Kareem Ready to Rush
Sophomore Khalid Kareem enrolled early at Notre Dame in January of 2016 to get a head start on his football career. The 6-foot-4, 266-pounder did play last fall, but it was only 15 snaps for the entire year.
The limited action wasn't easy for the former four-star prospect, but it also motivated him heading into the offseason.
“It was kind of frustrating,” Kareem said. “I played every game and every snap in high school. I had to realize my role on the team and accept it. I worked every day to get better.”
Kareem backed up those statements by completely transforming his body, and now he will head into the 2017 season at lean 266 pounds.
“Getting my body physically better,” Kareem said of the changes he made this offseason. “I’m more in shape. I lost some body fat, and it’s allowing me to play more reps and at a better tempo.”
Working on his body and his game has increased Kareem’s workload, but it has also allowed him to take the next step his game. The Michigan native plays strongside end, and he could very well give the Irish defense a pass rush this fall.
“I have to say myself,” laughed Kareem when asked who the best pass rusher. “Daelin (Hayes), Julian (Okwara), (Andrew) Trumbetti, and Ade (Ogundeji).
“We want to get to the quarterback this year.”
Another key for Kareem’s improvement has been the simple fact he is competing against one of the best offensive lines in the nation each day in practice.
“It helps me get better,” said Kareem. “You want to go against guys like Mike (McGlinchey) and Tommy (Kraemer). It only helps my game.”
Kareem and Hayes have known each other for quite some time and ride home together on breaks. The relationship has allowed both players to push each other on the field but also become very close off the field.
“I have known Daelin for a while,” stated Kareem. “We have known each since my sophomore year of high school. We’re good friends, and we are roommates. We’re like brothers.
“I feel like he has honed in on his skills. He’s going to be really disruptive this year.”
As the Irish are just six days from Temple, Kareem and the defense are itching at the chance to get back on the field.
“We’re definitely ready to see some other colors out there,” said Kareem.