Billy Schrauth Is Ready For His First Start
It may have taken a bit longer than expected, but Billy Schrauth is ready to make his first career start on Notre Dame’s offensive line when the Fighting Irish host Wake Forest this Saturday. The highly touted sophomore entered fall training camp as the presumed front runner at left guard, but Pat Coogan won that job and Rocco Spindler earned the starting spot on the right side by the time camp concluded.
Irish head coach Marcus Freeman announced this week that Spindler has suffered a season-ending knee injury, giving Schrauth his long-awaited opportunity to make his starting debut.
"I’m excited for the opportunity,” Schrauth said this week. "Ready to get after it with the guys.”
Notre Dame has started the same five players on the line all season. Spindler and Coogan have been the two guards, with Zeke Correll at center, Joe Alt at left tackle and Blake Fisher at right tackle. Schrauth has played in all 10 games to this point, but most of the reps have come on special teams. His most extensive action came against Louisville and Clemson.
"Just keeping the right mindset,” Schrauth said when asked of the benefits of playing in those two games. "I have a plan, that’s the main thing I have to carry with me. I have to carry my plan with me, and I have to use it and it’s going to work. I know it will work. It works, and it does work. You know what I mean? You put that together with my teammates, my coaches. I love to work with these guys next to me.”
Like Schrauth, Spindler had to wait for his starting opportunity, too. Spindler was ranked as the No. 1 offensive guard prospect out of high school but played in a reserve role for two years before earning the starting job out of camp this season. Schrauth has leaned on Spindler for help as he preps for his first start.
"Rocco’s been great, too,” Schrauth indicated. "I talk to Rocco pretty much every day, asking him questions, asking him anything – about life, about ball. He’s really helpful. Great teammate.”
Schrauth was heavily recruited out of Saint Mary’s Springs High School in Campbellsport, Wis. He was ranked as the No. 3 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 3 player in Wisconsin and was recruited by current Irish offensive line coach Joe Rudolph, who was Wisconsin’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 2015-2021. He’s reunited with Rudolph after playing for Harry Hiestand for a year.
"Coach (Rudolph) is a great man,” Schrauth proclaimed. "I learn a lot from Coach every day. He’s great for our group. He’s a great fit for our group. I kind of knew that when I heard his name was in the mix for possible candidates. I was just fired up to see him.
"I think every coach has their different steps they teach, fundamentals, techniques,” Schrauth continued. "But I think the one thing that stays the same with this program is our tradition, especially in that O-line room. It’s something we talk about every day. We talk about being together. That’s been instilled for as long as I can remember watching the Notre Dame offensive line. If you think about it, we represent more than just us. We represent all the guys who wore these jerseys before us. That’s what I try to carry with me every time I step out on the practice field or any field.”
Schrauth may not be the only new starter on the Irish line after Saturday’s game kicks off. Center Zeke Correll entered the week in concussion protocol. If he can’t go this week Ashton Craig is expected to make his first start as well next to Schrauth.
"I think it’s big,” Schrauth said of his first chance to start. "Either way it’s an opportunity, and that’s the way I have to look at it. I’m excited to grab this opportunity and get after it.”
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