Howard Cross intends to play at Notre Dame again in 2024.
Defensive tackle Howard Cross III gave good news to Notre Dame today when he declared he would be back for the 2024 campaign. With Cross back, the Irish personnel losses from the accomplished 2023 defense won’t be as severe. In 2023, Cross transformed from a reliable rotation player to a significant starter. Although he was excellent throughout the season, there were times when he was without a doubt the team’s most commanding front-seven player.
Cross made waves across the country with the 21-14 comeback victory over Duke. With 13 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack, Cross set career highs. His late-game sack caused an Irish fumble that was recovered, sealing the victory. One week later, against Louisville, Cross had seven tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Cross recorded 64 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and one sack by the end of the 2023 regular season. In addition, he forced two fumbles and broke up two passes—both against Duke. Despite having just one sack for the season, Cross caused havoc as a pass rusher. Pro Football Focus reports that with 36 quarterback hurries, Cross led the Irish defense—more than Isaiah Foskey had in each of the previous two seasons. With 32 run stops during the season, he also led the defense in that regard. Since Sheldon Day recorded 33 stops in 2015, it was the most stops an interior defensive lineman has had in a season.
Cross’s stellar season and significant performances on the biggest platforms contributed to his All-America selection this year. Cross was selected as a second team All-American by both Walter Camp and Pro Football Focus, making him the first All-American interior player for the Irish since Jerry Tillery in 2018.
In order to maintain its defensive dominance, Notre Dame needs to bring back three veteran defenders, including Cross, next season. Xavier Watts, an All-American, and Rylie Mills, his inside partner, have not yet disclosed their plans. If all three are healthy again, they should team up with All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison and a young, talented group of players to enable the Irish to keep playing defense worthy of championships.
