Notre Dame football: 5 most underrated players in Fighting Irish history

2. Underrated Notre Dame football players: Kory Minor

When you think of all-time great outside linebackers at Notre Dame, Kory MInor’s name might not be on your shortlist. However, Minor finished his career second all-time in Notre Dame history in sacks and first in tackles for loss.

Like teammate Autry Denson, Minor played at Notre Dame during the transition between Lou Holtz and Bob Davie. Those were not the best years in South Bend. Despite the down seasons, Minor was a four-year starter and team captain in 1998.

The Inglewood, California native decided early on that he was going to play for the Irish. Notre Dame’s contract with NBC enabled Minor to watch the Irish play every Saturday and he was a fan at an early age.

Minor was a  standout at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, California. His senior year he registered 20.5 sacks on his way to being named USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year. His performance as a senior ensured his chance to play for his childhood Irish.

After his playing days were over, Minor was just as successful in business as he was on the gridiron. The former Notre Dame standout owns and operates several Domino’s Pizza franchises in California.

In 2012 Minor sold his franchises and began Minor Industries consulting with businesses sharing his winning strategies. In addition to doing business consulting, Minor was named head coach of the St. Margaret’s Tartans in 2018.

Minor is proof that being successful in more than one walk of life does not mean you are not passionate about football.