a special player in South Bend. The Blue-Gold game continued to reinforce that line of thinking. Young looked sharp in the snaps he played, tallying four tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, one of them being a sack. Young's comfort and knowledge as a defensive end is beginning to catch up to his immense athleticism, which is bad news for offensive tackles around the country. If Young can take that next step, Notre Dame's defensive line, will rank amongst the elite in the upcoming season.