Notre Dame Football

S Kennedy Urlacher Embracing Notre Dame Opportunity

By Matt Freeman

February 14, 2024

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Kennedy Urlacher knows what comes with his last name and that includes a press conference with more questions about his Hall of Fame father, Brian Urlacher, than himself.

Yet, the 5-foot-11, 193-pound safety isn’t phased, which means Urlacher doesn’t feel pressure to live up to what his father did on the football field.

“No, honestly,” Urlacher said when asked if he has extra pressure on him. “I get asked that a lot, but no. I try to keep everything outside.”

Part of keeping the noise on the outside means embracing the work. As a senior, Urlacher knew he had to fine-tune his coverage skills for college and that’s what he dialed in on.

“I would say more coverage,” stated Urlacher. “Not really tackling, but settling down and honing in on my footwork.”

Urlacher is also focused on finding his routine during his first semester as an early enrollee. A month into college, the Arizona native believes he’s adjusting well and is quick to credit his older teammates for helping with the transition.

“I would just say my teammates overall,” Urlacher said of who has helped him. “There’s not a specific person, but just seeing the new guys, like transfers, they really helped because they’re older role models and coming in at the same time I am.”

Calculus has also been tough on Urlacher, but soon he’ll be challenged on the field as the Irish are set to start spring football on March 7th.

It will be the first true test for Urlacher and his teammates, but it will also allow the staff to see what position he and other players are best suited to play.

“Definitely want to prove myself to the coaches and my teammates,” explained Urlacher. “Overall, I want to show what I can do.”

In addition to showing what he can bring to Al Golden’s defense, Urlacher wants to find a position and simply contribute to the team in any way.

“I would say I’m not too sure exactly which safety spot I’m going play,” Urlacher explained. “I’m doing what I can to help my teammates. Just trying to make everybody better.”

And yes, Urlacher is more than willing to play on Marty Biagi’s special teams units as he knows Notre Dame’s players have embraced the third side of the game, but also carved out bigger roles after having success.

“My sophomore year, I did not play a lot at all and I had just transferred to Chandler,” Urlacher said. “I was Special Teams Player of the Year then, so I love special teams. Honestly, kickoff is my favorite. I love punt. Kick return is alright, but kickoff, I think I can definitely have a shot at playing right there.”

Notre Dame fans will also quickly learn about Urlacher’s simply mindset.

“Somebody’s running with the ball, go hit him,” said Urlacher.