Notre Dame LB Jack Kiser sets Notre Dame record, but is within striking distance of a NCAA honor

In the wonderful world of the COVID-19 extra year of eligibility, we are seeing players setting new records seemingly every week based on longevity. We saw that during the Notre Dame game against the Virginia Cavaliers, where Irish linebacker Jack Kiser set the program record for most career games played. During the 35 to 14 win, Kiser passed his former teammate Kurt Hinish for the honor.

The Indiana native is also just two games away from the NCAA record. Former Illinois offensive tackle Alex Palczewski currently holds that record, but Kiser is within striking distance.

Kiser finished the day with three total tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and a pass breakup on the day. You can add that to his career totals of 234 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and six pass breakups. He has transitioned smoothly from rover to WILL linebacker this offseason, and has been a steadying force in an inexperienced linebacker room.

He has been a mainstay on an elite group for Notre Dame so far this season. As a unit, they surrendered just 11.1 points per game entering the game. That includes surrendering 274.6 yards per game, and one of the best pass defenses in the entire country. The unit is long, fast, and super aggressive.

Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser has left quite an impact on the Irish program in his six years in South Bend. Outside of being a nice producer on the defensive side of the football, Kiser has been even more impressive off of the field. That includes his most recent honor earlier this season, being named to the AllState AFCA Good Works team.