The college career of Notre Dame defensive end Julian Okwara, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, is over after he suffered a fractured fibula in Saturday night’s win over Duke.
“We feel terrible for him,” coach Brian Kelly said on his Sunday teleconference with reporters. “He will have a procedure done here once we figure out all the specifics, but it is a fibula fracture that he suffered when he was pass-rushing.”
The senior had 18 tackles this season, including six for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles and blocked a kick.
He is listed as the 31st-best prospect on the draft board of The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
Okwara made 38 tackles as a junior, with 12 1/2 for loss and eight sacks, as well as 21 quarterback hurries.
The 16th-ranked Fighting Irish (7-2) lost defensive end Daelin Hayes in late September to a torn labrum.
Notre Dame finishes the season against Navy (Saturday), Boston College (Nov. 23) and at Stanford (Nov. 30).
