Irish Breakdown

Notre Dame Offensive Tackle Predicts Bright Future for Young Irish Defender

Aamil Wagner would know a thing or two about Bryce Young as the two square off often in practice

Nick Shepkowski

Notre Dame defensive lineman Bryce Young, right, celebrates after winning a NCAA college football game 31-24 between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Bryce Young, right, celebrates after winning a NCAA college football game 31-24 between Notre Dame and Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Last year nobody in college football blocked more opponents kicks than Notre Dame true freshman Bryce Young. Young starred on special teams for the Fighting Irish but also received solid playing time for a team that wound up playing in the National Championship game.

Young totaled 23 tackles and 1.5 sacks last year, not a bad go-around for the true freshman from Charlotte.

Just how high is Bryce Young's potential at Notre Dame?

The best person to ask that question to might not be Young's Hall of Fame former Golden Domer father (Bryant Young) or another Notre Dame defensive lineman, but instead the man that most often goes against him in practice.

Notre Dame Offensive Tackle Aamil Wagner on Bryce Young

Aamil Wagner blocks a defender against Georgia Tech in the 2024 seaso
Oct 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Aamil Wagner (59) blocks against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Jackson Hamilton (17) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Aamil Wagner was one of the Notre Dame players made available to the media following Wednesday's morning practice. Wagner started all 16 games at right tackle for Notre Dame last season, including each of the four postseason contests. It's safe to say he's well versed in talented defensive ends and edge rushers lining up against him.

So what does Wagner see for Young's future?

Young's incredible physical ability was displayed on special teams as well as at times on defense last season. It's safe to say expectations are high for him to go from contributor to a key on Notre Dame's defense in his second season in South Bend.

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Nick Shepkowski
NICK SHEPKOWSKI

Managing Editor for Notre Dame On SI. Started covering Chicago sports teams for WSCR the Score, and over the years worked with CBS Radio, Audacy, NBC Sports, and FOX Sports as a contributor before running the Notre Dame wire site for USA TODAY.

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