Notre Dame Football Post-Practice Press Conference Review

Notes from yesterday’s press conference.

There was a lot to take away from yesterday’s Brian Kelly press conference following another successful Notre Dame football spring practice, so let’s get to it.

One of the first topics was true sophomore running back Tony Jones Jr. The former IMG Academy star has had a strong off-season and is impressing everybody with his play.

“He’s 225 pounds, can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. He’s a powerful kid, can run elusively and get into the second level. So….what does that equal?” Kelly said with a big laugh. “He’s a pretty good back. Obviously, he was noticeable today,” added Brian Kelly, head football coach of the University of Notre Dame, on WathND.

Brian Kelly mentioned that Tony Jones Jr. is getting some looks higher up the ladder.

“He got some work with the first group as well. He just wasn’t getting second team reps, he’s a good player,” added Kelly.

Again, there was talk about Director of Football Performance – Matt Balis and the revamped strength and conditioning staff and the effect it has on their overall performance.

“I think everybody feels good about themselves. We ran the ball effectively, there was physicality out there and there was great conditioning,” said Kelly. “Those are all contributed from having the kind of strength and conditioning that you want from your football team.”

“As we know, last year, you know, 7 of our 8 games came down to the four quarter and we lacked some of those components,” Kelly said regarding last year’s conditioning. “I think we’ve done a great job together in building that.”

Freshman running back C.J. Holmes suffered a very unfortunate injury. Kelly spoke about the specifics.

“He separated his shoulder,” answered Kelly.

Kelly was asked if Holmes would be out for the rest of the spring. “Probably. We’ll get an M.R.I. and know a little bit further on Monday….He had an open repair on that same shoulder his sophomore year of high school,” Kelly added.

Kelly spoke about the defense and their new focus on creating turnovers.

“I can tell we’re already doing things we haven’t done in the past that are going to be reaping benefits for us. Defensive line are going to be batting down balls. I think you’re going to see guys stripping the football,” Kelly stated.

“Those, in particular, are areas where you’re going to see on the field, more turnovers,” he added. “Fundamentals are being taught a level where I know we’re going to benefit from that.”

Next, Brian Kelly addressed the right side of the offensive line and the personnel that are battling it our for starting positions.

“Alex Bars is going to be the right guard,” Kelly said. “It’s the right tackle position that continues to be a competitive situation with Kraemer and (Eichenberg) still splitting reps there,” answered Kelly.

“Kraemer at times, a little more physical. Liam, a little bit longer maybe. Longer translates itself into pass pro. Both of them, still are on that learning curve but both of them are really good players,” added Kelly.

Kelly added his thoughts on a rising early enrollee from Pennsylvania who has been impressing him with his competitiveness and attention to detail.

“Robert Hainsey has had a really good spring. He’s a guy who may find himself competing a little bit as well,” said Kelly. “He’s really been probably the surprise for us of all the guys in his maturity, ability to pick up what we’re doing.”

Bryan Driskell of Blue and Gold Illustrated asked Kelly about cornerback Nick Watkins and what his performance has been like coming off an injury.

“I think Nick is playing with a lot of confidence. He’s long, he’s coachable, he’s a great kid and I really like the way he’s competing out there,” said Kelly. “He’s had a really terrific off-season in the weight room.”

Kelly feels that Watkins is starting to add a significant dynamic to the defense. “Nice to have him back. He’s really giving us a presence out there that we’re starting to feel.,” Kelly added.

A question many have been asking is how drop end Daelin Hayes is coming along. Kelly addressed where the former 5 star is at in his progression.

“The athleticism is what obviously stand out,” said Kelly. “He’s extremely athletic, he’s fit physically, 250-pounds and very strong. “It’s just learning right now for him and this is the time to do it.”

“We have to be patient with him. He’s an explosive athlete. There’s going to be some mistakes along the way and I’m O.K. with that, as long as he’s learning. Here’s the thing about it, he cares a lot and he wants to get better,” added Kelly.

Another hot topic has been Alize Mack and how he is progressing as Notre Dame’s arguably most anticipated player, outside of quarterback Brandon Wimbush.

“I think Chip is doing a terrific job with him. He’s got a good relationship. He knows how to rise him up when he needs to and how to scold him when he needs to and Alize needs a little bit of that but he’s virtually uncoverable in certain areas of the field,” mentioned Kelly.

"“I don’t care, at any level, you can’t cover him, he’s just got that kind of talent,” Said Kelly regarding Alize Mack."

Kelly spoke about how Alize is evolving in regards to blocking. “He’s committed himself to being a blocker and being physical. If he continues to do that, we’re going to find ourselves with a lot of tight ends on the field,”  said Kelly with a confident grin.

Again, there was a lot to take from Brian Kelly’s sub-15 minute press conference yesterday. It’s always interesting to see how things are shaking out in practice during this time of year.

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Aside from the news on C.J. Holmes, it seems like things are going very well in the Gugliemino Comlpex this spring.