Notre Dame receiver Logan Saldate enters a pivotal spring for his development.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior is now in his third year in the program and the time has come to make a move up the depth chart.
Saldate spent his first two seasons working primarily in the slot, but this spring, he’s getting a look at the field receiver position, a role where he thrived in high school.
As a senior at Palma High School (Calif.), Saldate hauled in 68 receptions for 1,242 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field.
“It was really the first practice where I started working at X,” stated Saldate. “It kind of took me by surprise a little bit because I've been working in the slot, but I wasn't mad about it.
“It gives me a chance to learn the offense more, and then, I'm also fairly comfortable with being outside. I played outside in high school a lot, so I am comfortable in there and I'm pretty confident.”
Spring practices often serve as an experimental period for coaching staffs, allowing players to showcase versatility and expand their roles.
Saldate has leaned on teammates for guidance, including starting field receiver Jordan Faison, who has experience making a similar transition.
“Faison is one of the guys that I talked to when Coach (Mike) Brown switched me to X because Faison played Z too. That was a guy that I felt like I could refer to. My straight-line speed, posts, and like comebacks, I feel like that's more my game. Deep digs, 16-yard speed digs and things like that, where I could really just open my stride up and get loose.”
The move to the outside could also maximize Saldate’s athleticism, which includes a vertical of around 40 inches.
He flashed that ability early in spring, going up to make a contested catch over Christian Gray and Brauntae Johnson in practice.
“If you don't know me, you'll be surprised,” said Saldate. “But if you know me, you shouldn't be surprised because I've been making plays like that.”
Notre Dame’s receiver room has added both depth and talent this spring, creating one of the most competitive groups in recent years. Saldate welcomes the challenge.
“We have a lot of guys,” explained Saldate. “We're super deep. We all want each other to win. We all want each other to keep succeeding. The only way that's possible is to push each other every day.”
That competition extends to the other side of the ball. Notre Dame returns what could be one of the nation’s top secondaries, providing a daily test for the receivers.
“We have one of the best defenses in the country, so I look at it as a blessing to be able to compete against that every single day,” Saldate said. “Guys like Dallas (Golden) and even Ayden (Pouney). They're lengthy. They're getting taught good technique and it's just good work for both of us.”
When it comes to off the field, Saldate has found comfort in South Bend’s local ponds.
The California native has amassed over 50,000 TikTok followers by tapping into the fishing niche.
“That's probably my favorite thing to do,” Saldate stated. “I try to go almost every day, at least when it's warm out. I think it's a great way to get my mind off football.
“Anytime I'm overthinking, I just go out there and fish, and I have a following, so there's nothing better to do than just make videos about it and let the world see what I'm doing.”
And when it comes to his skills on the water, Saldate doesn’t lack confidence.
“I am the best fisherman on the team,” said Saldate.
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