Today, they are the heartbeat of Notre Dame’s defense – integral to the fabric of the Fighting Irish football program.
Linebackers JD Bertrand, Jack Kiser, and Marist Liufau collectively embark on their 13th, 14th, and 15th seasons in collegiate football, wielding over 100 games of experience as Notre Dame charges through the early stages of preseason camp, gearing up for their season opener against Navy in Dublin, Ireland next month.
Their journey began vividly, reminiscing about their days on the scout teams upon arriving at Notre Dame in 2019.
“I remember our main goal was to disrupt the offense and be a constant annoyance,” recalled Liufau, a versatile graduate student coming off a robust 51-tackle season. “And we were, the offense reminded us of that daily. We approached it as an opportunity to improve. Some might see scout team as less than ideal since you’re not with the starters, but for us, it was a chance to grow. We made it enjoyable.”
Looking back, Kiser understands the pivotal role those formative sessions played in shaping their current status.
“Back then, we were just hungry to make plays and establish ourselves,” said Kiser, whose arrival at Notre Dame followed a stellar high school career in Indiana, racking up over 11,000 offensive yards and 198 touchdowns. “It’s pretty unique when you think about it; the offensive line we faced, all five ended up in the NFL. Physically, we learned so much just by going against them daily. Those days were crucial for our development. They brought us closer and made us better football players.”
Their foundation laid in sweat and effort then is now the bedrock of their leadership roles within a seasoned Notre Dame defense, extending far beyond the playbook.
“For me, it’s about the example they set for the younger guys, both within our group and across the defense,” noted Notre Dame graduate assistant Max Bullough, who mentors the linebackers. “When I talk about our linebackers, I start with, ‘We’ve got three guys who have been through a lot. They know their stuff, and they do things right.’ That sets the tone for what we expect from them in terms of communication and responsibilities on the field. It gives us flexibility.”
Their synergy goes beyond finishing each other’s sentences; they orchestrate calls across the Irish defense.
“Spending so much time together, we just get each other,” Bertrand shared, nearing 200 career tackles. “Sometimes, we’re racing to make the checks – Jack sees one thing, but I’m already on it. Having different perspectives like that is pretty cool.”
If an issue arises pre-snap, it’s swiftly addressed – either before the next play or on the sideline.
“On the field, if something goes wrong, it takes us seconds on the sideline,” added Kiser, known for his ball-hawking ability with three interceptions and as many forced fumbles. “We discuss it, ‘You saw this?’ ‘Yep.’ ‘Got it.’ It’s efficient. It lets us play faster and correct mistakes immediately. Having three fifth-year guys who came up together from scout team, went through it all, and climbed the depth chart – it’s special.”
Their cohesion allows defensive coordinator Al Golden to entrust them with greater responsibilities, both mentally and physically.
“One of the great things is Coach Golden relies on us to handle a lot, and we can be a calming influence for the defense,” Bertrand affirmed. “When a call comes or even before, we can anticipate it. So when it does, the linemen and secondary know what to expect, feel composed, and are ready to execute.”
Their mission now is to leave an enduring legacy on the field in 2023 while grooming their successors for the future.
“I’ve sat down with all the linebackers, especially Nolan Ziegler and Jaylen Sneed,” Bertrand shared. “I’ve passed down what I’ve learned, quizzed them along the way. Now it’s their turn to mentor the freshmen. If they can teach it, they’ve truly grasped it. We’re preparing them to step up when we’re gone.”
As the Fighting Irish prepare for another season of gridiron battles, Bertrand, Kiser, and Liufau stand as stalwarts, embodying the essence of Notre Dame football – a testament to perseverance, growth, and leadership that reverberates across the storied program.