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Grab a paper sack and breath into it. We've got a long way to go.
2015 Spring Practice Thread
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Grab a paper sack and breath into it. We've got a long way to go.
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A quartet of questions regarding Notre Dame's safeties heading into spring ball 2015.
Below is the eighth of 11 columns previewing head coach Brian Kelly's sixth spring session in South Bend.
The questions are pertinent. The initial answers? Well, they're one man's opinion -- One man using logic and recent history as his guide.
1. HOW FAR HAVE THEY COME?
Barring a full recovery by sophomore Drue Tranquill (see below), Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate will rank as Notre Dame's starting safeties entering August training camp. In previous springs, the pair represented the promise of youth and appeared to be complimentary playmakers -- one thumper (Shumate) coupled with the ultra-athletic Redfield, a true free safety and roamer of the last line of the Irish defense.
But a mid-November benching of the tandem (in favor of a rookie linebacker and one-armed man, no less) by head coach Brian Kelly suggested otherwise, as did the reality that the Music City Bowl win over LSU included not one, but two untouched full-field touchdown catches/runs by Tiger players.
Miscommunication was again present, though the two were a physical tandem that combined to make plays throughout the contest. (Shumate with a key pass breakup; Redfield with a game-high 14 tackles.) They appeared fully engaged, but results were mixed, maddening.
Their improvement in terms of bringing the film room to the field, and thereafter helping coordinate the on field adjustments necessary in Brian VanGorder's defense will be crucial, not only as a spring storyline, but through the early stages of fall ball.
2. WHO'S MOVING IN?
In terms of alleviating wear and tear on the starters during spring ball, it might not be necessary that Notre Dame move a scholarship athlete to the safety position, not if 2014 walk-ons Eamon McOsker, Tyler Price, and Drew Recker return to the fray as expected.
(Fellow walk-on Ernie Soto was a senior last season, he could potentially lend a hand for spring ball prior to graduation.)
Incoming California graduate transfer Avery Sebastian walks into a two-deep role this summer/August. Sebastian will bring a physical presence and compliment the trio of Redfield, Shumate and Tranquill to give the Irish promise (at worst) and it is to be hoped, the highest level of execution and production by the safety position at the program since the title season of 2012.
(For more on Sebastian, click here.)
Fifth-year nickel Matthias Farley will certainly cross-train as he was forced to do late last season, but Farley was a playmaker last season as the team's nickel back -- it's clearly his best role for the defense. With the quartet above in good health in August, Farley's services would only be needed in an emergency role.
Freshmen Mykelti Williams and Nicco Fertitta join the fray this summer/fall.
3. HOW'S DRUE TRANQUILL?
According to his head coach, far ahead of schedule. Remarkably so.
"He's so far ahead right now, I think he's at nine weeks (recovery) and he's running," said Kelly. "I think he (lifted) 315 pounds on his back yesterday, full squatting at two-and-a-half months. So that's crazy. So he's way ahead of schedule. He'll be doing some drill work in the spring."
Regardless, it's reasonable to assume that the November 2015 version of Drue Tranquill will be a better collegiate safety than the early September edition, one just 10 months removed from ACL surgery.
Tranquill turned heads last September and October as a dime package linebacker -- a force for Notre Dame's trusted third-down package. By necessity he moved to safety for a mid-November meeting with Northwestern and looked more than a step slow in the new role.
One week later he played much of a contest against Louisville through a torn ACL. "We didn't even think Drue had a torn ACL," said Kelly. "We thought he pinched the fat pad on his knee. Played the second half (vs. the Cardinals) on it. That's how strong he is, hamstring and quad area is so strong that he passed his ACL test.
"Then he comes in on Sunday and he's swollen, we're like, 'We need an MRI.' We get an MRI he has a (torn) ACL."
Tranquill will be an impact player at Notre Dame sooner rather than later. But will it be as a safety?
Said Kelly of Tranquill last November 6, one week prior to his first start at safety: "We think that as he continues to develop that he could be a linebacker, but right now he’s a box safety. He’s a guy we feel like plays better closer to the ball than being a half (field) safety with him. Where that ends up will be determined by situational substitution. He could possibly even morph into that kind of nickel position, right now we didn’t want to put him at two or three different positions other than the one we trained him at for option.
"I think after the season we’ll kind of figure out the position that we want him at and really train him there. He’s been an unsung hero for us."
At least for 2015, the depth chart suggests safety out of necessity.
4. WHY THE DISCONNECT?
The overall efforts of Notre Dame's safety unit in 2013 was incongruent with what the program had enjoyed in three previous seasons under Kelly. Whether coached by Chuck Martin (2010-11) or Bob Elliott (2012), the unit shined despite being woefully short-handed in terms of developed, available talent.
In 2013, blessed with ample able bodies, the group struggled mightily. Suspensions, poor tackling, lack of plays made on the ball in the air -- the only constant was disappointment.
In 2014, it got worse. When offenses with a pulse occupied the opposite sidelines (North Carolina, Florida State, Arizona State, Northwestern, Louisville, USC, and LSU), Notre Dame's back line failed to deliver.
Why?
Excuses and/or reasonings to date have included a lack of experience, a lack of continuity, poor communication, and a difficult system to grasp.
Perhaps the latter should have been tweaked to accommodate the pupils. Perhaps it will be this season. Or perhaps the purported "move" of defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder from inside linebackers coach to safeties coach will prove invaluable.
Regardless, a third consecutive season of struggle among the team's last line of defense would be unacceptable.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football, Basketball, and Recruiting Front Page
Below is the eighth of 11 columns previewing head coach Brian Kelly's sixth spring session in South Bend.
The questions are pertinent. The initial answers? Well, they're one man's opinion -- One man using logic and recent history as his guide.
1. HOW FAR HAVE THEY COME?
Barring a full recovery by sophomore Drue Tranquill (see below), Max Redfield and Elijah Shumate will rank as Notre Dame's starting safeties entering August training camp. In previous springs, the pair represented the promise of youth and appeared to be complimentary playmakers -- one thumper (Shumate) coupled with the ultra-athletic Redfield, a true free safety and roamer of the last line of the Irish defense.
But a mid-November benching of the tandem (in favor of a rookie linebacker and one-armed man, no less) by head coach Brian Kelly suggested otherwise, as did the reality that the Music City Bowl win over LSU included not one, but two untouched full-field touchdown catches/runs by Tiger players.
Miscommunication was again present, though the two were a physical tandem that combined to make plays throughout the contest. (Shumate with a key pass breakup; Redfield with a game-high 14 tackles.) They appeared fully engaged, but results were mixed, maddening.
Their improvement in terms of bringing the film room to the field, and thereafter helping coordinate the on field adjustments necessary in Brian VanGorder's defense will be crucial, not only as a spring storyline, but through the early stages of fall ball.
2. WHO'S MOVING IN?
In terms of alleviating wear and tear on the starters during spring ball, it might not be necessary that Notre Dame move a scholarship athlete to the safety position, not if 2014 walk-ons Eamon McOsker, Tyler Price, and Drew Recker return to the fray as expected.
(Fellow walk-on Ernie Soto was a senior last season, he could potentially lend a hand for spring ball prior to graduation.)
Incoming California graduate transfer Avery Sebastian walks into a two-deep role this summer/August. Sebastian will bring a physical presence and compliment the trio of Redfield, Shumate and Tranquill to give the Irish promise (at worst) and it is to be hoped, the highest level of execution and production by the safety position at the program since the title season of 2012.
(For more on Sebastian, click here.)
Fifth-year nickel Matthias Farley will certainly cross-train as he was forced to do late last season, but Farley was a playmaker last season as the team's nickel back -- it's clearly his best role for the defense. With the quartet above in good health in August, Farley's services would only be needed in an emergency role.
Freshmen Mykelti Williams and Nicco Fertitta join the fray this summer/fall.
3. HOW'S DRUE TRANQUILL?
According to his head coach, far ahead of schedule. Remarkably so.
"He's so far ahead right now, I think he's at nine weeks (recovery) and he's running," said Kelly. "I think he (lifted) 315 pounds on his back yesterday, full squatting at two-and-a-half months. So that's crazy. So he's way ahead of schedule. He'll be doing some drill work in the spring."
Regardless, it's reasonable to assume that the November 2015 version of Drue Tranquill will be a better collegiate safety than the early September edition, one just 10 months removed from ACL surgery.
Tranquill turned heads last September and October as a dime package linebacker -- a force for Notre Dame's trusted third-down package. By necessity he moved to safety for a mid-November meeting with Northwestern and looked more than a step slow in the new role.
One week later he played much of a contest against Louisville through a torn ACL. "We didn't even think Drue had a torn ACL," said Kelly. "We thought he pinched the fat pad on his knee. Played the second half (vs. the Cardinals) on it. That's how strong he is, hamstring and quad area is so strong that he passed his ACL test.
"Then he comes in on Sunday and he's swollen, we're like, 'We need an MRI.' We get an MRI he has a (torn) ACL."
Tranquill will be an impact player at Notre Dame sooner rather than later. But will it be as a safety?
Said Kelly of Tranquill last November 6, one week prior to his first start at safety: "We think that as he continues to develop that he could be a linebacker, but right now he’s a box safety. He’s a guy we feel like plays better closer to the ball than being a half (field) safety with him. Where that ends up will be determined by situational substitution. He could possibly even morph into that kind of nickel position, right now we didn’t want to put him at two or three different positions other than the one we trained him at for option.
"I think after the season we’ll kind of figure out the position that we want him at and really train him there. He’s been an unsung hero for us."
At least for 2015, the depth chart suggests safety out of necessity.
4. WHY THE DISCONNECT?
The overall efforts of Notre Dame's safety unit in 2013 was incongruent with what the program had enjoyed in three previous seasons under Kelly. Whether coached by Chuck Martin (2010-11) or Bob Elliott (2012), the unit shined despite being woefully short-handed in terms of developed, available talent.
In 2013, blessed with ample able bodies, the group struggled mightily. Suspensions, poor tackling, lack of plays made on the ball in the air -- the only constant was disappointment.
In 2014, it got worse. When offenses with a pulse occupied the opposite sidelines (North Carolina, Florida State, Arizona State, Northwestern, Louisville, USC, and LSU), Notre Dame's back line failed to deliver.
Why?
Excuses and/or reasonings to date have included a lack of experience, a lack of continuity, poor communication, and a difficult system to grasp.
Perhaps the latter should have been tweaked to accommodate the pupils. Perhaps it will be this season. Or perhaps the purported "move" of defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder from inside linebackers coach to safeties coach will prove invaluable.
Regardless, a third consecutive season of struggle among the team's last line of defense would be unacceptable.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football, Basketball, and Recruiting Front Page
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Notre Dame Football 2015 Spring Football Questions: Defense <a href="http://t.co/0qGJKrtMR3">http://t.co/0qGJKrtMR3</a> <a href="http://t.co/rdGXcQfiZ3">pic.twitter.com/rdGXcQfiZ3</a></p>— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) <a href="https://twitter.com/OneFootDown/status/572380971389087744">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly begins the PC by acknowledging Father Ted Hesburgh. Said team will honor and memorialize him this week. Legacy is unmatched</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427401147375616">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: 2015 has been one of great momentum for ND, began in late Dec with W over LSU, continued with Day and Stanley returning to ND, cont....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427589295464448">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: 2015 has been one of great momentum for ND, began in late Dec with W over LSU, continued with Day and Stanley returning to ND, cont....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427589295464448">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: February ND signed one of the top recruiting classes in the country. Team has had great workouts.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427748477689856">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Announcing what he believes to be the most committed, cohesive, experienced and brightest staff he's ever put together in his career</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427866903879680">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Announcing what he believes to be the most committed, cohesive, experienced and brightest staff he's ever put together in his career</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427866903879680">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Excited about continuity still in place but new pieces continue momentum that began with the bowl win over LSU</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572427959627354112">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Kelly referring to commitment of Denson and Lyght, who chose ND for their undergrad and wanted to come back</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428215094026241">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Kelly referring to commitment of Denson and Lyght, who chose ND for their undergrad and wanted to come back</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428215094026241">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Players come to ND and they are focused on their degree and playing and trying to move on, then they want to come back and coach</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428414470242304">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Talking to Lyght, Denson, Powlus and Crum, they come here as players and want to move on, & then work so hard to get back here.</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572428440747581440">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Talking to Lyght, Denson, Powlus and Crum, they come here as players and want to move on, & then work so hard to get back here.</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572428440747581440">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Keith Gilmore has coached under Kelly at GVSU, CMU and Cincinnati. Played with VanGorder and Longo in college at Wayne State</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428536436416512">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Gilmore has great experience as a teacher, mentor and recruiter. Brings cohesiveness to the staff</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428643751886848">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Gilmore has great experience as a teacher, mentor and recruiter. Brings cohesiveness to the staff</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428643751886848">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: When looking at bringing in the best and brightest he looked across the country, Mike Sanford was a cut above everyone else</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572428793127817217">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Moving Elston to Recruiting Coordinator is going to strengthen operations on a day-to-day basis....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429058753105920">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Moving Elston to Recruiting Coordinator is going to strengthen operations on a day-to-day basis....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429058753105920">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Elston brings attention to detail and has a vision for how to reach out to modern day athletes. Have to be able to connect to recruits</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429181503582208">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly says Mike Elston brings a vision to the recruiting coordinator position. “He’s arguably been our best recruiter day in and day out."</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429219839549441">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly says Mike Elston brings a vision to the recruiting coordinator position. “He’s arguably been our best recruiter day in and day out."</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429219839549441">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Elston will also move to linebackers with Gilmore taking over the D-Line.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429395320811520">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said they were looking for someone experienced in coaching man-to-man techniques and found it in new DBs coach Todd Lyght.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429454296948737">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said they were looking for someone experienced in coaching man-to-man techniques and found it in new DBs coach Todd Lyght.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429454296948737">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Defensive staff is a "home run"</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429550191304704">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Bob Elliott will be involved in all facets of the program but on a day-to-day basis will help Kelly with "special projects"</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429669074661376">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Bob Elliott will be involved in all facets of the program but on a day-to-day basis will help Kelly with "special projects"</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429669074661376">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>One change to Irish Illustrated's projections: Todd Lyght will coach defensive backs Not just CB. (Though VanGorder would tutor Safeties)</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572429734048608256">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said special assistant to the head coach Bob Elliott will contribute to all facets of the program — analytics, roster management, etc.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429797638455298">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said special assistant to the head coach Bob Elliott will contribute to all facets of the program — analytics, roster management, etc.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572429797638455298">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Elliott will do things like researching trends in option football, analytics, roster management....help to become more organized</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429829661962241">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sure doesn't sound like Brian Kelly is a guy who is looking for an NFL job next year.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/572429910175707136">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sure doesn't sound like Brian Kelly is a guy who is looking for an NFL job next year.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/572429910175707136">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bob Elliott: Trends in college football and analytics..."All the things that can assist me so we can be more detailed and more organized."</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572429911295705088">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Elliott will also help out with game week preparation off the field and game day operations</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429928576241665">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Elliott will also help out with game week preparation off the field and game day operations</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572429928576241665">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly adds of Elliott -- he can be an extra set of eyes/ideas in game week and game day management</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572430069806850049">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: <a href="https://twitter.com/rpowlus">@rpowlus</a> has demonstrated a great strength w/ forging relationships w/ athletes. Can connect with student-athlete's, will do a great job</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430226795466752">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: <a href="https://twitter.com/rpowlus">@rpowlus</a> has demonstrated a great strength w/ forging relationships w/ athletes. Can connect with student-athlete's, will do a great job</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430226795466752">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said one of Ron Powlus’ best abilities is to “forge relationships with student-athletes.”</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572430389437997057">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Powlus not counted as a coach but he will be a "valuable asset as it relates to the game of football." Excited to have him back</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430425538355200">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Powlus not counted as a coach but he will be a "valuable asset as it relates to the game of football." Excited to have him back</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430425538355200">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Powlus: "It's more brain power. He can't coach on the field, but he has a lot of experience that he can lend."</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572430425655795712">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Mike Denbrock will be Associate HC and will oversee the organization of the offense. Will install and implement offense</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430567993708546">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Mike Denbrock will be Associate HC and will oversee the organization of the offense. Will install and implement offense</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430567993708546">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>As associate head football coach, Mike Denbrock will oversee the organization of the offense. Sanford will coordinate run and pass game.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572430588583514113">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Sanford will coordinator the run and pass, Denbrock will oversee everything. Will be a collaborative approach offensively</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430700655345664">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Sanford will coordinator the run and pass, Denbrock will oversee everything. Will be a collaborative approach offensively</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430700655345664">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: "'Best idea wins,' is the mantra we've used for the offensive side of the ball."</p>— Nick Ironside (@nironside247) <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247/status/572430811783417857">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Everyone on the staff has made a commitment that the title they want most is a national title.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430832335523840">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Everyone on the staff has made a commitment that the title they want most is a national title.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572430832335523840">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Sanford: will coordinate the run and pass game through daily practice and game day preparation.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572430898622300160">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK says the coaches here are more excited about national title than the title that goes next to their name.</p>— Nick Ironside (@nironside247) <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247/status/572430905110876160">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK says the coaches here are more excited about national title than the title that goes next to their name.</p>— Nick Ironside (@nironside247) <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247/status/572430905110876160">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on staff collaboration going forward: "Best idea wins"</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572431090490732545">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: ND had a number of great candidates for the RB coach position. Had no shortage of some of the best in the country pursuing the job, cont</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431243872219136">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: ND had a number of great candidates for the RB coach position. Had no shortage of some of the best in the country pursuing the job, cont</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431243872219136">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Denson's philosophy matched Kelly's in terms of developing student-athlete's on and off the field.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431488400138240">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Denson: I really didn't think I was going to hire him -- until he interviewed. He blew me away in the interview.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572431368262688768">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Denson: I really didn't think I was going to hire him -- until he interviewed. He blew me away in the interview.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572431368262688768">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Thought it was exciting that we are building such a large and competent off-field staff:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>3 more coaches will be hired by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> as support staff in the office, with Jeff Quinn expected among them.</p>— Lou Somogyi (@BGI_LouSomogyi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_LouSomogyi/status/572434909521977344">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>3 more coaches will be hired by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> as support staff in the office, with Jeff Quinn expected among them.</p>— Lou Somogyi (@BGI_LouSomogyi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_LouSomogyi/status/572434909521977344">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Spring game at practice facility. Yuck.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: After Denson's interview, Kelly called up the rest of the RB coach candidates and told them he had found his RB coach</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431599977029632">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Sanford takes over a position with great scrutiny (QB's). He understands that and welcomes the challenge....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431773302456320">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Sanford takes over a position with great scrutiny (QB's). He understands that and welcomes the challenge....</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572431773302456320">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Sanford: "Love his attention to detail, ease of communication and it's easy to get his point across. He's an effective communicator."</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572431856160919552">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Still working through who will call plays on gamedays. Still in the process of working through the offense and making improvements</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572432600977055744">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Still working through who will call plays on gamedays. Still in the process of working through the offense and making improvements</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572432600977055744">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>On Sanford: "He’ll do a great job recruiting. He has a great background as recruiting coordinator at Stanford.” <a href="http://t.co/5ZyxnDO2FX">http://t.co/5ZyxnDO2FX</a></p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/status/572432609831079938">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Will get through the spring before making any final decisions on playcalling</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572432675463688193">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Will get through the spring before making any final decisions on playcalling</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572432675463688193">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Bk says overhaul was "pretty easy" because of resources Swarbrick has provided "Allows us to attract anybody. As well as, 'It's Notre Dame."</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572432857995583488">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly admits he pushed back start of spring practice due to the process of replacing four coaches.</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572433185683976192">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly admits he pushed back start of spring practice due to the process of replacing four coaches.</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/572433185683976192">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Brian VanGorder will float and will spend quite a bit a time on the back end of the defense with the safeties.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572433396372258816">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Doesn't think the staff will miss a beat recruiting. In fact, he thinks they'll be stronger.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572433547551764480">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Doesn't think the staff will miss a beat recruiting. In fact, he thinks they'll be stronger.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572433547551764480">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
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