Notre Dame DE Khalid Kareem Primed For Breakout Season

Notre Dame defensive end Khalid Kareem might not be on the national radar entering the 2018 season, but that could quickly change as the junior is primed for a big season. 

The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has reshaped his body and believes he’s more than prepared to handle the workload that comes with being the starter. 

“From the spring until now, I’ve been working on my conditioning and off the field with my dad and Larry Black,” stated Kareem. “It’s definitely helped so far.

“I paid a little bit more attention to it this year because my reps were going to increase. I definitely feel different.” 

Kareem’s workouts with his father, Ken, have been documented since high school, but focusing on his get-off and using his hands have been focus points this summer. 

The Pontiac (Mich.) native will make his first start against Michigan, but his mindset hasn’t changed regarding what he wants to accomplish. 

“I’m excited to step on the field, but I’m treating each time I step on the field the same,” explained Kareem. “I’m just focusing on what I have to do.

“I want to be the best me I can be. I want to do my assignments, run to the ball and do my job.” 

Notre Dame’s offensive line takes pride in being the closest unit in the country, but Kareem feels the defensive line has taken significant steps away from the field to become a tight-knit group. 

“It’s probably the tightest since I’ve been here,” Kareem said. “We’re always together and talking with each other. It’s a really tight group.

“We definitely have taken in the younger guys since they’ve gotten here. We include them in everything we’re doing. The junior defensive line guys also have our own thing and do things together too.” 

New defensive coordinator Clark Lea has also allowed the defense as a whole to grow. Lea will keep the same defensive system as his mentor Mike Elko, and Kareem believes Lea’s mental challenges to be the best on and off the field has hit home. 

“Coach Lea is a great guy,” said Kareem. “He definitely knows what he’s talking about. He’s calm, cool and collected.” 

Kareem believes a second year in the same scheme has been crucial for the overall development of the defense but he’s also excited to show off his complete game. 

In 2017, Kareem was broke into the rotation to recorded 20 tackles, three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. An expanded role as a starter has Kareem excited to show he can get to the quarterback, but also be a prominent factor in stopping the run. 

“I’ve always felt I could stop the run,” Kareem explained. “I’ve paid more attention to run support, being sound with my hands and my footwork.” 

Notre Dame will have multiple pure pass rushers on the field this fall, but Kareem might be the best. His teammates have called him slippery, and Kareem believes his experience over the years has led him to find unique ways to get to the quarterback. 

“I’ve been playing end since I was six or seven,” stated Kareem. “I know how to maneuver and bend my body to get off blocks.” 

Speaking of depth, Kareem has one of the more intriguing names on the roster quickly rising behind him as Ade Ogundeji could have a breakout season.



“Ade is playing really well,” Kareem said of the 6-foot-4, 255-pounder. “He’s coming along. His pass rush is definitely there. His motor is always going, and he’s going to play a huge part in the defense this year.

“I feel like one thing people don’t understand is how strong he is. He’s very strong. He’s going to be a key factor in the defense.” 

While Ogundeji is ascending, Kareem knows it’s his job to put in the extra work to remain the starter. 

“I always went in day by day to do my best if I was the starter or not,” said Kareem. “I know Ade and guys behind me are pushing to get that spot, so we’re all competing with each other.”