2014 Spring Practice Thread
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I really like all the assistant coaches including Martin who left but Elston gets me fired up when he talks. He seems like the perfect Dline coach.
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Spring football can be used as a time for players to fully recover from injuries or to ease their way back into shape following surgery. Several Notre Dame assistants spoke with reporters Wednesday for the first time in a long time, and they addressed the condition of several recovering players.
[+] EnlargeDevin Butler
AP Photo/Chris Bernacchi
Notre Dame cornerback Devin Butler is cleared for everything but contact this spring after offseason shoulder surgery.
Defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks, on cornerback Devin Butler (offseason shoulder surgery):
"Going into the fall, we thought that (Butler and Cole Luke) would definitely be competing right now in the spring. It's obviously a setback for him, anytime you're missing a new system, and he's missing new techniques and he's actually missing that full-speed opportunity to see it vs. the offense. But I've been grabbing him after practice and working him for 10-15 minutes. He's doing all of our individual work, so he's cleared for basically everything other than contact right now. ... We want to make sure that shoulder's healed up before we put him in that. So he's coming along well, he's staying into it mentally, he's locked into our meetings, he's asking a lot of questions. So he's doing everything that you can ask a kid who's injured to do."
Cooks on safety Nicky Baratti (shoulder injury that kept him out all of 2013 season):
"A little bit different for Nicky, because he missed basically all of training camp and all of the season. So he's almost back to, just from a mental standpoint, again, new system to that freshman year. So, 'OK, how do I do this? How do I get from Point A to Point B? What is he talking about?' And again, going through that reaction phase, his comfort level's got to come when he's actually engaging wide receivers, taking on blocks, making tackles to build confidence that that shoulder's OK."
And here's defensive line coach Mike Elston on Chase Hounshell, who has missed each of the last two seasons with shoulder injuries:
"Well, it's taken Chase a little bit to feel comfortable with using his shoulder and being aggressive. I think today I finally saw a different side of him that used to be Chase, so we'll see as the rest of the spring progresses. But your third one, you're a little apprehensive at times. I think now he's starting to get a little more comfortable with it and feel better about it."
[+] EnlargeDevin Butler
AP Photo/Chris Bernacchi
Notre Dame cornerback Devin Butler is cleared for everything but contact this spring after offseason shoulder surgery.
Defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks, on cornerback Devin Butler (offseason shoulder surgery):
"Going into the fall, we thought that (Butler and Cole Luke) would definitely be competing right now in the spring. It's obviously a setback for him, anytime you're missing a new system, and he's missing new techniques and he's actually missing that full-speed opportunity to see it vs. the offense. But I've been grabbing him after practice and working him for 10-15 minutes. He's doing all of our individual work, so he's cleared for basically everything other than contact right now. ... We want to make sure that shoulder's healed up before we put him in that. So he's coming along well, he's staying into it mentally, he's locked into our meetings, he's asking a lot of questions. So he's doing everything that you can ask a kid who's injured to do."
Cooks on safety Nicky Baratti (shoulder injury that kept him out all of 2013 season):
"A little bit different for Nicky, because he missed basically all of training camp and all of the season. So he's almost back to, just from a mental standpoint, again, new system to that freshman year. So, 'OK, how do I do this? How do I get from Point A to Point B? What is he talking about?' And again, going through that reaction phase, his comfort level's got to come when he's actually engaging wide receivers, taking on blocks, making tackles to build confidence that that shoulder's OK."
And here's defensive line coach Mike Elston on Chase Hounshell, who has missed each of the last two seasons with shoulder injuries:
"Well, it's taken Chase a little bit to feel comfortable with using his shoulder and being aggressive. I think today I finally saw a different side of him that used to be Chase, so we'll see as the rest of the spring progresses. But your third one, you're a little apprehensive at times. I think now he's starting to get a little more comfortable with it and feel better about it."
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Of all the new things Notre Dame’s defensive linemen have to add to their repertoire this spring, assistant coach Mike Elston wants an aggressive and dominant attitude to be the top priority.
Defensive line coach Mike Elston excepts his group to be more aggressive in 2014.
Elston is charged with teaching his defensive line group a new approach as the Irish transform from a 3-4 defense into a predominantly four-down unit. The change comes with new technique and new jobs for many of Elston’s players, but he said at the moment their youth is a bigger obstacle to overcome than any schematic changes.
“We’re young. There are guys that have not played defensive line before that are in the two-deep,” he said. “It’s just a matter of reps and them understanding how we play. There’s a long way to go.”
The “how” for Elston at this point is more about fostering a “dominant” attitude than the ins and outs of actual execution.
Under former defensive coordinator Bob Diaco Notre Dame’s defensive linemen were tasked with patrolling multiple gaps on each play. Players were asked to react to opponents to figure out where they were headed at the snap of the ball, moving side-to-side more than charging forward. This season the defense allows the linemen to get up the field faster — a habit that Elston is sill trying to drill into his group after a month of spring practice.
The coach said the new defense, led by new coordinator Brian VanGorder, naturally lends itself to a more aggressive mindset, but he has always coached his players to play that way even in the 3-4 scheme of past years. The emphasis on aggression is more a result of attrition. Potential first-round picks Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix leave big voids in experience and confidence. The Irish also lost senior Kona Schwenke, who added criticial depth to several spots at the line of scrimmage, and Prince Shembo, who worked as a rush end in passing situations.
“We’ve got a lot of key guys that we’ve gotta replace,” Elston said. “Each guy’s game is a little bit different. If they took anything from them it’s the dominating spirit. We’re trying to get like Louis Nix, when he took the field he was going to try to dominate you. We need to get that consistently from the guys.”
Elston has tried to foster that growth by going head-to-head with the offensive line as much as possible in practice and stressing the importance of winning each drill. He said several new players stepping into key roles — like Jarron Jones at defensive tackle and defensive end Ishaq Williams — have made good strides in picking up that spirit during the past month.
He compared the teaching process this spring to what he and the rest of the staff had to do when they first arrived in 2010.
“There was a little bit of experience there with Ian Williams and Ethan Johnson. [Kapron Lewis-Moore] was a young guy at the time learning how to play aggressive. There’s always a few guys like [current junior Sheldon Day], who you can hang your hat on and the other guys have to come along,” Elston said.
Most major schematic changes require coaching staffs to shoehorn their players into uncomfortable positions for a couple years until they can recruit personnel that fit the strategy. That’s not the case at Notre Dame. Head coach Brian Kelly said the Irish were trying to move to more of a four-man front even before losing Diaco to the head-coaching job at Connecticut in December.
Notre Dame’s most recent recruiting class reflects that attitude with several players who are well-suited to play roles in the 4-3 aggressive approach early in their careers. Elston said this season he’ll be able to prepare some of those freshmen for specific jobs so they can contribute to the defense in the fall. He said he’s already been impressed with what early enrollee Andrew Trumbetti has added this spring.
“There are conversations about what guys can do being specific,” he said. “I think all of them are going to add a value to us in some way. The guys that as you watch their video you can pinpoint guys that will have the potential to possibly do that.”
Several older players could also benefit from tweaks to their position. Day, Notre Dame’s most experienced returning lineman, will slide inside as a defensive tackle. Elston said he might be a bit undersized for that role, but his skillset matches up well with what he’ll be asked to do inside. The same goes for senior Chase Hounshell and sophomore Jacob Matuska.
At the end position, players like senior Ishaq Williams and junior Romeo Okwara can take advantage of their speed to help generate a better pass rush than they were able to as outside linebacker in past seasons. Elston said both have progressed well during the spring. Like the rest of the group, their first objective is to learn to play aggressive.
Defensive line coach Mike Elston excepts his group to be more aggressive in 2014.
Elston is charged with teaching his defensive line group a new approach as the Irish transform from a 3-4 defense into a predominantly four-down unit. The change comes with new technique and new jobs for many of Elston’s players, but he said at the moment their youth is a bigger obstacle to overcome than any schematic changes.
“We’re young. There are guys that have not played defensive line before that are in the two-deep,” he said. “It’s just a matter of reps and them understanding how we play. There’s a long way to go.”
The “how” for Elston at this point is more about fostering a “dominant” attitude than the ins and outs of actual execution.
Under former defensive coordinator Bob Diaco Notre Dame’s defensive linemen were tasked with patrolling multiple gaps on each play. Players were asked to react to opponents to figure out where they were headed at the snap of the ball, moving side-to-side more than charging forward. This season the defense allows the linemen to get up the field faster — a habit that Elston is sill trying to drill into his group after a month of spring practice.
The coach said the new defense, led by new coordinator Brian VanGorder, naturally lends itself to a more aggressive mindset, but he has always coached his players to play that way even in the 3-4 scheme of past years. The emphasis on aggression is more a result of attrition. Potential first-round picks Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix leave big voids in experience and confidence. The Irish also lost senior Kona Schwenke, who added criticial depth to several spots at the line of scrimmage, and Prince Shembo, who worked as a rush end in passing situations.
“We’ve got a lot of key guys that we’ve gotta replace,” Elston said. “Each guy’s game is a little bit different. If they took anything from them it’s the dominating spirit. We’re trying to get like Louis Nix, when he took the field he was going to try to dominate you. We need to get that consistently from the guys.”
Elston has tried to foster that growth by going head-to-head with the offensive line as much as possible in practice and stressing the importance of winning each drill. He said several new players stepping into key roles — like Jarron Jones at defensive tackle and defensive end Ishaq Williams — have made good strides in picking up that spirit during the past month.
He compared the teaching process this spring to what he and the rest of the staff had to do when they first arrived in 2010.
“There was a little bit of experience there with Ian Williams and Ethan Johnson. [Kapron Lewis-Moore] was a young guy at the time learning how to play aggressive. There’s always a few guys like [current junior Sheldon Day], who you can hang your hat on and the other guys have to come along,” Elston said.
Most major schematic changes require coaching staffs to shoehorn their players into uncomfortable positions for a couple years until they can recruit personnel that fit the strategy. That’s not the case at Notre Dame. Head coach Brian Kelly said the Irish were trying to move to more of a four-man front even before losing Diaco to the head-coaching job at Connecticut in December.
Notre Dame’s most recent recruiting class reflects that attitude with several players who are well-suited to play roles in the 4-3 aggressive approach early in their careers. Elston said this season he’ll be able to prepare some of those freshmen for specific jobs so they can contribute to the defense in the fall. He said he’s already been impressed with what early enrollee Andrew Trumbetti has added this spring.
“There are conversations about what guys can do being specific,” he said. “I think all of them are going to add a value to us in some way. The guys that as you watch their video you can pinpoint guys that will have the potential to possibly do that.”
Several older players could also benefit from tweaks to their position. Day, Notre Dame’s most experienced returning lineman, will slide inside as a defensive tackle. Elston said he might be a bit undersized for that role, but his skillset matches up well with what he’ll be asked to do inside. The same goes for senior Chase Hounshell and sophomore Jacob Matuska.
At the end position, players like senior Ishaq Williams and junior Romeo Okwara can take advantage of their speed to help generate a better pass rush than they were able to as outside linebacker in past seasons. Elston said both have progressed well during the spring. Like the rest of the group, their first objective is to learn to play aggressive.
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Elston was asked this morning if the prep they were doing with personnel this spring took into account freshmen whom they expected to contribute. He said it did:
"There are conversations about what guys can do, being specific. That’s one thing we’ll be able to do this year is be more specific and train a guy for certain jobs. Not have a guy that’s going to play all three downs. Have a guy that can play in the first couple downs and then have a package with guys that potentially can be third down pass rush guys. Hopefully some of the young guys coming in can add some value there."
Asked him who specfically he had in mind...
"I think all of them are going to add a value to us in some way. The guys that as you watch their video you can pinpoint guys that will have the potential to possibly do that."
He was also pretty high on Andrew Trumbetti (most of the Irish staff seems to be happy with where he is as a first-semester player). He said he's on track to get on the field this fall...
"He needs to grow up fast. He can’t make young mistakes. We’ve gotta be moving his game forward in that regard. He’s gotta learn the package. He’s gotta be consistent and he’s gotta play physical. Right now he’s showing the ability to do all three of those things. Andrew is having a good spring and he’s added some nice elements to our defensive line. He’s a real tough gritty kid. He’s not a kid, I guess. He’s a man – a tough, gritty man."
"There are conversations about what guys can do, being specific. That’s one thing we’ll be able to do this year is be more specific and train a guy for certain jobs. Not have a guy that’s going to play all three downs. Have a guy that can play in the first couple downs and then have a package with guys that potentially can be third down pass rush guys. Hopefully some of the young guys coming in can add some value there."
Asked him who specfically he had in mind...
"I think all of them are going to add a value to us in some way. The guys that as you watch their video you can pinpoint guys that will have the potential to possibly do that."
He was also pretty high on Andrew Trumbetti (most of the Irish staff seems to be happy with where he is as a first-semester player). He said he's on track to get on the field this fall...
"He needs to grow up fast. He can’t make young mistakes. We’ve gotta be moving his game forward in that regard. He’s gotta learn the package. He’s gotta be consistent and he’s gotta play physical. Right now he’s showing the ability to do all three of those things. Andrew is having a good spring and he’s added some nice elements to our defensive line. He’s a real tough gritty kid. He’s not a kid, I guess. He’s a man – a tough, gritty man."
dublinirish
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Old Man Mike
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Does anyone know what the practice schedule is for the rest of the week, and is there any "attendance" possible?
K
koonja
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OMM, IDK the answer and not sure if someone else does, but Eric Hansen has his chat at noon eastern time, and if you ask I'm sure he'll answer this question because it's a relevant one.
Ask about field turf while you're at it
.I'll try to get on and ask, but I have a meeting at that time.
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Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th. Then Monday the 7th.
All midweek practices run from 7:30-9:30 a.m. The weekend practice times start at 10:45 a.m. and run until about 1 p.m.
This is from II. There is no mention of viewing practice by the public. The only thing I can think of is call in and ask.
All midweek practices run from 7:30-9:30 a.m. The weekend practice times start at 10:45 a.m. and run until about 1 p.m.
This is from II. There is no mention of viewing practice by the public. The only thing I can think of is call in and ask.
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OMM, IDK the answer and not sure if someone else does, but Eric Hansen has his chat at noon eastern time, and if you ask I'm sure he'll answer this question because it's a relevant one.
Ask about field turf while you're at it
I'll try to get on and ask, but I have a meeting at that time.
i thought the ticket guy already told you
OMM, IDK the answer and not sure if someone else does, but Eric Hansen has his chat at noon eastern time, and if you ask I'm sure he'll answer this question because it's a relevant one.
Ask about field turf while you're at it
I'll try to get on and ask, but I have a meeting at that time.
It's amazing to me that nothing has been announced yet. Does anyone have some inside info into what's going on? Thanks
Old Man Mike
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Thanks, gentlemen. I'm at ND for a very rare visit due to a meeting. Probably no chance of seeing the team, but sometimes miracles happen. I'll light candles at the grotto though, and stroll by "my" old residence at Sorin Hall, and the Chemistry building.
GowerND11
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K
koonja
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OMM, IDK the answer and not sure if someone else does, but Eric Hansen has his chat at noon eastern time, and if you ask I'm sure he'll answer this question because it's a relevant one.
Ask about field turf while you're at it
I'll try to get on and ask, but I have a meeting at that time.
Me: "1) Any update on turf/grass? 2) Will visitors be welcome at any practices this week?"
Response: "Believe me, as soon as there's an update, we'll splash it all over our website. I'm surprised it's gone this long, but again, a decision will have to be announced next month, because that's when either new grass or the FieldTurt installation would need to start. ... No open practices, but obviously you can buy a ticket for the Blue-Gold Game."
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IrishBlood81
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Wow OMM, that is so cool! I'm happy for you! Hope you get some chance to see the team.
Takes pics if possible!
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals">@NDatRivals</a> Cornerback Rashad Kinlaw not at practice Friday morning. Brian Kelly will address the player’s status following practice.</p>— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/D_Farmer/statuses/452056890600484864">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> CB Devin Butler wore a helmet during practice today for the first time I've seen this spring. No pads yet.</p>— Dan Murphy (@BGI_DanMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_DanMurphy/statuses/452057938098548736">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> CB Devin Butler wore a helmet during practice today for the first time I've seen this spring. No pads yet.</p>— Dan Murphy (@BGI_DanMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_DanMurphy/statuses/452057938098548736">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jarrett Grace returned to Loftus today after having a rod inserted recently. He was using one crutch to walk. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/452058300306456576">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2014 signee Jhonny Williams (<a href="https://twitter.com/Jhonny_willl">@Jhonny_willl</a>) attended <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a>’s practice this morning. As did former Irish safety Zeke Motta.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/452058514232315904">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>2014 signee Jhonny Williams (<a href="https://twitter.com/Jhonny_willl">@Jhonny_willl</a>) attended <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a>’s practice this morning. As did former Irish safety Zeke Motta.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/452058514232315904">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Christian Lombard’s sling was off today, but he had a cast on his right wrist. Will Mahone had a walking boot on but did not need crutches.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/452058889874579456">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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BleedBlueGold
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What did I miss with Devin Butler?
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Interesting tidbit from II. Out of the base 4-3, Jaylon is the starting SAM with Randolph behind him, Moore running 3rd. Mike goes Schmidt, Larkin, Deeb. WILL goes Turner then JO.
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koonja
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Sam = strong side?
Mike = middle?
Will = weakside?
Mike = middle?
Will = weakside?
woolybug25
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Austin Larkin is running second team Mike behind Schmidt?
What a story that would be. Two walk ons (one former) running middle linebacker for Notre Dame.
effin' Rudy.
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Indeed
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shoulder surgery in off season
2 walk ons ahead of scholly players...
ah wooly beat me
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koonja
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I'm hoping Morgan picks up the defense really quickly. It's not ideal to have a 19 year old at staring MLB, but if he can get on the field with Jaylon and Turner, that's the most athletic LB core in ND history?
dublinirish
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Is Kinlaw our first defection of the spring? I mean, come on… we have to have at least one.</p>— The Subway Domer (@TheSubwayDomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSubwayDomer/statuses/452058226461519872">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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It sure would be. It's definitely a pretty unconventional group but they must be doing something right.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Start your Friday at work with some notes and observations from <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a>'s 11th spring practice (VIP): <a href="http://t.co/RTfnhbNPo2">http://t.co/RTfnhbNPo2</a></p>— Blue and Gold News (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/statuses/452068212167802881">April 4, 2014</a></blockquote>
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larkin had been mentioned as someone that was standing out and making a push last week i believe...hey show up to play and they will play u
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larkin had been mentioned as someone that was standing out and making a push last week i believe...hey show up to play and they will play u
dublinirish
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Rashad was expecting a baby boy before right? presuming his son was born