The Notre Dame football team has to replace some very talented defensive stars from its 2023 and 2024 campaigns. The safety position has lost some serious star power to the NFL in the last few years. The good news is that it appears one safety in Tae Johnson is already doing his part to step up and replace Xavier Watts.
Following the first day of camp for the Fighting Irish, several members of the media reported that there was one defender who was raising all the eyebrows, and that was none other than Tae Johnson.
Two interceptions headline a breakout camp start for Notre Dame football’s young safety
In the first reps for the Notre Dame football team, the quarterbacks struggled quite a bit. However, it's hard to know whether Johnson's two interceptions of CJ Carr were because the quarterback had some serious struggles, or how much of it was because Johnson is just that good at his position.
After practice, head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that Johnson looked mighty impressive not just to the assembled media but to the coaching staff as well. At the same time, Freeman cautioned that he's still learning, but there's a ton of raw talent there.
"Tae Tae’s one of those guys you just love to coach ... You know, if you listen to Tae Tae he'll be the best wide out and the best DB, you know?"
"He's learning the skill set that is just not natural, right? There's natural skill set that he has, but there's also a skill set, the consistency the trust those type of things that it takes to be an every down player."
"He's learning what's expected and it's helping him play fast."
It's obviously early still. But the Notre Dame football already has a top performer and its a guy who is actively battling for a starting spot in Tae Johnson.