Notre Dame football inching closer to the season opener and preparing for more production on offense

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Freeman era will begin against the Ohio State Buckeyes as the Irish prepare for a season that could go through growing pains on offense.

As the Irish travel into Buckeye territory, the offense has served as the number one concern for the blue and gold.

But one position that isn’t a concern is the tight end, filled by Michael Mayer.

“It's Michael Mayer well, there's a lot of work that goes into doing what he does on a football field that I and the rest of the staff and his players and peers appreciate. I mean, the way he works, the way he plays all sizes, both run blocking and the past game and the things he does in his routes,” said Tight End Coach Gerad Parker.

The junior tight end started in 12 games for the Irish, hauling 7 touchdowns on a team-high 71 catches.

“I'm just going to try to play my best football I'm not worried about any more records here. I'm not truly worried about the Mackey award, I want to win a national championship over that. So, I'm going to try to go play my best ball and do things that will help my team win. That's what I'm worried about,” said Mayer.

This year, Mayer is a pre-season second team All-American and could be the lead receiver for two years in a row due to an inexperienced wide receiver group.

“They feel in that room in our room that that they have a huge responsibility to things within the run game in the pass game so that responsibility falls on him,” Parker mentioned.

“The attitude is really doesn't change the attitudes still get opening and hopefully the ball is going find me,” said Mayer.

Regardless of what Mayer brings on the field, he’s also in a position to make the team stronger through his ability to lead.

Those in the tight end group appreciates his guidance.

“When you have a you know, a player like mike and obviously, he's just kind of being that natural leader and you know, he does have that natural leadership ability and but just his ability to bring guys along with him. And, you know, whether it's by example by what he says, you know, getting the guys ready to go. But I'm just I'd say his biggest way is just going out there doing what he does making plays, and then he'll always be the first one to help you or, you know, fix a mistake or you know, tell you, you know, don't do x,” said Tight End Kevin Bauman.