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The guys react to the key updates from Marcus Freeman’s Monday press conference, look back at some of the key talking points from the Irish’s win against Miami (Ohio) and discuss whether Notre Dame is on upset alert against Louisville this weekend.
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Notre Dame CB Jaden Mickey decides to redshirt, enter NCAA Transfer Portal
During his weekly news conference, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman announced on Monday that junior cornerback Jaden Mickey has decided to redshirt for the 2024 season with the intention of entering the NCAA Transfer Portal upon graduating. By choosing to redshirt, he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Mickey has already played four games in 2024. So, he cannot play the remainder of the regular season.
“Coaches, teammates, staff members, and supporters: I can’t put into words how grateful I am for how you have loved me and my family,” Mickey shared in a statement on social media.
“Every up and down was worth it and all that my younger self could have asked for. With a heavy heart, I will be redshirting this year with plans on transferring after I graduate in the spring.
“This isn’t risk, this is fath! Thank you Jesus!”
Mickey played 82 snaps, including 23 against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. He had 3 tackles and a pass breakup this season. The 6-foot, 182-pounder also played on the team’s punt return and field goal block units.
Before this season, Mickey appeared in 24 career games for the Irish, logging 20 tackles (15 solo), 3 pass breakups and an interception. Last season, he started against Pittsburgh in Week 9 and Oregon State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.
With Mickey deciding to leave the roster, the Irish only have four scholarship cornerbacks available: Benjamin Morrison, Christian Gray, Leonard Moore and Karson Hobbs.
“Jaden Mickey made a decision that he felt was best for him,” Freeman said. “So, for me to do anything other than support him is selfish. … What he said, (it’s) best for him in his future. So, it would be selfish for me to have thoughts and opinions about the decision he’s making. I wish him the best of luck.”
Before arriving at Notre Dame, Mickey was a four-star recruit coming out of Corona (Calif.) Centennial. He ranked as the No. 185 overall player, No. 22 cornerback nationally and No. 11 prospect in the 2022 class. He chose the Irish over 19 other scholarship offers. His four finalists were California, Northwestern and Oregon.
Mickey was a member of the only recruiting class Freeman was a part of while serving as the program’s defensive coordinator. When Notre Dame elevated Freeman as head coach in December 2022, Mickey stuck by his verbal commitment and signed with the Irish later that month.
“I love him,” Freeman said. “He’s a great young man that’s been through a lot. He’ll go and do great things.”
Mickey is the first Notre Dame player to publicly announce his intentions to enter the transfer portal since the start of the season.
