Notre Dame has five players named to Sporting News preseason All-American team

Posted by Admin August 14, 2024 Sports

Nov 19, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) celebrates after an interception in the first quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Big things are expected from Notre Dame football this season, and it’s been reflected with multiple preseason honors.

The latest is the Sporting News, as they released its preseason All-American team on Wednesday. The Irish have the second-most players on the list, behind Ohio State with seven. Three of those Notre Dame players listed were on the first-team.

Find out below which members of the Irish were selected and what team they placed on.

Second-team tight end Mitchell Evans

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - OCTOBER 07: Mitchell Evans #88 of Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) — LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – OCTOBER 07: Mitchell Evans #88 of Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the Louisville Cardinals at L&N Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The preseason love for Evans continues, as many expect him to bounce back from his season-ending injury last year. He’s expected to be a big part of the Irish offense.

Second-team kick returner Jayden Harrison

Notre Dame graduate senior Jayden Harrison gestures as the offense works through a drill during a practice Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Irish Athletics Center in South Bend.

The transfer will have his biggest impact in the return game, as Harrison took two back for touchdowns last year. Harrison is a game-breaker when he has the ball in his hands.

First-team safety Xavier Watts

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 14: Xavier Watts #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiffs arms Austin Jones #6 of the USC Trojans after intercepting a pass from Caleb Williams #13 (not pictured) during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) — SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – OCTOBER 14: Xavier Watts #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish stiffs arms Austin Jones #6 of the USC Trojans after intercepting a pass from Caleb Williams #13 (not pictured) during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The reigning Bronko Nagurski Award winner burst upon the national scene last year. Watts was exceptional last year and should do the same in this one.

First-team cornerback Benjamin Morrison

Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) intercepts a late second quarter pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver O'Mega Blake (89). The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida's TIAA Bank Field Friday, December 30, 2022. The first half ended with South Carolina holding a 24 to 17 lead. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

Jki 123022 Bs Gatorbowl 03

Syndication Florida Times Union

Syndication Notre Dame Insider — Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Benjamin Morrison (20) intercepts a late second quarter pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver O’Mega Blake (89). The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida’s TIAA Bank Field Friday, December 30, 2022. The first half ended with South Carolina holding a 24 to 17 lead. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 123022 Bs Gatorbowl 03 Syndication Florida Times Union Syndication Notre Dame Insider

Most likely Morrison’s last season in South Bend, the corner has been dominant since his freshman year. He should be a first-round selection in the NFL draft.

First-team defensive tackle Howard Cross III

Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) loses the football near the goal line hit by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) during the second quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The unsung hero of the defensive line is finally getting some national respect. Cross has been the anchor for Notre Dame and the same is expected this fall.

This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame has five players named to Sporting News preseason All-American team