Ultimate Notre Dame Football Game Day Experience

Ultimate Notre Dame Football Game Day Experience

A trip to watch a game at Notre Dame Stadium is on the bucket list for most college football fans, and it is easy to see why – Game Day at Notre Dame is special. From the atmosphere on campus, to throwing a football on one of the quads, to taking a picture in front of Touchdown Jesus, to walking into the “House That Rockne Built” and looking up at the national championship banners, the ND football experience is special, and unmatched anywhere in the country.Irish Breakdown is your one-stop-shop for the ultimate Notre Dame Game Day experience.Sept. 10 – vs. Marshall – 2:30 PM ET
Sept. 17 – vs. California – 2:30 PM ET
Oct. 15 – vs. Stanford – 7:30 PM ET
Oct. 22 – vs. UNLV – 2:30 PM ET
Nov. 5 – vs. Clemson – 7:30 PM ET
Nov. 19 – vs. Boston College – 2:30 PM ET (Senior Day)WHERE TO STAYPlan on booking your travel well in advance for a Notre Dame football weekend, especially if a marquee opponent is in town, and expect at least a two-night minimum stay. You will find your standard hotel options in the greater South Bend area, but if you have a large enough group, consider booking a rental house. In addition to having more space, splitting the cost among a group is likely cheaper than a hotel room. While you can book through AirBnb and VRBO, also check out Rent Like a Champion, a college-football focused rental housing company founded in South Bend by Notre Dame fans, that has since expanded nationwide.Unique Experience: If you’ve experienced many Friday nights on campus already, check out a house rental in southwestern Michigan, on or near Lake Michigan. St. Joseph is only 45 minutes from campus, and Friday afternoon wine tasting followed by a bonfire on the beach is a great way to get ready for Game Day.FRIDAY NIGHTI made a big mistake my first semester senior year and registered for a 3 PM German class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Walking to class on Friday afternoons past students throwing the football, families walking around campus, and the sun shining through leaves beginning to change color was so difficult! I may or may not have missed a few of those Friday classes, because the only thing better than a Friday evening before a home game on Notre Dame’s campus is Game Day itself. Trumpets Under The Dome – Make sure you experience Trumpets Under the Dome on Friday afternoon at 4:10 PM (or Saturday an hour before kickoff if you miss it), where the Notre Dame trumpet section plays a medley of legendary Irish music at the Main Building. Rockne Rally – After your goosebumps from listening to the echoes of the Alma Mater fade, head over to the pep rally to see the team, cheerleaders, and Leprechaun, and get pumped up hearing pep talks from current and former players and coaches. Grotto – After grabbing dinner at one of the classic South Bend eateries or new restaurants at Eddy Street Commons, make sure to return to campus after the sun goes down and head to the Grotto to light a candle and offer up a prayer. Though the Grotto is always a special place – it is even more remarkable at night, when the dancing candles cast shadows on the stone walls, the wind softly blows off the lake, and the veil between Heaven and Earth truly seems to be lifted. Midnight Drummer’s Circle – For those who can stay awake long enough, head back to the steps of the Main Building for the midnight Drummer’s Circle with the Notre Dame drumline and mark the official beginning of Game Day! Unique Experience: Between your visit to the Grotto and the beginning of the Drummer’s Circle at midnight, walk from the Grotto along Holy Cross Drive toward Bond Hall. Near the Log Chapel and overlooking St. Joseph Lake, stands a statue of St. Joseph. Next to the statue is a plaque with a letter written from Fr. Edward Sorin to Fr. Basil Moreau in 1842, explaining why he had chosen this spot to establish a university. Sorin writes, “As there is no other school within more than a hundred miles, this college cannot fail to succeed…. Before long, it will develop on a large scale…. It will be one of the most powerful means for good in this country.” My friends and I had many discussions about life, school, and our futures standing around that letter at night with a cigar. Reading that letter – at night – next to the Log Chapel and looking out at the lake, you truly touch the soul of Notre Dame. 2022 Note – If you can’t stay up until midnight, Notre Dame has added a new Mid-Day Drummer’s Circle at 4 PM on the Main Quad just before Trumpets At the Dome. GAME DAYGame Day Parking – The first question you must answer on Game Day is where to park (ND parking website here – contains a full list of options and prices). Though you can occasionally find free parking on streets near campus, there are many options on and near campus, each with their plusses and minuses. Here are some of the most popular:The Stadium, Joyce, and Compton parking lots are the main tailgating areas and lie south of Notre Dame Stadium and the Joyce Center. These asphalt lots offer a party atmosphere and easy stadium access, but advance purchase of a parking pass is required, which can be expensive for the major home games. Additionally, these lots get crowded and therefore expect traffic leaving after the game. If you’re looking for a party and to form a “mega-tailgate” with the groups next to you, this is the spot to be. White Field is a grass lot north of campus and offers arguably the cheapest parking option at $30. Additionally, the university provides free shuttles from the parking lot to campus (drop off at the Hesburgh Library), which make it a convenient option for parking off I-80/90. Relying on a shuttle to get back to the parking lot does create some congestion after the game, though the university does a pretty good job of moving everyone through. Unique Experience: The Burke Golf Course on the southwestern side of campus is the best-kept parking secret – I hesitate to even write about it here. The lot is divided into Burke North and Burke South, and for only $40 fans get to tailgate on grass with a wide fairway in front of them to throw the football, play cornhole, or spread out chairs for easy conversation. There are also never any bathroom lines. The main downside to the Burke lot is that the walk to the stadium is around 15 minutes, but after the game it offers the easiest access to 933 and I-80/90 without having to depend on a shuttle. After a night game a couple years ago, I was back on the highway heading west 5 minutes after reaching my car. Campus Tour (Notre Dame Campus Map here)After parking and setting up your tailgate, take a walk around campus and soak in the atmosphere! Starting on the southern end of campus, walk up Notre Dame Avenue and take in the Golden Dome of the Main Building framed by fall colors on either side. After stopping at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore to buy this year’s edition of The Shirt, you’ll cross West Quad before arriving at South Quad, one of the iconic places on Notre Dame’s campus (and no, you’re not lost – West Quad is located south of South Quad). Walking across South Quad, which contains the Rockne Memorial Gymnasium (“The Rock”) on the west, O’Shaughnessy Hall (O’Shag) on the east, and some of the most stately dorms on campus (though don’t tell that to Dillon and Alumni Hall residents and alums), you can stop and grab a steak sandwich from the Knights of Columbus or a brat or burger from one of the other food stands sponsored by a dorm or club and staffed by students busy fundraising (or working off dorm service hours after getting caught playing beer pong). Continuing north brings you past the Sacred Heart statue and to the steps of the Main Building, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to your left and the LaFortune Student Center to your right. After marveling at the interior of the Basilica and exiting under the God, Country, Notre Dame inscription on the east entrance, you could continue behind the Basilica to the Grotto, or head east toward the Hesburgh Library. Since you saw the Grotto and lakes last night, you head toward the library, crossing the southern end of North Quad, home to Keenan Hall, the best dorm on campus, and Stonehenge, a fountain dedicated to Notre Dame alumni killed in battle. Arriving at the library, you take the iconic photo lifting your arms in front of the Word of Life Mural, better known as Touchdown Jesus. Directly across from the library is Notre Dame Stadium, the home of the Fighting Irish. Unique Experience: For one last stop before heading back to your tailgate, Heritage Hall, on the second floor of the Joyce Center located just east of Notre Dame Stadium, in addition to offering air conditioning, showcases a multitude of memorabilia and trophies earned through Irish athletic success. Campus MapFriday Night Locations – Blue Circles
Campus Tour – Red Arrows
Mentioned Buildings – Gold
Quads – Yellow highlightingGame Day Weekend ActivitiesOn a Notre Dame football weekend, there are a myriad of activities around campus, ranging from marching band performances and the Player Walk to academic lectures featuring notable guest speakers, pre- and post-game Mass options, and plenty of pickup football games. Here are some of the key events for the 2022 home opener against Marshall.Events and activities courtesy of the Experience Notre Dame website. For a full listing of events this weekend, check it out here. All links to the events include a campus map to the event location. Event: Friday Tunnel Experience
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Notre Dame Stadium (North Tunnel)Description: This Football season fans have the opportunity to walk down the iconic North Tunnel. The Football Friday Experience is available to fans on home football Fridays beginning at 10am. There is a $10 entry fee, and all proceeds will benefit the Rockne Athletics Fund.Event: Football Fridays at the Eck
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Eck Visitors CenterDescription: Food from the grill, interviews with special guests, live music, performances from student groups, giveaways, and more.Event: Meet Your Favorite Notre Dame Authors
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 1:30 PM – 3 PM
Location: Hammes Notre Dame BookstoreDescription: Meet your favorite Notre Dame authors, from football legends to alumni storytellers, and more. Guests include Joe Theismann, Rudy Ruttiger, Lisa Kelly, Michelle Ferguson, Deborah Dell, and more.Event: Mid-Day Drummers Circle
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 4 PM – 4:10 PM
Location: Main QuadDescription: Come hear the Notre Dame Drumline perform at Main Quad before the band marches out to rehearsal.Event: Trumpets At the Dome
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 4:10 PM – 4:20 PM
Location: Main QuadDescription: Come hear the Trumpet Section from the Band of the Fighting Irish perform outside the Main Building.Event: Band March Out to Rehearsal
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Location: Main QuadDescription: The Band of the Fighting Irish steps off from the Main Building and marches to Ricci Fields for rehearsal.Event: Band Open Rehearsal
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Ricci Family FieldsDescription: The Band of the Fighting Irish rehearses for Game Day performances.Scroll to ContinueEvent: Glee Club Open Rehearsal
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 5 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: LaBar Recital HallDescription: The Glee Club continues their tradition of a football Friday open rehearsal. All are invited to attend.Event: Rockne Pep Rally
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Location: South Quad, in front of Rockne Memorial GymnasiumDescription: Don’t miss the first chance to hear from Dick Corbett Head Coach Marcus Freeman at the Rockne Rally, sponsored by Dillon Hall. This pep rally type event on Friday night is a great way to get pumped up for the home opener vs. Marshall. The Rockne Rally will be held in front of the Rockne Memorial on South Quad. This student centric event includes performances by the Notre Dame Band, Cheer team and Pom Squad, along with pre-event programming from Dillon Hall.Event: Notre Dame vs. Purdue, Men’s Rugby
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 6 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Stinson Rugby FieldDescription: The men’s rugby team takes on Purdue University in the 2022 fall season home opener. JV match will immediately follow upon conclusion of the Varsity match. Free and open to the public.Event: Friday Night Bash
Date and Time: Friday, September 9, 6:30 PM – 10 PM
Location: Notre Dame Stadium (Gate C)Description: Join us for Friday Night Bash at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, September 9, 2022—the night before Notre Dame takes on Marshall in South Bend. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind, family-friendly party in the concourse of Notre Dame Stadium featuring food trucks, drinks, and live music by Jerry O’Fonics. Tickets are $12 for adults (ages 12+) and children 11 and under are free! Live music starts at 6:30pm. Note, ticket prices cover admission, food and alcohol are available but at an additional cost. Event: IRISH BREAKDOWN TAILGATE
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, Beginning 10:00 AM
Location: Stadium Reserved Lot – announced on Champions Lounge message boardDescription: Join Bryan Driskell and IB Nation on Saturday morning for the annual Irish Breakdown tailgate!Event: Midnight Drummers Circle
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 12 AM – 12:30 AM
Location: Main QuadDescription: The Notre Dame Drumline holds their traditional Drummers’ Circle in front of the Main Building.Event: Tailgate of Champions at Legends
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 11 AM – 9 PM
Location: LegendsDescription: Legends invites you to experience Game Day with an all-inclusive package – buffet and open bar – to help you tailgate like a champion just steps away from Notre Dame Stadium. The party continues post-game with tailgate fare with bar service so you can avoid the traffic and celebrate an Irish win.Event: Celtic Music and Dance
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: McCourtney GreenDescription: Join the Medieval Institute and Irish for a Ceilidh with live music! Learn the history of Irish dance and flute-making. Complimentary food and drink will be provided. Free and open to the public.Event: Notre Dame Glee Club In Revue
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 11:30 AM – 12 PM
Location: Hesburgh Library Reflecting PoolDescription: The Glee Club continues their tradition of a Game Day concert three hours before kickoff. All are invited to attend.Event: Victory March (Replaces the Player Walk)
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 12 PM – 12:30 PM
Location: Various Campus LocationsDescription: Prior to all six home games this season, fans can look forward to a new event this season called the “Victory March.” Building off the player walk over the years, fans can now gather to hear brief remarks from Coach Freeman in front of the reflecting pool at Hesburgh Library, as the Fighting Irish march from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart into Notre Dame Stadium. This festive event also features performances by the Notre Dame Band, Cheer Team, Glee Club, and Bagpipe Band.Event: Trumpets At the Dome
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 12:30 PM – 12:40 PM
Location: Main QuadDescription: If you missed it Friday night, you have another chance to watch the Notre Dame Band trumpet section play ND favorites in front of the Main Building.Event: Band Concert on the Steps
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 1 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Bond QuadDescription: The Band of the Fighting Irish will perform on the steps of Bond Hall.Event: Band March Out
Date and Time: Saturday, September 10, 1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Main QuadDescription: The Band of the Fighting Irish steps off from the Main Building and marches to Notre Dame Stadium.NOTRE DAME STADIUM POLICIESHere are a few things to know in preparation for your 2022 Notre Dame Stadium experience:

  • Notre Dame transitioned to mobile ticketing for the 2021 football season, which continues into this year. Make sure your phone has plenty of battery!
  • All fans, regardless of age, need to have a ticket for the game.
  • Notre Dame Stadium is now a cashless venue – cash is not accepted by any vendor or concession stand inside the stadium.
  • Notre Dame Stadium has instituted a clear bag policy There are also restrictions on bag size.

Please see this website for more details.Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
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Ramon Henderson Battling For Starting Role In The Notre Dame Secondary

Ramon Henderson Battling For Starting Role In The Notre Dame Secondary

Junior Ramon Henderson’s path to the back end of Notre Dame’s secondary was not a direct one. At the very least, there was a zig and a zag that led him there. At 6-1 and 183 pounds coming out of high school, Henderson was recruited to Notre Dame with the chance to give the Irish secondary a physical presence at cornerback. Now going into his third season, Henderson continues to adapt to playing safety. Henderson had never played safety until after Kyle Hamilton went down with a season-ending knee injury last season in an Oct. 23 win over Southern Cal. He missed Notre Dame’s final six games of the season, which led to Henderson’s own opportunity. “He has a much better command of what we’re doing on defense, how to fit the run game,” Irish safeties coach Chris O’Leary said of Henderson. “I didn’t even know that he knew what a run fit was when he came over last year, but he could fit the box. He understands the checks. He’s put himself in better positions down the field.” It’s been a rapid transition for the Bakersfield, Calif native. He started Notre Dame’s last four games of 2021, beginning with the Nov. 13 game at Virginia. He had four tackles and his first career interception in the 28-3 win over the Cavaliers. He later matched that career best tackle total in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.”From Virginia to Oklahoma State that was a jump in comfortability,” Henderson explained. “But I’d say there’s a bigger jump now. We do this stuff every day for hours and hours.” The competition at safety is primarily between Henderson, Houston Griffith and DJ Brown to play next to Northwestern transfer Brandon Joseph. The competition between Henderson and his veteran teammates has been close, but they have also managed to stay close as a unit. “Obviously, I believe we all think we’re better than each other,” Henderson said. “That’s fun. They think they’re better than me, I think I’m better than them. It’s healthy. We all clap for each other, we all pat each other on the backs. But (on) the same day, we’re trying to be the best player that day. I give them pointers, they give me pointers. We’re a close, tight-knit position group and we all have each other’s back all the time.” Joseph’s coverage skills make him most suited for the field safety role. That’s where Hamilton played last year and where Henderson played late in the season. He is continuing to hone the skills to let him excel on the boundary, now. “Before, I was only playing field, because I never knew the boundary,” Henderson explained. “During the off-season, my biggest thing was I need to learn what the boundary does, and it’s not really that hard. You have to think opposite of the field. The only thing that really becomes hard is you’re running tempo. They get a big pass, you run down, and you have to flip sides for the play. That’s the hardest thing.” No matter who fills the spot, there will be plenty of experience. Griffith started all 13 games last season, Brown played in all 13 games and Henderson played in all 13 games (mostly special teams early), with starts in the last four contests. Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
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Ranking The 2022 Signees – DefenseScroll to Continue———————Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more.BECOME A MEMBERBe sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time!Join the Irish Breakdown community!
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Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletterBe sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
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Elite DL Jason Moore Has Notre Dame Among Final 5 Schools

Elite DL Jason Moore Has Notre Dame Among Final 5 Schools

There is one final piece Notre Dame needs if it wants to land an elite, nation’s best defensive line class, and that player – Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic star Jason Moore – just listed Notre Dame among his five final schools.Notre Dame made the list along with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Maryland.The Irish have not had Moore on campus since the fall, but Moore and Notre Dame have been closely linked for months. Hiring Marcus Freeman and then Al Washington has helped put the Irish in a strong position, but now the staff will need to figure out a way to close.Moore is planning on getting back to campus in June for an official visit from the 10th to 12th of the month.Notre Dame already has defensive line commitments from five-star edge Keon Keeley, Top 100 linemen Brenan Vernon and Boubacar Traore, and underrated four-star defensive tackle Devan Houstan. It’s already an outstanding class, but Moore is an elite prospect that would make this a generational type of class for the Fighting Irish.Moore is a consensus Top 100 recruit that is ranked No. 41 overall by ESPN and No. 44 by Rivals. On3 ranks Moore as the nation’s No. 39 overall player and No. 5 defensive lineman in the On3 consensus rankings. Landing him would give the Irish a pair of Top 50 national defensive line recruits.The 6-6, 265-pound Moore plays on the edge for DeMatha and he could project as a power end at the next level. Of course, he also has the potential to grow into an interior player, where his game could be even better. That inside-out ability only adds to Moore’s impact as a recruit.Moore racked up 13 sacks as a junior for the Stags.On top of his five finalists, Moore also received offers from Alabama, Florida, USC, LSU, Oklahoma, Auburn, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Oregon, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Ole Miss, Washington, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Virginia, Louisville, West Virginia, Arizona State, Vanderbilt and Rutgers.Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeScroll to ContinueIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
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Latest NFL Draft Buzz For Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams

Latest NFL Draft Buzz For Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams

With only 45 days until the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off, we are left with nothing but the pro day circuit, player meetings and the rumor mill to pass the time. A couple former Notre Dame stars have been a consistent fixture among mock drafts this cycle, most notably former All-American safety Kyle Hamilton, who has been among the first ten selections on virtually every mock to date. Former running back Kyren Williams, however, had been a pretty consistent member for mock draft makers who extended to the three round variety. That luster has been lost with Williams’ recent performance at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. In recent mock drafts submitted by James Fragoza of Pro Football Network, Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports and Vinny Iyer of The Sporting News, there were a couple different patterns to consider when evaluating the outlook for the former Notre Dame stars. In each of the three mock drafts, Kyle Hamilton continued to be selected amongst the first ten selections overall. For a majority of mocks in the past, the Atlanta Falcons seemed to be the floor for the talented defender. In this installment, we added a new potential landing spot for the 6-4, 220 pound safety and also landed in a couple recurring locations. Let’s break down each fit, with a little instant reaction. James Fragoza of Pro Football Network gets us kicked off with his most recent mock draft, having the New York Jets select the former Notre Dame star with the 10th overall selection. Here’s from Fragoza had to say: “Kyle Hamilton is somewhat of a controversial player in the NFL Draft. Some believe the positional value of the safety position will drop him out of the top 10. Others expect him to go in the top five due to his overall skill set. Well, I’m firmly fence-sitting by placing him at No. 10 to the Jets. Yet, this is likely his floor because of his insane range and 6’4′′ frame. Robert Saleh wouldn’t mind passing on fringe top-10 CBs and EDGEs when he can potentially grab the best player in the class.” This is not the first time the New York Jets have selected Hamilton in the top ten of a mock draft – but usually he comes off the board with their fourth overall selection. By my account, this pick at ten is a pretty rare spot for Hamilton to come off the board. There may be some lag for him after coming off a combine performance that was a big uneven. Still, the reasoning makes sense. Hamilton’s talent level is hard to envision dropping out of the top ten selections. The value of the safety position has been the main skepticism around whether that thought process materializes come April. Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports also brought us a new potential landing spots, forecasting him to go sixth overall to the Carolina Panthers in his recent mock. Here’s Here’s how Fornelli sees the Hamilton fit in Carolina: “I had Kenny Pickett here in my first two mocks, and while that’s still very much in play, Hamilton makes plenty of sense for Carolina too. He just hasn’t been here in my previous mocks. Now, if the draft arrives and Carolina hasn’t added a viable QB to its roster yet, then Pickett or any other QB is very much in play at this spot.” That is a player to team pairing that has been foreign to me during the process. It’s a little hard to believe that the Panthers would go that route currently unless the quarterback and offensive tackle positions were remedied during the free agency period. It’s an interesting landing spots – albeit a bit unlikely. In the final mock draft, Vinny Iyer of The Sporting News made an aggressive selection, having the Detroit Lions select Hamilton with the second overall pick. Now, that is one that has been seen before but not as much recently. Here is Iyer’s reasoning for Hamilton landing with the Lions: “The Lions also should think about impact playmaker for their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn. The former star defensive back should appreciate what all the unique Hamilton can do for a secondary, an extra thumper to help the linebacker corps and a solid extra inside cover man with a nose for the ball.” If that selection did materialize, Kyle Hamilton would become the highest drafted primary safety ever selected in the NFL Draft. While my fan goggles are hoping for this outcome, this one also feels a bit unrealistic. Iyver makes a sound argument for it. Hamilton would give the Detroit defense a lot of possibilities and would also give to them the player that I believe is the best overall player in the draft – regardless of positional value. It is clear that Hamilton is a firm bet to hear his name called very early after the 2022 NFL Draft begins. Kyle Williams, on the other hand, has a less easily predicted outcome. After spending a lot of time in the second and third rounds of mock drafts this cycle, he did not manage to make none of these mock drafts, all of which did extend to three rounds. At this point, teams seem like they might hesitate based on Williams’ testing in Indianapolis. He has a chance to be one of the bigger values if that does become a reality. The film tells a much different story for the caliber of athlete he is. Soon, mock drafts won’t have much merit. We are just a few weeks until we have the real thing. Keep those mocks coming but the day is almost upon us!     Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
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Chris O’Leary Needs To Make A Big Splash On The Recruiting Trail

Chris O’Leary Needs To Make A Big Splash On The Recruiting Trail

Notre Dame safeties coach Chris O’Leary has made a quick ascension up the totem pole on the defensive side of the football for the Irish. After graduating in 2014, O’Leary quickly made the transition to the coaching ranks. After a couple brief stops at Georgia State and Florida Tech in various roles, O’Leary landed with the Irish in 2018 in a defensive analyst role, focusing on defensive backs. Just three seasons later, he is now the safeties coach for Notre Dame, tutoring the likes of former Irish star Kyle Hamilton. The future of the safety position has been a big talking point this off-season, and O’Leary needs to make a big splash on the recruiting trail after not serving as the lead recruiter for any of the 2022 signees.It’s been a strong start for O’Leary since the calendar turned to 2022. Irvington (N.J.) High School standout Adon Shuler committed last fall, but the new year started with a commitment from Denton (Texas) Guyer star Peyton Bowen, and Northwestern All-American safety Brandon Joseph committed to the Irish a week later.Priority number one for O’Leary will be keeping Bowen and Shuler in the class, with Bowen being the biggest concern. The nation’s No. 49 overall player in the country according to On3, Bowen is being heavily pursued by programs all over the country, and Oklahoma appears to be a legitimate player for Bowen.Bowen is the type of rangy free safety on the backend who brings some high upside in pass coverage. The 6-1 185 pounder brings dynamic ability that will be a welcomed addition to the secondary. With the presence of Bowen, Shuler has become an underrated presence in the class, sitting as a near consensus Top 200 recruit nationally. Shuler brings a steady brand of physicality to the position, running the alley with extremely bad intentions. He is also a good all around athlete who has a knack for making plays on the football.This strong start allows O’Leary to focus hard on keeping the current commits in the class. If that is all he does the remainder of the recruiting cycle that’s a big win, but it also allows him to narrow down his board of uncommitted players in hopes of adding another top-flight recruit to the class.The biggest name, and the dream addition, would be Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek five-star Caleb Downs. The younger brother of North Carolina star receiver Joshua Downs, Caleb is the type of difference maker on the backend that changes a program’s fortunes. From a skill set perspective, there aren’t a lot of holes in Downs’ game. The odds to land a player like Downs will not be in Notre Dame’s favor but with Bowen and Shuler already in the class, O’Leary has the opportunity to shoot for the stars. Not quite as heralded, but still incredibly talented, are players like West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West defensive back Malik Hartford and Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas playmaker King Mack. Hartford is a long and athletic piece on the backend at 6-3 and 175 pounds. He brings a smooth all around profile that could serve in a variety of roles on the backend for the Irish. Mack, on the other hand, is a true free safety type with notable range working from depth. A bit of a smaller frame at 5-11 and 180 pounds, Mack makes up for his marginal size with his playmaking ability. The great news is that O’Leary and the staff do not have to force the issue if they are not comfortable with taking a third safety. Recruiting at the position has already been huge thus far in the 2023 recruiting cycle. As the momentum continues, O’Leary manages to alleviate any questions about his impact on the trail. The prowess as a young coach is already of note, and the impact on the trail is following suit. Be sure to check out the Irish Breakdown message board, the Champions LoungeIrish Breakdown ContentNotre Dame 2022 Roster
Notre Dame 2022 ScheduleRanking The 2022 Signees – Offense
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