Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Focused on Team Chemistry

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah entered last season as somewhat of a wild card. The athleticism and speed were noticeable the first day he stepped on campus, but how did that translate to the Rover position? 

The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder answered those questions quickly and consistently as he tied for the team lead in tackles with 80, including a team-high with 13.5 tackles for loss in 2019.

This fall, the Virginia native enters the 2020 season as one of the most explosive defensive players in the country, but also an experienced player.

"I got some disguises and I got some new tricks," Owusu-Koramoah joked on Tuesday evening over Zoom. "When I line up this year, I have more of a knowledge as far as play recognition post-snap, pre-snap and things to correct. It's been great. I think it's an experience this year that will definitely change how people see me as far as a football player and a person too." 

Experience has also led to Owusu-Koramoah being comfortable and that could be a deadly combination for defensive coordinator Clark Lea.

"When you go through so many experiences and continue to work on your craft and see a lot of football, you continue to get better at it," he explained. "With me being a two-year starter, I've seen a lot of football and a lot of film going into this. 

"Being comfortable is everything as far as being a game-changer, a good teammate and a leader on this defense." 

Owusu-Koramoah will also have to manage the NFL Draft buzz as several analysts have him going in the first round. 

"First and foremost, praise and all glory to God," stated Owusu-Koramoah. "In terms of the buzz, you tend to block it out. You tend to have this laser-like focus and focus on what's today. Tomorrow has enough troubles of its own and you continue to live day by day in tackling the problems that are in front of you. 

"As far as the buzz going around, you see it. All glory to God and I appreciate it. At the end of the day, what is important is here. What is important is now. What is important is this team and winning every day." 

Team chemistry is the first step and the senior linebacker is making sure it improves daily. 

"The defense last year was a pretty good group," stated Owusu-Koramoah. "It's hard to replicate that. Team chemistry is always something a team or defense or offense can always get better at. Team chemistry - hanging out with the guys after, getting film in with the guys after, continuing to be close with each other. Making sure we all stay healthy and wearing our mask - that leads to success. 

"As far as the defense, if our team chemistry continues to get better, we'll be an even better team and even better defense than the one last year." 

The Fighting Irish will start the season against Duke on Saturday and while there won't be 80,000 fans inside Notre Dame Stadium, Owusu-Koramoah isn't too worried about it. 

"Of course, it will be a little different with less fans," said Owusu-Koramoah. "Mentally, I don't think it will be different for any of us. Going back to high school and little league football, look how much energy there was then. Still excited and power-packed. It was still a good experience. 

"We'll take our preparation and put that to use. It'll be a good game and full of energy."