Just five days separate Notre Dame from its season opener under the lights in Miami. The build-up grows each day as the Irish prepare for the challenges and opportunities that await in 2025. As part of our series, we turn our attention to jersey number 5 on both defense and offense.
Boubacar Traore - sophomore, defensive end
Traore’s 2024 campaign was cut short after suffering a knee injury against Louisville, but in just five games, he still left his mark. He posted five tackles for loss (including three sacks), returned an interception for a touchdown and forced a fumble.
Expectations are high as he returns this fall. Defensive line coach Al Washington praised him in early August. “He is a very talented player,” he said. “We want him to have an explosive start to this season and a good year too.”
Washington also said the staff will manage Traore’s workload early, with a deep rotation allowing him to ease back in. Even so, look for him in clear passing situations, where his burst and length create real problems for opposing tackles. Just ask USC’s offensive line in 2023, who barely had time to react before Traore got home for a sack on then Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.
Cam Williams - freshman, wide receiver
Williams was a highly ranked recruit coming out of high school, with his ranking ranging from 25 to 50 nationally across the various major recruiting services. Williams redshirted his 2024 season, continuing to develop his abilities to be game-ready. Now, Williams is listed as the third-string boundary wide receiver behind graduate transfer Malachi Fields and fellow freshman Micah Gilbert.
