Notre Dame TE Holden Staes Focused on Making Sophomore Jump
Holden Staes is reaping the perks of entering his sophomore campaign.
No longer is the Atlanta native swimming in the deep end of adjusting to college football, but rather finding comfort in his routine as he knows what to expect in his second fall camp.
“I’m not cramming the playbook at night, trying to study,” stated Staes. “It’s my second camp, so I kind of know what to expect. I know how the grind is. Just taking it day by day, not thinking too far ahead, just taking it one step at a time, is my mindset.”
Staes played in 11 games as a freshman in 2022, which speaks volumes as Notre Dame arguably had the best tight end in America on the roster last fall in Michael Mayer.
Mayer is no longer in South Bend and it has opened a wide door of opportunity for Irish tight end room, which Staes hopes to fill.
“I think last year, I just came in and tried to learn and to be the best player I could be just get on the field,” explained Staes. “And I did that, so I was proud of that. I’ll just say this year, no Mike, so there’s a void to fill. So just coming in and trying to do that for my team and the unit.
“I’m trying to be a leader, even though I’m still young, but trying to lead the guys by example, whether it be on the field or vocally. Just being me on the field, being a playmaker and being someone that coaches can trust on the field, guys around me can throw the ball to and trust, O-line can trust, all that.”
Tight end coach and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker has also Staes progress over the last year and that includes being focused on the finer details of the tight end position.
“The first thing that probably pops in my head is I see a guy now that's being lost more in getting the details of the job,” Parker explained. “I know that's something you would expect to hear, but honestly, I think he's more detailed and he's more confident. Why is he more confident? He's repped it more and his body is different. He expects to play at a high level. We expect him to play at a high level.
“I think he really came out of the last six practices last spring really kind of where we wanted him to be. I was very honest with him at the front end of spring, where I thought he could have been better in preparation and how he finished some things. He got there at the end of spring and we really challenged him to have the same summer and same fall, and he's well on his way right now.”
Blocking will always be key for Notre Dame’s tight ends and that’s where Staes’ focus has been during the offseason. Staes spent many hours in the film room this summer learning the finer points of the blocking game and he’s already noticed a difference in the first two practices.
“I’ve been watching a lot of film this summer so that was really helpful for me,” said Staes. “Just understanding more of the inside and out of the run game. Counts and stuff like that, pre-snap stuff.
“I’ve already noticed I’m feeling more comfortable when I go down there to line up. So that was a big emphasis and then obviously just strength is always a big factor. Just lifting, being in there, getting stronger and just putting all that work onto the field now."
The offseason work also included building a rapport with new Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman. The graduate transfer hit the ground running as he organized throwing sessions in the offseason to build chemistry with a foreign receiver and tight end group to expedite the process before fall camp.
“I would say it's pretty strong,” Staes said of his chemistry with Hartman. “Sam was just always a leader this past offseason, getting us out in the indoor just throwing whenever we had free time. I try to be there for him every time to develop that chemistry and just be on time with him. Knowing once we get out here that he can trust me when he throws the ball that I'm gonna catch it and be there for him. So I feel like I'm in a good spot.”
Staes has also noticed Hartman’s leadership starting grow more and more as he injects himself into the Notre Dame program.
“He didn't wanna step on toes and he just did a really good job of doing that,” explained Staes. “Now he knows he's the starting quarterback, so he has no problem taking guys under his wing and showing them the way. We all look to him for leadership. We trust him, we believe in him and we know he's gonna do great things for us.”
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