Notre Dame Football: Spring Football Video Analysis

Jan 4, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) during practice for the 2013 BCS National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Members of the media and fans only get small snippets of what is occurring during spring practices. Many of these limited views are short 2 to 3 minute videos that can be found on the school’s YouTube account. They provide an indication of who is standing out. Or they may tell us nothing but they are the only information that we have until the Irish take the field on April 20th for the Blue-Gold game inside Notre Dame Stadium.

Louis Nix looks massive at 347lbs. Maybe it is because he now wears #1. If Nix was a load before, he is now a load and a half. The only question about his weight is can he sustain his speed and quickness at this weight. Coach Lungo knows what he is doing and deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Early enrollee Mike Heuerman looks like a small Wide Receiver at this point in this career. There is probably no way that he can contribute unless he puts more weight on before the fall. He will but the question is, ‘how much?’

Chris Brown appears to be learning how to play the position of Wide Receiver very well. In several videos, he can be seen running slants or back-shoulder fades. These are routes that he was unable to execute last year. His playing time should be significantly upgraded this year. There is even a possibility that he starts if T.J. Jones moves inside.

Another player that looks solid is Lo Wood. Coming off an injury Wood looks impressive physically. There also appears to be no rust in his game. He jumps routes against the top Notre Dame Wide Receiver. There should be a healthy competition with Wood and Russell in the spring and fall. Regardless, Wood will see the field in Nickel situations.

Finally, George Atkinson appears to have turned the corner as a Running Back and as a football player. Maybe the hype about Atkinson’s ability is hyperbole but he does have all the tools need to be a superior Running Back. The glimpses of him in the spring have been of a Running Back who makes quicker decisions and have more nimbler feet. Fans saw some of this last year during the Spring Game. Will it transfer to the fall this year?