Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart announced this week that he will be skipping the Irish’s Sun Bowl matchup against No. 19 Oregon State to prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Hart, a graduate student and one of four Notre Dame captains this year, joins four other Irish starters bypassing the Sun Bowl. Quarterback Sam Hartman, right tackle Blake Fisher, left tackle Joe Alt, and linebacker Marist Liufau have also announced that they will not play in the Sun Bowl. The 2024 season would have been Hart’s sixth as a collegiate athlete as the 2020 COVID season did not count toward his eligibility.
Hart took to social media on X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his parting thoughts, writing: “I am profoundly grateful for the life-shaping brotherhood I found here. From the first moment on campus, I felt the power of this special place. I have forged bonds here that I know will last a lifetime. My teammates, you are my second family. We have laughed, cried, celebrated, and mourned together. We have lifted each other up during struggles and have shared countless moments of triumph as one unit. I cannot adequately express what your friendship and loyalty has meant to me.
“…My time here has shaped who I am and given me confidence to pursue my NFL dreams. As I embark on this next chapter, I will represent my Notre Dame family with integrity, grit, and humility. Though we may be apart, Notre Dame will always be my home. Wherever I go and whatever I do, I will make you proud. Forever Irish!”
Cam Hart: Heart of the Irish Defense
Hart converted from wide receiver to cornerback in 2019, his freshman season at Notre Dame. Hart started at cornerback in 2021 and ranked third in defensive snaps. Opponents completed passes at a 48.5 percent completion rate against him that year. The following year, he finished fourth in snaps, surrendering a maximum gain of only 34 yards against and 74 total yards after catch on 44 targets (22 completions). Despite undergoing shoulder surgery after the 2022 season and another in November of that year (his third surgery overall), he successfully returned to play all 12 regular season games in 2023. He finished this year’s campaign sixth in snaps, permitting just 15 completions on 28 targets, resulting in a mere 42 yards after catch and 137 total yards.
Great expectations surrounded Hart in 2023. He surpassed them. Opposing teams seldom challenged Hart, and arguably, 2023 marked the pinnacle of his college football career. He showcased his prowess as a lockdown corner in coverage. He concluded the season with impressive stats, including 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one recovered fumble. Adding to his stellar performances, he also recorded four pass breakups. Hart graduated in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters.
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