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Harvard DL Chris Smith details how Notre Dame transfer came together

Singer headshotby:Mike Singer•04/15/22•

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Defensive lineman Chris Smith brings three full seasons of college football with him to Notre Dame. (Photo: Harvard)

Chris Smith’s time at Harvard as a football player is over. He only played three seasons there, but that’s all he was able to play.

“You only get eight semesters at Ivy League schools. There’s no redshirts,” Smith said. “Once I got the extra year of eligibility, I wanted to explore my options and see if I did have the chance to play at a higher level. And it happened, so I took it.”

There was no Ivy League football in 2020 as the season was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. His eighth semester at Harvard is this spring, so Smith entered the transfer portal this offseason after earning first-team Ivy League honors as an interior defensive lineman in 2021. He notched 40 tackles, 5.0 stops for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three quarterback hurries across 10 games last fall.

After entering the portal, Smith was taken aback by the interest — not because he didn’t feel like he could play at the Power Five level but because he hadn’t ever heard from programs such as Minnesota, Notre Dame, Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Virginia before. Smith noted that those were his Power Five scholarship offers as a transfer.

“I wasn’t the highest rated guy out of high school,” Smith said. “It was definitely a different type of recruiting, which was shocking.”

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Smith flipped from Minnesota to Notre Dame

On Jan. 19, the 6-2, 293-pounder announced his commitment to Minnesota, but that was only a verbal pledge, as nothing can be finalized until he enrolls at his next school. Notre Dame felt a need to bolster the interior of its defensive line and got in contact with Smith.

“I was pretty set on Minnesota for a while,” Smith said. “The coaches at Notre Dame reached out and said they had an opportunity and a need for a defensive tackle. I took a visit and the rest is history.”

Smith first heard from Notre Dame in mid-March and took his official visit to campus the weekend of April 2.

“It was great,” he said. “I was definitely impressed. It was cool watching practice and seeing Coach [Marcus] Freeman’s coaching style. The intensity of practice was awesome. Coach [Al] Washington broke down their scheme with me and showed me where I’d fit. It was a very informative visit, and they answered all the questions I had going into it.”

Smith mulled over his options and spoke with his family about what to do for a couple days after his visit. Then he gave the call to the Irish staff to inform them of his commitment.

“I talked to Coach Washington first and then Coach [Al] Golden and Coach Freeman,” recalled Smith. “They were really excited and happy for me. They’re excited to work with me, and I can’t wait to get back there.”

Smith can’t wait to enroll this summer and get rolling with the Notre Dame staff.

“They’re definitely knowledgeable,” he said. “Coach Golden has a lot of NFL experience, and everyone speaks highly of Coach Washington. I’m excited about how they can help elevate my game.”

Smith can play either nose tackle or defensive tackle for the Fighting Irish.

“I’m expecting to come in and learn and give what I can to the team.” He said. “I want to win games and be a part of that championship culture. I want to compete and show my ability. I’m going to get close with my teammates and do whatever it takes to help win games.”

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