The rebuilding job facing Notre Dame’s defense just got a little bit smaller.

Already facing the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Elko and potentially the departure of leading tackler Te’von Coney, the Irish got a boost on the deadline day for NFL draft declarations when defensive tackle Jerry Tillery chose come back to school for his senior year. Irish Illustrated learned of Tillery’s decision from a source close to the situation.

Notre Dame’s top defensive lineman led the position last season with 56 tackles, 9.0 TFLs and led the team with 4.5 sacks. He also led the defensive line in snaps played at 703, besting the second-closest from that group by more than 100 snaps.

Tillery’s decision broke momentum in Notre Dame’s string of losses since the Citrus Bowl with Elko off to Texas A&M, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand returning to the Chicago Bears, running back Josh Adams turning pro and wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown doing the same.

Tillery’s return should let the Irish open next season with at least a seven-man rotation on the line in ends Khalid Kareem, Daelin Hayes, Julian Okwara, tackles Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kurt Hinish, plus potential swing player Jay Hayes. Freshman defensive tackle Darnell Ewell will also be coming off a red shirt. Four-star defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola will enroll this summer.

If Coney decides to return it would technically give the Irish nine starters back on defense, although some personnel changes are expected at safety.

Regardless, Tillery can now be counted part of that group of returning talent.

And that’s a major off-season win for Notre Dame.

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