Jaden Greathouse Flashes in Notre Dame's Blue-Gold Game
College football spring games are interesting studies.
In all, you can’t get too high or too low on any specific player in a glorified scrimmage as there are factors that make it impossible to know whether a player or team will have long-term success.
That said, Notre Dame early enrollee Jaden Greathouse did flash his talents for the first time in the blue and gold on Saturday as he reeled in an array of catches while also consistently getting open.
Greathouse led all receivers on Saturday with 11 catches for 118 yards, which is quite the statement for any player.
“It’s crazy,” said Greathouse. “It’s a blessing for sure. I remember a year ago today I was in the stands watching this game. It’s definitely a blessing and I’m just trying to make the best of the opportunity God gave me.”
Well, the Texas native is certainly making the best of those opportunities as the showing was reflective of the work Greathouse has put in this spring.
And yes, it’s been a bumpy road for Greathouse during his first spring as it’s a significant transition to go from playing high school ball in December to lining up across from Benjamin Morrison three months later.
“I feel like the difference is night and day,” explained Greathouse. “Learning the plays, trying to get lined up in the correct spots will help me play a lot faster. Coach Stuck has been doing a great job of coaching all of us mid-years to really get used to the speed of the game. Once we got the plays down, we’ll be able to go so much faster.”
Route running is an area of his game Greathouse has taken a great amount of pride in and he finished as one of the most polished route runners in his recruiting class. There is still much to learn and master, but Greathouse was able to flash the ability to get open against zone and man defenses on Saturday.
“I take a lot of pride in my route running,” said Greathouse. “Definitely just trying to improve in any way that I can. Adjusting to the speed of the game, it’s been a pretty big challenge, but it’s a lot faster than high school. I’m definitely slowly, but surely, getting there. I’m excited for this summer so we can work.”
Notre Dame quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Steve Angeli combined to go 21-of-28 for 261 yards on the day and targeted Greathouse 13 times, which is a direct reflection of being open.
“The balls just kept coming to me,” Greathouse stated. “I just kept trying to stay disciplined and do what I’m supposed to do. They kept coming my way, so I’ll never complain about that. It’s all thanks to the quarterbacks giving me the ball in the first place. They did a great job as well too.”
Greathouse and Hartman have probably spent more time with each other than most know as both players are new to Notre Dame and are trying to learn a new offense.
“We’re kind of in similar positions minus he’s played a lot more years in college than I have, but it’s definitely helped us find a good common ground,” Greathouse explained. “We’re trying to learn from our mistakes and trying to get better every single play.
“He’s a tremendous player. All of our quarterbacks are, so it’s definitely relieving to have guys like that throwing me the ball. I’m really appreciative that we have those kinds of guys. I’m super excited for what comes next.”
Head coach Marcus Freeman also noticed Greathouse’s big day.
“It's good to see Jaden step up today,” stated Freeman. “Like I said, when the lights are on, you want to see who will step up and make plays and all three of them have been really, really good additions to our program throughout the spring. That wasn't just a one-time performance. All three of those guys have shown to be productive throughout spring.”
Notre Dame will now turn its focus on final exams and then the real work starts. Greathouse and his classmates will be counted on to raise their level of play and continue to grow their bond as Notre Dame needs all three early enrollees to make noise in the fall.
“I love those guys, Rico and Braylon and everybody else in the receiver room,” said Greathouse. “We're all super close and love to have a good time. We like to have a good time in the locker room, but when it comes we’re always battling and trying to compete against each other. It’s just pushing us to be better every single day. They’ll definitely be something special come in the fall.”
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