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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 13

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes defense line during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive line lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes defense line during the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Isaac Rochell
Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) rushes the quarterback against the Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Texas 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaac Rochell (DE – Notre Dame) vs. USC

In week 12, UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley had success as a pass rusher against USC offensive tackles Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner. In week 13, Isaac Rochell will look to duplicate that success in the battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy.

In the last six meetings, any game decided by 10 points or less has gone to the Fighting Irish. If the game was decided by more than 10 points, USC has been the victor. In order for Notre Dame to win another close game, the defensive line is going to have to pressure USC’s freshman quarterback Sam Darnold.

Notre Dame is currently ranked 114th in the FBS with just 13 sacks on the season. Despite having 10 QB hits, twice as many as anyone else on the roster, Isaac Rochell has recorded just one sack in 2016. At 290 pounds, he’s not going to be confused with a speed rusher off the edge, but he does need to be more productive.

With teammate Jarron Jones likely to see double teams throughout this game, Rochell will have an opportunity to go one-on-one against an offensive tackle.

For someone who is currently expected to be a late-round pick, Rochell can ill afford to have a clunker of a game this weekend. He must step up, not only to improve his 2017 NFL Draft stock, but to keep Notre Dame’s slim bowl hopes alive with a win to improve to 5-7.

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