Notre Dame OL Rocco Spindler Focused on the Moment
Notre Dame offensive lineman Rocco Spindler stayed patient with the process over his first two seasons in South Bend before taking hold of a starting job at right guard as a junior in 2023.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder made 10 starts before a knee injury against Clemson ended his season. Spindler, who also had shoulder surgery in addition to his knee operation, started fall camp competing with classmate Pat Coogan for the left guard spot before Sam Pendleton slid into the spot over the last 2.5 weeks of camp.
It wasn’t ideal for the graduate student as Spindler had high expectations for himself entering the year, but he didn’t hang his head and went to work.
Spindler is back in the lineup as right guard Billy Schrauth went down with an injury and the Michigan native is looking to make the most of it.
“Right now, we're focusing on Louisville, but it left a sour taste in my mouth,” Spindler stated. “I really thought coming off of two surgeries, I was the guy to go to. But things happen. Coaches have got to make decisions and you necessarily don't always agree with them, but I had a great support system with my family.
“At times, it pulls you into a dark place, but you come to Notre Dame, they're going to challenge you not only in the classroom but on the field.”
It’s not easy to keep showing up without light at the end of the tunnel, but Spindler did and he looks to keep Notre Dame headed in the right direction this weekend as No. 15 Louisville comes to South Bend.
“Tough times don't last, tough people do,” explained Spindler. “I think that's kind of been my motto. Not only, my motto with this team's motto. Losing the NIU, I feel like we have a chip on our shoulder going the rest of the season.”
For Notre Dame to reach its goal, the offensive line will need to take a step forward. It’s a tough spot to be in as Joe Rudolphh as two youngsters on the left side, while adding in new starters at center and guard three games into the year.
It takes time to build chemistry, trust and the ability for five players to see through one set of eyes, yet the Irish aren’t making excuses.
“I feel like our bond and taking ownership of our details in practice is definitely has taken the most steps,” Spindler said. “Seeing certain blocks or seeing certain things that necessarily aren't going to relate to the game.
“Now, seeing it come full circle and being situationally aware. I think Coach Rudolph has definitely harped on (that) the most. He got us ready for Texas A&M. Now we want to be in a situationally aware when it's third down and long.”
A week ago, Spindler made a key block to spring quarterback Riley Leonard for a score. In fact, Spindler has been sharp over the last two games despite not starting.
The Notre Dame defense played a part in that as Spindler thinks very highly of the guys he has to face on a daily basis.
“Our defense, I believe, is the best in the country,” stated Spindler. “Get to practice against them every single day. You got your main guys, Rylie (Mills) and Howard (Cross) and you get to practice against that. Just when you think you're in the clear, you get Jason Onye, you get (Donovan) Hinish, you get Armel (Mukam), you get a great group of guys. Just when you get past the first level, you got this secondary, you got these linebackers. It's never easy with them.
“They're always giving you certain looks that you might not see and then you will see them in games, so now you're prepared.”
As for the Louisville game, Spindler was on the field last fall and hasn’t forgotten the feeling of walking back to the locker room, but revenge isn’t on his mind.
“I necessarily don't always want to block it out,” said Spindler. “You want to always keep it in your mind, but it shouldn't be the main focus. The focus is staying in the moment and winning this particular moment that we're in.
“Some guys might want to use that as fuel. It's kind of how everybody does their own preparation. But definitely, we're focused on this game and winning this game.”
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