Jack Larsen has flashed at times during his first two seasons at Notre Dame, but this spring feels like a pivotal moment in his development.
The junior tight end first turned heads in last year’s Blue-Gold Game with a tough, contested sideline catch, then followed it up with a 24-yard reception late against Navy in the fall.
This spring is about making a statement and proving he’s ready for a longer role.
“It’s slowed down a lot for me,” stated Larsen. “I feel a lot more comfortable in the offense. I’ve gotten bigger, so I feel my presence. I feel comfortable putting my hand in the dirt and blocking.”
The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder has always been able to run routes and catch, but the focus over his first two years has been improving as a blocker.
Yes, the added strength has helped, but Larsen’s focus has been on his footwork.
“With the lifting, running and stuff, I’ve gotten better with my footwork,” Larsen explained. “Most importantly in the blocking game. I think that’s helped tremendously. You’re not going to fall over and (you will) be on balance. That’s helped. I definitely feel a lot more confident.”
When it comes to the pass game, Notre Dame’s route tree is a little more complicated than just running a specified route.
At the tight end position, Larsen must know when to adjust his route depth or even the route itself at times, depending on the coverage.
“I feel like in the route game, that’s always been one of my strengths,” said Larsen. “In that I’m starting to get a better feel for man-zone looks and when to throttle, when to try to create a rub. I’m trying to make my blocking presence known as much as I can. You need to be able to do that as much as the route-running, if not more, at tight end.”
The other piece to the puzzle is taking his game beyond the flashes and showing consistency.
“Just staying consistent,” Larsen stated. “I think that’s a big thing. Every day coming in and trying to be the best version of myself and put good stuff on tape.”
With Eli Raridon off to the NFL, opportunities in the tight end room are wide open. Still, Larsen isn’t approaching the spring with a narrow focus on winning a starting job. Instead, he’s centered on steady growth, trusting that the rest will follow.
“I’m out here to come out and be the best version of myself,” explained Larsen. “I want to be as good as I can in the spring, summer and the fall. Whatever the turnout is, that's what the turnout is. I’m not putting a label on anything, but I’m just trying to be one percent better every day.”
The positive for all the tight ends and the entire Irish offense is that CJ Carr returns at quarterback.
For Larsen, that continuity only adds to the excitement about what’s ahead.
“We all know how good a quarterback he is,” said Larsen. “We saw what he did last season. I’m excited to see what he does this year and, really, the whole offense.”
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