Notre Dame Football Recap: Spring Practice So Far

Apr 20, 2013; Notre Dame, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take the field for the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame heads back to the practice field on Wednesday. The Irish have already held two practices this spring. In case, you have missed anything, here is an update on Notre Dame’s first two practices:

Practice #1:

In the customary tempo drill that begins every practice, the starting Offensive Line consisted of Stanley, Elmer, Hegarty, Lombard and McGlinchey. This would be one of the most athletic Offensive Lines that Notre Dame has suited up in a long time. However, this is most likely not the starting lineup. Undoubtedly, Martin will start for Hegarty when he is completely healthy.

Also working with the first team group was Sophomore Wide Receiver Corey Robinson, Junior Wide Receiver Chris Brown, Junior Wide Receiver CJ Prosise Senior Tight End Ben Koyack and Sophomore Running Back Tarean Folston. Everett Golson worked with the first team.

The second Offensive Line consisted of Hunter Bivin , Connor Hanratty, Mark Harrell, John Montelus, Colin McGovern. Malik Zaire was joined by Sophomore Tight End Durham Smythe, Sophomore Wide Receiver Will Fuller, Sophomore Running Back Greg Bryant/Senior Running Back Cam McDaniel, Sophomore Wide Receiver Torii Hunter Jr. and Senior Slot Receiver Amir Carlisle.

Golson looked very good in his return to practice. He is clearly bigger than before. From what could be seen in the videos, Golson missed a few easy passes. This should be expected as he shakes off the rust. Golson claimed that he was “anxious” and “too excited” early on in practice. Additionally, Golson appeared more mature in his media session.

Ishaq Williams worked exclusive with the Defensive Line. Despite being listed as an Outside Linebacker, it seems clear that Williams will be used as a Defensive Linemen almost exclusively.

Practice #2:

Although it is difficult to take away much for these videos, a few things can be noticed from this one.

First, Sophomore Running Back Greg Bryant clearly looks healthy and explosive. It would not be surprising if he was the best Running Back by the end of the 2014 season.

Second, Junior Cornerback Matthias Farley appears to be struggling at his new position. The two clips of him are ones in which he is beaten badly. It is early in practice. Additionally, he could have made every other play in practice but those clips just were not shown.

Third, Junior Outside Linebacker Romeo Okwara and Senior Outside Linebacker Ishaq Williams appear to be working exclusively with the Defensive Line. They can be seen going against Offensive Tackles in one-on-one drills.

Fourth, Sophomore Wide Receiver Will Fuller broke free twice one deep balls for touchdowns. Based on his performances last year, he will be an excellent deep threat going forward.

Fifth, Senior Defensive End Anthony Rabasa applied pressure to Golson twice and came up with the sack in one clip. Will he finally be able to make his way off the bench and on to the field?