Jaden Greathouse aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming national championship game.
With just 4:38 left in the Orange Bowl, Penn State was leading Notre Dame 24-17 when Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard delivered a game-tying 54-yard touchdown to Greathouse. Lining up in the slot, Greathouse skillfully dodged a defender, caught the pass, and evaded another would-be tackler, gliding into the end zone without resistance.
“That game was definitely a confidence booster for sure,” Greathouse shared this week.
In the locker room, teammates affectionately referred to Greathouse as “one of one,” inspired by a recent album from rapper Gunna. However, Nicole Giles, Greathouse’s mother, missed all the excitement from her seat in the Orange Bowl, opting to keep her head down and eyes shielded.
“I couldn’t watch because I was so nervous,” Giles told FOX Sports, chuckling. “It may sound crazy, but every time I looked away, they made a great play. I’m superstitious, so I stuck with that strategy through the second half.”
“As if anything I do influences the game,” she added. “I know it doesn’t, but I guess I’m a bit of a lunatic.”
Cornerback Christian Gray, also a part of Notre Dame’s 2023 recruiting class alongside Greathouse, intercepted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar later in the fourth quarter. After regaining possession, Greathouse made a vital 10-yard catch on a third-and-3, setting up kicker Mitch Jeter for a 41-yard game-winning field goal. Now, the Fighting Irish prepare to face a formidable Ohio State squad in the CFP National Championship game on January 20 in Atlanta.
Leonard, in his inaugural season at Notre Dame after transferring from Duke, has showcased remarkable strength and resilience as a runner, integral to the Fighting Irish’s offensive strategy this year. While Notre Dame boasts a top 15 rushing attack, averaging 210.8 yards per game, they struggle with their passing game, ranking 102nd nationally at 194.3 YPG. This receiver-by-committee approach explains why no player prior to Greathouse had surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Greathouse has a knack for making clutch plays, a skill he has demonstrated repeatedly.
Greathouse’s high school career includes three consecutive Texas state championships with Westlake in Austin from 2019 to 2021. In his junior year, he helped Westlake defeat Denton Guyer 40-21, recording seven receptions for a state title record of 236 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the title of Offensive MVP.
Giles didn’t witness that entire game either. She and Greathouse’s younger sister, Riley, strolled around AT&T Stadium to distract themselves. The game was tightly contested, with Denton Guyer leading 14-13 at halftime. However, Greathouse later caught two impressive touchdowns of 69 and 71 yards from future Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in the second half.
“We could hear cheers,” Giles recalled. “Once it felt safe, I watched again.”
As the national championship game approaches, Greathouse is eager to build on his impressive performance from the Orange Bowl. If Leonard can connect with him, Greathouse has consistently proven himself as a game-changer. His mother fondly remembers his first catch for Notre Dame, a 35-yard touchdown during last year’s season opener against Navy in Ireland.
“He was the MVP in the state championship game, which is the pinnacle of Texas high school football,” Westlake head coach Tony Salazar told FOX Sports. “He thrives in big moments, and I hope he can deliver again to help his team succeed.”
“He has the skill and toughness to rise to the occasion, but it won’t be easy. There will be tight windows and contested catches. Ohio State is a strong opponent, just as Notre Dame is. He exudes confidence, and it shows in his play.”
Reflecting on Greathouse’s high school journey, Salazar noted that he was the first freshman to make the varsity team in Salazar’s 11 years as head coach.
Before his freshman year, Greathouse was the starting receiver on Westlake’s 7-on-7 team, which won the summer league championship. He continued to start for four years, was voted captain as a senior, and contributed to the team’s impressive 54-game winning streak.
Salazar emphasized that Greathouse exemplifies an athlete who “practices how he plays,” a quality that is not always found in sports. Even as an eighth grader, Greathouse displayed the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact.
“He can make those incredible catches,” Salazar remarked. “He has the ability to catch over defenders and through traffic. He’s physically impressive, with strong legs and broad shoulders. He rarely drops passes; I can’t recall a moment where he let a ball slip away in practice or games. His hands are exceptional.”
Greathouse inherited some of his athletic traits from his parents, both of whom were college athletes. Giles, who coaches girls’ sports at Westlake, once stepped in as her son’s middle school basketball coach, but it was a one-time event. “We had a disagreement, and it didn’t end well,” she laughed. Greathouse’s uncle, Oscar Giles, currently serves as the defensive line coach at Houston and has previously worked on staff at Texas.
“He was raised by a coach and understands the value of hard work and that there are no shortcuts,” Salazar said. “He practices at full speed every day, never waiting for game day to show his best. That dedication is a key reason for his current success.”
Greathouse has been refining the moves he showcased against the two Penn State defenders during that pivotal fourth-quarter drive.
“I’ll take credit for making one of them fall,” Greathouse said with a grin. “It’s something I practice daily, both in the offseason and during the season, working on different releases. During the game, I adjusted my moves based on what worked against them and seized the opportunity.”
As the CFP title game approaches, Giles feels the familiar nerves again. She remains undecided about whether she will need to avert her eyes or keep her head down on Monday, but she plans to be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium regardless.
Greathouse’s self-assurance was evident this week when he received an encouraging text from Westlake offensive coordinator Kirk Rogers, who previously coached the wide receivers.
“Go get it, go finish it,” the message read. Greathouse’s response? “You already know.”
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