Notre Dame DE Aiden Gobaira Focused on Being a Sponge

Notre Dame defensive end Aiden Gobaira has been on campus just over a month after enrolling early. 

The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder had one final tune-up before heading to South Bend as he participated in the All-American Bowl. Gobaira showed he was one of the top edge players in the class during the week, but the former four-star prospect would never let you know it. 

"My week in San Antonio was a blast," Gobaira stated. "It was really a place I could see how my skills really shaped up against elite guys. I don't want to say I was the best pass rusher or one of the best there because there were some crazy guys like Dani Dennis Sutton, Marvin Jones, Mykel Williams - those guys are elite. 

"Watching them play and trying to take moves from them was really cool." 

The Virginia native also had the chance to work as an interior lineman, which you'll have time to time at all-star games. Gobaira embraced it and took it as an opportunity to learn. 

"A little forced inside here and there," laughed Gobaira. "It was fine. New experiences - if I'm trying to play, I can play anywhere. If they need me to play tackle, I'll play tackle at 230 pounds trying to move people around." 

Yes, 230 pounds is a bit light for the interior, but Matt Balis can mold the edge rusher over the coming months. 

COVID delayed Gobaira's junior season to the spring of 2021 and most didn't recognize him when he stepped on the field. The former Chantilly star put on about 30 pounds between his sophomore and junior year, which allowed him to take his game to the next level. 

"Adding that weight was tremendous," said Gobaira. "During my sophomore year, I was more speed trying to get around people. My junior year, I was able to threaten to bull rush and get into people's spaces and then work a move outside too. It added versatility to my game." 

Gobaira has gone through many transitions since arriving on campus. Adjusting to college life is always challenging, but his defensive line coach headed to Michigan. 

New defensive line coach Al Washington has already made an effort to get to know his guys and Gobaira has been impressed. 

"I'm super excited to get working with Coach Washington," explained Gobaira. "I met with him one-on-one a little bit. He talked to me about how he was really into film, a big family guy.

"I heard from my roommate Josh (Burnham), who had a lot of recruiting talks with Coach Washington that he's a really great guy and I should get to know him. That's my plan. I'm going to get to know him and learn from him." 

Workouts with Balis have also been an adjustment for Gobaira and his fellow early enrollees. Yet, Gobaira is making sure to follow the lead of the Irish veterans and take it all in. 

"Seeing the older guys like Isaiah Foskey, Justin (Ademilola) and those guys set the example - I'm trying to reach their level of play," Gobaira said. "In drills, they are going 100 percent and going fast. I'm trying to compete with them and get to that level. Seeing them work hard every day is pushing me to work hard every day.

"I'm trying to grow as much as possible. I don't think I know anything. I'm starting from ground zero. I'm trying to take all the information from Coach Washington and older guys like Isaiah Foskey. I'm trying to be a sponge and absorb everything." 

And yes, Gobaira has quickly realized the jump to college ball is big, but that's also half the battle. 

"I'm learning this is going to be a tough road, especially starting in the weight room and getting on the field with conditioning," said Gobaira. "It's all mental. I can't think this is going too hard for me. I have to go into a workout that this is what I have to do and this is my job. This is my job. 

"It's really that mindset of I'm always going to go 100 percent even if it seems impossible."