When Jaiden Ausberry arrived in South Bend, his speed and athleticism instantly boosted the second level of Notre Dame’s defense.
Now entering his junior year, the Louisiana native is ready to take that impact to another level after appearing in all 16 games last season.
“I think it’s changed a lot,” said Ausberry. “I had a lot of learning lessons last year, especially with Jack (Kiser) being here, learning from my teammates and my peers. This year, I’m looking to elevate.”
Notre Dame has experimented with Ausberry’s role since his arrival, lining him up at rover, nickel, and inside linebacker. Over time, he’s found a home at Will and his versatility will still allow him to play in space in sub-packages as defensive coordinator Chris Ash looks to maximize his skill set.
“I’ve been mainly at Will, and in some packages, I’m basically the nickel,” stated Ausberry. “I feel comfortable at all spots. None of it is really messing with me. I’m comfortable at all the positions.”
Ausberry, who recorded 58 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks in 2024, believes playing multiple positions has made him valuable to the coaching staff, but it’s also increased his knowledge of the game, which has been beneficial to help him understand the big picture of the defense.
“Last spring was nickel,” explained Ausberry. “It definitely helped me learn the defense more. Being in the LB room learning Mike and Will while I was a freshman helped me learn the whole defense more. At linebacker, you have to set the front and know what’s going on at the back end, so once you know those three positions, you pretty much know what’s going on with the whole defense.”
Max Bullough implemented a five-man rotation at linebacker last fall and as it stands, Notre Dame will start the year rotating between Ausberry, Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.
The room is more than open to the rotation, but it also has some challenges.
“Personally, the disadvantage is sometimes in cold games, it's hard to even get warm,” Ausberry stated. “Even in hot games, sometimes you need a few plays to get up to speed. The upside is we can always have fresh legs and you can get a blow.”
It’s probably not selfish, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the older guys likely want a four-man rotation, as they’ll get more playing time, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to get a fifth guy ready. Ausberry and the veterans in the room have made a conscious effort to mentor and bring the younger backers along.
“Our young guys have been looking really good,” Ausberry explained. “They’ve been getting better every day. We help them out. They’re always asking questions. They’re starting to make checks and really elevate themselves as linebackers and filling that role.”
Outside of the linebacker room, Ausberry is also excited to earn a role on special teams. The third phase of the game has been fun under Marty Biagi’s guidance and head coach Marcus Freeman spends a ton of time coaching special teams, which has led to players competing to be on Notre Dame’s special teams units.
“He definitely makes it more enjoyable and more fun because of those different schemes he has in all four phases,” Ausberry said of Biagi. “People want to get on KAT (KO Return), all the units. He does a great job of keeping us engaged.”
As for personal goals, Ausberry’s is simple. Make more plays.
“Get better every game,” stated Ausberry. “Make plays every game. Focus on one play at a time to do my very best. I have some personal goals set for myself, but it’s all about one day at a time. If I do that, then everything God has planned for me, everything I can achieve, I’ll achieve. But right now it’s about getting better, focusing on one day at a time. If I do that, I’ll see it all stack up.”
And if all goes to plan, Ausberry probably isn’t opposed to returning home to play in a second straight Sugar Bowl.
The win against Georgia provided Ausberry a chance to play in front of his Louisiana family and it was a moment he won’t forget.
“It meant a lot being in front of a lot of my family and friends, especially winning it,” stated Ausberry. “I had the fumble recovery, too. It was a really cool and fun experience.”
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