The linebacker coach at Notre Dame, Max Bullough, highlights Jaylen Sneed’s development, technique, and football IQ in his recent progress
Notre Dame football has long been known for its strong defensive units, with linebacker play often being the centerpiece of the team’s success. The linebacker position is one of the most crucial on the field, requiring a blend of speed, strength, intelligence, and leadership. The Fighting Irish have produced numerous standout linebackers throughout their storied history, and with each new season, there’s always anticipation surrounding the next player who will step up and become a leader on defense. For the 2025 season, Jaylen Sneed is emerging as one of those players, and much of his recent growth can be attributed to the guidance of Notre Dame’s linebacker coach, Max Bullough.
Bullough, who joined Notre Dame’s coaching staff with an impressive background in both college and professional football, has been instrumental in shaping the development of the team’s linebackers. Under his tutelage, Sneed has made significant strides, impressing coaches, teammates, and fans alike. His development is a testament to the effectiveness of Bullough’s coaching style, which emphasizes not only physical conditioning but also football intelligence, technique, and leadership qualities.
This article will take an in-depth look at the progress Jaylen Sneed has made under Max Bullough’s guidance, exploring the key areas of Sneed’s development, the impact of Bullough’s coaching philosophy, and what fans can expect from this rising star in the coming seasons.
Jaylen Sneed: A Promising Talent
Before diving into the specific details of Jaylen Sneed’s development under Bullough, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate Sneed’s potential and the promise he showed from the moment he arrived at Notre Dame. A highly-touted recruit, Sneed had the pedigree and skill set to make an immediate impact. His combination of size, speed, and football instincts made him an ideal fit for the linebacker position at Notre Dame.
Coming out of high school, Sneed was known for his quickness, athleticism, and ability to cover ground. He had a reputation for being a sideline-to-sideline player, capable of tracking down ball carriers and disrupting plays in the backfield. His versatility as a linebacker allowed him to contribute in multiple ways, whether it was stopping the run, covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game, or rushing the quarterback. He was one of the top recruits in his class, and Notre Dame fans were eager to see how he would develop within the Fighting Irish system.
However, like many young players, Sneed faced the challenges that come with transitioning from high school to college football. The speed of the game was faster, the competition was tougher, and the mental demands of the linebacker position were greater. In his early years at Notre Dame, Sneed showed flashes of brilliance but also needed time to refine his skills and adjust to the college game.
Max Bullough’s Coaching Philosophy: Focus on Development
Max Bullough, who joined Notre Dame as linebacker coach, brought with him a wealth of experience. Bullough had a successful career as a linebacker at Michigan State, earning accolades as one of the top players at his position in the Big Ten and eventually moving on to play in the NFL with the Houston Texans. His deep understanding of the linebacker position, combined with his experience in both college and professional football, made him an ideal fit for a program like Notre Dame, which consistently produces top-tier linebackers.
Bullough’s coaching philosophy centers around developing well-rounded, intelligent linebackers who are capable of excelling in all facets of the game. He believes that linebackers must be strong, fast, and physical, but also mentally sharp. For Bullough, understanding the game and being able to read offenses is just as important as physical talent. His approach emphasizes a balance between physical conditioning, football IQ, and technique.
One of the key tenets of Bullough’s coaching style is the importance of mental preparation. Bullough works closely with his linebackers to help them read plays, understand offensive schemes, and anticipate what the opposing team is going to do before the ball is snapped. He encourages his players to develop a deep understanding of the game, which helps them play faster and with more confidence. Bullough also stresses the importance of leadership and accountability, urging his linebackers to be vocal on the field and take charge of the defense.
Jaylen Sneed’s Development Under Max Bullough
Since Max Bullough took over as Notre Dame’s linebacker coach, Jaylen Sneed has made significant progress in several key areas of his game. Bullough’s coaching philosophy has had a profound impact on Sneed’s development, helping him refine his technique, improve his football IQ, and elevate his leadership abilities.
- Improved Technique and Fundamentals
One of the most noticeable improvements in Sneed’s game has been his technique. Bullough places a heavy emphasis on proper fundamentals, and Sneed has made tremendous strides in this area. While Sneed’s natural athleticism and talent were always evident, Bullough has helped him refine the technical aspects of playing linebacker, such as tackling technique, hand placement, and footwork.
As a linebacker, the ability to shed blockers, maintain proper leverage, and stay balanced while engaging in tackles is critical. Under Bullough’s guidance, Sneed has become more consistent in these areas. His tackling technique has improved, making him a more reliable player in the open field. Additionally, Bullough has worked with Sneed to enhance his ability to read plays and react quickly, which has helped him be more effective in pass coverage and when defending against the run.
- Football IQ: Understanding the Game
Max Bullough is known for his emphasis on football IQ, and it’s clear that this focus has paid off in Sneed’s development. One of the key aspects of playing linebacker at a high level is the ability to read offenses and anticipate plays before they unfold. Under Bullough’s tutelage, Sneed has grown significantly in this area, learning how to diagnose plays faster and make better decisions on the fly.
Sneed’s improved ability to read offensive formations, recognize the tendencies of opposing teams, and react accordingly has made him a much more effective linebacker. He’s now able to predict where the ball is going and position himself to make plays before they happen. This mental preparation has allowed Sneed to play with more confidence and play faster, as he no longer has to hesitate or second-guess himself.
Bullough also emphasizes the importance of film study, and Sneed has fully embraced this aspect of the game. By analyzing film and breaking down opposing offenses, Sneed has been able to identify weaknesses and tendencies that help him anticipate plays. This extra mental preparation has made Sneed a more instinctual player and one who can make plays in critical situations.
- Leadership and Accountability
Another area where Sneed has made noticeable progress is in his leadership and accountability on the field. While Sneed’s natural talent and work ethic have always been evident, he’s also grown into a more vocal and authoritative presence in the linebacker corps. Under Bullough’s guidance, Sneed has learned to take on more responsibility and lead by example.
Bullough emphasizes the importance of communication and leadership on defense, and Sneed has fully embraced these responsibilities. As a linebacker, Sneed is often the player responsible for making adjustments and ensuring that the defense is aligned properly. He has become more vocal in calling out protections, making sure his teammates are on the same page, and directing traffic on the field.
Bullough has also worked with Sneed to develop his leadership off the field. He encourages his players to mentor younger teammates and lead by example in terms of work ethic, discipline, and accountability. Sneed has fully taken on this role, becoming a mentor for the younger linebackers and a player that his teammates look up to.
- Physical Conditioning and Versatility
While football IQ and technique are essential, no linebacker is successful without the necessary physical attributes. Bullough has worked with Sneed to ensure that he continues to develop his physical conditioning, which allows him to compete at the highest level. Sneed has improved his strength, speed, and agility, all of which are critical for a linebacker in today’s fast-paced college football landscape.
Sneed’s versatility is another area where he has thrived under Bullough’s coaching. As a linebacker, Sneed has the ability to play multiple positions, whether it’s as an inside linebacker, an outside linebacker, or even in pass-rush situations. His size, speed, and athleticism allow him to excel in various roles, and Bullough has tailored Sneed’s training to make sure he is prepared for any situation. This adaptability makes Sneed a more valuable player, as he can contribute in a variety of ways.
What to Expect from Jaylen Sneed in 2025
As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame fans can expect big things from Jaylen Sneed. With his improved technique, football IQ, leadership, and physical conditioning, Sneed is poised to take on a much larger role in the defense. Under Bullough’s tutelage, Sneed has developed into one of the top linebackers on the team, and he will be expected to contribute in a variety of ways.
Sneed’s ability to make plays in the open field, cover tight ends and running backs, and rush the passer will be invaluable to the Fighting Irish defense. As a leader, he will be tasked with helping to organize the defense and communicate effectively with his teammates. With his improved understanding of the game and his leadership qualities, Sneed has the potential to be one of the most impactful linebackers in the country in 2025.
