Coach: Kmet To Bring Talent, Leadership, Work Ethic To ND

Few would argue with the stance that Notre Dame landed the best tight end duo in America with Illinois’ Cole Kmet and Brock Wright out of Texas.

Wright arrived in South Bend when he enrolled early last month while Kmet will make the relatively short trip down in a few months.

While the Notre Dame staff is excited about getting the chance to work with the 6-foot-5, 254-pounder, Saint Viator High School head coach is going to be sad to see him go.

“I was pretty spoiled to have a player like Cole in my first year at Saint Viator,” Archibald said. “I don’t know when I will see the likes of a player of his caliber who also combines a tremendous attitude.

“The school is going to miss his leadership, we’re going to miss his presence in the building, but it’s fair to say everyone is thrilled for him and is going to be excited to stay with him as he moves forward to South Bend.”

Kmet’s easy-going demeanor along with his eagerness to put in work really stuck out to his coach.

“Cole brings a phenomenal attitude, a smile on his face and a humongous work ethic to practice every single day,” said Archibald. “He loves to run routes and catch the ball and he loves to block.”

Like Wright, Kmet is a true tight end, who should be useful in both facets of the game for the Irish.

“It’s fantastic having a player who is so complete,” said Archibald. “He has a higher ceiling certainly, but what he brings to the table already is something very rare. He was a guy for us who could deal with double and even triple-coverage and still make plays. I know he’s going to be a tremendous asset to Notre Dame.”

Still, Archibald sees room for Kmet to continue improving.

“The biggest thing for him, in my opinion, is that he can become stronger in his final cut coming out of breaks,” the coach said. “He can grow and make a stronger stick step and pushing off toward the end of his route. That being said, it’s certainly not a weakness, it’s just an area I’m sure his coach will help him elevate.”

The coach has no doubt he will do just that.

“He’s going to get better and better with every rep and every agility drill and cutting drill that he does. He’s going to be more than fine.”

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