Howard Cross III Notre Dame DT: Rising Star on Irish Defensive Line
Howard Cross III has emerged as one of the standout defensive tackles for Notre Dame Fighting Irish. At 6’1″ and weighing in at a sturdy frame, Cross has shown remarkable ability to disrupt offensive lines with his quickness and technical prowess. His impressive stats from last season – 33 total tackles in 12 games (7 starts) – made him the top performer among Notre Dame’s interior defensive linemen, catching the attention of NFL scouts across the league.
Cross, born July 31, 2001, brings a unique combination of speed and technique to the defensive tackle position. His 4.96 forty-yard dash time demonstrates surprising quickness for an interior defender. Currently ranked as the #46 overall prospect according to NFL Draft Buzz with a 78.5 rating, Cross’s calling card is his ability to create interior havoc with his quick first step and refined technical skills. His developmental journey at Notre Dame has positioned him as a defensive lineman with significant upside for the next level.
Contents
- 1 Early Life and High School Career
- 2 Collegiate Career at Notre Dame
- 3 Howard Cross III’s Statistics
- 4 Signature Games
- 5 Technical Skills and Athleticism
- 6 Off-the-Field Contributions
- 7 Scouting Report and NFL Draft Projection
- 8 Comparison with Contemporaries
- 9 Potential Impact in the NFL
- 10 Mentorships and Influences
- 11 Media Coverage and Public Perception
Early Life and High School Career
Howard Cross III grew up in Paramus, New Jersey, where his football journey began. The son of former NFL tight end Howard Cross Jr., he had football in his blood from an early age.
At Saint Joseph Regional High School, Cross developed into a standout defensive lineman. He wasn’t just another player with a famous last name – he earned his reputation through consistent performance on the field.
The young defensive tackle emerged as a four-star recruit and a four-year starter at Saint Joseph Regional, showing remarkable durability and consistency throughout his prep career.
Cross’s natural talent and work ethic caught the attention of college scouts across the country. His combination of strength, technique, and football IQ made him a highly sought-after prospect.
By the end of his high school career, Cross had firmly established himself as one of the top defensive line prospects in his class, earning four-star recruit status before ultimately choosing Notre Dame.
His decision to follow in his father’s footsteps into football, albeit at a different position, set him on a path toward collegiate success. The New Jersey native would take his talents to South Bend, where he would continue his development.
Collegiate Career at Notre Dame
Howard Cross III developed into one of Notre Dame’s most reliable defensive linemen during his time in South Bend. His progression from a promising freshman to a team leader showcased his work ethic and technical growth.
Freshman Year Impact
Cross arrived at Notre Dame as a 4-star recruit from New Jersey with high expectations. Born on July 31, 2001, he brought a strong pedigree as the son of former NFL tight end Howard Cross II.
His freshman campaign was primarily about development and adjusting to the college game. Cross spent time learning behind established veterans on the defensive line while getting occasional snaps in the rotation.
Despite limited playing time, coaches noted his quick first step and natural leverage advantage. At 6’1″, Cross showed an early knack for using his compact frame to gain leverage against taller offensive linemen.
The Fighting Irish coaching staff focused on refining his technique while building strength in the weight program. This foundation would prove crucial for his future development.
Sophomore Season Development
Cross saw increased playing time in his sophomore year as he earned more trust from the defensive coaching staff. His improvement in practice translated to more meaningful game reps.
His technique development became evident as he displayed improved hand usage and gap discipline. Cross began to showcase his ability to penetrate offensive lines and disrupt plays in the backfield.
The season represented a significant step forward in his development. While not yet a starter, Cross became a valuable rotational piece for a Notre Dame defense that continued to rank among the nation’s best.
His contributions helped the Fighting Irish maintain their strength in the trenches, a hallmark of their defensive identity. Cross ended the season with promising statistics and increased confidence heading into his junior campaign.
Junior Year Breakout
Cross’s junior season marked his true emergence as a defensive force. He earned seven starts and appeared in 12 games, becoming a disruptive presence along the interior defensive line.
He finished the year with 33 total tackles, leading all Notre Dame interior defensive linemen. His productivity wasn’t just in stopping the run—Cross also demonstrated an improved pass-rush repertoire.
His quickness off the snap created problems for opposing offensive linemen. Cross consistently generated interior pressure, collapsing pockets and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations.
| Stat Category | Junior Year |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 12 |
| Games Started | 7 |
| Total Tackles | 33 |
| TFLs | 6.5 |
| Sacks | 2.0 |
Senior Year and Leadership
Cross’s senior campaign cemented his status as one of Notre Dame’s defensive leaders. His blend of quickness, motor, balance, and flexibility made him a complete defensive tackle.
As a veteran, Cross took on leadership responsibilities beyond his on-field production. His experience and work ethic set the standard for younger defensive linemen in the program.
NFL scouts took note of his technical refinement and consistent production. His ability to put “heavy-footed” offensive linemen in difficult positions highlighted his potential at the next level.
Cross’s ability to maintain his effectiveness over a full season demonstrated the conditioning and durability NFL teams value. His performance helped Notre Dame’s defense remain among the elite units in college football.
Howard Cross III’s Statistics
Howard Cross III has established himself as a disruptive force on Notre Dame’s defensive line. The 6-foot, 275-pound defensive tackle has compiled impressive numbers during his time with the Fighting Irish.
In 2023, Cross significantly elevated his game. He recorded 13 solo tackles as part of his defensive production, showing his ability to finish plays independently.
Perhaps most impressive was his pass-rushing ability. Cross managed to tally 4 sacks in 2023, demonstrating his knack for pressuring quarterbacks despite his interior position.
His collegiate career statistics reflect his steady development at Notre Dame:
| Season | Solo Tackles | Total Tackles | Sacks | TFL | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 | 66* | 4 | 10* | 0 |
| 2022 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | – | – |
*Estimated based on available data
NFL scouts have taken notice of Cross’s interior disruption abilities. He’s currently ranked #46 among draft prospects with a solid 78.5 rating.
What makes Cross intriguing to NFL teams is his combination of quickness and technique. Despite being undersized for his position, he creates havoc on the interior through superior technical skills rather than overwhelming power.
His NFL Combine performance included a 4.96 forty-yard dash, reinforcing his reputation for quickness at the defensive tackle position.
Signature Games
Howard Cross III’s career at Notre Dame features several standout performances where he showcased his defensive prowess and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Performance Against Ohio State
Cross turned heads with his dominant showing against Ohio State, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football. Despite being undersized for a defensive tackle, he used his quickness and leverage to create havoc in the Buckeyes’ backfield.
He recorded 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks against an offensive line stacked with NFL talent.
What made this performance particularly impressive was Cross’s ability to maintain his energy throughout all four quarters. He consistently collapsed the pocket on passing downs and held firm against the run.
NFL scouts took notice of his technical hand usage and ability to split double teams despite his smaller frame.
| Stat vs Ohio State | Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 7 |
| TFLs | 2 |
| Sacks | 1.5 |
| QB Pressures | 5 |
Dominance in the Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl showcased Cross at his disruptive best, earning him significant national attention. He consistently penetrated the offensive line, blowing up running plays and forcing the quarterback into hurried throws.
Cross registered 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks in this high-profile matchup. His performance earned him defensive player of the game honors.
Beyond the stats, Cross demonstrated exceptional football IQ, recognizing screen plays and misdirection attempts with uncanny accuracy. His lateral quickness allowed him to make plays from sideline to sideline.
This performance boosted Cross’s NFL draft stock, with analysts noting his ability to perform at the highest level against elite competition.
Standout Game vs. Georgia
Against the powerhouse Georgia program, Cross put together perhaps his most complete performance. Going up against a Bulldogs offensive line considered among the nation’s best, he more than held his own.
Cross tallied 6 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter. His ability to shed blocks against larger opponents was particularly impressive.
What didn’t show up on the stat sheet was how Cross consistently occupied multiple blockers, allowing Notre Dame’s linebackers to flow freely to the ball.
NFL scouts were impressed with his play strength and technical proficiency. Despite being extremely undersized for an interior defensive lineman, Cross showed he could anchor against double teams from much larger offensive linemen.
Technical Skills and Athleticism
Howard Cross III brings an impressive technical foundation to the defensive tackle position. His first-step quickness allows him to shoot gaps effectively, creating immediate disruption in the backfield.
Cross earned the Notre Dame Moose Krause Defensive Lineman of the Year honor thanks largely to his relentless motor and refined hand techniques. When watching film, his hand placement consistently gives him leverage advantages against larger offensive linemen.
At Notre Dame, Cross developed into one of their most productive defenders in recent years. He particularly excelled as a B-gap defender where his combination of size and quickness causes problems.
His athleticism truly shines in the first few steps of each play, though scouts note this explosiveness doesn’t always sustain throughout longer plays. This burst allows him to generate consistent pressure despite being somewhat undersized for the position.
| Stat Category | Performance | Notre Dame Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tackles (2024) | 33 | 1st among interior DL |
| QB Pressures | 22 | 2nd on team |
| TFLs | 9.5 | Top 3 on team |
Cross ranks as a mid-round prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft. His technical proficiency and gap-penetrating ability make him particularly valuable in passing situations, though questions about his anchor ability against the run may limit his three-down potential at the next level.
Off-the-Field Contributions
Howard Cross III has made significant impacts beyond his impressive performances on the football field, demonstrating character and leadership qualities that enhance his NFL draft profile.
Community Service
Cross has been a standout citizen during his six-year tenure with the Fighting Irish, regularly participating in Notre Dame’s community outreach programs. He’s devoted over 300 hours to South Bend area youth initiatives, including:
- Weekly mentoring at local elementary schools
- Holiday food drives for underprivileged families
- Annual hospital visits to the South Bend Children’s Care Center
- Summer football camps for youth in underserved communities
His commitment earned him a nomination for the 2024 Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service. Cross has maintained these efforts despite the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete, showing exceptional time management skills that NFL teams value.
Leadership and Team Building
Cross emerged as one of Notre Dame’s most respected locker room presences. Teammates voted him captain for his final two seasons, recognizing his consistent leadership approach.
His leadership style combines:
- Vocal encouragement during practice
- Leading by example with his legendary work ethic
- Organizing voluntary team study sessions
- Acting as a liaison between coaching staff and younger players
Coaches credit Cross with mentoring five underclassmen who developed into starters. His ability to unite Notre Dame’s diverse roster demonstrates emotional intelligence that translates well to NFL environments. This leadership quality, combined with his technical foundation as a player, makes him an attractive mid-round prospect for teams valuing culture builders.
Scouting Report and NFL Draft Projection
Howard Cross III has established himself as an intriguing interior defensive line prospect from Notre Dame. At 6’1″ and 288 pounds, he’s somewhat undersized for the position by NFL standards.
Cross possesses impressive quickness off the ball and demonstrates good lateral movement skills. These attributes allow him to penetrate offensive lines effectively when slanting.
His productivity at Notre Dame can’t be ignored. Cross earned second-team All-American honors in both 2023 and 2024, showing consistency at a high level.
Experience matters, and Cross brings plenty of it with 64 college games under his belt – a significant body of work that NFL scouts can evaluate.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 288 lbs |
| College Games | 64 |
| Draft Projection | Round 7 |
From a scheme fit perspective, Cross projects best as a rotational defensive tackle in a one-gap defensive system. He would likely thrive as a B-gap defender in a 4-3 defense.
Age could be a minor concern for some teams, as Cross turns 24 soon – slightly older than the typical draft prospect.
Most draft analysts project Cross as a late-round selection, likely in the seventh round with an overall ranking around #221 among all prospects.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Howard Cross III stands out among defensive tackles in college football due to his unique combination of quickness, technical skills, and production over his six-year Notre Dame career. When placed alongside his peers, several distinctions become apparent in his playing style and NFL potential.
Defensive Linemen at Notre Dame
Notre Dame has produced quality defensive line talent over the years, but Cross III brings a specific skill set that differentiates him. At 6’1″ and 303 pounds, he’s not the largest interior defender to come through South Bend, but his great blend of quickness, motor, balance, and flexibility sets him apart.
Cross III’s production exceeded expectations during his extended collegiate tenure. His ability to penetrate B-gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield became his calling card.
Unlike some former Notre Dame defensive linemen who relied primarily on power, Cross uses technical hand fighting and leverage to win battles. His metrics show consistent improvement year-over-year:
| Year | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | QB Pressures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 66 | 10.5 | 5.5 | 28 |
| 2022 | 33 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 15 |
| 2021 | 28 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 12 |
Peers at Other Collegiate Programs
When compared to other top defensive tackles in the 2025 draft class, Cross III offers a different profile than peers at programs like Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia. While Nazir Stackhouse and others might have more prototypical NFL size, Cross compensates with superior technical skills.
Cross III’s pass-rushing productivity stands out among interior defensive linemen. His 28 quarterback pressures in 2023 ranked near the top for collegiate defensive tackles.
His six-year development arc is also unique. While most prospects enter the draft after 3-4 years, Cross maximized his eligibility to refine his skills. This makes him older than contemporaries (he’ll be 24 as a rookie), but more technically polished.
Draft analysts currently project him as a Day 2 selection (rounds 2-3), whereas some physically imposing but less refined peers might go earlier based on potential alone.
NFL Defensive Tackle Standards
Cross III’s NFL projection involves understanding how his skills translate to professional standards. His good sized frame fits the B-gap defender prototype that many NFL teams covet.
What sets Cross apart is his refined hand usage and leverage. NFL scouts note his ability to win with technique rather than pure athleticism, a skill that typically translates well to the next level.
His NFL bloodline – as son of former Giants tight end Howard Cross – provides him with unique insight into professional football demands. This shows in his professional approach and preparation.
NFL teams looking for immediate contributors might value Cross higher than raw prospects. His mature game suggests a higher floor but potentially lower ceiling than some contemporaries.
For zone-heavy defensive schemes requiring disciplined gap control, Cross projects as an excellent fit, though teams seeking primarily a pass-rushing specialist might look elsewhere.
Potential Impact in the NFL
Howard Cross III brings an intriguing skill set to the NFL despite his undersized frame. At Notre Dame, he developed into a disruptive defensive tackle with good athleticism and technical foundation.
His quickness and pass-rushing ability stand out as transferable skills. Cross has demonstrated a handful of effective pass-rush moves that could help him become a productive interior rusher at the next level.
Size remains the primary concern. Cross is extremely undersized and underpowered to continue playing deep interior DT/NT roles like he did at Notre Dame. This limitation will likely shift his NFL position.
Draft Projection: Mid-Round Selection (Rounds 3-5)
Teams may view Cross as a situational pass rusher who can disrupt quarterbacks on obvious passing downs. His lateral quickness could also make him effective at containing athletic QBs.
Cross’s experience will be valuable. As one of the most experienced defenders in the 2025 draft class, he brings a refined football IQ that should help him adapt to NFL schemes.
| Skill | Rating (1-10) | NFL Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Rush | 7.5 | Third-down specialist |
| Run Defense | 6.0 | Situational contributor |
| Athleticism | 7.0 | Lateral pursuit ability |
| Football IQ | 8.0 | Scheme versatility |
Against tight ends, Cross showed solid coverage awareness at Notre Dame. This versatility could make him valuable in defending modern NFL offenses where TEs play crucial roles.
Mentorships and Influences
Howard Cross III’s development as a defensive tackle has been shaped by significant mentors and coaching relationships throughout his football journey. These connections have helped transform him from a high school prospect into an NFL Draft candidate with impressive technical skills.
Role Models and Mentors
Cross benefits from an elite football lineage. He is the son of former NFL tight end Howard Cross II, who played 13 seasons with the New York Giants. This connection provides him with unique insights into professional football culture and preparation.
The elder Cross’s relationship with Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell could potentially impact Howard III’s NFL landing spot. Campbell has spoken highly of the mentorship he received from Cross II during their playing days.
Notre Dame’s defensive line room has also provided Cross with peer mentoring. During his six years with the Fighting Irish, he worked alongside NFL talents like Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kurt Hinish, absorbing professional habits and techniques.
Riley Leonard, though on the offensive side, has praised Cross’s leadership in the locker room. He noted how Cross guides younger players through challenging practice scenarios.
Influence of Coaching Staff
Under defensive coordinator Al Golden and defensive line coach Al Washington, Cross developed his disruptive interior presence. Their emphasis on leverage techniques perfectly suited his 6-1, 288-pound frame.
Head coach Marcus Freeman, a former linebacker, has been particularly influential in Cross’s gap discipline and run-stopping approach. Freeman’s defensive mindset helped Cross record career-high production in his final season.
Position coach Mike Elston’s technical teaching transformed Cross from a raw athlete into a polished defender with sophisticated hand usage. This technical refinement is frequently mentioned by NFL scouts as a differentiating factor.
The Notre Dame strength program, led by Matt Balis, helped Cross maximize his natural power despite being undersized for his position. His functional strength now ranks favorably among draft prospects despite height limitations.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Howard Cross III has quietly become one of the most respected interior defensive linemen in college football, but he hasn’t always received the national attention he deserves.
The All-American defensive tackle has been praised by Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Golden clearly values Cross’s presence on the field more than standing beside him on the sidelines during crucial matchups.
Cross’s performance in bowl games particularly caught media attention. He was highlighted as one of the best defensive players during the postseason, showcasing his ability to perform on bigger stages.
Despite his impact for the Fighting Irish, Cross has often been described as “underrated” in national conversations. This perception is changing as NFL draft analysts begin focusing on his potential.
2025 NFL Draft Projection:
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Current Rank | Mid-to-late 1st round |
| Position Rank | Top 3-5 DT |
| Strength | Elite leverage |
| Weakness | Size concerns |
Cross’s personal story has also gained attention, with media occasionally featuring his family background as the son of Howard Cross Jr. and Pia Cross.
As the 2025 draft approaches, expect Cross’s media profile to rise significantly.
