Early enrollment has many incredible benefits, but it's also one of the most challenging tasks a college football player can take on.
Student-athletes go from being a senior in high school to being tossed into college life on and off the field in a month.
It's a tough adjustment, but one where the rewards come down the line.
Notre Dame freshman running back Jadarian Price is learning on the fly as he arrived in South Bend in January.
"A big thing I'll point out is the weather," laughed the Texas native. "Coming right in the middle of dead winter, that was a challenge.
"But the transition has been interesting and fun. I'm glad I did it, coming in early as an early enrollee. So it's been a fun experience."
Price wanted to enroll early to get a jump on his academics and the Irish playbook.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder has almost three months of classes under his belt and is now getting used to the speed of college football.
"The guys are faster, stronger," said Price. "I'm getting faster and stronger myself. But obviously, it takes time to get used to the game. Another thing is pass protection. That is a part of my game that I think I need to work on."
Running backs coach Deland McCullough has been highly impressed with Price as he's done what's expected, if not a little more.
"I'm very high on him," explained McCullough. "I remember talking with JD a little before spring break and challenged him to continue to gain weight and embrace the smaller details of playing football. I always remind him every couple of times we go out there that this is major college football. He ain't in high school anymore and this is for real.
"He came back after spring break - he had gained weight. I've been really impressed with his strength, burst and demeanor. He's tougher than what his body may look like. He's up there close to 195 pounds now.
"After the first football school we did, I told all the coaches this guy is legit. To go along with the other guys we have, it's been something I've been pretty excited about."
Price admitted the workouts and practice were a significant step up, but he also gave credit to his trainer, Sean Cooper at C4Sports, for preparing him to be ready for life at Notre Dame.
"There's not really much you can do to prepare for Notre Dame football and the work that we do here," Price stated. "Coop did a great job of putting me in situations and stretching my legs and making me be able to make quick decisions.
"I feel like that's really developed and made me develop into a quick back and to be able to look at the defense and adjust to the speed of the game."
The Notre Dame running backs have also made the transition easier on Price as Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs and Audric Estime welcomed him with open arms.
"Relationship-wise, they've done a great job of bringing me in as a part of the running back family since the summer when Chris was my hosting back and then in December for my other visit when Audric was my host," Price said. "They've done a great job and I've definitely instantly become comfortable around them."
And while he might be adjusting, Price is also learning confidence, which could be scary for opponents.
"Confidence is a huge thing," said Price. "You got to have that, especially coming in as an early enrollee. Just a huge amount of confidence."
