Newsstand: Marcus Freeman discusses three Notre Dame transfer additions
Notre Dame coaxed three players from the transfer portal before early signing day Dec. 21, a side plot to the hectic final days that featured two 11th-hour decommitments from the Irish. Those three transfers aren’t included as part of the No. 8 class, per the On3 Consensus. They are, though, two scholarship players expected to provide instant impact and a walk-on specialist who adds needed depth.
Virginia Tech grad transfer wide receiver Kaleb Smith – he of the same name as the incoming freshman at the same position from Frisco, Texas – announced his commitment to the Irish on signing day. He was the Hokies’ leading receiver in 2022, with 674 yards and 3 touchdowns on 37 catches.
“[He’s] going to be a huge addition to our wide receivers room,” Marcus Freeman told reporters in Jacksonville, Fla. before Monday’s practice. “He’s a guy that comes with game experience, but he also brings the length and the size that will be an addition to the room and a sense of maturity. I’m excited for him to get here and for what he can do.”
The other two additions are South Florida grad transfer kicker Spencer Shrader and former Penn punter Ben Krimm. Like Ivy League punter portal import Jon Sot last year, Krimm is joining the team as a walk-on. Sophomore-to-be Bryce McFerson is the likely heir to Sot, but is the only punter on the 2023 roster. Krimm has two years of eligibility left and provides a stable backup option.
Shrader will compete to replace departing kicker Blake Grupe, himself a grad transfer addition last winter. He was 28-of-41 (68.2 percent) on field goals in his Bulls career and handled kickoffs the last four years. He is fourth nationally in touchback rate this season (80.65 percent).
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“[Special teams coordinator] Brian Mason finds those guys and really identifies and connects with them to be able to get them here,” Freeman said. “Those are positions of need.
“To bring in a punter that has game experience is going to be valuable to really have a competition in that room. Then for the kicking, [it’s] the chance to bring in a kicker that has one of the strongest legs in college football. He really will bring a huge dynamic to our special teams units that we need to win championships.”
Notre Dame Tweets of the Day
Two Irish guards led the way in Tuesday’s win over Jacksonville.
No better bowl game week activity than TopGolf.
This would be a massive land for the Irish.
Quote of the Day
“I think it helps knowing that if a look is altered a little bit, he’s got the answer. That allows the quarterback to go out and play free. There is a lot of trust in what he’s doing.”
– Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on quarterback Tyler Buchner
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