Notre Dame CB Cam Hart Healthy & Excited for Future

Cam Hart knew there was a chance he'd get moved to defensive back during his career and it was something he had no issues doing. 

The Maryland native started out his Notre Dame career at receiver, but quickly moved to cornerback during his freshman season in 2019. 

"I was excited when Coach (Clark) Lea came to me and said they were excited about moving me over to DB," Hart stated. "I was honestly expecting that. When I was getting recruited, they were always talking about me playing DB or receiver or me switching." 

At 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, Hart brings length and strength to the cornerback position and it's something head coach Brian Kelly has noticed this spring. 

"Cam's making progress," explained Kelly. "A lot of this is a combination of technique and being much more of an aggressive mindset instead of a reactive, defensive mindset. That's coming together with Cam.

"He's got the skills. He's got length. He's strong physically. He's one of our strongest, if not our strongest defensive back. Really pleased with his progress. He'll continue to get stronger, continue to work on technique. Now it's mindset. Go get the ball; it's yours. He's going to be in a plus match-up physically."

The comments about his strength weren't surprising to Hart as he's always worked hard in the weight room. 

"All my life, I've taken pride in the weight room and working every day trying to get better - trying to get stronger," said Hart. "I've always had a skinner frame. I've always taken pride in being strong and trying to build my strength." 

The most significant transition for Hart has been fine-tuning his technique and that includes press-man. 

"In terms of ball skills, that comes really natural being a wide receiver my whole life," Hart stated. "I've honestly played DB my whole life. When I came here, I played receiver. Switching over, I transitioned the ball skills. 

"I want to work on my technique. We're going to be in press coverage the majority of the time - 90 percent of the plays. Just technique at the line of scrimmages and using my length being a longer corner." 

Another positive for Hart in 2021 is his health. Hart has fought through shoulder injuries in the past and he hopes those are behind him as he's put in extra time to get healthy.

"I've been battling the shoulder injuries since high school," Hart explained. "Last season, I was still struggling a little bit with one of them. Coming into this season, I rehabbed and felt more comfortable. I'm not using the brace and being restricted. It's honestly enhanced my game a lot. I feel comfortable in press coverage. I feel comfortable tackling, defeating blocks and things of that sort. 

"I feel healthy and excited for what's to come next." 

Hart will get his chance to shine this fall and feels Marcus Freeman's new defense is one where it can showcase his skill set.

"Coach Freeman has taken a lot of the thinking out of it and more so being in the right position now and using the right technique," Hart said. "I feel a lot more comfortable in this defense. Having to focus on the idea of denying my man is definitely going to enhance me and us as a DB corps." 

And yes, Hart has also been preparing himself for the mental grind of playing cornerback. There will be catches made and big plays given up, but Hart doesn't want that to get to his head.

"I always keep in the back of mind that I'm one of the top corners no matter what," stated Hart. "I always think next play mentality. We're going to give up catches. We're going to give up long balls. You always have to have the mentality to bounce back and be able to control your emotions. I take that on the field with me every day."