OL Billy Schrauth Couldn't Be Happier at Notre Dame
Billy Schruath was close to committing to Notre Dame several times during his recruitment, but held off until he was sure of his decision.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant factor in the decision as Schrauth couldn't get the face-to-face time with the coaches he needed to seal the deal.
"We weren't able to do everything these kids are able to now," Schrauth said on Friday. "We weren't able to get out and meet with coaches in-person. There was none of that.
"Once it opened up, I kind of had it down to two. Towards the end, once Coach Free (Marcus Freeman) came to the house, it was over for me. I knew where I wanted to be."
Wisconsin kids don't often leave the state and while Schrauth hasn't dealt with a backlash as Tyler Herro experienced, the former St. Mary's Springs star knows he made the right decision after a month on campus.
"I think it's what you hold most valuable to you," explained Schrauth. "To me, it was that pursuit of excellence every day. I think that's something they strive after everywhere here - not only on the football field, but in the classroom. That type of culture is something I wanted to be part of.
"Nobody does it. No one has left the state in a while."
When Schrauth arrived on campus, Notre Dame was breaking in a new offensive line coach in Harry Hiestand.
The two have instantly clicked and Schrauth knows it's not going to be easy, he knows Hiestand will make him a better player.
"I love him," stated Schrauth. "I think our mindsets are a lot of the same. He's a master motivator from what I've seen so far. I love that. I want to be pushed to the limits I don't know I'm capable of.
"I think he's going to be the guy that's going to get me and the group where we got to be. He's big on that. It's not just one person and it's the group. It's line play. You have to be firing at the same rhythm and that's something the offensive line group is going to be bringing back in the next few years."
Schrauth might not have had time on the field with Hiestand, but he knows his physical style of play is what his coach wants.
"Just his overall intensity is different than what I've had with other coaches," said Schrauth. "He gets it. I like to play physical and you can tell that's his style of ball and what he wants out of his players."
When learning more about Hiestand, Schrauth picked the brains of current offensive lineman Josh Lugg and Notre Dame staffer Chris Watt.
Watt not only played for Hiestand, but he's become a daily figure in Schrauth's life.
"I love him," Schrauth said of Watt. "He's been great. He's in the weight room with us every day. He's always around the group and he's just a great guy for us linemen to have."
It also might be a while before Schrauth knows where he'll play after having foot surgery. Hiestand has mentioned Schrauth could work at multiple positions, including center.
"I'll play wherever," Schrauth said. "I think I'm going to work at all the positions - tackle, guard and center. We've talked about that.
"I've always liked playing guard, but I've played tackle and played a little center. I still have to get snapping and stuff down, but once that comes, it'll be fine. I'm comfortable wherever."
Left tackle is the sexy position, but Schrauth isn't concerned about where he plays.
"It ain't about that for me," said Schrauth. "It's about hitting guys. I just like hitting guys."
And yes, the quote may sound like Quenton Nelson, which could be by design. Nelson is someone Schrauth has looked up to, but also studied.
"I'm obsessed with watching his technique and everything," Schrauth explained. "You can just talk about his stance for 15-30 minutes. It's never-ending with that guy. He's built different and that's someone I strive to be like."
As for the foot injury, Schrauth will likely miss spring ball, but he's attended every workout as he doesn't want to miss a beat.
"It should be four months, but I don't know," said Schrauth. "There's space in between two of the bones that needed to be tightened up."