Asmar Bilal Named A Pro Football Focus All-American

Pro Football Focus named Notre Dame LB Asmar Bilal an honorable mention All-American
Asmar Bilal Named A Pro Football Focus All-American
Asmar Bilal Named A Pro Football Focus All-American /

Notre Dame fifth-year senior linebacker Asmar Bilal was named an honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Focus.

A first-year starter at inside linebacker, Bilal anchored the middle of the Irish defense. Bilal finished the regular season with 72 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 32 run stops. Bilal’s 81.3 overall grade was the third-best on the Irish defense, but his 83.4 run defense grade led the squad.

During the summer I questioned whether the Irish could field a championship caliber defense with Bilal as a starting inside linebacker, but following a tough start against Louisville, the fifth-year senior began to silence doubters with a strong all-around campaign.

Bilal graded out well as a run defender and in coverage. The Indianapolis native used his speed to thrive in space, showing excellent pursuit to the sidelines and the ability to attack downhill. Bilal was a sound tackler, grading out with the best tackling grade among the starters.

Bilal was one of ten linebackers named to the PFF All-American squad.

Ten Notre Dame opponents also made the list.

Louisville wide receiver TuTu Atwell, Duke defensive end Chris Rumph II and Georgia placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship were named first-team All-Americans. Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas was named to the second team, while Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley and USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker were named to the third team.

Boston College running back AJ Dillon, USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Michigan edge rusher Josh Usche and Virginia kick returner Joe Reed were named honorable mention All-Americans along with Bilal.

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Bryan Driskell
BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter