Notre Dame has gone back into the state of Virginia for another big transfer portal pickup, this time landing Virginia Tech safety Jalen Stroman.
Notre Dame wanted safety help in the portal and Stroman gives them one of the better safeties in the portal.
Stroman’s college career was supposed to be over after the 2024 season, but a shoulder injury in the season opener against Vanderbilt forced him to the miss the season. Instead of returning to Virginia Tech, Stroman entered the portal and will head to Notre Dame for his final season.
The 6-1, 200-pound safety racked up 55 tackles in 2023, finishing third on the Hokie defense. He also added two tackles for loss and broke up two passes.
In 2022 – his first in the starting lineup – Stroman made 43 tackles, which was fourth on the Virginia Tech defense.
He made a career-high 14 tackles in a 2023 loss to Purdue, had 11 tackles in a loss to Miami in 2022 and also registered 10 tackles in a 2023 loss to Florida State.
Stroman played all over for Virginia Tech. Although he was a true safety, he was asked to play in the box, line up in the slot and play over the top. That’s what Notre Dame asks its safeties to do.
Unlike Rod Heard II – who was a key part of the Irish secondary in 2024 – Stroman comes to Notre Dame with experience playing the safety position, whereas Heard was a converted nickel.
Notre Dame will have to replace Heard and All-American safety Xavier Watts next season. Stroman adds much-needed experience and depth to the position. The Irish do return standout Adon Shuler, who is expected to be one of Notre Dame’s top players next season.
Rising junior Luke Talich, rising sophomore Brauntae Johnson and true freshman JaDon Blair will all battle with Stroman for a spot in the depth chart. As we saw this season, Notre Dame will play at least three safeties in the regular rotation, and the staff would ideally like to have four safeties ready to go each week.
