Spring football – just like baseball – is when hope springs eternal. The 2023 Notre Dame football team is veteran – with 18 returning starters from the January 1 Gator Bowl plus experienced and previous starter cornerback Cam Hart – and returning to health during this season of rejuvenation.
In addition to the experience the Irish already had, they brought in significant transfers in quarterback Sam Hartman, defensive lineman Javontae Jean-Baptiste, safety Thomas Harper, and wide receiver Kaleb Smith.
Still, Irish fans are filled with happy and halcyon thoughts of autumn days when speed and power dominated the House that Rockne built – days filled with punt returns from Rocket Ismail and power runs in the 90s by Jerome Bettis.