Punter James Rendell Goes In-Depth on Notre Dame Commitment
James Rendell is ready for college football.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder from Australia committed to Notre Dame on Wednesday and will arrive in South Bend in early June when the Irish report back from summer break.
Notre Dame was an easy decision for Rendell, who had been previously committed to Hawaii.
“Notre Dame is such a prestigious school and a rich history," Rendell told ISD. “It’s an institution where like-minded students and athletes go to reach their full potential, which is what I aspire to do. It’s the biggest and best team in college football. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”
And yes, Rendell was well aware of Notre Dame before Marty Biagi made the first call.
“Of course,” laughed Rendell. “Who doesn’t know Notre Dame? I see people over in Australia wearing Notre Dame all the time. That’s the reach it has.”
Biagi, who worked with Aussie punters at Ole Miss and Purdue, made a quick but powerful impression on Rendell as the two worked to build a relationship over the last few weeks. Rendell not only views Biagi as one of the top specialist coaches in the game, but can relate to him as both will have punted in college.
“He’s a really great guy,” Rendell stated. “He’s come out to visit me and met my family as well. He’s made us feel really comfortable about it all. I can’t wait to get to work with him. He seems like a great coach and he has experience as a punter as well.”
Comfort is important here, as moving to the other side of the world is a significant step. Rendell believes he’s more than ready for it and knows it will be a roller coaster ride as he learns the game of football.
“I’m prepared for it,” said Rendell, who comes out of the ProKick Australia program. “To be able to reach your full potential as a human, you have to step outside your comfort zone. That’s the only way to grow as an individual. Certainly, there will be good times and challenging times, but that’s what is going to make it all worth it. I’m ready to embrace whatever happens.”
Rendell has trained with NFL punters Michael Dickson and Tory Taylor in Australia. Perhaps the biggest influence on his development has been from former Temple punter Mackenzie Morgan, who also played for NC State and Weber State.
“Mackenzie is a great coach,” explained Rendell. “He’s been great for my development. He’s had the experience of going over there himself. He has so much knowledge on the punting side of things, but also all the other extracurricular things about going to a university over there and what it’s like. He’s been great for my preparation and development.”
The first college experience Rendell will take in will be his first game at Texas A&M in front of 102,733 fans.
Rendell has played semi-pro footie in Australia, but he’s looking forward to the bright lights of college football.
“It’s going to be awesome,” said Rendell. “I’m ready to embrace that opportunity. I honestly can’t wait. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m ready to embrace the pressure and step up an execute my role in whatever way I can contribute.”
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