Safety Rod Heard II Sees Great Fit in Notre Dame Defense
It was a spring of new experiences for Rod Heard II.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder decided to transfer from Northwestern to Notre Dame, but he still had to finish his master’s degree in Information Design Strategy before starting with the Fighting Irish.
Heard attended practices and meetings at Notre Dame, but he wasn’t permitted to practice with the program, so it was also a challenging spring as it related to not being on the football field or at every practice as he still had academic requirements at Northwestern.
"It was an interesting experience not being able to fully be here and have that spring ball experience I'm normally used to having,” stated Heard. “It was kind of new, but being a veteran player, I've played in a lot of defenses and have a lot of experience.”
Observing and not having cleats on the grass isn’t ideal, but Heard isn’t overly worried about it. At Northwestern, Heard played for three different defensive coordinators, which will help him make am easier transition to a fourth defense.
Heard has seen similarities in Al Golden’s defense to what he played in at Northwestern in terms of coverages and how it’s different as Notre Dame incorporates some NFL-style schemes.
“There is definitely some stuff that Coach Golden has that's a little bit unique,” explained Heard. “Of course, he's a former NFL coach. There are definitely some things that are a little more exotic, especially having the type of talent on the team to be able to do more things. I think that's why they wanted me here as well. It's a pretty good transition."
One of the main reasons Heard wanted to be at Notre Dame is the ability to be surrounded by elite players. The Fighting Irish return to All-Americans in the secondary alone and that has Heard looking forward to the fall.
"It's definitely a talented group of guys,” Heard said. “That definitely was a part of my decision. I want to be surrounded by all these guys who have their own abilities that I can learn from and all have aspirations to play at the next level. It was a no-brainer to come here and be surrounded by that on a daily basis and be a part of iron sharpening iron."
The Michigan native could have entered the draft following his fifth season, but Heard wanted one more season to prove himself. Playing next to Xavier Watts could allow for a big season and Heard believes they can complement each other well.
"He's a great playmaker on the back end,” stated Heard. “An eraser. Me being able to come in and also be a veteran guy and help lead the defense and make sure things are running how they're supposed to run and everybody is on the same page, being a communicator, I think also being able to do the different things that I do, play man to man, all the stuff that I've been doing is a great complement."
When it comes to a role, Heard will play safety, but he could also be another body to play nickel. Jordan Clark will be the starting nod at nickel, yet a team can never have enough nickels and Heard gives them some size to play matchups.
"I played primarily in the slot last year. I also played free safety too. But for coming here, moving mainly to the safety role, it was something I definitely wanted to do, especially in the defense here. I think that's why they wanted me here. I still have the ability to play the nickel, play safety, play zone coverage, play man coverage and all that.
“That was their main pitch; come here and you'll have opportunities to make plays. You fit right into the defense. It's still the same stuff I love. I like playing safety. I like being able to come down here, run the alley, make plays, be free, read the quarterback. Being able to do what I already do."
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