On the defensive side Jack Kiser came out on top (88.8), yet only played 27 snaps because he typically comes off the field when the Irish put in their nickel package. And only cornerback Morrison has a higher season grade among all of ND’s defensive players, including All-American Foskey.
PFF grades are only one evaluative tool, not necessarily the conclusive one, but Kiser’s consistently strong numbers beg the question: Is he being used enough?
Consider that among all Irish defensive players, middle linebacker JD Bertrand led the team in tackles with 82, followed by Kiser with 58 and starting weakside (will) linebacker Marist Liufau with 51.
But Kiser accomplished his total in roughly half the snaps (332) as Liufau played (646). He also had more tackles for loss and sacks.