Marcus Freeman Wraps Up Notre Dame Camp With DT Depth, CJ Carr Leadership, and Position Battles

Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame wrapped camp with a roughly 100-play scrimmage, and the biggest roster takeaway was up front: defensive tackle and linebacker look like the deepest groups on the team. Freeman said the Irish are “really almost three deep” at tackle, with Armel Mukam among the camp risers, and he added that CJ Carr “is the leader” of the offense as camp closes and the team shifts into its in-season schedule next week.

There were also a few notable personnel updates. Quincy Porter is still “a couple weeks out” after a minor procedure, while Micah Gilbert has “stepped up tremendously” in his place. On the offensive line, Freeman said Notre Dame is still sorting out the best five among Ashton Craig, Joe Otting, and Sullivan Absher, with Craig not fully cleared yet. He also said the backup quarterback job is not settled, and field corner remains an open battle between DJ and Jaden, with Jaden also helping at nickel.

• Freeman praised Mukam’s camp, saying his play has elevated and that “his leadership is showing” through his vocal presence.
• At receiver, Freeman said Notre Dame knows what it has in Greathouse, Faison, Mylan Graham, and Gilbert, but also pointed to Elijah Burress, Jerome Bettis Jr., Bubba Frazier, Matt Jeffery, and Devin Fitzgerald as camp standouts.
• Tight end looks headed by Cooper Flanagan, with Freeman calling him the room’s “alpha” and saying James Flanigan has also had “a heck of a camp.”
• On defensive end depth, Freeman singled out Keon Keeley, Loghan Thomas, and freshman Rodney Dunham, saying Dunham “will help us.”
• Freeman said Notre Dame added about 15 more meeting hours than in last year’s first 10 practices, part of an intentional push to have the team ready for Week 1.