Notre Dame came into the first transfer window with some holes on the roster; they needed to address them. Notre Dame was thin at Quarterback after losing Drew Pyne to Arizona State. The defensive line lacks experience after losing a trio of defensive linemen, such as Isaiah Foskey, Jayson Ademilola, and Justin Ademilola to the draft. The roster also had some other spots to address like a wide receiver and defensive back.
Sam Hartman QB, Wake Forest
On January fifth, Sam Hartman announced his plans to transfer to Notre Dame. He began as a three-star quarterback prospect in the class of 2018. Sam Hartman finished his Wake Forest career with 12,967 passing yards, a 59.1% completion percentage, and 110 passing touchdowns which is an ACC record. Hartman should bring an immediate impact to Notre Dame’s offense and specifically the passing game. Notre Dame’s offense was predominantly run-heavy as they were limited by the arm talent of Drew Pyne.
Onward. #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/cUfPyqQlQ6
— Sam Hartman (@sam_hartman10) January 5, 2023
Kaleb Smith WR, Virginia Tech
During the early signing period, former Virginia Tech wide receiver announced his plans to transfer to Notre Dame for his graduate season. Kaleb Smith put up solid numbers last season if a poor offense at Virginia Tech. Smith had 37 catches for 674 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, where Virginia Tech had just gone 3-8 and near the bottom of the ACC. Smith has the chance to come into this Notre Dame offense and be a serious contender for big minutes in the boundary wide receiver spot. He will bring much-needed experience to a young receivers room.
New chapter: Thank you to everyone along the way? Now it’s time to THINK BIG☘️ @NDFootball @ChansiStuckey pic.twitter.com/X6Cig2vGvs
— Kaleb Smith (@kaleb11smith) December 21, 2022
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Javontae Jean-Baptiste DL, Ohio State
Notre Dame landed the services of graduate transfer Javontae Jean-Baptiste during the first portal window. Jean-Baptiste spent four years at Ohio State where he was a good player but could never consistently produce in the Buckeye’s defense. He finished the season with four sacks and nine solo tackles and 19 total tackles. Jean Baptiste was third on the team in sacks only behind Jack Sawyer and Mike Hall Jr. Expect him to come in right away and play the edge and rotate with guys such as Jordan Bothelo and Joshua Burnham. We may also see him possibly move inside and play some three-tech and five-tech. All that matters is Notre Dame got a versatile defensive lineman in their portal class.
Proverbs 16:3?? pic.twitter.com/2TmaFYe4jK
— Javontae Jean-Baptiste (@Javontae_JB) January 13, 2023
Thomas Harper DB, Oklahoma State
Notre Dame lost Brandon Joseph to the draft and freshman CB Jayden Bellamy to the portal. It was a priority for Marcus Freeman and Mike Mickens to get an experienced defensive back. Notre Dame eventually landed Oklahoma State transfer Thomas Harper. Harper brings a rotational piece to this defense that can play nickel corner and rotate with guys like Jaden Mickey and Clarence Lewis. Harper had 17 solo tackles and 30 total tackles, and an interception. The coaching staff landed an experienced defensive back in a super young room.
Welcome to the fam ☘️#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/BWVt98uz7u
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 16, 2023
Notre Dame may not have the numbers as Colorado, Arizona State, and LSU, but they have brought in many projected impact players.
