Marcus Freeman reflects on leadership qualities needed at Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman is looking for leaders at Notre Dame. This week, he reflected on what that means as he gets ready for his first season at the helm.

Freeman, who is already starting to instill a culture of toughness and physicality in the Fighting Irish program, spoke about the qualities needed to be a leader at Notre Dame. He broke it all down in his press conference this week during spring practice.

“I think you set standards and you’re very clear on holding them accountable,” Freeman told reporters. “To me, I don’t know if that means you mean business, but it means that hey, if you’re a leader, you set standards, but you’re willing to hold others accountable to that standard. If you don’t, then you’re just a good person or you’re a nice guy.

“But to me, the ultimate objective of being a leader is making sure we hold these guys to the standards that we set and we’re very clear on the standards that we want. That, to me, is how any great thing is accomplished.”

Who can emerge as a leader for Notre Dame in 2022

Notre Dame lost some big-time leadership after last season. Star safety Kyle Hamilton was one of the biggest names on defense and is heading to the NFL Draft, likely as a first-round pick. The Fighting Irish also have to replace Kyren Williams and Jack Coan on offense.

However, Freeman got to work in the transfer portal, bringing in Northwestern transfer safety Brandon Joseph while also keeping Jayson Ademilola and his brother, Justin Ademilola, in South Bend for another year. Houston Griffith is also coming back, meaning Notre Dame is going to have plenty of experience on defense.

Michael Mayer is also due back on offense after leading the Fighting Irish in receiving last season, and Chris Tyree is due back in the Notre Dame backfield. But the big question Freeman has to answer is who his quarterback will be. With Coan likely heading to the NFL, it could be between Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne to take over as QB1 this season. Both players got reps under center last year, and it’ll be one of the biggest decisions of the year for Freeman and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

It’ll be a nice blend of youth and experience for Freeman, who also managed to secure the No. 6 recruiting class in the country this year, according to the On3 Consensus Team Rankings.