Depth Helps Notre Dame Spring Practice Become More Physical
By Andrew Hall
Since Brian Kelly arrived in South Bend in December 2009, the Irish failed to hit on a constant basis during spring practice. However, with added depth, Notre Dame is smacking it’s way to a more physical team.
Following Notre Dame’s fifth spring practice, Kelly told reporters the Irish conducted more 3-on-3 drills during practice.
Kelly: First time he's been able to prepare to develop toughness during the spring since he's been at Notre Dame
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Kelly says teams has been able to do a great deal more contact and 3-on-3 drills during the spring due to enhanced depth
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
A more physical Notre Dame spring practice is bound to lead to more injuries. Linebacker Jarrett Grace, Safety Matthias Farley and Defensive End Andrew Trumbetti sat out practice on Wednesday.
Kelly describes all injuries today as “nothing major” on Grace, Farley, Trumbetti, etc. Notes a couple concussions, including Grace.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) March 25, 2015
Practicing physical also reveals more about a team’s players. A few Notre Dame players are beginning to move towards the field.
Kelly says Torii Hunter Jr. is starting to lock into two spots....has been playing Z a lot during spring, also can play X
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Kelly says Durham Smythe is a guy they are confident in as a pass catcher. Needs to get more consistent as an in-line blocker
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Tyler Luatua has more strength and size but has not established himself as the same kind of pass catcher as Smythe
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Kelly said Nic Weishar continues to get bigger and stronger, very impressive pass catcher, just needs to get stronger and bigger still
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Kelly said both Bars and Nelson will have to play. Will find a role for one of them
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Kelly says Alex Bars plays like a junior while Quenton Nelson is physically overwhelming at the position.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) March 25, 2015
The progression at the Tight End position may lead to a transfer. Reading between lines, it would appear that Mike Heuerman may be a potential transfer candidate.
Kelly describes tight ends, Smythe, Luatua and Weishar in that order. Mentions Hounshell fourth. No mention of Heuerman.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) March 25, 2015
If Heuerman is buried behind Hounshell, a player who just moved to the position, his future at Notre Dame is in serious question.
Brian Kelly also noted that Senior Elijah Shumate and Junior Max Redfield have stepped up during Notre Dame spring practice.
Kelly says Elijah Shumate and Max Redfield have developed. "So much different than where we were...at any time during the season."
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
But, the real story of the spring, according to Kelly, is early enrollee Jerry Tillery. Many people questioned why the Irish should move a top Offensive Tackle prospect to the Defensive Line. But, Tillery has an opportunity to make an impact in 2015.
Kelly: “Far and away the story is Jerry Tillery. He's just a unique player.” Running with first-team defense, he adds.
— Andrew Owens (@_Andrew_Owens) March 25, 2015
Kelly said Jerry Tillery is a unique player, unlike any player he's coached. Is running with the first group
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 25, 2015
Notre Dame spring practice concludes on April 18th with the Blue-Gold Game.