This Guy Plays Notre Dame Football: #95 Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, 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, once again, 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 2021 season.

#95 Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DE

Special teams coordinator Brian Polian has found a go-to talent pool in the state of Hawaii, and one of the talents to come from this pipeline is Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa.

As a high schooler, MTA made the 247sports.com rankings as the no. 18 strong-side defensive end and the no. 3 player from Hawaii. He represented Kapolei High School in the 2016 Polynesian Bowl and attracted offers from USC, Navy, Vanderbilt, and the Air Force Academy before heading to South Bend.

Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After establishing himself with 12 tackles as a freshman in 2017, a foot injury sidelined MTA in his sophomore season after playing in just two games that season. As a junior, he chalked up 22 tackles and had a standout showing against the Virginia Cavaliers with a 48-yard return. During the season of coronavirus craziness in 2020, MTA claimed 17 tackles, four in Notre Dame’s blowout win against the Duke Blue Devils alone.

The Restaurant That Fits

This defensive end is finally in his comfort zone. When I think comfort food, I think of Blizzards. We’re going with Dairy Queen.

2021 Outlook

MTA’s recent 15-pound weight loss coincides with his transition to full-time defensive end. He’s improved his speed, and he’s finally playing where he is most comfortable. On making the switch, MTA has said, “To be honest, the shift out to D-end wasn’t that hard. It’s a lot easier, in my opinion, as far as double teams go… There’s less double teams. And even if it is, it’s with a tight end, so it’s a lot easier. It’s been a fun transition. Getting on the edge has been a lot easier on the outside than on the inside.”

Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman seems at ease letting this switch go where it will. Freeman has expressed confidence in MTA’s abilities as a leader, in particular. Heading into the new season, Irish fans should expect the right attitude and the right pace from MTA.

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