2014 Spring Practice Thread

[Luckylucci]

I am joking.

But if I was forced to play the same player at every position, it would definitely be him.

I see that.

 

[PANDFAN]

Trying to build upon a solid freshman season at Notre Dame, cornerback Cole Luke might at times seem overshadowed by potential All-American KeiVarae Russell and former SEC starter Cody Riggs, who will arrive this summer.

Cole Luke
Cole Luke recorded 15 tackles while playing in all 13 games last season.

He doesn’t see it that way.

While immersing himself into his first spring practice at Notre Dame — he admits new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder’s scheme makes it feel like he’s starting from scratch at times — Luke isn’t overlooking his shoulder while trying to make a name for himself.

“It’s going good. We’re going full throttle now and I’m just trying to work on my game and take it to the next level,” he said. “It’s a time to step up and hopefully play a bigger role on the team and a time to kind of get a good first impression but also time to better my game.”

Luke recorded two pass breakups and 15 tackles while playing in each of Notre Dame’s 13 games as a freshman for former coordinator Bob Diaco. This spring, VanGorder has brought man coverage and an attacking style to the program.

“It’s a lot more aggressive than the last defense. We’re up at the line pressing a lot with man concepts,” he said. “It’s been a little difficult, but I think it tests your game a little bit to see how well you understand and pick up things. It’s been difficult for the [defense], but I feel we’re up and running now.

“I feel like it’s a lot more NFL-ready and aggressive all around the field.”

While adapting to a style Luke calls more fun than the previous one, the Chandler, Ariz., native says he feels comfortable on an island in man coverage because it shows the coaches’ trust their defensive backs.

“It’s a pretty big confidence boost,” said Luke, who says that he is focusing on his body positioning this spring. “It’s pressure, but I like it. It’s a compliment if you can be out there by yourself. “

Between Riggs’ 26 starts at Florida and Russell’s 26 at Notre Dame, Luke knows there’s plenty of experience for which he needs to make up.

“I’ve been told to approach it like it’s the third spot, fourth spot,” Luke said of eyeing a starting position. “You’re just trying to work your way up. Never feel comfortable with where you’re at.”

The reality of the situation, according to head coach Brian Kelly, is that Russell is ahead of the rest of the corners “by a good amount” this spring.

“We just have to get Cole to play with a little bit more urgency sometimes, but he's coming along, and he's making progress every single day,” Kelly said. “We've just got to keep working with him. … Really, at this point, he's doing exactly what we want him to do. We just need to continue to push him because we've set a high bar with KeiVarae. Now he sees that and that's where we've got to get him to.

“He's got incredible feet, fast feet, his quickness, size. He's got all the physical attributes. We're working on technique, we're working on set this, we're working on tackling.”

The common mantra from VanGorder this spring has been to create plays and force turnovers, two categories in which the Irish fell short in 2013.

“It fits the defense with the players we have,” Luke said. “It’s about getting a hand on the receiver and getting a jam.

“We’re athletes and flying around and making plays. … There’s a lot of credibility behind [VanGorder’s hiring]. The first day he came in we went right to business. I know he’s about business, and that’s a good thing.”

Luke’s hoping it will be a good thing for him as well.

 

[Fbolt]

must not overlook one's shoulders.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Irish QB coach Matt LaFleur says Wednesday's practice was perhaps Everett Golson's best of the spring. Praises attention to detail.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/statuses/451364621580902400">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Under Armour releases first real ND marketing scheme - Do you like it? <a href="http://t.co/qP1PmnkEnT">pic.twitter.com/qP1PmnkEnT</a></p>— UHND.com (@uhnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/uhnd/statuses/451363452036993025">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tony Alford said Cam McDaniel has a maturity that's "unmatched" in his years of coaching. <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/451366287088697344">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Per Alford, six players are getting looks at kickoff return: Folston, Bryant, Carlisle, J. Atkinson, McDaniel and Torii Hunter. <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/451366783023210496">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Luckylucci]

BGI will have full interviews up with Elston, Cooks, Alford, and LaFleur. Cooks says that Russell and Collinsworth are on a different plane at their respective positions.

 

[PANDFAN]

really?????? it does for KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON TOO

really?????? it does for KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON TOO

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Running backs coach Tony Alford on Greg Bryant’s power: “When he hits something, it moves. … It shakes.” <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/451370293127561216">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NDdomer2]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Under Armour releases first real ND marketing scheme - Do you like it? <a href="http://t.co/qP1PmnkEnT">pic.twitter.com/qP1PmnkEnT</a></p>— UHND.com (@uhnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/uhnd/statuses/451363452036993025">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

isn't this actually their second marketing item they've put out?

 

[koonja]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Running backs coach Tony Alford on Greg Bryant’s power: “When he hits something, it moves. … It shakes.” <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/451370293127561216">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I spring into pushup form from my desk when I read this. Pumped out 12 in a row before I got tired.

Google imaged Greg Bryant Biceps.


Did over 1,000 more.

 

[Luckylucci]

Also, this was the second straight practice that the team was able to practice outside. Thats got to be a good feeling for the guys.

 

[PANDFAN]

isn't this actually their second marketing item they've put out?

i guess the "1st" one wasn't real as it says this is the 1st REAL one...idk, thought the same thing

 

[greyhammer90]

BGI will have full interviews up with Elston, Cooks, Alford, and LaFleur. Cooks says that Russell are on a different plane at their respective positions.

That doesn't make sense.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> DBs coach Kerry Cooks on the more aggressive D: "We don't want the offense to dictate how we play defense."</p>— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Fortuna/statuses/451377021508419584">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Luckylucci]

That doesn't make sense.

Good catch, it was supposed to say Collinsworth. I fixed it.

 

[rocket66]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> DBs coach Kerry Cooks on the more aggressive D: "We don't want the offense to dictate how we play defense."</p>— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Fortuna/statuses/451377021508419584">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

All the subtle jabs at Diaco.

 

[condoms SUCk]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> DBs coach Kerry Cooks on the more aggressive D: "We don't want the offense to dictate how we play defense."</p>— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Fortuna/statuses/451377021508419584">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I like the sound of that!!!

 

[condoms SUCk]

I spring into pushup form from my desk when I read this. Pumped out 12 in a row before I got tired.

Google imaged Greg Bryant Biceps.


Did over 1,000 more.

Better put those guns away before someone gets hurt.

 

[PANDFAN]

Notre Dame QB coach Matt LaFleur - South Bend Tribune: Videos

 

[Cackalacky]

I spring into pushup form from my desk when I read this. Pumped out 12 in a row before I got tired.

Google imaged Greg Bryant Biceps.


Did over 1,000 more.

 

[woolybug25]

it's the pleats...

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

PLease let a practice video surface today, I can't rewatch the previous videos anymore. I know every single play/practice rep.

 

[PANDFAN]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/G2reqohBcxg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> DB coach Kerry Cooks says new defensive scheme is an "easy sell" coming from a coach (VanGorder) with NFL experience.</p>— Rachel Terlep (@eTruth_Irish) <a href="https://twitter.com/eTruth_Irish/statuses/451386194996113410">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>LaFleur on move to ND: "You can’t assume they know anything. It’s a blank slate, so you can kind of mold these guys more than in the NFL."</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/451384523843190784">April 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

Current freshman offensive lineman Steve Elmer will turn 20 on Sept. 1, yet he’s already talking about settling down as he enters his sophomore year in college.

Steve Elmer
Whether at guard or tackle on either side, Elmer will be a major factor along the Notre Dame offensive line.

No, engagement plans or wedding bells are not yet in the offing for the 6-5½, 317-pound Elmer. It’s more about getting engaged at one position along the offensive line this spring, his second already at Notre Dame after enrolling early as a freshman last year.

Honored with the Anthony Munoz Award as the nation’s top high school offensive lineman at the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Elmer was pegged as four-year starter Zack Martin’s potential heir at left tackle in 2014. Instead, he and sophomore Ronnie Stanley ran neck and neck most of last August at right tackle before Stanley received the starting nod.

Before the end of August, Elmer had become the “sixth man” on the offensive line. By game two he took his first snap in a game at left guard, lined up later at right tackle, and then after senior Christian Lombard’s season was ended at the halfway point because of back surgery, Elmer started four games at right guard.

This spring, to replace the stellar Martin/Watt duo on the left side, Stanley has shifted to left tackle while Elmer has been ensconced at left guard. To be at the same position for several weeks now has aided Elmer’s progress.

“It is kind of interesting that I’ve come full circle and am back at left guard,” Elmer said. “I’ve kind of bounced around at different spots in the line and have been getting a lot of different experiences. I’ve stayed at guard long enough, and now especially in the spring, to hone my skills at one spot and see how far I can take it.

“It’s just nice to settle down and focus on one particular spot.”

On paper, the easy choice this spring would have been to align Stanley and Elmer as the two starting tackles. However, in an effort to get the five best linemen on the field at the same time, Elmer’s classmate, 6-7½, 300-pound Mike McGlinchey, is receiving the first crack at right tackle. Stanley and McGlinchey are considered exclusively tackles, whereas Elmer’s versatility and football IQ — he also has been a Dean’s List student in the classroom — provide the staff the luxury of aligning him at guard.

“I don’t know if surprised is the word I would want to use,” Elmer said of remaining at guard. “It’s just the call of the coaches and what they think is best mix of guys on the line to help our team win, and this is the plan. I didn’t have any specific expectations of where I was going to play. I was open to wherever they are going to decide.

“People say I have more of a tackle build, but I’ve played enough guard that I’m getting comfortable there — or should be, at least. At this point I’ve moved around enough to know how most of it works.

“We’re all working to be like Zack and Watt were here. We’re all just trying to work to make sure there is no drop-off with technique, communication — not just on the left side, but everywhere.”

With starting center Nick Martin sidelined this spring because of an MCL injury suffered in the victory versus BYU Nov. 23, Matt Hegarty has worked as the No. 1 center this spring. And with Lombard sidelined this spring after undergoing recent wrist surgery, senior Conor Hanratty is at right guard, next to McGlinchey.

For the coaching staff, it is established that four of the best linemen on the team are expected to be Stanley, Elmer, Martin and Lombard. Who rounds out the starting five will likely be between McGlinchey and Hanratty. If it is McGlinchey, then the line will be from left to right Stanley, Elmer, Martin, Lombard and McGlinchey.

If it is Hanratty, then it possibly could be Stanley, Hanratty, Martin and Lombard, with Elmer at right tackle. That’s what makes Elmer such a vital component.

“If we felt like Hanratty could do the job at the guard position, then that could possibly change what we did with Elmer,” head coach Brian Kelly confirmed.

With Martin and Lombard sidelined this spring, third-year offensive line coach Harry Hiestand has avoided doing much mixing and matching. His No. 2 unit has consistently featured sophomores Hunter Bivin (left tackle), John Montelus (right guard) and Colin McGovern (right tackle), plus junior Mark Harrell at center — with Hanratty also capable of handling snapping duties. The ability to play more than one position is a necessity that Hiestand emphasizes.

“Coach Hiestand is a really knowledgeable coach, a very demanding coach, but when it comes down to it he works to make you the best possible player you can be and he’ll doing anything he can to help you get there,” Elmer said.

For Elmer, being settled down has been a bonus this spring … but the option to play the field can always be an option.

 

[PANDFAN]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5e2UJXsIb78" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[PANDFAN]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XHCwdN3cBGM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[PANDFAN]

just a little more in this comprehensive vid

just a little more in this comprehensive vid

<script height="476px" width="840px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=5e83fc845d86487e88b6953600eaff54&ec=kwbmxsbDrKnHUlkGbbRNPdrU_fWliIXV"></script>

 

[Irish Houstonian]

“It’s just nice to settle down and focus on one particular spot.”

Don't be too hasty, Elmer -- versatility is what's propelled Z Mart up the draft boards.