This Guy Plays Notre Dame Football: #42 Julian Okwara, Defensive End

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2019 season.

#42 Julian Okwara, DE

What a season last year. Okwara burst onto the scene as an elite pass rusher in college football. It seemed like he was putting pressure on the quarterback every single drop back. In fact, he finished the year with 21 quarterback hurries and 11.5 tackles for loss. Okwara also finished second on the team with 7 sacks. It truly was a breakout year for the Charlotte, North Carolina native.

Maybe the most memorable play in 2018 was the interception he made against Michigan. It was right when Michigan made the game close and was putting some real pressure on the Irish. I will always remember the perfect drop in coverage by Okwara and him catching the Shea Patterson pass on the sideline.

Mike Miller/One Foot Down

Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, or Chicago

Julian Okwara is so smooth on the football field. When I think of smooth, I think of Taylor Swift’s song “22.”

Hey Dog HEY!

This is easy. Julian Okwara is everything you would want in a rush end. A golden retriever is everything you want for a dog.

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2019 Outlook

Julian Okwara will again be called on for a big role this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was named a captain. Him and Khalid Kareem will anchor the defensive line with Jerry Tillery off to the NFL.

Speaking of the NFL, a monster senior year could lead to Okwara being a first round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is that good and has the stats to back it up.

The goal for this year should be double digit sacks for Julian Okwara. He is good enough to do that and will be on the field even more this year.

Stock rising for Julian Okwara.