Marcus Freeman reacts to Jaden Greathouse scoring two touchdowns
On Saturday, Notre Dame freshman Jaden Greathouse properly introduced himself. The first-year wideout was pivotal in the Fighting Irish’s 42-3 win over Navy. After the win, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman discussed Greathouse’s breakout performance.
“Consistently do your job, especially in that position, and you’ll be in a position to be rewarded,” Freeman said. “To see Jaden Greathouse go out there and score those two touchdowns today, it’s a reflection hopefully of what [wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey] has done with that room because I think four wideouts caught touchdowns today, and Greathouse had two of them.”
Greathouse hauled in three receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, averaging 22.7 yards per catch. The Texas native’s 68 receiving yards were the most on the team. Further, Greathouse stacked up his statistics in highlight fashion.
Greathouse’s first touchdown came in spectacular style. The 6-foot-1 receiver exploded on a seam route, gaining a half-step on Navy safety Rayuan Lane. That half-step was all Greathouse needed. Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman airmailed a perfect delivery to Greathouse, who tumbled into the endzone.
Freeman believes his freshman’s performance is a sign of good fortune.
“That room is continuing to improve,” Freeman said. “The protection was good. I think that’s going to be a great momentum builder as we get ready for next week.”
Greathouse can’t wait.
“It was amazing,” Greathouse said. “I’ve dreamed of this ever since I was young. The opportunity is finally here. I was able to make the most of it.”
Jaden Greathouse remains humble
Greathouse was a four-star recruit in high school, according to On3 Industry Ratings. He was listed as the No. 25 WR in the Class of 2023 and the No. 158 prospect in the country. After Saturday, Greathouse’s stock certainly has risen. Nonetheless, the standout wide receiver remained humble.
“My teammates, helping me, I couldn’t have done it without them lifting me up and elevating my level of play,” Greathouse said. “When we come back to the sideline, everyone is cheering and happy for each other. It’s really a good feeling.”
Surely, Greathouse isn’t the only one happy after the win. The overwhelming triumph is a far cry from Notre Dame’s start to the 2022 campaign when they lost back-to-back games. Freeman is simply soaking in the moment.
“You get 12 guaranteed opportunities,” Freeman said. “Our job is to make sure, every opportunity we get, we want to play at our full potential. I’m proud of the way we started. It’s special to be here in Dublin, Ireland, especially with these fans that are a part of Notre Dame nation. We’re going to enjoy this and then get back home.”