Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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2016 RECRUITING ISSUE KHALID KAREEM DEFENSIVE END 6-4 • 245 HARRISON H.S. PONTIAC, MICH. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 237 17 8 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 124 18 1 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 182 13 6 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 282 34 9 MEASURABLES • Has run a 4.80 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.00 in the shuttle. • Recorded a 30.5-inch vertical jump as well as a 405-pound bench press and 335-pound squat. STATISTICS • In 2015, made 56 stops, with 36 tackles for loss, including 16 sacks. Also posted five forced fumbles and nine quarterback hurries during a 6-3 season. • Recorded 65 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior. HONORS • Chosen as the USA Today All-USA Michigan De- fensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-state pick as a senior. • Selected to The Detroit Free Press Michigan Dream Team, consisting of the state's best players, as a junior and a senior. Made The Detroit News Dream Team as a senior. • Named the MLive Detroit Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. ALL-STAR GAMES AND CAMPS • Was named the MVP of the Semper Fidelis All- American Bowl, after returning one fumble 14 yards for a touchdown and another 78 yards to set up a score in the East's 28-13 win. RECRUITMENT • Gave his verbal commitment to Notre Dame on Oct. 23, 2015, and arrived on campus as an early enrollee on Jan. 11, 2016. • Also received offers from Alabama, Miami, Mich- igan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Ohio State and Stanford, among others. • Originally committed to Alabama before decom- mitting in October 2015. • Primarily recruited by recruiting coordinator/ linebackers coach Mike Elston, with defensive line coach Keith Gilmore also being involved. • Officially visited Notre Dame during the USC week- end (Oct. 16-18, 2015), and unofficially visited dur- ing the Wake Forest weekend (Nov. 13-15, 2015). NOTABLE • Born April 28, 1998. • Played basketball for two years, and also com- peted in shot put and discus as a member of the track and field team. 2016 PROJECTION • Possible contributor along the defensive line in 2016, especially with the Irish searching for pass rushing options. THEY SAID IT • Head coach Brian Kelly (courtesy UND.com): "Khalid is another signee who enrolled early and is doing a great job acclimating to Notre Dame, both in the classroom and as a member of the football team. Khalid has the size and athletic ability to make an early impact." • Defensive line coach Keith Gilmore: "Khalid is more of a power rusher. He's got the ability to play inside and outside. He's got a great first step. He's here early, so it gives him a little more of an opportunity. He'll get a chance to learn our system and get his body in shape." • BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell: "Kareem's body type and game is similar to current Irish starting strongside end Isaac Rochell. Kareem has a strong frame, possessing a thick build and long arms. He uses his power to get movement at the line against the run game. He has a quick first step and the ability to burst through gaps, disrupting the offensive backfield."