www.BLUEANDGOLD.com SEPT. 18, 2021 19
listed as Bertrand's backup going into
the Toledo game. Depth at the position
has already started to run thin, but as
long as Bertrand continues to log al-
most every defensive snap then maybe
it won't matter — especially if he plays
the way he did in Tallahassee.
No, scratch that. Especially if what
he told McFarlin immediately after the
game is true — that he can be even better.
"He is truly special," McFarlin said.
"I've coached a lot of guys. I've had a few
of them play in the NFL. JD is as good
any anybody I've ever coached. He'll be
a great player for Notre Dame." ✦
Bertrand, who began his Irish career as a middle line-
backer, moved to Will linebacker this spring and quickly
climbed up the depth chart. He became the starter after
Marist Liufau's season-ending injury in training camp.
PHOTO BY BOB MYERS
