2 The observer | Friday, APril 15, 2016 | ndsmcobserver.com INSIDER

Recruiting Commentary Irish out to record New, returning starters will pace for 2017 class forge Notre Dame’s identity

By BEN PADANILAM stop you, and he’s going to be Alex Carson Associate Sports Editor great in those games against the triple option.” Assistant Managing Editor This time last year, Notre Werner, however, is the play- Dame had five commitments er Ivins thinks has the most po- N otre Dame returns just four in its 2016 recruiting class. tential at the position for Notre offensive and five defensive This year, the Irish have Dame, he added. starters from its 10-2 team a sea- jumped out to a quick start, “He, out of those guys, prob- son ago. with nine commitments in the ably has the best upside,” Ivins There’s no Will Fuller or C.J. class of 2017, putting them at said. Prosise; no Ronnie Stanley or the No. 7-ranked class thus far, Another important pickup Sheldon Day; no Jaylon Smith or per Rivals. for the Irish was dual-threat KeiVarae Russell. “The class started off pretty Avery Davis, who Yet when the Irish kick off their well,” Irish recruiting expert was ranked the No. 72-overall 2016 campaign in Austin, Texas, for Blue & Gold Illustrated and prospect in the ESPN 300 rank- on Sept. 4, the goal will be the Rivals Andrew Ivins said. “It ings. For the Irish, Davis of- same as it was last year: a berth was kind of a faster start — fers another prospect who will in the Playoff. they had more commits than come in and willingly compete Welcome back to perennial they had ever had as early as for playing time rather than ex- relevance, Notre Dame football. they did this cycle when they pect to inherit it, Ivins said. Now, Irish fans shouldn’t nec- had four or five. They lost some “I think what really got Notre essarily expect to see their team momentum there a couple Dame excited about him was at the Fiesta Bowl or Peach Bowl months ago when [defensive that he’s a competitor,” Ivins — this year’s playoff semifinals end] Robert Beal decommit- said. “What he does is he gives — this season, but that doesn’t ted, [but] they’ve rebounded you a durable body — someone mean it’s exactly outside the nicely.” that’s okay with coming in and realm of possibility. There’s still Apart from Beal’s decom- competing for playing time, loads of talent on this team, and mitment — which Ivins said is and I think that’s really im- new pieces that could fit together Observer File Photo largely due to his desire to go to portant for Mike Sanford, and even better than the ones did a Graduate student defensive lineman Jarron Jones tries to evade school with his sister, who did that’s what he’s looking for in season ago. blockers during Notre Dame’s 17-14 win over Stanford on Oct. 4, 2014. not get in to Notre Dame — the his quarterback room.” Of course, we know what Irish have been largely success- Notre Dame also struck gold Notre Dame’s getting at running most important — that hasn’t the turnovers disappear — and ful in their effort to lock players in the tight end department, back this year. Sure, Prosise de- been a struggle for the Crete, that means there’s a fresh start in early in the recruiting cycle. signing two of the top five play- parted for the NFL Draft, but the Illinois native this spring. for this team headed into the This push, however, is not ers at the position per Rivals. return of senior Tarean Folston “He’s gotten our defense Blue-Gold Game on Saturday. unique to Notre Dame and has Despite their level of talent, means the Irish won’t be down- lined up effortlessly,” Kelly It’s tough to see how it’s all going largely changed the way the signing the two athletes was grading in the backfield. Without said. “There’s been great com- to come together for this squad, Irish recruit athletes, he added. relatively easy for Notre Dame, Fuller, Chris Brown or Amir munication, and he’s played and at this point, that’s quite “That’s kind of the new trend: according to Ivins. Carlisle, the receiving corps is extremely well. A lot of it is how fine. Early challenges at Texas to get these kids to commit “Brock Wright and Cole Kmet weakened, but it should still be a hard he works at the game. It’s on Sept. 4 and against Michigan earlier and earlier, and Notre are both Notre Dame-type kids, solid group, anchored by senior really important to him. His first State on Sept. 17 mean it’ll need Dame’s kind of stepped up so I think once Notre Dame re- Torii Hunter Jr. And even though two years here helped him im- to find its identity pretty early on, what they’re doing with that,” alized that, it was easy for them the offensive line lost three start- mensely in terms of learning the but it’s not too hard to see how Ivins said. “Notre Dame’s never to get them,” Ivins said. “But ers this offseason, it’s hard to defense.” everything could gel perfectly, or going to push a kid to commit, this time last year, Notre Dame see that unit being much of an For the first time at Notre horribly, for this unit. but they’re doing a better job was always planning to take a issue for senior Malik Zaire or Dame, Morgan is the undisputed At the end of the day, the 2015 of finding the kids that they tight end in the class of 2016, junior DeShone Kizer — which- guy at his position. If he can take squad got as far as that group of think are going to be fits, get- but then they got a commit- ever one wins the quarterback the “quarterback of the defense” players was going to. They were ting them on campus [and] get- ment from Brock Wright really competition. role and thrive in it, we might good — really good — but not ting them locked up early in the early, and they fell in love with Despite losing seven starters, finally see that high-pressure great. process.” Cole Kmet, so they said, ‘We’re the Notre Dame offense will be defense VanGorder’s arrival in There’s not too much evidence And at no position has this going to take two in 2017 and fine. 2014 promised. yet on the 2016 squad. And as been more clear for Notre just kind of pass on the posi- But if the Irish are going to Like Folston’s on the other daunting as that notion might Dame than linebacker, Ivins tion’ last year.” get to the playoff, it’s going be side of the ball, graduate student be, there’s certainly a chance said. The Irish made a signifi- After addressing their biggest on the shoulders of the defense. defensive lineman Jarron Jones’ this group thrives together. cant push this recruiting cycle priority in the linebacker slots That’s not to say the unit needs return from injury should help at the position after missing out and inking nine commitments to be great like the 2012 one was lessen the blow of losing Day, Contact Alex Carson at on the likes of Caleb Kelly and thus far, Notre Dame will con- — this season’s offense should while there’s a lot of promise [email protected] Ben Davis last time around, tinue to hit the recruiting trail be much better than that team’s throughout the secondary. The views experessed in this and they have been able to land throughout the rest of this sum- was — but it can’t be as poor as it Notre Dame has experienced a column are those of the author most of their top targets so far. mer and upcoming season. was at times a season ago. lot of turnover heading into 2016 and not necessarily those of The The three linebackers who “Offensive line is the one For me, that starts at middle — though Irish fans will hope Observer have committed thus far to position that’s really the big linebacker, squarely on the Notre Dame — David Adams, focus right now,” he said. “ … shoulders of junior Nyles Pi a d Advertisement Pete Werner and Drew White After offensive line, I think the Morgan. — are expected to fill out the next priority is wide receiver, During his first two years at Mike, Will and Sam lineback- and they’re going to probably Notre Dame, it’s no secret that Live the Tradition er spots, respectively. Of the take four, but right now they’ve Morgan struggled. He’s barely group, Ivins said Adams, who is got none committed, so it will seen the field at his preferred Enjoy the ranked in the top 100 amongst be interesting to see how that position — Joe Schmidt had a lot tradition of quality all players per Rivals, is the one shakes out.” to do with that — but when he who can have the most imme- did, the impact he made wasn’t off-campus living in diate impact for the Irish. For more on Notre Dame always a positive one; just recall a Kramer house “They think [Adams] is a recruiting, check out his block in the back penalty five Call today for best selection Mike linebacker, very talented BlueandGold.com. yards behind a punt return at high school prospect — top Email Andrew Owens at Stanford. 100-type kid,” Ivins said. “I ex- [email protected] The major concern was wheth- pect him to be in the middle of and tell him The Observer sent er or not Morgan could adapt to the defense. He just kind of fits: you. the complex nature of defensive blue collar, tough-mentality coordinator Brian VanGorder’s guy who can hit. He’s not the Contact Ben Padanilam at scheme. But by all accounts — (574)234-2436 www.kramerhouses.com best in coverage, but he can [email protected] head coach Brian Kelly’s the Now leasing for 2016-2017 INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, April 15, 2016 | The Observer 3

By ZACH KLONSINSKI reins with the unknown Kizer tak- taken over his class, but at the end Assistant Managing Editor ing third team reps, far out of the of the day, you have to be able to picture. take the relationships you have E veryone experiences inexpli- Irish fans will remember how and the knowledge you have of cable flashes of déjà vu during the story went from there. each person on a team and be able their lives. Still, this year does have its to lead through that.” As Notre Dame closes out the unique qualities: Zaire and Kizer, “[Kizer]’s been doing a good spring practice schedule, Irish who haven’t earned their degrees job, taking advantage of the op- players, coaches and fans find yet, would have to sit out a year if portunity he’s gotten,” Zaire said. themselves in the midst of one either decided to transfer, unlike “I can’t do anything but continue such moment. Golson, who was able to take ad- to support my teammates. I think Not that it’s necessarily a bad vantage of the NCAA’s graduate it would only be destructive if I thing, especially when the déjà vu transfer rule to earn the starting didn’t support guys that were do- is having more talent at the quar- job at Florida State last season. So ing well. It’s all about winning terback position than you know there are no outside incentives a championship and things fall what to do with. luring one or the other away from where they may.” “Let’s be honest, all three guys, the competition. One thing Kelly has stressed as you put a blue jersey on them, Of course, to hear them discuss spring practice has progressed, they’re pretty exciting,” Irish co- the competition, transferring was however, is the need for Notre offensive coordinator and quar- never an option either considered Dame to find its identity as it be- terbacks coach Mike Sanford said anyway. gins the 2016 season. That starts following practice March 21. “And “I’m just excited to be back out with a clear No. 1 at the quarter- WEI LIN | The Observer we’ve seen all three of them on there, another opportunity to back position, a lesson Kelly said Irish junior quarterback DeShone Kizer throws a pass during Notre Saturdays do it.” compete and have some fun, play he learned from watching the Dame’s 44-28 Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State on Jan. 1 in Glendale, Ariz. It’s been the biggest storyline of the game that we came here to chaos at the helm of the Ohio State the spring and will continue to be play,” Kizer said March 18, follow- offense for most of last season. “But I can’t keep them all happy, pre-snap,” Sanford said. “I think so through the dog days of sum- ing the first week of spring ball. “It seemed to me that Ohio and we’re not going to go into the that’s one thing, just being com- mer and into fall camp, perhaps “Obviously, it’s a different situa- State found their identity after season with a team that does not fortable, just being smooth with until the final hours beforeN otre tion than it was last year, but you the Michigan State game, where have an identity. We’re going to what he does. That’s one thing, he Dame’s season opener against kinda have to expect that when I think in a lot of ways Ezekiel have an identity as to who we are, looks smooth right now. Texas on Sept. 4. you’re at school like this.” Elliott can be credited with wak- and it doesn’t mean we can’t play “With DeShone, his smooth- It might even be such a tightly “I don’t compete with people. I ing up their entire coaching staff more than one quarterback, but ness, his intellect, the reps he got guarded secret that it’s only fi- compete with myself to get better,” and saying, ‘Who are we?’” Kelly we’ll have a quarterback and we’ll not only in practice but in games, nally answered by watching who Zaire said the same day. “I’m look- said following practice April 6. “So get that established.” that’s showing up big time in his trots out with the other 10 offen- ing to be the best that I can be all I think the lessons learned there Getting to that point serves as experience. … The great part sive players onto the Darrel K. the time and be the best quarter- are, ‘What’s your identity going to a reminder of the complexities of about being a 6-foot-5 quarterback Royal — Texas Memorial Stadium back in the country. I don’t know be?’ And they clearly decided who position competitions in the 21st is your vision’s incredible, but the turf in Austin, Texas: senior lefty what competition that they feel is they were going to be after that century. downside of that is that you have Malik Zaire or junior right-hander out there. But I do know it’s good game. They went with [J.T. Barrett] “We’re charting third-down to be completely fine-tuned me- DeShone Kizer. being around the team and good and said, ‘This is what we’re going completions, everything that has chanically or things can go awry. What started as an open three- being with the guys and working to be,’ and that’s who they were to do with third downs, red zone, So we’ve been working with him, horse race — with sophomore all the time and getting right be- against us [in the Fiesta Bowl]. when we get into backed-up situ- and he did a good job working on Brandon Wimbush being includ- cause we got a tough schedule this “So I’ll make sure that doesn’t ations, two-minute situations,” it in the off-season, of tightening ed in the fray, although never too year. We gotta put a lot together to happen to us.” Sanford said. “All those situations everything up and staying lower seriously — has at least been whit- get a lot done.” That said, Kelly has emphasized really are what separate the great to the ground on his delivery, and tled down to two, listening to Irish Both said they that the decision won’t be made ones from the guys who are a 10- it’s showing up.” head coach Brian Kelly’s more re- are also aware they need to keep this spring. win quarterback, and we want to Sanford also said he’s excited cent thoughts on the matter. the team united if the Irish want “I don’t think we’ll make a de- be above and beyond that.” with the “immense” growth from Nonetheless, watching two to reach the standard the football cision after spring,” Kelly said. “I Despite rumors he was being Wimbush so far this spring as well. players lay claim to the position program at Notre Dame is held to. will say this, I mean the two quar- considered for head coaching po- “It’s funny even today at prac- with a third on the outside biding “Part of being quarterback is terbacks are really good players. sitions around college football, tice there was a time where you his time is a situation Notre Dame knowing how to lead and under- … They’re both No. 1s. They both Sanford returns for his second could tell he’s starting to play doesn’t need to look far into its standing the game and the guys probably can’t play at the same season with the Irish, meaning football, and he’s starting to just past to find: Last season,E verett around you,” Kizer said. “Malik time. So one’s going to have to be he’ll be the first coach Zaire and go out there and execute what we Golson and Zaire were locked in has good relationships with a lot of the starter, and somebody is going Kizer have had for more than one want from a detail standpoint as a duel for control of the offensive the guys, and Brandon has really to be unhappy. season in their careers at Notre opposed to always feeling like he’s Dame. behind the eight-ball,” Sanford “Three [quarterbacks coaches] said. “Now he’s anticipating, he’s in three years, that was a lot to managing protections really well. deal with,” Zaire admitted. “But I He’s out there playing, and it’s fun grew a lot in those three in three to watch when he’s completely di- years and having somebody that’s aled into what he’s doing and he’s still here and didn’t decide to playing free.” take a great position somewhere Regardless of who’s under cen- else I think there’s an apprecia- ter — or, probably more accurately tion on the fact that we can con- for Notre Dame, catching the shot- tinue to work and build on our gun snap — Sanford said the rest relationship.” of the pieces will be in place when Sanford, for his part, said he has the Irish meet the Longhorns un- been able to dive deeper into each der the lights on the first Sunday player’s needs as he begins year night of September. two. “If we play championship-cali- “I think for [Zaire], a day like to- ber football at the quarterback po- day, he just did a great job of letting sition, we know we can win one.” CAITLYN JORDAN | The Observer the game come to him and not try- Irish senior quarterback Malik Zaire carries the ball during Notre Dame’s 34-27 win at Virginia on Sept. ing to be too ambitious and not try Contact Zach Klonsinski at 12 at Scott Stadium. Zaire, who won the starting job last season, fractured his ankle in the victory. to make too many things happen [email protected] 4 The observer | Friday, April 15, 2016 | ndsmcobserver.com INSIDER

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Zach Klonsinski Alex Carson Marek Mazurek Assistant Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor S ports Editor

With this year’s squad losing a lot of talent to grad- This year’s Irish squad will be led by a crew of This year’s Irish squad resembles a Ferrari — a lot of uation and the NFL Draft, the Irish will need to find a new faces, but that doesn’t mean a return to the flash, but not a lot of mileage or substance. way to account for Will Fuller’s production at receiv- playoff discussion isn’t outside the realm of possi- Yes Notre Dame will score points. It’s hard not to er, prevent the big plays that burned the secondary bility. Notre Dame’s schedule is solid, but not pro- do that with two NFL bound running backs and a last season and, most importantly, figure out a way to hibitively difficult, the perfect spot to be in. speedy receiving corps. No matter who leads the of- stay healthy for once. But it’s tough to say too much until we see how fense, whether it be Kizer or Zaire, scoring will not be Between Texas, Michigan State, Stanford and USC, the pieces fit together. Can Nyles Morgan step an issue. Notre Dame will drop at least one game, which would up to lead the defense? Who’s the quarterback — The problem is the defense. With virtually every keep it in the College Football Playoff discussion. Malik Zaire or DeShone Kizer? Will the offensive leader gone from last year, the defense is younger and That said, I don’t see it happening: the Irish will fall line hold strong? Can the Irish get a pass rush less tested than it’s been in recent memory. And if Brian to Michigan State and USC, as well as the usual one going? VanGorder’s group came up short with Jaylon Smith, game a year they shouldn’t lose and do. Circle a let- At the end of the day, I think this team is one year Sheldon Day and Elijah Shumate, a Nyles Morgan led down in Raleigh, North Carolina, the week before the away from truly contending for a national title. defense doesn’t give me any sort of optimism. revenge game against Stanford as the scariest game The Irish reach a second straight New Year’s Six A relatively easy schedule could remedy some of of the year. bowl, however, after a season-ending win at USC. these problems, but a playoff push is out of the question.

REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 9-3 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 10-2 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 10-2 INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, April 15, 2016 | The Observer 5

SUSAN ZHU and ZACH LLORENS | The Observer

Ben Padanilam Renee Griffin Associate Sports Editor Sports Writer

N otre Dame has talent on both sides of the ball, that’s part Whether it’s Malik Zaire or DeShone Kizer or some of the certainty that comes with being Notre Dame. But out- combination of the two at the helm this fall, it seems al- side of that, there’s serious question marks surrounding this most certain that the Notre Dame offense will be able to For updates from Notre team. Who will be quarterback? Can anyone fill the void left put up a lot of points, especially given the presence of se- by Will Fuller at receiver? Will a less-experienced defense be nior running back Tarean Folston. Dame Stadium during able to grasp Brian VanGorder’s complicated schemes? In today’s game – and taking into account the 2016 Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game, Certainly, the schedule has its soft spots. But even with- schedule – a lot of points should mean a lot of wins, as out their quarterbacks from last season, Michigan State and long as the defense is solid. With no established stars like Follow us on Twitter. USC will be difficult games forN otre Dame. Miami and Jaylon Smith, there are no guarantees, but there is prom- @ObserverSports Texas are wild card teams, both capable of giving the Irish ise at every defensive position. Notre Dame’s success a run for their money. And Stanford will compete for a na- this year hinges on how much promise materializes into tional title this season. production. With all that talent on the roster, Notre Dame will have The Irish are far from unbeatable, but also capable of plenty of moments this season. But it will also have its defeating anyone on any given Saturday. Or Sunday, if it’s pitfalls. Texas.

REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 9-3 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 11-1 6 The observer | Friday, april 15, 2016 | ndsmcobserver.com INSIDER Irish receiving corps looks to fill big shoes

By MAREK MAZUREK faster than the longer guys — S ports Editor but all of the guys have the ability to make plays down Fans of last year’s Notre the field,” Irish associate head Dame team will have fond coach and receivers coach memories of the 2015 receiv- Mike Denbrock said on March ing corps. 21. “Now, they might not be Between Will Fuller averag- running 10 yards away from ing over 20 yards per catch, the corner who was trying to Amir Carlisle getting open cover them like Will [Fuller] from the slot position and did at times, but they still have Chris Brown making clutch the ability to create explosive catches, receiver was one of plays.” Notre Dame’s strongest posi- One player in particular tion groups. who looks to make a splash in Entering spring practices the 2016-2017 campaign is se- however, one thing is clear: nior Torii Hunter Jr. At 6-feet change is coming. tall, Hunter has the ability to Fuller, Brown and Carlisle play either outside or in the are all gone chasing NFL ca- slot. Wherever he plays, how- reers, and with them go 2,210 ever, Hunter is poised to be of Notre Dame’s 3,364 re- the team’s first option. ceiving yards from last year. “I think he is smoother, Additionally, the team’s cur- and he appears to be run- rent leader in receiving yards, ning pretty fast down the field senior Corey Robinson, un- when he’s out there route run- derwent a medical evalua- ning,” Denbrock said. “He can tion for a concussion Tuesday give us — maybe not exactly and there’s been no word if the same things we got from he’s been cleared to return to the overall electric speed of a ZACH LLORENS | The Observer spring practices. Will Fuller, but he can give us Irish senior Torii Hunter Jr. runs away from defenders during Notre Dame’s 24-21 win at Temple on Oct. 31 The good news for the Irish, down the field opportunities.” in Philadelphia. Hunter’s 28 receptions in 2015 make him the program’s leading returner at receiver. however, is that there are a As one of two seniors on the number of players vying to receiving corps, Hunter also Behind Hunter, St. Brown recruit coming out of high year’s players, the receiving fill the vacancies on the depth figures to step into a leader- and junior Corey Holmes ap- school and appeared in two core entering Saturday’s Blue chart. ship role. pear to be favorites to make games during the 2014 sea- and Gold game will be the And they’re fast. “I think Torii Hunter has a run at starting jobs. The son before being redshirted least tested in recent mem- “What we do have is a tre- done a good job of step- 6-foot-4, 205-pound St. Brown last year. Like Hunter and ory, with only Hunter seeing mendous combination at the ping up, being a leader of was a four-star recruit coming St. Brown, Holmes’ biggest significant playing time last position of some guys who the group, along with Corey out of high school but totaled strength is his speed — the year. And while all three can- are longer, some guys who Robinson,” sophomore receiv- only one catch for eight yards 6-foot, 190-pound receiver didates have impressive speed are faster, some guys — the er Equanimeous St. Brown last season. was clocked at 4.39 seconds and natural talent, making shorter guys might be a little said. Holmes too, was a four-star in the 40-yard dash for Notre that talent translate will be Dame. Denbrock’s top priority in the “I think trusting my speed fall, he said. is a big thing, Holmes said. “It’s always interesting run- “My dad used to tell me all the ning on a clock and then run- time, ‘Just trust your speed. ning when you have a helmet You’re fast, just trust it.’ At on and shoulder pads on, and times, I kinda get caught up some guys play at different trying to make people miss speeds depending,” Denbrock and stuff and [I] don’t re- said of Holmes’ game on ally show my speed at times. March 21. “[Holmes has] done That’s really all it is, pushing a much better job here in the myself and running full speed last year ... of learning how to all the time.” play fast. He’s translated that With Hunter, St. Brown and better than he has at any point Holmes in the game at the so far. He just needs to contin- same time, the Irish can field ue to be reminded.” one of the fastest receiving Growing pains are to be corps in the nation. And with expected, but if the Irish Robinson and sophomore can overcome them early in tight end Alizé Jones provid- the year, this group has the ing height for red zone targets, chance to be as explosive as the Irish look to be in good last year’s. shape. In theory at least. Contact Marek Mazurek at With the departure of last [email protected]

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KATHLEEN DONAHUE | The Observer Irish junior receiver Corey Holmes catches a pass during practice April 1. Holmes is in the picture for a starting position at receiver, where Notre Dame will need to replace all three starters in 2016. INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | friday, april 15, 2016 | The Observer 7 Secondary picture still fluid as spring closes

EMMET FARNAN | The Observer Irish senior safety Max Redfield takes down Pittsburgh quarterback Nate Peterman during Notre Dame’s 42-30 win over the Panthers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Redfield, who missed the Fiesta Bowl defeat to Ohio State after violating team rules, is one of five returning starters for the Irish on defense heading into the 2016 season.

By RENEE GRIFFIN look to solidify a major role in a confident mindset despite stiff where we want him to play.” in January after violating team Sports Writer the secondary in their Blue-Gold competition around him, he Crawford is one of three de- rules, he figures to help Luke game showings. said. fensive backs who return after and Tranquill fill the leadership The images of Ohio State run- “Everyone is challenging for “I’m a starter. In my mind I’m suffering season-ending injuries voids created by the departures ning and passing all over an the starting spots and we know a starter. That’s how I feel, that’s early on in 2015. The other two of Farley and Russell. injury-wracked Irish secondary we’re going to have to play eight the confidence you have to have are junior safety Drue Tranquill “I’ve been waiting for this for in the Fiesta Bowl have hardly guys deep across the board, es- to play the position,” Watkins and graduate student safety a long time,” Redfield said. “I’m faded, making the open com- pecially with our nickel and dime said. “We’re all challenging each Avery Sebastian. comfortable not being a leader, petitions at the cornerback and package,” Lyght said. “Everyone other. …We encourage each oth- Tranquill was the starter op- but I also love stepping up and safety positions this spring all is going to have a hand in making er. Every rep is a competition, ev- posite Shumate before he tore his having my voice being heard, the more significant. this team successful.” ery play is a competition.” ACL for the second time in two and leading by example is some- By the end of 2015, Notre Senior cornerback Cole Luke Crawford seemed poised to years when he jumped and land- thing that I need to do. Dame’s ranks of defensive backs is fighting to resume his starting start at nickel as a true freshman ed awkwardly while celebrating “… [The younger players’] were so depleted that senior re- role, but he is being pushed by before tearing his ACL last pre- a pass breakup against Georgia heads are kind of spinning, but ceiver Torii Hunter Jr. got time younger cornerbacks like soph- season and is taking reps on both Tech in the third game of the 2015 we’re putting more time in than at nickel back. The departures of omores Shaun Crawford and the inside and outside, along season. we ever have as a secondary, and top cornerback KeiVarae Russell, Nick Coleman and junior Nick with Luke. “He’s an incredible man and we’re learning a lot together, so starting safety Elijah Shumate Watkins. “Crawford’s playing both the athlete,” senior safety Max it’s great.” and team captain and safety Watkins filled in for the in- nickel and the corner at this Redfield said of Tranquill. “The Early-enrollee Devin Studstill Matthias Farley would leave the jured Russell and senior Devin point. He really excels on the in- whole team loves him. He gives is also making noise in practice Irish even thinner, were it not Butler on the outside against side because of his football intel- everything he has. ... He’s a really at the safety position. Lyght said for the return of several veterans the Buckeyes and will be back ligence,” Lyght said. “We moved intelligent guy as well, so we want that with all spots up for grabs, from injury and the additions of in 2016, though a broken left hu- Cole inside so he’s picking up the him to be at his full health and even veterans like Redfield have some fresh faces. merus sustained in early April nickel position. I think Cole is then get him back on the field.” been pushed by his performance. Irish defensive backs coach will prevent him from returning one of our smarter players in the Redfield is also among the cru- Six more freshmen defensive Todd Lyght has expressed confi- to practice until summer work- back end, and he’s doing a great cial returning veterans. Though backs will join Studstill in bol- dence in the depth and compe- outs begin in June. job of moving inside and under- he was notably absent in Ohio stering Notre Dame’s depth in tence of the array of players who Before the injury, Watkins had standing how we do things and State’s 44-28 rout of Notre Dame the secondary in 2016. “We have some guys that are Pi a d Advertisement going to come in this fall that are going to be able to make an im- pact right away,” Lyght said. “We have to put the most athletic guys that give us a chance to make plays on the back end and guys that can prevent big plays so we can be successful defensively.” Lyght said a major goal for this new group will be to eliminate many of the big plays that the secondary allowed in 2015 and continue to get off the field on third down. “We gave up too many explo- sive plays,” Lyght said. “We have to do a better job of competing at the end of the route. We played a lot of split-safety defense, a lot of open defense, quarter-quarter half. This year, we might close them in a bit more, challenge on the perimeter. “… I think we were one of the top-15 defenses in the country on third down. If we can get inside the top 10, we’ll be a defense to be reckoned with.”

Contact Renee Griffin at [email protected] Pi a d Advertisement Before registering for classes, check out NDCatholic.com

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INTERPRETING MARIAN ALLUSIONS IN FILM presented by Michael Duricy

Michael Duricy is the Coordinator of the Academic Program for the International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) at the Uni- versity of Dayton. He earned a postgradu- ate degree in Catholic Theology (STL) from IMRI for his thesis on Mary in film, in which he analyzed “cinematic presentations of the Virgin Mary from 1897-1999.”

April 19, 2016 7:00–9:00 PM Carey Auditorium of the Hesburgh Library