Notre Dame needed Adon Shuler to step up last fall.
The New Jersey native had redshirted his freshman season, and with the Irish defense searching for a partner next to Xavier Watts in the secondary, Shuler delivered.
The 6-foot, 207-pounder started all 16 games in 2024, finishing with 59 tackles and three interceptions.
Now, heading into 2025, the Irish need even more. Shuler was voted a captain by his teammates last week, an honor he isn’t taking lightly.
“I was really proud of myself,” stated Shuler. “I have to take the next step. The tradition of this place, being a captain, it means a lot.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was transparent earlier this week by stating he wasn’t happy early in fall camp with the leadership of his team.
Freeman challenged his team and Shuler took it personally, which likely gained the attention of everyone in the program.
"Any time coach Freeman says something to the team, it's definitely for the leaders to hear,” said Shuler. “Once he was talking about that, it's like he was talking to me.
“In those moments, just knowing when we're in those critical moments where you need leadership, that was kind of his biggest thing. We have to recognize when we're going to need leadership."
Shuler has always been an emotional player and that won’t change. Now, his defense will rely on his voice outside of making calls.
“I’m definitely a vocal guy, but a guy who does the right things,” explained Shuler. “When we’re out there, I’m going to keep everything calm, cool and collected.”
That composure will be tested Sunday night in a hostile Miami environment, a stage Notre Dame is accustomed to after last year’s run to the National Title game.
"It's football at the end of the day,” stated Shuler. “All the ra-ra stuff, it stops once you get in that 120x53 1/3.”
The most important task for Shuler on Sunday night will be stopping Miami quarterback Carson Beck.
Beck, who has played in 39 collegiate games, won’t get rattled by the moment as he’s been there and done that. But Shuler and the Notre Dame defense can make life very difficult for him.
“He's probably one of the most experienced players in the country,” Shuler explained. “We just have to use that. That kind of makes us think more about what to do game-plan-wise, just because he's seen a lot of defenses. Credit to him, being in the SEC and playing lots of different ball and lots of different defenses."
Shuler knows it’s a big game, but he’s also aware he’s been there and done that.
"I feel like every game is the Super Bowl,” stated Shuler. “It's Notre Dame. Everybody is going to turn on the TV to see Notre Dame play. Like Coach has been saying, 'With tradition comes great responsibility.' We know we have to uphold the standard and make sure we continue to do that."
As for what Notre Dame fans can expect from Shuler in 2025, it’s the same player you saw last year. A player willing to do anything to win games.
"I would just say I'm a tough Jersey kid,” said Shuler. “I feel like no matter where I'm at in the world, it just sticks with me. Being gritty and just being 'that' guy."
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