Newsstand: Notre Dame LB JD Bertrand named Campbell Award Finalist

JD Bertrand is not just Notre Dame’s leading tackler. He’s also one of the most intelligent players in the program — and in the country, too.

Bertrand was recently named one of 16 finalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy given annually to the individual who is the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Bertrand will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship with a chance to have that bumped to $25,000 when the winner is announced at an awards dinner in Las Vegas on Dec. 5.

A fifth-year graduate student, Bertrand had a 3.62 GPA as a marketing major before embarking on a master’s in business analytics. Bertrand was an Eagle Scout before arriving at Notre Dame and since getting there he has played an integral role in giving back to the South Bend community.

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On the field, Bertrand led Notre Dame with 101 total tackles in 2021 and 82 in 2022. Through eight games in 2023, he ranked first on the roster with 52. He’s a two-year team captain who has been a rock in the middle of the Notre Dame season since being elevated to starting status in the 2021 season opener at Florida State.

Notre Dame tweets of the day

Head coach Marcus Freeman is fired up for Bertrand.

Let’s go JD!!!

What an honor for you to be recognized as a finalist—now go win that Academic Heisman! https://t.co/XmBWnGyeYu
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) October 25, 2023

Athletics director Jack Swarbrick had some fun with breaking the news to Bertrand.

Director of athletics Jack Swarbrick wanted to be the first to congratulate JD Bertrand on being named a Campbell Trophy finalist.

We had a little fun first 😂

Congrats JD ☘️#GoIrish☘️ | @NFFNetwork pic.twitter.com/3gEvXf2Jtl
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 25, 2023

The Irish had Caleb Williams on lock.

Nana Osafo-Mensah said he could tell the Notre Dame defense got in USC QB Caleb Williams' head during the Irish's 48-20 beatdown of the Trojans.

This Jaylen Sneed sack confirmed it to him.

"That’s when we really knew we had him on lock for sure. From that point, it was all us.” pic.twitter.com/6jpjnZWyP5
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) October 25, 2023

Quote of the day

“I think this group is working the hardest I’ve ever been a part of. They’re really competitive. Our gym is competitive. We were always competitive in the past, but this year, this group, I just love the competitive atmosphere that they’ve created.”

— Irish women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey