When Sam Pendleton got caught in the numbers game for the Notre Dame football team and its offensive line, it's safe to say position coach Joe Rudolph was almost certainly sorry to see him go to Tennessee.
Pendleton was one of several offensive linemen who got starts for the Irish in 2024 who moved on after the season due to the amount of talent at the position and the expected return of several injured players. While Rocco Spindler went to the Big Ten and Nebraska, Pendleton chose the SEC and the Volunteers. Now, he's feeling right at home and looking like someone who could definitely plow the road for his new squad.
Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton impresses Tennessee OL coach Glen Elarbee with leadership and toughness
"He is the ultimate o-line's guy," Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee recently said about the former Notre Dame football star. "He wants everybody hanging out outside the field. He wants to be physical, wants to stay in the game technique wise and wants to take incredible notes and just be an offensive lineman."
“Now, I think that's sometimes few and far between to find somebody that enjoys the grind," Elarbee continued. "Enjoys the pain that shows up every day after practice and then does it with a smile on his face and encourages guys, like that's pretty special."
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound redshirt sophomore offensive lineman appeared in 16 games, including seven starts, at Notre Dame from 2023-24. He started seven contests for the Fighting Irish in 2024. Now he's gone on record as saying that Tennessee is his new "family" and he'll do whatever it takes to protect that family.
Since Notre Dame football won't face the Vols unless it's in the playoffs, Sam Pendleton is the kind of guy Irish fans can root for. At least until it's time for the postseason.