It’s been a tough stretch for Notre Dame defensive end Jordan Botelho.
The Hawaii native suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 last fall, but worked his way back and was cleared for summer workouts.
However, his return will now be delayed after suffering a pectoral injury during offseason training away from campus.
Botelho underwent surgery last week, and according to a source, his recovery is expected to take approximately four months.
The 6-foot-3, 261-pounder recorded 12 tackles and a sack in just 2.5 games last season and appeared to be on a path toward the NFL before the injury.
Fortunately for Notre Dame, there is depth at the defensive end position. Injuries last season forced younger players into significant roles, giving them valuable experience. New defensive coordinator Chris Ash is restructuring the position into left and right end, leaving the depth chart a little unknown in terms of who will play where on the edges.
Boubacar Traore and Junior Tuihalamaka were expected to compete with Botelho for one of the end spots, while Joshua Burnham and Bryce Young both saw action at both ends in 2024. Sophomore Loghan Thomas also earned reps on the defensive line and is another name to watch.
Over his career, Botelho has played in 50 games, recording 77 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.
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