Notre Dame's Transfers Not Focused on College Football Playoff Race
No. 6 Notre Dame is no stranger to being in the College Football race in November. The Fighting Irish made the playoffs in 2018 and 2020, while in 2021, Notre Dame just missed advancing to the playoff after winning seven games in a row.
The expectations in South Bend are to make the playoff and those who enter the program immediately feel that and experience it in their first fall.
Transfers Jayden Harrison, Rod Heard II and Riley Leonard might have more experience over some of Notre Dame’s roster, but all three find themselves in new territory as it relates to the high stakes.
Leonard got a small taste of the national attention a year ago as Duke blasted Clemson on its way to starting 4-0 start, but this is different.
Yet, the Alabama native has embraced being the face of the program and has found motivation in the pressure to lead the Irish back to postseason play.
“It’s really cool,” stated Leonard. “I think the coolest thing is we’re getting into late November and you’re in control of your own destiny. That’s something I haven’t been able to experience. Every day you wake up and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is cool.’ You have that motivation and that extra urge to go above and beyond - go the extra mile.
“Everything we want is right in front of us. We’re in control of our destiny.”
For Heard, the Northwestern grad transfer had played in some pretty good defenses across the lake, but now he’s part of an elite defense under Al Golden.
Sure, Heard’s snaps have decreased with the ascension of sophomore Adon Shuler, but he also knew he would play less at Notre Dame, given the collection of talent. And Heard is more than fine with playing a little less and winning games.
“That’s why I came here,” explained Heard. “Coach Golden has put together a great defense and Coach Mick as well. We have a lot of great talent. It’s definitely something special we have here.”
The pressure isn’t there for Heard. He’s experienced enough to know how to focus on the task at hand and not let the noise outside The Gug creep into his thoughts.
“It’s the same old, same old,” stated Heard. “The focus is executing and playing to the standard. Whoever is in front of us, that’s who the opponent is and we’re going to take care of it.”
Heard also made it clear that he’s grown a great deal on and off the field during his time at Notre Dame.
What has impressed Heard the most? The structure.
“It’s been a great experience,” Heard said. “I’ve learned a lot being here just through the way things operate. Coach Freeman talks about the standard all the time, but I think that message very pertinent and very strong here. I really appreciate how everything is so detail-oriented.”
Harrison has patiently waited for opportunities this year and made the most of them. A week ago, Jaden Greathouse went down with an injury and Harrison responded with three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown - and it probably should have been two scores as his 78-yard touchdown was wiped out due to a penalty.
It’s not always easy to stay patient, but Harrison has bought into the culture at Notre Dame and has stayed ready for when his number is called.
“Everybody is needed,” stated Harrison. “Coach Freeman always says everyone is needed, from starters all the way down to scout and everyone on the staff. That’s what’s kept me motivated.”
And similar to Heard, Harrison isn’t letting the playoff discussion distract him from maximizing those opportunities to help Notre Dame achieve team glory.
“Just going week to week and day to day,” said Harrison. “I don’t focus on too much of the future.”
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