Notre Dame Lands Transfer Defensive Back Rod Heard II

Notre Dame has added another talented player to its 2024 portal class by landing a commitment from Northwestern defensive back Rod Heard II. Heard received offers from Notre Dame, Michigan and Michigan State after entering the transfer portal, but the Fighting Irish ultimately won this battle.

Heard was a two-year starter for the Wildcats. In 2023, the Michigan native racked up 85 tackles, four tackles for loss, broke up four passes and picked off a pass. Heard also forced a pair of fumbles, and following the season he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.

During the 2022 season, Heard racked up 67 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, two break ups and a forced fumble. His first full year in the rotation was the 2021 season, and during that season he racked up 31 tackles, three tackles for loss, broke up a pass and forced two more fumbles.

Heard finished his Northwestern career with 194 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass break ups and five forced fumbles.

A nickel player for Northwestern, the 5-11, 190-pound rising sixth-year senior is being recruited to play safety for Notre Dame. His game is much better suited for that position. Heard played a lot of zone in the slot for Northwestern, and he wasn't a strong man cover player. He was a strong tackler for the Wildcats, and he is a smart, heady football player. Combined with his strength and build, those traits make him a much better suited player for the safety position.

Heard is the eighth player to commit to Notre Dame in the transfer portal for the 2024 season. He joins quarterback Riley Leonard, wide receiver Kris Mitchell, wide receiver Beaux Collins, defensive end R.J. Oben, nickel Jordan Clark, kick returner/wide receiver Jayden Harrison and place kicker Mitch Jeter.

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2023 Football Schedule

Notre Dame 2024 Scholarship Offers

2024 Commit Rankings - Offense
2024 Commit Rankings - Defense

2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Offense
2024 Recruiting Class Grades - Defense

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