This set of five speaks to two Notre Dame strengths. Four of the five players are primary pieces of the Irish running game, a necessary asset for any Playoff-hopeful. The fifth is a defensive reserve. How could a backup possibly be considered a top-15 impactful player on Notre Dame’s season? That is the wrong question to ask. The better question is, how good must the starters be if a backup appeared on all 13 ballots?
Others Receiving Votes
25: Jayson Ademilola, sophomore defensive tackle, 30 points
24: Ade Ogundeji, senior defensive end, 37
23: Shaun Crawford, fifth-year defensive back, 38
22: Tony Jones, senior running back, 43
21: Michael Young, senior receiver, 74
20: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, junior linebacker, 82
19: Asmar Bilal, fifth-year linebacker, 84
18: Jarrett Patterson, sophomore center, 92
17: Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, junior defensive tackle, 99
16: Kurt Hinish, junior defensive tackle, 100
15: Aaron Banks, junior left guard, 134 points
High ranking: No.