4-Star Georgia LB J.D. Bertrand
Linebacker J.D. Bertrand
Ranking
ISD: 91 - Four-Star
Composite: 91.2 - Four-Star
Vitals
6’1 - 218
Blessed Trinity (Roswell, Ga.)
Senior Stats
83 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception
Recruiter
Defensive coordinator Clark Lea
Recruitment Rundown
Without a doubt one of the most interesting recruitments of the cycle. He took an unofficial visit to South Bend when he was a sophomore, but when he committed to Georgia the summer before his junior season, he was essentially off the board. That changed when Bertrand and Georgia decided to go separate ways in October. There were plenty of suitors when he hit the market again. He took visits to Florida and Wisconsin and also quickly fielded offers from Florida State, Colorado and TCU. But it was clear his focus was on Notre Dame, a school he had always been high on. Having Kyle Hamilton and KJ Wallace, friends from Georgia, already in the class only made the interest higher. He took an unofficial visit South Bend in a week after decommitting from Georgia and would return again in November. Initially, it seemed like the 85-scholarship limit would be an obstacle, but it was one both sides found a way around and Bertrand announced his pledge on Nov. 19th.
Head Coach Tim McFarlin
“Notre Dame has hit a home run. I’ve coached a lot of good kids and I’ve never had anybody better than him. You name it, I don’t care if it’s academics, social life, the way he’s disciplined, the way he plays, the way he practices, the way he’s in the weight room. Notre Dame has picked up a great football player.”
ISD expert Jamie Uyeyama
Bertrand is a very good prospect that has a chance to develop into a heck of a Mike linebacker. Like every young player, he’ll need to add weight and get stronger, but he may always be a bit smaller for that spot. In an ideal world everyone would prefer a player who is a bit taller and longer, so technique is going to be huge for him.
I don’t see instincts/recognition being a big issue. That could close the gap between some others who he will be competing against who are slightly better athletically. His biggest obstacle to playing time is going to be the crowded position room. He has starter potential and could be a very good one, but he’ll need to distinguish himself from the others who will be fighting for reps.
Favorite quote to ISD
“I really like the fact that Notre Dame provides the opportunity for a great education and a football team that can compete for a national championship.”
Senior Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTQ0xM4bTZY
