Notre Dame WRs Seizing Opportunity to Learn from Mike Brown
The Notre Dame receiver room underwent quite the transition in December as Mike Brown entered while several players left and others joined the program.
Brown got his hands on the receiver room for bowl prep, which was a unique scenario, but perhaps it was a significant positive as he wanted to get his hands on his players as soon as possible.
It also allowed him to start learning the talent and personalities in the room so that he could hit the ground running this spring.
“They’re smart and competitive,” Brown said of his room. “I’m enjoying it. It’s a good group of young men. They work really hard and eager to learn. They’re a real joy to work with.”
The first impression of Brown during the practices leading up to the Sun Bowl also gave Notre Dame’s players a feel for their new coach, which allowed them to be comfortable with him when they came back from winter break.
“We had him last year towards the end for Sun Bowl prep and for the game,” stated senior receiver Jayden Thomas. “I think he’s a great guy. I love what he’s doing and he encourages us and he loves to compete, so we love that too.”
For senior Deion Colzie, Brown’s care factor has stood out over the last few months. Colzie has been able to observe Brown around The Gug and on the practice field, as well as how he interacts with his family, which has left a lasting impression.
“I love Coach Brown,” explained Colzie. “He’s a wonderful dude. He’s a great man, great father and a great coach. He’s big about the little things, the details, which is important. If we don’t do those little things, then the big plays you see on Saturday won’t happen.”
Brown inherited a room filled with potential and several receivers who can play multiple spots. It’s a good problem to have and one Notre Dame is working through this spring.
“It’s going to depend on them, right,” stated Brown. We’re throwing a lot at different guys and seeing how much they can handle. We’re trying to find out who are the top five or six guys. We’ll put them in positions to be the most successful. That’s what we’re trying to learn over spring ball. Trying to get them to learn the offense as a whole to give us some flexibility to move guys around.
“As they’re doing that, we’ll figure out what each one of them is good at and come game day, we’ll put them in the best position to succeed.”
Jaden Greathouse is the perfect example of a player who can play outside or inside as he did both as a true freshman in 2023.
Brown is putting a lot on Greathouse’s plate this spring in hopes of being able to maximize his potential.
“Maturity and understanding more about defenses and how defenses move, how they work and where he fits in in different concepts,” Brown said of Greathouse. “Some of the concepts are very similar to what they did in the pass game last year. And so now just seeing him take the next steps and understanding why he's doing what he's doing, not just what has been good. He's done a really good job. I think he's playing a lot faster now, which comes with confidence. Just excited to continue to watch this progression."
Greathouse also embraced Brown’s coaching style and how he runs meetings. It’s change from last year, but being able to adapt has been crucial for him and the other receivers this spring.
“He’s a great coach,” said Greathouse. “We all love him. He’s definitely more laid-back and relaxed, but I think it mixes well with our room. I think the guys are really receptive to his coaching, and we all love him just as much as he loves us. I think that really shows on the field.
“Everybody in the room has really been developing since last year and making great strides. I definitely think it’s part of the coaching and our receptiveness to his coaching.”
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