Notre Dame WR Jerome Bettis Jr. Making Strides with Strength, Confidence

Notre Dame receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. is in his second spring in South Bend and the difference is already clear.. 

The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder has not only added weight, but the game is beginning to slow down.

“It's been pretty good,” Bettis stated. “Starting to see things clearer now in year two. Learning a lot from the older guys and Coach (Mike) Brown. They're coaching me up pretty good, so I feel like I'm in a good spot right now.”

With a year in the system, Bettis has developed a stronger understanding of both the offense and how defenses are trying to attack it. That growth has come from consistent work off the field.

“Just having more time with the offense, getting in and learning, watching film, whether that's me independently with Coach Brown, with the whole team, with other teammates, with the quarterbacks,” Bettis said. “Just being able to see things from every perspective and understand the why behind what we're doing just allows me to play faster and think less.”

The physical transformation is noticeable as well.

While Bettis may not be drastically heavier than his listed weight, he feels a significant difference in how he’s able to play. That change didn’t happen by accident.

The Atlanta native made it a priority to improve physically after a realization early in the 2025 season.

“I feel a sizable difference,” explained Bettis. “The transformation for me started pretty early. I feel like right as the season started, I realized I wasn't really where I wanted to be in week one. They were in Miami. I didn't get to go to that game, so I was watching at home and it kind of clicked within me that I've got to make a change for myself. I've got to become more physical, stronger, faster.

“I put my head down from there. I've been working ever since. I feel pretty good. I feel like I'm in a good spot physically, allowing me to play better.”

That progress required both trust in strength coach Loren Landow’s program and extra work behind the scenes.

“I feel like we already have a good regimen in place,” Bettis stated. “Following that along and then taking the extra steps beyond that. For example, every Sunday I'd come in with Adon [Shuler], and it would just be him and me in the weight room working out every Sunday morning. 

“I feel like the little extra steps like that, doing extra reps sometimes, even when we're advised not to by Coach Landow. Just pushing a little bit more so I can get a better result. If I were to come in and do the same thing I did last year, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now.”

On the field, Bettis has noticed the difference in his game.

He’s able to do more in the run game and his route running is cleaner with a year under his belt. 

“I feel like it's a world of change,” said Bettis. “Whether it's physicality at the line of scrimmage, being able to move guys where I want them to go, whether it's in the run game blocking. I feel like it's become a lot easier for me now for sure. Blocking, being more physical.

“Even in my routes, I feel a lot faster than where I was last year. I feel like that's opened up a whole other part of my game.”

Brown has also noticed the positive changes in Bettis through six practices. 

“He’s done a good job of transforming his body,” said Brown. “He’s a lot bigger. I’ve told him, you have to be a physical presence for us. He’s really worked his game. He’s attacking the ball really well now. He has to continue to grow. He’s been a pleasant surprise for us.” 

The competition in Notre Dame's receiver room has been raised a few notches this spring. It’s a healthy competition and the room has embraced it. 

For Bettis, he’s made it a point to learn from other receivers, even if they don’t play in the boundary. 

In fact, fellow classmate Elijah Burress has made one of the biggest impacts on Bettis since arriving on campus. 

“Honestly, I'd probably say my teammate EB,” Bettis explained. “We came in together. Learning a lot from him, how he acts, how he responds to things, how he's coached, and then obviously Coach Brown.

“The two of them, I've learned the most from. Watching film with them all the time -- just learning as much as I can.” 

Bettis has also connected with the early enrollee receivers. Kaydon Finley and Devin Fitzgerald have much more in common Bettis as not everyone can relate to having a father who starred in the NFL. 

“I love them because I feel like they're all so different,” explained Bettis. “Just the way they approach practicing football and then off the field as well. They're completely different personalities, but they mesh so well together.

“Devin, obviously, me and him kind of share a lot in common. Even Kaydon. We have a lot we can kind of relate to. Bubba (Frazier) is from Georgia. Brayden (Robinson), just talking to him about everything. I feel like it's been good to just hang out with the guys.”

When it comes to goals, Bettis is staying present and not focusing on the future. 

“I feel like my goal for this spring is to be here in the moment, be consistent as I can day to day, whether that's my regimen or what I'm doing on the field,” said Bettis. “Then just trying to improve and learn as much as I can. There's a lot I've got to work on.

“I feel like Coach Brown is starting to kind of trust me more with some things in how he's teaching me. I can learn more conceptually. Just trying to be present in the moment and just take each day by day. I feel like I'm in a good spot if I can continue to work and have a good season.” 

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