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Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman on new DC Chris Ash
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman on the collaborative approach of new defensive coordinator Chris Ash
Notre Dame defensive tackle Jason Onye has returned to the team after taking time off to focus on his mental health.Onye’s teammates and coaches, including head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive line coach Al Washington, supported him during his absence.Onye is now competing for a starting position and has impressed coaches with his growth and maturity.
SOUTH BEND — Jason Onye, fifth-year senior defensive tackle for Notre Dame football, has inspired teammates and coaches with his return this spring.
After stepping away from football last October to deal with his mental health, the 6-foot-5, 308-pounder is competing for a starting job.
Irish defensive line coach Al Washington said Onye’s journey is “one that has changed me as a person.” As a coach, Washington said he is constantly “trying to find ways to connect at a deeper level.” Helping Onye regain his footing has been a growth experience for all involved, he said.
“I can’t even express how proud I am of that kid,” Washington said. “How Jason has evolved is a reflection of Notre Dame. It’s a holistic approach, and they really care. I’m tremendously proud of him, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow. He’s done a phenomenal job.”
Even while back home in North Providence, R.I., Onye stayed on track with academic requirements. Teammates and coaches, from Marcus Freeman on down, stayed in contact with Onye.
Onye, who played in 18 games over the two seasons as a reserve, had 1.5 sacks at Purdue last September and played 31 snaps against Louisville in his last game.
Source link : https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/college/football/2025/03/27/jason-onyes-return-to-notre-dame-football-inspires-teammates-coaches-al-washington-marcus-freeman/82624653007/
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Publish date : 2025-03-27 14:33:00
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