The 'Len' Zone
Meet the Newest Members of the Fighting Irish Football Program
Meet the newest members of the Fighting Irish football program. These freshmen and transfers share their experiences adjusting to Notre Dame's rigorous academics and elite athletics.

by Len Clark

Spring Practice #3 Press Conference
Matty Augustine – Offensive Line
Academic Challenge
"Academics is no joke here. Football is definitely no joke. Learning how to study correctly has been the biggest thing."
Coaching Support
"Coach Rudolph has been amazing in the meeting room and on the field. The strength staff is with us every day."
Physical Development
"Coach Landow's program is different in conditioning and weight room. I'm noticing differences in strength and speed."
Jerome Bettis Jr. – Wide Receiver
Speed Adjustment
"You're playing against grown men now. The speed is a jump."
Mental Aspect
"Learning the playbook and executing it has been challenging."
Playing Style
"I'm a bigger-body receiver. Downfield threat with strong hands for tough grabs."
Father's Advice
"Be prompt, professional, and stay focused. The blue and gold stays the same."
Elijah Burress – Wide Receiver
Receiver Room
"It's been great. The older guys are awesome—helping us learn the offense and being leaders."
Friendship
"Having my best friend Nolan here is great. I talk to him about anything."
Spring Focus
"Getting open, learning separation, blocking better, and being a good teammate."
Blake Hebert – Quarterback
Playoff Experience
"It was huge coming out of high school. Practicing against the best defense helped me a lot."
Teammate Support
"Having high school teammates here is awesome. We're all adjusting together."
QB Mentorship
"Riley, Steve, Kenny, CJ - they've been great. Riley attacks the film room like no one I've seen."
Cam Herron – Offensive Line
Coach Connection
"Coach Rudolph's honesty sold me. Through recruiting, he cared about me beyond football."
Training Program
"Coach Lando's program is amazing—science-based and fits my lifting style."
Hometown Pride
"Being close to home in Indiana is special. Notre Dame is huge here. People recognized me during break."
Growth Mindset
"Trust the process. I'm learning that it's okay to make mistakes and grow."
Nolan James Jr. – Running Back

Elite RB Room
"It's the deepest RB room in college football. Learning every day from some of the best backs."

Friendship
"Elijah is my best friend. We've got a special bond. I told him first when Notre Dame offered me."

Skill Development
"Working on my eyes and reads. College-level reads are more complex."
Will Pauling – Wide Receiver (Transfer)
Coach Relationship
"Coach Brown is like family—known him since I was 16. He's someone I'd invite to my wedding."
Playing Style
"I'm a slot receiver who can beat man coverage, work in zones, and contribute on special teams."
Team Integration
"The importance of community—getting involved with teammates, professors, and around campus."
Owen Strebig & Scrap Richardson
2
Position Changers
Scrap switched to receiver from QB. Owen cross-trains at both tackle positions.
3
Key Focus Areas
Route running, stance, and details for Scrap. Getting the job done for Owen.
2
Mentors
Emil Wagner and Peter Jones guide Owen through practice and film study.