Notre Dame Lands 2019 GA LB JD Bertrand

Notre Dame has landed another piece to the 2019 class as Blessed Trinity (Ga.) linebacker J.D. Bertrand‍ has committed to the Irish after backing off his pledge to play for the in-state Georgia Bulldogs in October. 

“The combination between academics and football is unmatched anywhere else,” Bertrand told Irish Sports Daily. “I’ve been traveling all season since I decommitted and I learned through my visits that Notre Dame was the place.

“Notre Dame’s academics and football are a very good fit for me.” 

Defensive coordinator Clark Lea was a significant part of the decision for the four-star linebacker and the two got to know each other well on Bertrand’s two visits to South Bend this fall. 

“Coach Lea was very excited,” stated Bertrand. “He’s been telling me that there is a spot to come in and compete for early with two starters graduating at linebacker.

“I really like the fact that Coach Lea is the defensive coordinator as well as linebackers coach. This will help me in learning the defense even quicker.” 

Bertrand is good friends with fellow Notre Dame commits Kyle Hamilton‍ and KJ Wallace‍ as all three from the Atlanta area. 

“Playing alongside Kyle and KJ will be super exciting, especially since we have competed against each other in football all our lives,” said Bertrand.

Bertrand joins Ositadinma Ekwonu‍, Jack Kiser‍ and Marist Liufau‍ in the 2019 linebacker haul and chose the Irish over Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, LSU, Mississippi State, Stanford, Tennessee, Wake Forest and Wisconsin.