Notre Dame LB Bo Bauer: 'Let's Ride'
Bo Bauer has seen it all during his time at Notre Dame.
There have been more highs than lows, but Notre Dame’s last game has stuck with Bauer and served as eight months of motivation.
"It's been great,” Bauer said of the start of preseason camp. “I'm really enjoying it. It's a great shift. There is a lot of energy in this place and it's a lot of fun.
"I kind of catch myself wanting to do it again and not go to sleep at night. Let's keep working. I'm so motivated ever since the Fiesta Bowl and that's all I've been thinking about."
Bauer has never lacked energy or work ethic, yet he has also realized there is another level he can reach.
"I'm working harder than I ever have before,” explained Bauer. “It's like Coach Free (Marcus Freeman) says, 'If you want to win a national championship, we have to do more.'
"Ever since the Fiesta Bowl, it's just more. It's getting in the weight room, film room, stretching and doing whatever I can to take that extra step - one percent, two percent every day. It's the wholistic view of becoming a better football player - stronger, smarter and more conditioned. Let's ride."
A new level of confidence from Bauer is noticeable even in an interview setting. Maybe it’s because it’s his last ride at Notre Dame or maybe it’s due to Al Golden and James Laurinaitis pushing him to reach new heights, including with his communication.
"Coach Golden and Coach Laurinaitis taught me how to look at a defense in a different way and understand the pieces and how we solve them,” stated Bauer. “Doing those things on a consistent basis has made me a better problem solver and communicator. You can't be afraid to communicate.
“As the Mike linebacker, you have to be the main communicator."
Bauer has also appreciated and embraced learning from two voices who have NFL experience with his position.
Laurinaitis has not only made an effortless transition to coaching, but he’s also been able to connect with his guys to enhance their play.
"It's just different when you're learning from someone who has done it at the highest level,” said Bauer. “He was the man when he was playing. When he sees things, it's a little different than other people.
"There is more insight to what he wants us to do and how we're thinking compared to somebody who never played that position or that high of a level. He's telling us stories of him facing Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch. Who else can give that to us?"
As for the new defense, Bauer is couldn’t be more excited to get things rolling on September 3rd.
"It's going to be a smart and physical unit,” Bauer said. “I can promise you that. We have a lot of super high IQ guys that really do a great job of making adjustments on the field. We have a lot of guys running to the football and wanting to create chaos."
Senior linebacker Marist Liufau will be one of those guys running to the football with Bauer this fall and the linebacker room is excited to have the Hawaii native back in action.
"I think you know,” Bauer said of what Liufau brings to the defense. “He's just a great energy guy. He keeps things light for us and he's a great football player. We're so happy to have him back. Having those four old guys in the room makes a big difference.”
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