Rocco Spindler Healthy, Ready to Compete for Starting Spot on Notre Dame's OL
College football is a game of toughness.
Every player is playing through something by the end of fall camp and Rocco Spindler experienced that during his first year as a starter in 2023.
Spindler played much of last fall with a shoulder injury before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Clemson in November.
Yet, it didn’t hold the Michigan native back. Spindler had surgery on his knee and shoulder, but was on the field for spring ball and is now competing with Pat Coogan for the starting spot at left guard.
“I’m healthy now,” stated Spindler. “100 percent. It was gritty last year going through that stuff. Shoulder injury for most of the season. Coming back from the knee, it was a big journey. It was a humbling experience, but now, it’s putting the pieces together and really building the best offensive line.”
The time rehabbing in spring likely put Spindler a little behind on having a true offseason to shore up some areas of his game, but fall camp presents an opportunity to show development and continue mastering his craft.
”There’s always things to work on as an offensive lineman,” explained Spindler. “It could be hand placement, pad level, or leverage; it’s really just putting all the pieces of those together and trying to be a complete offensive lineman. There’s always things you’re going to work on. You’re never going to be perfect.
“Joe Alt was always working on something last year. You’re never going to be that 100 percent player, but in my mind, there are specific things I want to get better on. Just having that one thing mentality each day.”
One detail of his game Spindler was able to work was his ability to handle the stresses of the game. New Director of Football Performance Loren Landow has worked with Notre Dame’s players on different breathing techniques to allow players to lock back in quicker or help prepare for a big moment.
”The box breathing with Coach Landow, it’s about having composure in the biggest moments is how I kind of took it,” stated Spindler. “Being an offensive lineman, you get worked up on 3rd-and-long. Of course, your nervous system is going to be higher than normal. It’s how to perform when you need to perform at your best.”
That doesn’t mean Spindler or his teammates are losing their edge, but the exercises focus on the ability to be consistent and move on from a positive or negative play.
”There are times I get angry,” said Spindler. “A defense might do something or we might run a play I didn’t like. It’s how to have composure and rebound to get on to the next play and complete the new task. At times you want to be angry, but you want to be consistent on the field in how you’re playing.”
Spindler provides Notre Dame with valuable experience and the ability to play either guard spot. He’s taken reps at left and right guard during the first week of fall camp and Spindler views it as a strength.
“I came in here my freshman year at left guard,” Spindler said. “I played there most of the season. I switched over to right my sophomore year and now it’s back to left. For me, it’s a blessing in disguise being able to have that versatility of playing both positions. I’m making the most of it.”
As for the competition at left guard, Spindler came to Notre Dame to fight for playing time and earn a starting spot.
”It’s definitely why I came here,” said Spindler. “I came to compete. I came to be the starter and a leader here. I got my degree already and now it’s about taking my game to the next level. It’s really how to help Notre Dame win and maximize my capabilities.”
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