Matty Augustine – Offensive Line
Q: Now that you're on campus, what's it like to be a Notre Dame student?
Matty Augustine: It's great. You don't really understand what it's like until you get here and actually become one. It's hard—you definitely have to earn it. Academics is no joke here. Football is definitely no joke. But to feel what it's like to be a Notre Dame football player is amazing.
Q: What's the biggest thing you've had to learn so far?
Matty Augustine: Honestly, how to study correctly. That's been the biggest thing. They don't joke around about academics. Football is massive, but the school is nothing like anywhere else—it's hard.
Q: How valuable has the coaching staff been?
Matty Augustine: It's been great. They're hard on you but here for you. Coach Rudolph has been amazing in the meeting room and on the field. The strength and conditioning staff, we're with them every day—they're amazing.
Q: How different has Coach Lando’s program been?
Matty Augustine: A lot different, both in conditioning and in the weight room. It's been a great transition, and I'm noticing differences in strength and speed—being able to move better.
Jerome Bettis Jr. – Wide Receiver
Q: What's been the biggest adjustment on the practice field so far?
Jerome Bettis Jr.: The speed, for sure. You're playing against grown men now, so that’s a jump. But also the mental aspect—learning the playbook and executing it.
Q: What have you learned about Coach Brown?
Jerome Bettis Jr.: His attention to detail. He's very specific about what he wants, and we have to execute exactly how he expects.
Q: What do you bring to this team?
Jerome Bettis Jr.: I’m a bigger-body wide receiver. I'm a downfield threat but also can pull in tough grabs on intermediate and short routes. I’ve got strong hands.
Q: What advice has your dad given you?
Jerome Bettis Jr.: He said Notre Dame now is different, but the blue and gold stays the same. He taught me to be prompt, professional, and stay focused.
Elijah Burress – Wide Receiver
Q: What's it been like meshing into the receiver room?
Elijah Burress: It’s been great. The older guys are awesome—helping us learn the offense and being leaders.
Q: How’s it been going through this with Nolan James Jr.?
Elijah Burress: It’s been great having my best friend here. I talk to him about anything.
Q: What’s your focus this spring?
Elijah Burress: Getting open, learning separation, blocking better, and being a good teammate.
Q: Has Notre Dame matched your expectations?
Elijah Burress: 100%. I wanted a great program and a great academic environment—it's been amazing.
Blake Hebert – Quarterback
Q: What did you get out of the playoff experience?
Blake Hebert: It was huge coming out of high school—different speed. Practicing against the best defense helped me a lot.
Q: What’s it like having two high school teammates here?
Blake Hebert: It's awesome. We're all adjusting together and have each other's backs.
Q: What have you learned from the other quarterbacks?
Blake Hebert: A ton—Riley, Steve, Kenny, CJ. They've been great, answering all my questions. Riley attacks the film room like no one I’ve seen.
Cam Herron – Offensive Line
Q: What was it about Joe Rudolph that sold you?
Cam Herron: His honesty. Through the recruiting process, he cared about me beyond football.
Q: First impressions of Coach Lando’s program?
Cam Herron: It's amazing—science-based and fits my lifting style.
Q: How special is it to be close to home in Indiana?
Cam Herron: Very special. Notre Dame is huge here. When I went home for break, people recognized me—it feels great.
Q: Biggest advice so far?
Cam Herron: Trust the process. I’m hard on myself, but learning that it’s okay to make mistakes and grow.
Nolan James Jr. – Running Back
Q: How’s the adjustment been in the RB room?
Nolan James Jr.: It's the deepest RB room in college football. I'm learning every day from some of the best backs.
Q: What's it like having Elijah Burress here?
Nolan James Jr.: He’s my best friend. We’ve got a special bond. I told him first when Notre Dame offered me.
Q: What are you working on this spring?
Nolan James Jr.: My eyes and reads. College-level reads are more complex, so I’m focused on that.
Will Pauling – Wide Receiver (Transfer)
Q: What does Coach Brown mean to you?
Will Pauling: He’s like family—known him since I was 16. He’s someone I’d invite to my wedding.
Q: What stands out about the QB group?
Will Pauling: They’re great leaders. Steve Angeli reached out fast, King Mitch invited me to Bible study, and TJ Cart helped me with the playbook.
Q: What do you bring to the team?
Will Pauling: A slot receiver who can beat man coverage, work in zones, and contribute on special teams.
Q: Biggest thing you've learned so far?
Will Pauling: The importance of community—getting involved with teammates, professors, and around campus.
Scrap Richardson – Wide Receiver
Q: What intrigued you about switching positions?
Scrap Richardson: The challenge. I wanted to push myself and develop with this program.
Q: Focus areas this spring?
Scrap Richardson: Route running, my stance, and details. I’ve never played receiver, so I’m learning everything.
Q: Does your QB background help?
Scrap Richardson: Definitely. I can read defenses, see details—it helps a lot.
Owen Strebig – Offensive Line
Q: What allowed you, Matty, and Will to bond early?
Owen Strebig: Visiting together, hanging out, and building a relationship. Adding Cam has been great too.
Q: Where are you working this spring?
Owen Strebig: Mainly right tackle, but I’m cross-training at left tackle too.
Q: Has anything surprised you in your first months?
Owen Strebig: The academics. Going from high school to college lectures was a big adjustment.
Q: What’s your play style?
Owen Strebig: I just want to get the job done, help the team win, and help the guy next to me.
Q: Has anyone been a mentor?
Owen Strebig: Emil Wagner and Peter Jones. Emil helps during practice, Pete and I watch film and work on details.
Gain even more insights into these fresh faces at the Len Zone!