Marcus Freeman on Michigan State Week: Notre Dame’s Maturity, Run Game Tweaks and the Rivalry’s Return

Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame’s maturity is showing up in how the team handles coaching, not just in how old it is. “Leadership” was his first answer, and he pointed to players being willing to challenge teammates while also being “vulnerable enough to uplift them.” Freeman said that maturity gives the staff more freedom during the week, including late schematic changes, noting the defense even added to the plan on Friday because this group could handle it.

Freeman also spent time on the run game, where he said Notre Dame wants more explosive plays and used Sunday to revisit aiming points, keys, and combinations after two games. Jonaz Walton is part of that discussion after what Freeman called a strong Saturday and an “ascending” camp. On Michigan State, Freeman said Notre Dame has to teach the history of the rivalry to a roster that hasn’t lived it, because “if you’re playing for a rivalry trophy, then you have to know why and the history behind it.”

• Freeman said Anthonie Knapp and Will Black stayed in longer by design; both need more live reps at their spots.
• Cam Herron earned his guard work in camp. Freeman said he “plays with an edge” and showed toughness in extended action.
• Luke Talich’s linebacker reps helped his work at safety, especially when defeating blocks, and Freeman said Talich has “earned everything he’s received.”
• Freeman said CJ Carr’s decision-making gives Mike Denbrock confidence to let the quarterback adjust calls after headset communication cuts off.
• Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is back on a progression, but Freeman said Notre Dame feels like it has “four starters” at linebacker and plans to keep rotating them.