Notre Dame freshman safety Tae Johnson will be sidelined for an extended period due to a foot injury he sustained during practice, as reported by the university.
The Fort Wayne native underwent surgery last week to address a fifth metatarsal injury with Dr. Thomas Bemenderfer.
Johnson, who played multiple positions in high school, received positive feedback from the Notre Dame coaching staff during fall camp.
Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden remarked that the 6-foot-2, 175-pound player was progressing well.
“Tae has made significant strides,” Golden said. “He’s dedicated to improving and really cares about his development. It can be a challenge for young players, but we’re focused on building for the long term.”
Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens also expressed optimism about Johnson’s performance in fall camp, noting his athleticism as he became more comfortable in his role.
“He’s coming along really well,” Mickens stated. “He’s a fast learner and very athletic. This is his 13th practice, and he’s starting to hit his stride and fully grasp the defense, schemes, and techniques. I’m very pleased with his progress so far.”
With several experienced players, including All-American Xavier Watts, ahead of him, Johnson likely wouldn’t have been in the regular rotation this season. However, the main impact of his injury will be the valuable practice time he will miss, which was crucial for him to master the position ahead of spring ball.
“He’s done a great job,” noted defensive backs assistant Mary Biagi. “He’s had a strong camp, and we’re really impressed with his performance. Learning the playbook remains a priority, and he made significant progress in fall camp while also excelling on special teams.”
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