Jack Kiser Embracing Veteran Role & Focused on Enhancing Linebacker Production
Jack Kiser has seen a lot of change since arriving on campus in January of 2019.
What doesn’t change is the excitement of fall camp and the emotions of a new season being weeks away.
“Going on year five, if you really look at it, there’s been a lot of change throughout my five years,” stated Kiser. “Whether it’s been DC, head coach, location of camp — like we don’t go to Culver anymore. It’s funny because my class is the last class to experience that.
“So, just a lot of change, a lot of new things. Every year we’re trying to improve what we’re doing and so that kind of rejuvenates you, and it brings you back.”
The Indiana native is part of a three-man linebacker crew that boasts a ton of game snaps, but also experience in just about every environment college football can throw at a team.
That said, Kiser believes there is room to grow and the defense can be better with its veteran linebacker corps setting the tone.
“We’ve just got to attack the football,” explained Kiser. “We’ve got to play with consistency and attack the football and I think that’s defense-wide. At the start of last year, we took forever to get our first turnover and I think you could really feel that on the field. We were playing decent ball, but there were times where we needed to step up and we couldn’t just get that big game-changing play. I think that really starts with the linebackers. It really does.
“You see the best defenses across the country, the linebackers are wreaking havoc on every down. So, that’s got to be something we do.”
Kiser, JD Bertrand and Marist Liufau are the heart and soul of the defense, but that didn’t just come together overnight. The three have gone through the ups and downs of life together, which in turn has allowed them to become close friends.
“It’s funny,” said Kiser. “I think it’s very unique to have three fifth-year linebackers coming in together, kind of growing together. We all played scout team together our first year. It’s been unique because some guys have had different journeys. Marist got on the field before JD and I. I kind of got thrown onto the field because of COVID issues and then JD had to kind of find his way on the field in year three and then played more than both of us in year three.
“It’s just been a unique dynamic in terms of we’ve all had our unique kind of journey, but at the same time it’s all been kind of together and we’ve been working together and pushing each other, and we’ve grown really close.”
While experience is a significant advantage at this level, the ability to play in the same defense two years in a row is priceless. Notre Dame will have Al Golden leading the defense for a second straight year and there is a sense of comfort coming from the defensive side of the ball through the first three practices.
“I think being in year two of Coach Golden’s defense has been a game-changer,” explained Kiser. “I mean, I think we saw that in the spring, and certainly in these first three days of camp. We feel really comfortable — No. 1, playing with each other because that’s a huge deal, having chemistry with each other. Give someone a responsibility and trust them that they’re going to make the call. They’re going to make this check to the opposite side. That’s a big deal. When you feel like you’re playing with someone else and you’re playing back and forth, you can play fast. So, I think that’s been a big thing.”
Kiser and the other vets are also tasked with bringing along a young linebacker corps that includes sophomores Jaylen Sneed and Nolan Ziegler, but also freshmen Jaiden Ausberry, Drayk Bowen and Preston Zinter.
It’s not always easy to be a mentor, but it’s something this linebacker group has embraced as the coaching staff has made it clear there will be reps for everyone.
“I think the biggest message JD, Marist and I have given them is that, ‘Listen, you guys are getting a ton of reps,’” said Kiser. “We’re going 3s in every single period, every category — 7-on-7, team run. The 3s are getting reps, which was never the case. Like my first fall camp, I might have gotten two reps a day and everything else was all mental reps. For them to actually step foot on the field, feel what it is like to have to go against a 300-pound lineman now instead of getting thrown into the season, it’s a big deal.
“Of course, the three young guys all came in January, which I think was a big help for them, physically and mentally, just having some confidence out there. They’re great kids and it’s funny because there’s such an age difference. But they leech onto us. They latch on. They’re following JD around. They’re following me around. If we’re going to watch extra film, they’re right there. When we’re staying after doing extra drills, they want to be involved in it. They’re really a sponge, soaking everything up from us and I think they’re very fortunate for that. They’re in a really unique position.”
In Bowen’s case, the Indiana native can relate to Kiser as both were named Mr. Football in 2A, which is the state’s second smallest division.
There are also expectations being the in-state kid going to Notre Dame and that’s something Kiser and Bowen have already covered.
“My message to him is that everybody’s journey is different,” Kiser explained. “He was a highe recruit than I was, but I had a ton of guys in front of me. I had all upperclassmen. There were a lot of guys I had to go through to get on the field, versus him, it’s one or two guys. Like, boom, he’s in the game. He’s on the field. He has to be ready.
“It’s a different situation from that aspect, but having that connection of Indiana, small-school ball, it is unique. We talk about it in the locker room sometimes. It’s funny he actually played [against] my high school. I wasn’t there, but he had a matchup against my high school. He went to The Pit. So, it’s kind of cool to have that relationship with him.”
It might seem like there is a lot on Kiser’s plate this fall, but that’s the way he wants it as his academic load will be a little lighter as he graduated with a master’s degree in accounting earlier this year.
“I do take a lot of pride in my school and my academics,” stated Kiser. “So, for once, this summer, I didn’t have any classes. It felt weird. I didn’t know what to do with myself. But it allowed me to kind of focus on my nutrition. I made a huge gain in weight and it was good weight too. I was able to create a routine and really maintain my schedule and then dive into the playbook more, knowing this is year two, knowing what to expect a little more. Game-plan some opponents. So, it was really a good summer for me. I was able to fill that time.
“This fall, I’m going to be a non-degree-seeking graduate student. So, for once I can be a professional football player in a sense. Very excited for that. I’m super-proud of what I’ve done in the classroom, but now it’s 100 percent focus on the field and it’s going to be awesome. I don’t have to find that balance anymore.”
As for his future, Kiser is focused on adding to his 123 career tackles and living in the moment despite having another year of eligibility available to him.
“For me, my mindset is, ‘This is it,’” said Kiser. “This is my last practice 3 of fall camp ever. It’s the last team meetings. I’m really trying to soak it all in and have that mindset. Now, there is another year of eligibility. That’s a conversation that would have to come from Notre Dame, I think, but in my mindset, this is it. This is how I’m going to go out, and I’m excited for it.”
Notre Dame Fighting Irish OHT Military Appreciation Echo Polo
