Notre Dame Opens Fall Camp

Aug. 4, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish huddle during practice at the LaBar Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

The Irish began their journey in attempting to return to the National Title Game on Monday. Notre Dame opened fall camp in Marian, Indiana at Camp Shiloh. Media was not welcome at the practice but the school published its own updates last night.

Jack Nolan interviewed Head Coach Brian Kelly following practice. Kelly, who is entering his fourth year as the Notre Dame football coach said, “Our guys know how to practice. We are four years into this. I’d be a little disappointed if I was standing here talking to you and we were having to talk about things we did three years ago.”

The school also offered highlights of practice. The Irish were only in “shells” as mandated by the NCAA. The first team Offensive Line still appears to be Martin, Watt, Martin, Hanratty and Lombard. Zach Martin looks to have his hands full with Louis Nix but most Centers, even the best in College, have trouble with him. Prince Shembo looks much leaner than last year.

The video offered its first looks at Freshman Jaylon Smith, Will Fuller, Max Redfield, Issac Rochell and Greg Bryant. Kelly said, “There are clearly some players who are physically mature that can come in and push that pack if you will.” As for those players, Smith looks lean and light on his feet. He may not be an every down player yet but he should be great in coverage. Will Fuller looks to be a solid route runner. He beat Devin Butler on a “Curl” route. Kelly said that Fuller “has a great burst vertically.” Max Redfield looks very skinny but fast. Greg Bryant looks the part of a college Running Back. He also looks smooth catching the ball out of the back field. Perhaps, the most surprising part of the video was solid club move by Issac Rochell. Rochell looks physically prepared to play. According to Notre Dame’s 2013 roster, Rochell has added 20 pounds since high school.

Cole Luke was not pictured but was mentioned by Coach Kelly during his interview with UND.com’s Jack Nolan.

Finally, during the Brian Kelly’s interview with Jack Nolan, Malik Zaire can be seen in the background working with Amir Carlisle and then on his own on his craft. The conspiracy theorists who believe Zaire will play this year may read into this as Zaire doing everything to get onto the field.