Marcus Freeman comments on rigorous academics at Notre Dame

First-year Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has received all the accolades from coaches, players and fans since accepting the position this offseason, but the season is fast approaching, and game results will impact the future of the relationship. After learning the ins and outs of the job this spring, he is ready to step up and deliver as a first-time program leader.

During an interview with CBS Sports writer Dennis Dodd, Marcus Freeman discussed many topics about his early findings at Notre Dame. But in comparing his current location with former stops, he risked ruffling some feathers at Cincinnati and Ohio State.

“I’m not saying from top to bottom, but the majority of our kids, they — I want to say this the right way — are pushed to learn and their study habits are formulated every day,” said Freeman, discussing the high standards at the private school. “You can’t cheat academics at Notre Dame.”

On it’s own, the comment purely comes as high praise for his new school. But as Freeman continued, he brought up his previous coaching stop at Cincinnati and his playing days at Ohio State.

“If you don’t go to class [at places like that], ok, take some online classes, show up for your appointments,” said Freeman. “At Notre Dame, you’re forced every day to go to class.”

While he certainly only intended to further prove his point about the greatest of his current school, Freeman did create what many call “bulletin board material” in future meetings. However, he already points out that the pressure is on, so perhaps a little more fight from the opposite sideline will not surprise him.

Marcus Freeman discusses Notre Dame job

Throughout the CBS Sports interview, Marcus Freeman repeatedly discussed his feelings about Notre Dame and how humbled he is to take on such a significant role in the pyramid of college football as a rookie head coach.

“I still have those moments,” Freeman said. “I think it was [for] a couple of weeks. Every day I’d wake up and pinch myself and say, ‘I’m the head coach at Notre Dame.’ I think it was in January. I get to a hotel late at night. I remember just saying, ‘I’ll turn on the TV for 20 minutes and go to sleep.’

“They’re playing this ESPN 150 [series] about the history of Notre Dame football. I see the great coaches: Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz, Brian Kelly. It’s really humbling.”

However, the job is not all about the good things. Freeman has noticed a change in the way people act around the school when he walks in.

“People view you differently,” Freeman said. “Your words have more power. They act differently around you.”