“Excited to see you shine” - Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman expresses excitement as Rams’ pick Cam Hart during 2024 NFL draft day 3
The Los Angeles Chargers made a strategic move in the 2024 NFL draft, selecting Cam Hart, a cornerback from Notre Dame, with the 140th pick. He began as a wide receiver and transitioned to defense, displaying remarkable resilience despite enduring three shoulder surgeries during his collegiate career.
Hart's former coach, Marcus Freeman, expressed his anticipation for the player's future success in an Instagram post and said:
"Congrats, Cam!!! Excited to see you shine in LA!"
Hart, at 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, hails from Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School before making his mark with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Pro Football Focus rated his coverage at an impressive 84.2%, ranking him 23rd nationally among cornerbacks with significant defensive snaps in 2023. Despite his limited interception count, Hart's prowess was evident, allowing a mere 15 completions for 137 yards in his final collegiate season. During his tenure, he conceded just three touchdown receptions.
At Notre Dame, Cam Hart caught two passes thrown by opponents. He deflected 17 other throws. He also forced three fumbles from the offense. Hart was very athletic in his physical tests. He jumped very high (39.5 inches). He jumped far (10 feet, 10 inches).
Cam Hart moved quickly (4.24 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle). His 40-yard dash took 4.5 seconds. This tied for 19th-best among cornerbacks that year. Hart played exceptionally well against Louisville and USC, standing out the most.
In these games, he earned his highest Pro Football Focus grades, showcasing his versatility by excelling in the slot corner role when required. Against USC, Hart's stellar coverage against the formidable Caleb Williams resulted in three interceptions and contributed to six sacks against the then-reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
Cam Hart: From underrated recruit to NFL prospect
Cam Hart, initially underrated as a wide receiver recruit, has experienced a remarkable ascent in his college football career. As a high school athlete, he started with just three stars. At Good Counsel in Olney, Maryland, his final season in 2018 shone bright, gathering 37 catches for 643 yards and seven touchdowns that year.
While 247Sports Composite put Hart at No. 635 overall and No. 79 among wide receivers in the 2019 class, ESPN saw him as a four-star recruit at No. 32. His rankings were varied, yet notable programs like Notre Dame, Michigan State and North Carolina pursued him.
After freshman year, Cam Hart's move to cornerback encountered obstacles due to COVID-19 disruptions. He persevered, establishing himself as a crucial defensive asset for Notre Dame. During his remaining three seasons, Hart started 32 games, displaying remarkable potential, especially in 2023, when teaming with Benjamin Morrison to form an elite cornerback pairing.