Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman comments on opt-out decisions from Kyle Hamilton, Kyren Williams
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is supporting the decisions of Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams to opt out of the Fiesta Bowl and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hamilton and Williams announced those intentions earlier this weekend. Hamilton is projected to be a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft and Williams could be one of the first running backs off the board if he has a good pre-draft process.
Freeman addressed their choices on Sunday afternoon.
“I support them 100 percent,” Freeman said.
Marcus Freeman on Kyle Hamilton and Kyren Williams bypassing the bowl game to turn pro.
"I support them 100 percent … Those are special guys."
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) December 12, 2021
The decision to opt out of the bowl game continues a growing trend of players who believe their draft stock is secure.
Hamilton has been one of the most productive safeties in the country during his time at Notre Dame. He finishes his college career with 8 interceptions and 16 pass deflections. He’s been out since October with an injury.
Likewise, Williams was one of the most prolific running backs in recent Notre Dame history. He just turned in back-to-back seasons with 1,300+ all purpose yards and scored 31 touchdowns in the last two years.
Despite the opt outs, Freeman insisted that Notre Dame isn’t treating this like a “charity game.”
Marcus Freeman: “This isn’t a charity game. This isn’t a ‘Hey, get the young guys ready for next year.’”
Asked if Notre Dame would rotate more in the Fiesta Bowl because it’s not for a championship.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) December 12, 2021
Notre Dame faces Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1.