Brian Kelly Discusses Roster, Quarterback Competition
By Andrew Hall
A kelly-green clad Brian Kelly stepped up to the podium on St. Patrick’s Day to discuss spring practice, which begins tomorrow at 7:30 am. Kelly offered information on the roster, position changes and the Quarterback competition. Here are updates from Brian Kelly’s spring practice practice:
Ben Councell plans to retire from football. Brian Kelly’s dwindling of the roster continues to become clearer each day.
Kelly says Ben Councell retired from football, will stay in school to finish his degree.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) March 17, 2015
Chase Hounshell is attempting to find a spot on the roster at Tight End.
BK: Nothing has been decided on Hounshell being invited back in the spring, but will be given a shot this spring to compete
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 17, 2015
Cornerback Jalen Brown was not invited back for a 5th-year. Brown only made contributions in 2012 when he tallied 3 tackles and 1 pass broken up.
BK: Jalen Brown was not invited back for a 5th year
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 17, 2015
Brian Kelly is confident that KeiVarae Russell will join the Irish in June. However, he does not appear confident about Ishaq Williams.
BK: Confident that KeIVarae Russell is making all the steps he needs to return to the team this summer
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 17, 2015
Linebacker Greer Martini will move from ILB to OLB. Doug Randolph shifts from Linebacker to Defensive End. Linebacker John Turner returns to Safety. CJ Prosise will train at both Running Back and Slot Receiver. Prosise carried the ball 10 times for 126 yards with 1 touchdown in 2014.
ILB Greer Martini is moving outside.
— Eric Hansen (@EHansenND) March 17, 2015
C.J. Prosise will criss train at WR and RB. ... LB John Turner is moving back to safely. ..LB Doug Randolph will move to rush end.
— Eric Hansen (@EHansenND) March 17, 2015
Sophomores Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars will compete for the vacant Left Guard position. Nick Martin, who played Left Guard last season, moves back to Center.
BK: Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars will battle for the starting LG position
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 17, 2015
Finally, Brian Kelly believes his team can practice more physically due to the improved depth.
Kelly says this is the first time since he’s been here that “we’ve got the depth necessary to go play football."
— Andrew Owens (@_Andrew_Owens) March 17, 2015