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Notre Dame Football

Kareem Earned Starting Role With Work Ethic

April 11, 2018
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Khalid Kareem burst on the scene last fall as he recorded 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks as a sophomore. 

The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder has now moved into the starting position at strongside defensive end, as he beat out former Notre Dame defensive end Jay Hayes. 

“We felt like he had earned the starting position based on his work in the weight room and on the football field,” stated head coach Brian Kelly. “He was going to be the starter.”

Hayes has since left the Notre Dame program as he pursues a graduate transfer. 

“We talked briefly,” Kareem said. “It’s all love. We’re sad to lose one of our brothers, but we’re going to keep pushing each other.

“He supported me, and I’m supporting him.” 

Kareem has been waiting for this moment since he first started playing defensive end at age six. 

“I was the third-string quarterback," laughed Kareem. "I played tight end for one year. The majority of the time I’ve played defensive end.” 

Rick Kimball/ISD
DE Khalid Kareem 

Kelly believes the next step for the Detroit native is improving his stamina to go from a role player to a starter. 

“He’s got really good length and a knack for pass rushing,” explained Kelly. “He has a knack of getting to the quarterback. The next step is getting him to 60 plays. He was a 20-play guy for us. 

“Fatigued, strength and all those things coming together. He has some ability to find the quarterback.” 

Kareem agrees with his head coach as stamina and consistency are a couple areas of focus this spring. 

“It’s a faster pace, but I’m used to it now,” Kareem explained. "I played last year and got a few reps my freshman year. I’m working on my get-off and working on my hands more.

“I’ve been working for two years for this. I’ve built my body up to withstand the reps I’m potentially going to take.

“I gained confidence from gaining reps and playing more. I’m pretty confident.” 

The chance to go against one of the best offensive lines in the country has also improved Kareem’s game. 

“They’re pretty good,” said Kareem. (Robert) Hainsey is really coming into his own. Liam (Eichenberg) and Tommy (Kraemer) are really good and compete every day.” 

The rise up the depth chart has been due to Kareem’s work ethic in The Gug, but also on breaks when he gets work in with his father, Ken (Pictured). 

“He’s been a coach,” Kareem said of his father. “He’s given me extra tips when we watched film after practice or after games. That definitely helped.”

As Kareem prepares for his first year in a starting role, the plan is simple. 

“I’m going to keep competing,” said Kareem. “Ade (Ogundeji) and I are going to keep going out there day in and day out to keep getting better.” 

 
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