Notre Dame Football: Defensive Backs To Be Shuffled In Spring
Several defensive backs will get a look at new position, Todd Lyght explains.
ISD Video: Todd Lyght and Clark Lea https://t.co/BpmF5gC4Q2 pic.twitter.com/UiniuRPC3v
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) February 1, 2017
247 sports reported a conversation they had with Todd Lyght concerning several defensive backs and where they will get a look in off-season camps/work outs.
Click here to read the full article from 247 Sports
There is a bit of an imbalance within Notre Dame’s defensive backfield depth chart concerning cornerback to safety ratio.
Depth at safety isn’t where it needs to be while the situation at corner is quite good, even though they failed to land a corner on Signing Day.
With the inclusion of the rover position in new DC Mike Elko’s scheme, the defensive coaching staff will cross train some of their athletes in order to create the best balance and depth among their roster.
Juniors-to-be Ashton White and Nick Coleman will get a look at safety. With Daunte Vaughn, Julian Love, Troy Pride Jr., Shaun Crawford and Nick Watkins all showing solid play, White and Coleman were likely on the outside looking in at the CB position.
Todd Lyght says Notre Dame debating an Ashton White and Nick Coleman move to safety.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) February 1, 2017
Giving them a look at safety seems like a smart play by Mike Elko and Todd Lyght.
Jordan Genmark-Heath was also brought up by Lyght. Considering JGH was plugged in at so many positions at Cathedral Catholic in San Diego, there was much speculation as to where he would get a look with Notre Dame.
Lyght says he will train at strong safety, or STUD, as Elko refers to it.
As well as Drue Tranquill, two sophomore-to-be safeties who will be tried out at the rover position will be Spencer Perry and D.J. Morgan. This move comes as no surprise to many as they both are in the 6’2 range and over 200 pounds.
Todd Lyght mentioned Drue Tranquill, Spencer Perry and DJ Morgan as possible Rovers.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) February 1, 2017
Isaiah Robertson enrolled early at Notre Dame and is taking part in the strength and conditioning program as well as all off-season workouts.
Lyght stated that he feels Robertson is best sutied to play the STUD position but feels he has the elite talent and skill set to play WHIP, or free safety, with Notre Dame.
Here’s what Lyght had to say about Robertson:
“He’s talented enough to play both….For me, when I watch his film, I see him as a strong safety due to his range and his ball skills but Coach Elko might see him a differennt way, and I’m sure we’re going to play him at both and see where he has the most production, and that’s where he’ll stay.”
Devin Studstill started most games in ’16 at free safety while Jalen Elliot saw a lot of time at strong safety.
This off season, they will both get a look at the opposite safety position.
Todd Lyght says Devin Studstill could move to strong safety and Jalen Elliott could shift to free safety.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) February 1, 2017
Lyght is looking to make sure they give some of their more versatile personnel a look at other positions in order to ensure they field their best players and provide the depth that is needed to defend today’s high-flying offenses.