Notre Dame’s Aug. 16 fall camp media session centered on two clear themes: the linebacker room is finally healthy again, and the receiver room is leaning on veteran leadership. Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary called the difference from spring “night-and-day,” pointing to the return of experienced players like Drayk Bowen and Kyngston Viliamu-Asa, with Bowen described as “one of the best” leaders he’s been around and Viliamu-Asa providing “a big spark for us on defense.”
At receiver, Mike Brown said Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse have helped stabilize a room that had seven newcomers learning the offense this year. Brown said Faison has become the main outspoken voice, while Greathouse has “done a great job of just leading some of the young guys.” Greathouse added that being healthy again has allowed him to “trust my body,” and several players praised CJ Carr’s command, with Greathouse saying his chemistry with Carr is stronger and Jaylen Sneed calling the quarterback “so smart mentally.”
- Jean-Mary said Notre Dame’s linebackers are better simply because they are back at full strength, with multi-position experience and older players setting the tone.
- Viliamu-Asa’s return was framed as more than just on-field production; Bullough said his presence brings confidence to the whole defense.
- Ja’Kobe Klapper’s camp is on a different track. Jean-Mary said the freshman is still shaking off rust after missing spring but called him a physical player with a bright future.
- Brown said the receiver room has made major learning gains since spring, especially with seven new players getting comfortable in the offense.
- Micah Gilbert said the competition in the receiver room is constant and that going against Leonard Moore every day has pushed his game.
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