Charlie Partridge brings NFL experience, violent mindset to Notre Dame defensive line

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s defensive line has a new voice leading the room this fall, and Charlie Partridge is already putting his stamp on the group.

Partridge joined the Irish after spending the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Before his time in the NFL, he spent five seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, where he coached future NFL star J.J. Watt.

Partridge said his return to the college game has not disappointed. The transition has moved quickly, with roughly 90% of the defensive line playbook already installed. Partridge credited what he called an “army of people” around the program for helping him adjust to Notre Dame.

With the system largely in place, the focus now turns to developing depth and refining a talented front.

Boubacar Traore enters the season as one of the leaders of that group after finishing last year with a team-high 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Traore said he spent the offseason absorbing as much NFL feedback as possible and is now adding lessons from Partridge, particularly with how he attacks blocks and expands his pass-rush arsenal.

Bryce Young is taking a similar step forward. After recording 20 tackles and two sacks last season, Young said Partridge has helped him better understand the reasoning behind each technique and how to set up opposing offensive linemen.

That attention to detail has been paired with one consistent message throughout the defensive line room: play fast, physical and violent.

“Leave no doubt, relentless effort, violence — I really can’t stress it more,” Young said. “Coach says clarity equals velocity, so we’re going to get out there and play fast and violent.”

Traore echoed that approach too.

“Violent and fast,” Traore said. “I just want us to play clear-minded and physical and just focus on our keys and playing through the whistle and playing through our men.”

Traore said he can already feel the difference, describing the defensive front as more physical and aggressive than it was a year ago.

With an experienced group returning and Partridge bringing lessons directly from the NFL, Notre Dame’s defensive line has high expectations for Saturdays.