Freshman to Watch: Defense

Manti Te'o
LB Notre Dame

Freshman
6'2" 244 lbs.

Week 1 vs. Nevada
2 solo tackles

This freshman linebacker didn't have the biggest impact in his first game but he is definitely going to be something special in the future. The strength and speed he has at his size is incredible. On one play he lined up at the line of scrimmage and rushed the passer, he was pushed past the passer by the OT and as the QB stepped in the pocket and took off, Te'o easily caught him from behind showing some of the most amazing burst I have seen in awhile.

Te'o is a prospect who may not see the NFL in awhile because he's said he wants to go on a two year mormon mission in 2010 which means he probably won't see himself declaring until he is about 22 or 23 (he's 18 now) but he could very well have all the essential skills needed to be a LB in the NFL, but until then he is just going to continue making plays for the a tough Fighting Irish defense.