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Notre Dame Football

Cam Hart Taking Mature Approach Heading Into Notre Dame Opener

August 29, 2022
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There is no denying the challenge Ohio State's offense will present Notre Dame on Saturday night in Columbus. 

On paper, the Buckeyes offense is filled with former blue-chip recruits, but the returning core has experience and production - Heisman Trophy production. 

One can make a case for CJ Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba being the best at their position entering the season and Notre Dame senior cornerback Cam Hart wasn't about to downplay the talent on the Buckeyes offense. 

"Everybody can see they're good," stated Hart. "I don't think there's any secret to who they are. Everybody knows who they are. I think anyone else sees that on tape." 

When it comes to Stroud, Hart is aware he will test the Irish cornerbacks. The Ohio State signal-caller will make throws others only dream of because Stroud knows his receivers can make a play.

"He's accurate and he trusts his players," said Hart. "I feel like he trusts his receivers a lot. Those are two things that stick out most."

Hart is one of three veterans at cornerback for the Irish as he's played in 24 games with 10 starts, so it's no surprise his approach to each play is a mature one. 

"The first thing I look at is personnel," Hart explained. "I look to see if they are in 12, 22, 11 or even 10 personnel. As they're aligning up, depending on what call we're in, I look at the receiver splits and their formation. I always try to go into a game knowing that in this formation, they will run this route concept. If I see that, then that's the first thing on my mind."

2021 was somewhat of a breakout season for Hart as he recorded 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, 11 passes defended and two interceptions. 

The production put the 6-foot-2, 198-pounder on draft radars and it also gave Hart plenty of motivation during the offseason as he recovered from labrum surgery. 

"My pad level was something I tried to focus on in camp and just my ball production - getting my head around and getting more hands on the ball," said Hart. "I would say also recognizing what the offense is in and being a student of the game in that aspect." 

Hart, a Baltimore native, also challenged himself to become more of a leader alongside Clarence Lewis and TaRiq Bracy. 

"I think we've done a good job making it a tight-knit group and canceling hierarchy. Everyone in the group can talk to each other. We can come to each other about personal issues. 

"We can joke around with each other and there won't be any fear to do so. I feel in the past, it's been I have to respect this guy because he's older than me. That's still the case, but it's mutual and we're all pretty close and friends." 

And as for Saturday night, Hart is also taking a mature approach to the top five clash. 

"I don't get too high or too low," said Hart. "I think of it as any other game. I know a lot of people are putting hype into it and that for players can be very dangerous. I just try to stay level-headed and it's football at the end of the day, so I just go out there and play." 

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