Notre Dame Post-Practice Video: Irish Players and Coaches Talk Spring Ball, Development
Notre Dame just wrapped up their fourth spring practice of the 2025 season. Today, members of the offensive and defensive line units and coaches spoke with the media after practice was over. Joe Rudolph, the offensive line coach, and Al Washington, the defensive line coach, are heading into a crucial season where many believe the performance and success of the offensive and defensive lines will be a key indicator on if the Irish can make it back to the National Championship game.
You can watch the full press conference here:
Here are a few of the comments from today’s press conference:
Coach Rudolph On Charles Jagusah’s Spring Expectation And Journey Back
“I have tremendous expectations for Charles as he has for himself. I think when you get into spring ball and you’re in practice four, it takes a long journey to get back to where you left off in the fall. He’s getting there and he’s doing really well. He’s really smart, and what he’s bringing to the plate from an understanding standpoint is outstanding. I’m excited, we’re going to have a really good spring with him.
I think it’s huge, right? I think it was huge for everyone, it was huge for the team. When you see how someone faces adversity, you want to see how they respond. When he jumped in during the Penn State game, he wasn’t perfect but he gave us a spark. He got some great movement and he was excited for the opportunity. The next thing you know, he has to play the next week against Ohio State at a different position. I was really proud of him.”
Coach Washington On Bryce Young and Jordan Botelho
“I have to check myself sometimes, but he’s [Bryce] still a true freshman. He doesn’t look like it and he doesn’t act like it, he’s very mature. In the same breathe, he’s very mature in the details. He’s working like a dog to try and achieve mastery of those things but that will come. He’s been fantastic; he’s a very special kid inside and out and all the way around.
“This is his last run at college football, and so, he’s putting everything he has into it. He’s doing it now, he’s doing a great job in terms of what he’s able to do. His leadership has been phenomenal for the guys as well. I know he’s competitive and eager to get back out there. When the time comes, we’re going to be ready to drop the leash and let him go be Jordan.”
Aamil Wagner On How Much He’s Grown From A Year Ago
“It came with game reps. The ability to be on the field and compete. Obviously, practice is one thing, you can get a lot better and improve on small things day in and day out, but getting the opportunity to be on the field is a game changer. Being on the field when the game is on the line in a true life or death, win or lose situation is where I grew. I just think the ability to have those reps, over 1,000 in a season, and just being able to hone in my skills made me really confident in my ability. I can translate it better and communicate it better. It’s been a lot better this spring having that knowledge and going into practice.”
Bryce Young On Last Year’s Experience and Guerby Lambert
“I have tons of confidence going through the process every day making sure I’m learning and getting better every day. I think reps are super important in making sure I’m getting better. For me, it’s important to take every rep like my last rep so I think that has helped me a lot.
Guerby is great. He’s super flexible, he’s able to get down in his stance and burst out which is crazy for him. He’s one of the most flexible guys that I’ve seen. So that helps him a lot. He’s got a super strong base and his pass set is super quick and twitchy. I think going against him has helped me a lot. When the season comes, we’re going against some of the best in the country. Going against him will definitely help with that.”
