2012: LB Manti Te'o

The 6-2, 255-pound senior from Laie, Hawaii, is the rock on which the powerful Notre Dame defense has been built. A model of consistency, Te’o has started 46 straight games for the Irish and posted 3 consecutive 100 tackle seasons. This year Te’o also has registered 7 interceptions which is tied for the second best in the country. The Notre Dame defense has allowed only 10.33 points per game in 2012.