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Linebacker Nyles Morgan is set to begin his senior season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and has already seen just about everything under the sun. Major coaching changes, a swarm of injuries and top tier competition are a few notches on the belt of the former First Team Freshman All-American.
Morgan is armed with a plethora of experience to compliment his superb athletic ability, and defensive coordinator Mike Elko will likely look to the senior to be an anchor on the Irish front seven. Fittingly donning number five on his jersey, maybe Morgan can become the most reliable force at the Mike position since Manti Teo in 2012.
3 Things to Know about Nyles Morgan
- He has dropped some weight since last season, coming in at 237 pounds now as opposed to around 250 during the 2016 season that we all wish to forget. Morgan hopes his loss of weight will increase his agility moving between sidelines.
- He was a four-star recruit out of Illinois in 2014, but spent much of his early years waiting patiently behind Joe Schmidt.
- After the departure of Schmidt last season, Morgan embraced his increased workload by leading the team in tackles (94) and sacks (4). Those numbers are sure to increase under Elko’s defensive scheme.
YouTube Hot Fire
Here’s some sacks by Morgan during his freshman season when he filled in for the injured Schmidt. Imagine what he can do with a full season’s worth of work as the focal point of the defense.
I, RyChi, Dub Thee...
Nyles D, The Monster Out of the Cage (Get it, Styles P the rapper, but Nyles Morgan plays D?? Also, he’s a freak talent who is finally about to be unloaded this year).
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2017 Forecast
Morgan was a solid defensive presence for the Irish in 2016. Sure, you had to squint to see his upside, but that is mainly due to the dumpster fire around him. The defense was terrible last season all the way up to the coaching and preparation, which hardly falls on the shoulders of Morgan.
As a senior with a full season of experience under his belt, look for Morgan to take a major leap forward in 2017 and recognize his potential. He was been waiting for his time long enough, and I would expect him to capitalize on it as the Irish defense looks to turn the page and start anew.