FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After Notre Dame lost a linebacker to a season-ending injury in the Fighting Irish's 2021 season opener, then-head coach Brian Kelly turned to a sophomore wide receiver who had yet to take a snap that fall for help.

Xavier Watts didn't hesitate to switch sides, immediately swapping out his offensive jersey number since it was already claimed by a senior defensive player, and work in a rotation role on the opposite side of the ball.

"I wanted to help out with the team," Watts said. "It was both our decision."

It took a beat for Watts to make his first-ever collegiate tackle. Five games, to be exact. He made three – one solo, two assisted.

Watts didn't take a snap in the next game. Notre Dame lost a safety to a season-ending injury.

This time, then-defensive coordi

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