Notre Dame’s greatest strength in 2019 will be its defensive line, specifically its defensive ends. In addition to NFL-caliber starters Khalid Kareem and Julian Okwara, the Irish enjoy depth with seniors Daelin Hayes, Ade Ogundeji and Jamir Jones. But each one of those names will be gone by the end of the 2020 season. Continued success and further Playoff-contention will depend on keeping the depth chart stocked at defensive end.
Thursday’s commitment of consensus four-star Jordan Botelho (St. Louis High School; Honolulu) will aid that cause. A linebacker in high school, Botelho’s 6-foot-3 frame can hold more than his current 230 pounds, making a collegiate move to weakside/drop end not only likely but also planned.