Texas A&M Week 1 Preview: Notre Dame Defensive Players to Watch

The No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies and No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to square off on Saturday at Kyle Field in what will be the biggest matchup of college football's opening weekend.

Coming to College Station this weekend are two offenses that are expected to be two of the most explosive offenses in the country, led by top-tier quarterbacks.

However, both teams also field extremely talented units on the defensive side of the ball. That is particularly true for the Irish, who are once again expected to have one of the top defenses in the country in 2024.

With that in mind, here are a few players to watch for the Irish when they take the field against the

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) tries to elude Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) during the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports | Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

DL HOWARD CROSS III

Cross finished second on the team in tackles last season to linebacker J.D. Bertrand, who was drafted in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Cross tallied 66 total tackles last season with 28 solo to go along with two sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles.

DL JORDAN BOTELHO

Botelho was second on the team in sacks last year to edge rusher Javontae Jean-Baptiste who was drafted in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Botelho registered four sacks and will have an increased role in the Irish's defense after the departure of Jean-Baptiste.

S XAVIER WATTS

Watts finished first on the Irish defense with seven interceptions last season. He was also fourth on the team with 52 total tackles with 30 solo. He registered a team-high 137 yards on return yards after his interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.