Over the span of 12 days, the Notre Dame linebacking corps has gotten quite a bit thinner. First, expected 2021 breakout star Marist Liafau broke and dislocated his ankle during an August 25th practice in preparation for Notre Dame’s opening season game against Florida State University. He has since had surgery and will be lost for the season. Then, during the Florida State game, linebacker Paul Moala, who had previously torn an Achilles tendon during the 2020 season, tragically tore his other Achilles tendon and will also miss the 2021 season.
With the loss of two linebackers expected to contribute significantly during the 2021 season, those reserves not expected to contribute will need to be called upon.