SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Several Notre Dame newcomers met with reporters Friday, reflecting on their transitions to South Bend and what they hope to accomplish during spring practice.
Graduate kicker Noah Burnette, a transfer from North Carolina, cited conversations with special team’s coordinator Marty Biagi and the program’s emphasis on specialists as key reasons for choosing the Irish. “It was a no-brainer once I got here,” Burnette said. “The environment, the coaching — everything felt right.”
Defensive lineman Davion Dixon, an early enrollee from Miami, is currently sidelined but taking mental reps. “It’s a setback, but I’m learning every day,” Dixon said, adding that the cold weather has been the biggest adjustment.
Freshman wide receiver Micah Gilbert, who has family ties to Notre Dame, called his commitment “a dream realized.”
Fellow transfer Will Pauling, a senior wideout from Wisconsin, praised the culture shift in the locker room. “There’s no drop-off, no complaining — just guys focused on getting better,” he said.
Defensive backs Karson Hobbs, Cree Thomas, and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa echoed similar sentiments about the strong mentorship and team camaraderie they’ve experienced. “Everyone’s taken me in,” said Thomas. “This is my dream school.”
Linebackers Teddy Rezac and Preston Zinter spoke about embracing Coach Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on consistency and focus. “Don’t let disruptions become distractions,” Rezac recalled as a guiding principle.
The annual Blue-Gold game will be held on Saturday, April 12th at Note Dame Stadium, which will make the conclusion of Spring Practice.
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Notre Dame Spring Practice – Why Notre Dame?
