On Wednesday, Notre Dame welcomed its midyear enrollees and introduced new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge to the media, setting the stage for an exciting spring practice season.
Partridge, who brings experience from the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and collegiate programs like Pittsburgh and Florida Atlantic, shared his insights on the defensive line's potential. He emphasized the players' eagerness to learn and their competitive spirit, suggesting a promising group ready to make an impact. Partridge plans to continue evaluating them throughout the offseason, but his initial impressions are positive.
A notable storyline is Partridge's connection with defensive tackle Francis Brewu. Though Partridge had a hand in recruiting Brewu at Pittsburgh, he never got the chance to coach him due to his move to the Colts. Now reunited at Notre Dame, Partridge is eager to finally work with Brewu and help him develop.
Addressing how he plans to integrate new players without overwhelming them, Partridge highlighted the importance of investing time in one-on-one sessions. This approach allows him to focus on foundational elements with newcomers, while more experienced players can dive into complex strategies.
Partridge also expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with defensive coordinator Chris Ash. The two share a history as college teammates, which Partridge believes fosters a dynamic environment where they can respectfully disagree and find common ground. Together, they aim to elevate Notre Dame's defense to new heights.