BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM MAY 2023 29
The 2023 defense will go as far as the
line takes it. Its progress is top of mind
for everyone.
"I'm excited for the development of
that room," Freeman said. "You have to
find, at some point, the emergence."
TWO IMPORTANT PASS RUSH KEYS
Senior Jordan Botelho earned the
first shot at replacing Foskey when he
started the Gator Bowl. He turned it into
a 2-sack, 10-pressure performance —
the kind of opening act that reignited
breakout visions for a talented but in-
frequently used player.
Botelho's physical traits have never
been questioned. He has impressive
burst off the edge, seeks contact and
plays through the whistle. Through
three years, though, he has only been
part of specific game plans and never
held a consistent role. He played 38 per-
cent of his total snaps last season in the
Gator Bowl.
Now, he's knocking on the door. Notre
Dame's ability to field another above-
average pass rush feels like it hinges on
his ability to break the door down.
"The way you knock on the door is
play the system, play with poise and
execute," Golden said. "That's it. He will
always bring the energy. He will always
bring the fight. He will always bring the
finish. That's not the issue. The issue is
prepare, eliminate [mental errors], play
with poise and execute within the realm
of the defense. If he does that, he's go-
ing to do great things for us."
Notre Dame is not handing him all the
Ohio State graduate transfer Javontae Jean-Baptiste is Notre Dame's
likely starter at field end.
PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER
