Predictions for Nyles Morgan in 2017
We started our 2017 prediction series on the offensive side of the ball, forecasting the seasons that Brandon Wimbush, Equanimeous St. Brown, Josh Adams, and Alize Mack will have. Now, we’re shifting gears and examining some players on Notre Dame’s new and improved defense. We start with the starting middle linebacker for the Irish, Nyles Morgan.

Nyles Morgan will be one of the most experienced players on the Irish defense this season, and he will play an integral part in Mike Elko’s scheme. In order for the Notre Dame defense to have success in 2017, Morgan will need to have a great year.
Despite Notre Dame’s defensive struggles last season, Morgan still had a very solid year. He lead the team in tackles, and showed significant improvement from the previous season. Irish fans are hoping he can continue this trend. I believe that the implementation of Mike Elko’s defense puts Morgan in an excellent position to have a successful 2017 season.
What will a successful season look like? Well, probably something like the year Marquel Lee had for Wake Forest in 2016. He finished with 105 total tackles (63 solo, 20 TFL, 7.5 sacks). I don’t anticipate that Morgan will have the exact same stat line at the end of 2017, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was close.
Here are my predictions for Nyles Morgan in 2017:
I think Morgan will finish the year with 94 total tackles (52 solo, 13 TFl, 6 sacks), 2 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.
I think the most significant statistical jump for Morgan this year will be sacks and other tackles for loss. One of the most exciting aspects of Mike Elko’s defense is the ability to create negative plays, which is something that Notre Dame defenses have struggled with in recent years. I believe the new defensive system will allow Morgan and the rest of the Irish defense to make plenty of plays on the opponent’s side of the line of scrimmage.

