Notre Dame football lands transfer kicker Spencer Shrader

Following his official visit to check out the Notre Dame football program, Spencer Shrader, a kicker out of South Florida, has committed to play for the Irish. Transferring in from USF, Shrader is 28 of 41 in his field-goal-kicking career. He has nailed all 95 of his extra-point attempts during that time.

Last year the team brought in Blake Grupe from Arkansas State to create more competition in the kicking room during Brian Mason’s first season as the special team’s coach. However, with Grupe moving on after the Gator Bowl, the team needed to inject more veteran experience into the room. They’ll be getting just that with Shrader.

Though they have Yoakam, Bryan, and Salerno on the roster, none have had experience kicking field goals at the college level. Yoakam handled kick-offs for the Notre Dame football team this year and can do so again next season. Bryan was once heavily recruited out of California. Unfortunately, Bryan hasn’t had the success many had pictured him having in college, creating the need for more competition in the room.

https://twitter.com/_spencershrader/status/1602818537319546881

Spencer Shrader brings experience to this Notre Dame football roster.

There will undoubtedly be a kicking competition to see who handles the duties next year. Still, the Irish adding depth at the position can’t hurt. With Shrader ready to come in and compete, he’ll only boost the level of play already in place. It would be nice to see Josh Bryan regain some of his confidence after being 3rd on the depth chart this year. That said, it’s nice to know the Irish have a proven commodity at the position.

This should be the first of a few transfers this offseason. Expect coach Freeman and his staff to target a quarterback and some defensive help, especially along the front. Welcome, Spencer, and Go, Irish!