Brandon Joseph Opens Up About What Makes Michael Mayer And Isaiah Foskey So Special

Brandon Joseph opens up about Michael Mayer and Isaiah Foskey at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

It’s hard to quantify just how important both Michael Mayer and Isaiah Foskey were for the Notre Dame program over the years. The record books of course showcase a lot of the impact, making a strong argument that Irish fans just saw two of the best at their position to even dawn the blue and gold.

Mayer left the program with virtually every tight end record, including receiving yards (2,099), receptions (180) and receiving touchdowns (18). The two-time All American also did all of that in only three seasons. He has a legitimate conversation as the greatest tight end in program history, something that is beyond impressive when you consider the reputation Notre Dame has gained developing the position.

On the other side of the ball, Foskey left the Irish program as the all time leader in quarterback sacks with 26.5. As if that number wasn’t impressive enough, it is important to note that Foskey barely played as a true freshman and was just a part time pass rusher as a sophomore in 2020 (4.5 sacks). In the final two years of his career, Foskey recorded 22 sacks and 26 tackles for loss.

Those resumes speak for themselves. The numbers do tell a lot of the story but not all of it. Despite only playing for the program for one season, Notre Dame safety Brandon Joseph left the program beyond impressed by both Mayer and Foskey. Not only their talent levels, but the caliber of leaders as well.

During the media availability on Friday at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Joseph spoke glowingly about both players. It started with Mayer, who Joseph thinks cemented himself as the best to do it in all of college football.

It’s also important to remember that Joseph spent three years in the Big Ten with Northwestern. He has seen a lot of great football players and still holds both players in high regard.

“Michael, man, I think he's the best tight end in the country,” Joseph said. “He is an overall physical presence on the field when it comes to blocking. He's one of the best route runners that I have ever played against.

“He's like George Kittle,” Joseph continued. “Like I said earlier how he has a physical presence in the blocking game and his speed and route running is something I haven't guarded before.”

There is a constant debate over who the top tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft is but it isn’t much of a conversation for Joseph.

He also spoke glowingly about Foskey during the availability. For a player who is a physical marvel, it wasn’t the size or athleticism that Joseph spoke so highly of. It was his command of everything around him.

“Isaiah Foskey, he’s a leader out there,” Joseph explained. “He takes care of the defensive line. I got the defensive backs. When you have two people like us and then honestly my linebacker JD Bertrand as well, you know, the defense is always gonna be on the same page.”

After this week in Indianapolis, there is a legitimate chance that both Mayer and Foskey could hear their names called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft when April rolls around. The talent goes without saying. The numbers speak volumes.

Everyone around both players understand how special both players are. Notre Dame is losing a couple of special ones. 

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