Notre Dame Secondary Ranked One Of The Nation's Best By Lindy's Sports
For the third season in a row, Notre Dame's defensive backfield is being recognized as one of the best in the country, which isn't something all programs can say after losing players like Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison. Thankfully, the recruiting efforts of defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, head coach Marcus Freeman and the remainder of the defensive staff and have proven to overcome losses year over year.
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Heading into 2025, there are three players that will carry the workload of the Fighting Irish secondary. Safety Adon Shuler, cornerback Christian Gray and cornerback Leonard Moore are all returning starters from last season and are looking to build off of the success they had in 2024.
Shuler reeked the benefits of starting alongside Watts for an entire 16 game season, where he learned valuable experience on and off the field. He also had the production to boot. Shuler logged 768 snaps, 59 tackles, five passes defended, one forced fumble and three interceptions including a pick six against Georgia Tech. Shuler is poised to explode in his redshirt sophomore season.
Gray had a phenomenal start to his 2024 campaign, and some believed him to be playing at a higher level than Morrison during the first quarter of the season. He was ruled out of the Louisville game with a hand injury but started the remaining games last season. Gray tallied 796 snaps, 35 tackles, nine passes defended and three interceptions including a 98 yard pick six against USC which sealed Notre Dame's bid to host a playoff game. He will have to become a more consistent player in 2025, but his highlight reel plays are amongst the best in the country.
Moore stepped into the starting lineup for the first time against Louisville in place of Gray. He then took over as the full time starter when Morrison was ruled out for the season with a hip injury after the Stanford game. Moore took advantage of his opportunity and had an electric true freshman season.
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He finished the season with 48 tackles, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and allowed an opponent completion percentage of 46.4 when targeted, the lowest on the team. Moore's performance in 2024 earned him a spot on the FWAA Freshman All-American Team. He was also named the FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year. The rising sophomore has been deemed the No. 1 returning cornerback in the country by the majority of major outlets including Lindy's Sports, PFF, ESPN and others.
Rounding out this secondary is Alabama nickel corner transfer DeVonta Smith, who hasn't allowed a receiving touchdown in his career, and a slue of safeties who are all high ceiling caliber players. A 6-4 junior Luke Talich, a 6-2 sophomore Tae Johnson, a 6-5 true freshman JaDon Blair and a 6-1 Virginia Tech transfer Jalen Stroman will battle it out in fall camp to solidify what the safety rotation will be come August 31 and beyond.
Mickens has a spoil of riches in the defensive backfield, and it's no wonder Lindy's Sports ranked them as one of the best units in the country. Based on their experience, production, depth, size, length and speed, I believe this group has the intangibles to be ranked as the No. 1 unit in the country. Regardless, this is a lethal group of guys who will make it difficult on any opposing passing offense. The secondary will enter Notre Dame's season as the strength of the defense.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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