The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will, once again, take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully, we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2021 season.

#50 Rocco Spindler, OL

Rocco Spindler is a true freshman guard out of Clarkston, Michigan. One of the jewels of Notre Dame’s 2021 recruiting class, Rocco was the #59 overall player in the country, and #3 among both guards and Michiganders. His commitment on August 8, 2020 was doubly enjoyable for Notre Dame fans as he left Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines at the altar in favor of the Irish.

An absolute unit at 6’5” and 315 pounds, Spindler already possesses college-level physicality and competitive instincts. Throughout his recruitment, scouts praised his natural aggression and understanding of leverage, overpowering strength, and ability to move from the interior of the offensive line.

The Restaurant that Fits

Rocco’s

This one is too easy. If you haven’t yet tasted South Bend’s First Original Pizza, you are currently at sleeping-through-the-moon-landing levels of missing out. I don’t care if you have to fly, get there as soon as you possibly can.

In order to fully communicate the sensation one feels when eating a Rocco’s pizza, I thought I’d share a photo of what overcame me the last time I visited that wonderful restaurant.

Religious, folks. It’s a religious experience.

2021 Outlook

With his advanced physicality and interior skills, Spindler is a rarity among offensive linemen in that he may well be ready to contribute and even start in his true freshman season. Events in spring camp would seem to confirm that hypothesis, as Spindler regularly received first-team reps in practice and impressed in the Blue-Gold game. He will have to continue proving himself through fall camp, but with how well he’s been doing and two starting guard spots open fans should prepare to see a lot of Spindler, sooner rather than later.