Notre Dame DE Julian Okwara Staying For Senior Season

Notre Dame defensive end Khalid Kareem gave Irish fans good news on New Year's Eve as he announced he would return for his senior season. 

On Wednesday, Julian Okwara announced he would be joining Kareem in 2019 by staying in school for his final year in South Bend.

Okwara issued a statement on Social Media on Saturday: 

“When I chose to attend  Notre Dame over three years ago, I did so with two primary goals in mind. I not only wanted to graduate from the greatest University in the world but I also wanted to do everything I could to help the Fighting Irish win a National Championship.

“After speaking at length with my coaches and family, I’ve decided to return to Notre Dame for my senior year. I’ve simply got too much work left to do. I can’t wait to get back with my brothers and continue the work we started this season.”

As a junior, Okwara recorded 37 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks but also led the country in 3rd and 4th down pressures with 35 according to Pro Football Focus. 

The nation watched Clemson’s star defensive linemen return to school a year ago and Notre Dame could very well have a similar impact with Kareem and Okwara returning to school to play alongside Daelin Hayes and Ade Ogundeji.