JD

Bertrand

After redshirting the 2019 season, Bertrand (6’1/235) appeared in 11 games as a freshman but would only record 38 defensive snaps. The Alpharetta, GA native made his mark as a WLB/MLB in 2021, racking up 102 total tackles and 6.5 for loss. While he played well against the run, Bertrand allowed completions on 38-of-43 targets for 378 yards and two touchdowns. The two-time captain spent the entire 2022 campaign at SLB and accrued a team-leading 82 total tackles and 8.5 for loss to show for it. As a fifth-year senior, Bertrand made the switch to MLB and posted his best season as a run defender and pass rusher with 82.4 and 82.6 PFF grades respectively. The Notre Dame standout diagnoses the run well and finds his way to the ball, but struggles to make tackles. He is a smart coverage player but lacks the speed necessary to keep up with top-end RB/TEs. His lack of quickness could cause coverage lapses, especially in man coverage, at the NFL level. Ideally, Bertrand will land as a team’s fourth linebacker and be able to contribute on special teams immediately. Long term, he can hope to establish himself with a team and develop into their third LB.

Liufau (6'2/226) suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in practice, with the junior undergoing surgery Monday morning. During his game week press conference, HC Brian Kelly said that it was likely that the expected starter will miss the entire 2021 season. With Liufau unavailable, the expectation is that J.D. Bertrand will fill the void at WILL (weak side) linebacker. Notre Dame opens its season Sunday night at Florida State.

Bertrand (6'1/220) also was considering schools like Georgia, Wisconsin, Florida and several other high-profile schools. He’s ranked the 15th best outside linebacker by 247 Sports in their composite rankings, and the 34th best prospect in the always loaded state of Georgia. The undefeated Irish have also had an excellent recruiting season so far, with a class that ranks 10th overall per those same rankings.