Before we talk about Freeman’s current situation at Notre Dame let’s take a step back and see how Freeman got here. Marcus Freeman has had a football journey in Americas Heartland. Born in Huber Heights, a southern city in Ohio. He played both High School and college football in the state of Ohio (Wayne High School) and (Ohio State). Playing as a Linebacker, he placed himself in Ohio State lore. Putting his name at 19th all time for tackles in the Buckeyes rich football tradition.
Freeman was drafted in the 5th round by the Chicago Bears in 2009 NFL draft. Unfortunately for Freeman, he would only last a few months with the Bears. Moving on he joined the Bills and then the Texans never finding a true NFL home. After one year he would eventually call it a playing career due to an enlarged heart. Freeman would go back to his Alma Mater as a Graduate Assistant at Ohio State. After one year with the Buckeyes he would take his talents North, becoming the Kent State Linebackers coach. Freeman started his coaching career in 2011.
Freeman would spend only one year with the Golden Flashes and move on to the Boilermakers of Purdue. Spending the next four years with the Boilermakers he would be promoted in just two years to co-defensive coordinator. In 2016 Freeman would leave Purdue for Cincinnati. He would join Luke Fickell’s staff as Defensive Coordinator (Fickel also a former Buckeye). Freeman would turn the Bearcats defense not only into a top Defense in the AAC but the NCAA to boot. While at Cincinnati Freeman would have numerous teams want his services. Michigan State, Ohio State, LSU and the Tennessee Titans. He would turn down all of them and accept the vacant Defensive Coordinator position at Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish are putting together one of the best recruiting classes fans have seen in a long time. In part due to Marcus Freeman. Since becoming Defensive Coordinator the Irish have added 7 Defensive 4 star recruits. Two of the 4 star recruits in back to back weeks (Morrison and Sneed) last week and the week before. The Freeman Factor is in full effect as Notre Dame Country is seeing the hard work and dedication that Freeman brings pay off. His energy and charisma is attracting recruits to Notre Dame over other big name programs. Programs such as Oklahoma, Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State and SC. Although he hasn’t shown anything at Notre Dame (Since the Irish haven’t played a game yet) his track record and success speak for themselves. It is a very exciting time in Notre Dame Country.