Marcus Freeman says playing opponent in spring game would be ‘pretty cool’

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish recently wrapped up their spring practice series with their Blue-Gold game. Spring games are an entertaining way that most programs end spring practices, allowing fans the chance to see the conclusion of some highly contested position battles.

To most fans, heading into the summer after this scrimmage’s conclusion is ‘pretty cool.’ But do you know what would be ‘pretty cool’ to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman? If his Fighting Irish players got the opportunity to play another program in their spring game.

“Absolutely. The chance to play another team, it would be good. You know, it would still be similar to a spring (game); you’re not gonna show everything. You’re not gonna wanna get the guys you’re counting on that have experience probably injured. And so, you’re still probably going to hold back a couple of guys. But I think to play another opponent would be pretty cool. Logistics on that, that’s for Ron Powlus and Jack Sawarbrick to figure out. It would be different, but it’s no different than almost like an NFL preseason game.

As Freeman highlighted, it is a process that has already been implemented at the next level. Not only does the NFL have preseason games, they also hold joint practices. Those practices and practices and games often give players attempting to make a roster an opportunity to show what they can do against other opponents.

And a handful of times, they turn into successful ventures resulting in longer careers for some players. If college football found a way to implement joint spring games to conclude spring practices, not only would they be pretty cool, but also make college spring football that much more exciting.

Freeman says Jaden Greathouse ‘stuck out’ in spring game

The Fighting Irish have a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback, and a plethora of new weapons on the offensive side of the ball. One of which is freshman wide receiver, Jaden Greathouse.

During Notre Dame’s Blue-Gold spring game, Greathouse ‘stuck out’ with an impressive performance, one that Freeman was even surprised and impressed by.

“Yeah, I didn’t even know that. 11 for 118 is a pretty good stat line,” said Freeman. “He stuck out, he played well; I mean, he played really well. All three of those freshmen are going to help us. And all three of those freshmen will play for us this year. I’m really confident that those three guys will help this football team. And it’s good to see Jaden step up today.

“Like I said, when the lights are on, you want to see who we’ll step up and make plays. All three of them have been really, really good additions to our program throughout the spring. That wasn’t just a one-time performance; All three of those guys have shown to be productive throughout the spring.”

With Wake Forest transfer quarterback Sam Hartman essentially heading into summer as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, especially wit Tyler Buchner now at Alabama, the Fighting Irish quarterback is going to need all the weapons he can get in preparation for the 2023 season.

Given Notre Dame’s talent at wide receiver, there will not be a shortage of targets for Hartman to deliver the ball to.

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