Notre Dame Football Exit Interviews: Joe Schmidt

Joe Schmidt may not have been the most talented linebacker to ever play for Notre Dame, but he will be sorely missed in terms of his leadership and passion.

Considering the 2015-2016 college football season has finally come to a close and underclassmen have officially declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, Slap the Sign presents its “Exit Interviews,” where we review the players leaving the program, what they’re leaving behind and taking with them, and how Notre Dame plans on replacing their production and experience.

Joe Schmidt, MLB

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) pauses as he leaves the field following the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Production at ND

Everyone knows the story (because sports broadcasters made a point to mention it multiple times per game). Joe Schmidt was an undersized walk-on possessing limited talent but also wielding unlimited heart, effort, and passion when he joined the program in 2011. He broke into the spotlight in 2013 during an ugly USC game, when he made a crucial pass break-up in the 4th quarter to help seal the game. At the time, he was a backup middle linebacker called into action because of injuries, previously seeing time on special teams and in garbage time on defense.

By the beginning of the 2014 season, he had not only earned a scholarship, but also had earned the starting middle linebacker position, displaying incredible determination and intelligence that led to new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder relying on Schmidt as his “quarterback” of the defense, making reads and lining up teammates before each snap. Schmidt played very well in 2014, especially considering fans’ expectations for a walk-on starting middle linebacker, and when he went down with a season-ending injury after 8 games, he was leading the team in total tackles (65) as well as solo tackles (42). He forced a fumble against Michigan and intercepted Jameis Winston, and the defense fell apart when he was injured and less experienced linebackers were forced into action.

In 2015, Schmidt entered the season as a captain with heightened expectations following his strong 2014 season, and various limitations in his game came to light as his small size and lack of speed certainly hindered him. However, he still put together a very productive final season, recording 78 tackles (second on the team), 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a big interception in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

What His Departure Means

I was as big of a critic of Schmidt as anyone last season, and have to admit I am eager to see better athletes in the middle of the defense next season. However, his leadership and knowledge of the game were unparalleled on the Notre Dame team, and VanGorder’s complex defensive scheme necessitated that Schmidt be on the field in order to get the defense aligned correctly. In that regard, there will be a glaring hole on the defensive side of the ball, as the unit loses Schmidt (along with fellow captains Jaylon Smith and Sheldon Day), and young, inexperienced players now must step into leadership roles.

Joe Schmidt was vocal and passionate and clearly an important piece of the 2015 Irish team. His departure will be interesting, but does offer the defense the opportunity to get bigger, faster, and more athletic.

Who Will Step In?

The first name to come to mind has to be rising junior Nyles Morgan. Dubbed as the next big thing (he was named a Freshman All-American after filling in when Schmidt went down in 2014) and one of the best defensive recruits Notre Dame had gotten since Manti Te’o, Morgan has disappointed fans so far with his inability to permanently get on the field and supplant Schmidt. He has all of the size and speed one wants to see in a middle linebacker, but for some reason he hasn’t yet been able to put it all together. Now, as a junior, he will have the chance to really step up his game and earn the spot.

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Other linebackers are certainly possibilities here (considering Morgan’s lack of grabbing-the-reins so far), including classmate Greer Martini and rising sophomores Josh Barajas and Asmar Bilal. Martini has looked pretty solid in the time he has gotten in 2014 and 2015, and could definitely push Morgan for time if coaches decide they want Martini inside instead of outside. Barajas and Bilal came in as highly-rated linebackers in last year’s freshman class, but neither has made their presence known on the defensive side of the ball yet in the early part of their careers. Look for Morgan to likely gain the starting nod, but for Martini, Barajas, Bilal, and maybe even incoming freshman Jonathan Jones, to really push him for the spot.

Favorite Personal Memory from Player’s Career

Without question, Joe Schmidt’s interception of Jameis Winston in Tallahassee last season was one to remember. Schmidt had only just begun to curry the favor of Irish fans, and many believed this was the game he would be exposed as a slow walk-on who couldn’t keep up with talent that the likes of Florida State had on their roster.

He didn’t play a perfect game, but he played well and the defense did a solid job containing Winston and an explosive Seminoles offense. Early in the second quarter, Everett Golson was hit as he threw in Florida State territory, leading to an interception. The very next play, Winston had Jarron Jones, Romeo Okwara, and Isaac Rochell bearing down on him as he ran backwards, and tossed a desperation heave into the arms of a leaping Joe Schmidt, who brought in the huge momentum-swinging interception that would lead to a Notre Dame touchdown a few plays later, taking the lead 14-7.

As I said all season, it was unfortunate that Joe Schmidt was so limited physically, because his desire and leadership were unmatched (cue the Rudy quotes). Additionally, despite his flaws that led to some big plays from opponents this season, Schmidt contributed his fair share of fantastic plays during important moments, and considering where he started his college football career, that alone is pretty outstanding. That fact, along with his ability to do that weird screaming thing before each game (watch the Showtime series if you don’t know what I’m talking about), will leave me always fondly remembering Schmidt and his Irish career.

Next: Exit Interview: Jaylon Smith

So thank you, Joe, for all of the blood, sweat, and tears you put into playing football at Notre Dame. You were a fantastic leader and teammate and representative of the University, and it’s pretty obvious you will be a wild success in whatever path you choose to take next.

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