August 2007 Entries
Charlie Weis downplayed this Chicago Tribune story, in which Demetrius Jones' high school coach strongly hinted that Jones would be Notre Dame's starting quarterback Saturday in the season opener."I haven't spoken to Demetrius' high school coach," Weis said after Thursday's practice. "I have not talked to him. I'm the one who decides how many snaps everyone plays. Therefore, I have no comment. Tell him I said hello when you talk to him, though."Weis wasn't smiling when he said that, by the way.Weis said he understood why Lexie Spurlock, the coach at Jones' alma mater, Morgan Park High School —...
Charlie Weis downplayed this Chicago Tribune story, in which Demetrius Jones' high school coach strongly hinted that Jones would be Notre Dame's starting quarterback Saturday in the season opener."I haven't spoken to Demetrius' high school coach," Weis said after Thursday's practice. "I have not talked to him. I'm the one who decides how many snaps everyone plays. Therefore, I have no comment. Tell him I said hello when you talk to him, though."Weis wasn't smiling when he said that, by the way.Weis said he understood why Lexie Spurlock, the coach at Jones' alma mater, Morgan Park High School —...
You couldn't ask for a nicer day in northern Indiana than we had this afternoon. It was so nice that the first ticket scalper I've seen this season, on the corner of Edison Road and Notre Dame Avenue, just across from campus, decided to sit out in a lawn chair and get some sun (and sell some tickets, I'm sure he hoped.)Today's practice viewing took place in the stadium, which looks as if it's in fine shape to host a game on Saturday. Special-teamers were already on the field when we arrived (the team was in shoulder pads and shorts...
You couldn't ask for a nicer day in northern Indiana than we had this afternoon. It was so nice that the first ticket scalper I've seen this season, on the corner of Edison Road and Notre Dame Avenue, just across from campus, decided to sit out in a lawn chair and get some sun (and sell some tickets, I'm sure he hoped.)Today's practice viewing took place in the stadium, which looks as if it's in fine shape to host a game on Saturday. Special-teamers were already on the field when we arrived (the team was in shoulder pads and shorts...
I'm not sure this one is catchy enough to stick, but Notre Dame's five running backs now have a collective nickname.“The five-headed horsemen," sophomore James Aldridge labeled the depth at his position. "I don’t know if anybody ever heard of that, but it could be lethal back there, that’s for sure.”Notre Dame not only has talent lining up behind the quarterback, but a good mix of skills. Travis Thomas is a power back and Armando Allen is the speed burner of the group. Throw in Aldridge, Robert Hughes and Junior Jabbie, who all have different combinations of the two, and...
I'm not sure this one is catchy enough to stick, but Notre Dame's five running backs now have a collective nickname.“The five-headed horsemen," sophomore James Aldridge labeled the depth at his position. "I don’t know if anybody ever heard of that, but it could be lethal back there, that’s for sure.”Notre Dame not only has talent lining up behind the quarterback, but a good mix of skills. Travis Thomas is a power back and Armando Allen is the speed burner of the group. Throw in Aldridge, Robert Hughes and Junior Jabbie, who all have different combinations of the two, and...
More signs that the season is upon us: The band was practicing outside the Gug today and the Goodyear blimp was circling overhead. Unfortunately, it couldn't capture football practice, because the team was inside the Loftus Center, where a couple of doors were propped open to let in the breeze. The Irish were in shoulder pads and shorts for the second consecutive day.Irish superfan Keith Penrod made the rounds in his wheelchair during stretching, carrying a sign that read "FOCUS + CONTROL + HEART = RESPECT".Quarterbacks first today. The order in which the three came out for stretching was the...
More signs that the season is upon us: The band was practicing outside the Gug today and the Goodyear blimp was circling overhead. Unfortunately, it couldn't capture football practice, because the team was inside the Loftus Center, where a couple of doors were propped open to let in the breeze. The Irish were in shoulder pads and shorts for the second consecutive day.Irish superfan Keith Penrod made the rounds in his wheelchair during stretching, carrying a sign that read "FOCUS + CONTROL + HEART = RESPECT".Quarterbacks first today. The order in which the three came out for stretching was the...
Ron Powlus has any number of responsibilities as the Notre Dame quarterbacks coach, but the most important may be drawing on his own experience as an Irish QB to help the quarterback who makes the first start of his career Saturday against Georgia Tech, whether that be Evan Sharpley, Demetrius Jones or Jimmy Clausen.“I try to give them specific stories, not that I need to relay all of those right now, but I try to give them specific stories that it’s not unusual to be nervous. It’s not unusual to be a little anxious. It’s not unusual to be awed...
Ron Powlus has any number of responsibilities as the Notre Dame quarterbacks coach, but the most important may be drawing on his own experience as an Irish QB to help the quarterback who makes the first start of his career Saturday against Georgia Tech, whether that be Evan Sharpley, Demetrius Jones or Jimmy Clausen.“I try to give them specific stories, not that I need to relay all of those right now, but I try to give them specific stories that it’s not unusual to be nervous. It’s not unusual to be a little anxious. It’s not unusual to be awed...
It's another hot day here in northern Indiana, but sunny and beautiful, and the Irish were out on Cartier Field this afternoon in shoulder pads and shorts for the first practice of Georgia Tech week.Center and captain John Sullivan again led the team out to take its stretching positions, sprinting from the goal line to his spot at the 40."Practice makes the player," defensive backs coach Bill Lewis said, and the attitude seemed a lot more businesslike today than it was during training camp. After delivering his message, Lewis went down to the end zone to play catch with linebackers...
It's another hot day here in northern Indiana, but sunny and beautiful, and the Irish were out on Cartier Field this afternoon in shoulder pads and shorts for the first practice of Georgia Tech week.Center and captain John Sullivan again led the team out to take its stretching positions, sprinting from the goal line to his spot at the 40."Practice makes the player," defensive backs coach Bill Lewis said, and the attitude seemed a lot more businesslike today than it was during training camp. After delivering his message, Lewis went down to the end zone to play catch with linebackers...
Here's Notre Dame's depth chart for the opener against Georgia Tech, with changes from the preseason depth chart noted:OFFENSEQuarterbackEvan Sharpley OR Demetrius Jones OR Jimmy ClausenChanges: None. (As if.)HalfbackTravis ThomasJames Aldridge OR Armando Allen OR Junior JabbieRobert HughesChanges: None. Weis has said all five of these guys could play in a game, so the depth chart may not mean much here.FullbackAsaph SchwappLuke SchmidtChange: The two were listed as even entering camp. But Schwapp is healthy now, has more experience and is one of Weis' favorite players on the team.'X' ReceiverGeorge WestD.J. HordDuval KamaraChange: It's been reported that Richard Jackson is...
Here's Notre Dame's depth chart for the opener against Georgia Tech, with changes from the preseason depth chart noted:OFFENSEQuarterbackEvan Sharpley OR Demetrius Jones OR Jimmy ClausenChanges: None. (As if.)HalfbackTravis ThomasJames Aldridge OR Armando Allen OR Junior JabbieRobert HughesChanges: None. Weis has said all five of these guys could play in a game, so the depth chart may not mean much here.FullbackAsaph SchwappLuke SchmidtChange: The two were listed as even entering camp. But Schwapp is healthy now, has more experience and is one of Weis' favorite players on the team.'X' ReceiverGeorge WestD.J. HordDuval KamaraChange: It's been reported that Richard Jackson is...
Here's Notre Dame's depth chart for the opener against Georgia Tech, with changes from the preseason depth chart noted:OFFENSEQuarterbackEvan Sharpley OR Demetrius Jones OR Jimmy ClausenChanges: None. (As if.)HalfbackTravis ThomasJames Aldridge OR Armando Allen OR Junior JabbieRobert HughesChanges: None. Weis has said all five of these guys could play in a game, so the depth chart may not mean much here.FullbackAsaph SchwappLuke SchmidtChange: The two were listed as even entering camp. But Schwapp is healthy now, has more experience and is one of Weis' favorite players on the team.'X' ReceiverGeorge WestD.J. HordDuval KamaraChange: It's been reported that Richard Jackson is...
Here's part three of my look back at training camp through the words of Notre Dame coaches and players. Today, it's an all-Charlie Weis edition, organized by topic. Enjoy and check back tomorrow when we start Georgia Tech game week. I hope to have the new depth chart up in the early afternoon.On defensive end Justin Brown:“He’s probably, of the entire team, the most pleasant surprise on the entire team during this training camp. It isn’t just the strength gains. It’s been his motor. That’s what’s impressed me the most. He’s always showed flashes. Since I’ve been here he’s showed...
Here's part three of my look back at training camp through the words of Notre Dame coaches and players. Today, it's an all-Charlie Weis edition, organized by topic. Enjoy and check back tomorrow when we start Georgia Tech game week. I hope to have the new depth chart up in the early afternoon.On defensive end Justin Brown:“He’s probably, of the entire team, the most pleasant surprise on the entire team during this training camp. It isn’t just the strength gains. It’s been his motor. That’s what’s impressed me the most. He’s always showed flashes. Since I’ve been here he’s showed...
Here’s part two of my look back at the best quotes from training camp, today featuring defensive players and coaches. Check back tomorrow for an all-Charlie Weis edition.“The type of football I grew up playing in Pennsylvania was kind of a smash-mouth type of football, where you usually just got the iso and the power. That was pretty much all you did, just line up and see who’s tougher.” — linebacker Joe Brockington on the style of high school football he played“I just kind of refuse to be thrown around.” — Brockington on going against offensive guards in the 3-...
Here’s part two of my look back at the best quotes from training camp, today featuring defensive players and coaches. Check back tomorrow for an all-Charlie Weis edition.“The type of football I grew up playing in Pennsylvania was kind of a smash-mouth type of football, where you usually just got the iso and the power. That was pretty much all you did, just line up and see who’s tougher.” — linebacker Joe Brockington on the style of high school football he played“I just kind of refuse to be thrown around.” — Brockington on going against offensive guards in the 3-...
Here's part one of a three-day look back at some of the top quotes from Notre Dame football training camp. Today I've got comments from offensive players and coaches. Defense will be tomorrow and I've got an all-Charlie Weis edition planned for Monday to lead us into Georgia Tech week. If you've been following all the coverage of camp from the many media outlets that cover the Irish, you've probably seen most of these before, but I thought it would be worth it to take a look back at the last three weeks, as told by the Irish themselves.“It was...
Here's part one of a three-day look back at some of the top quotes from Notre Dame football training camp. Today I've got comments from offensive players and coaches. Defense will be tomorrow and I've got an all-Charlie Weis edition planned for Monday to lead us into Georgia Tech week. If you've been following all the coverage of camp from the many media outlets that cover the Irish, you've probably seen most of these before, but I thought it would be worth it to take a look back at the last three weeks, as told by the Irish themselves.“It was...
While the digital clock in the weight room bearing the slogan "Beat Georgia Tech" continued to tick away the seconds until the season opener, Notre Dame went through the final training camp practice to be open to the media. (Bear with me here as I try to control my emotions.)Charlie Weis was right on again about the weather. A few minutes after practice began in the Loftus Center, rain started to fall. I wonder if he's this good at predicting winning lottery numbers.As he walked by us during stretching, Weis asked, "How were the freshmen today?" and then answered his...
While the digital clock in the weight room bearing the slogan "Beat Georgia Tech" continued to tick away the seconds until the season opener, Notre Dame went through the final training camp practice to be open to the media. (Bear with me here as I try to control my emotions.)Charlie Weis was right on again about the weather. A few minutes after practice began in the Loftus Center, rain started to fall. I wonder if he's this good at predicting winning lottery numbers.As he walked by us during stretching, Weis asked, "How were the freshmen today?" and then answered his...
I thought I'd throw a few comments from Jimmy Clausen out there from today's freshman media day. Clausen handled himself very well, in my opinion, and didn't seemed fazed by all the attention he received.He even responded well to a couple of suspiciously leading questions about his personal quarterback coach. And yes, Clausen was only answering the questions asked of him, which were hard-hitting inquiries along the lines of "If it weren't for (coach's name), would you be here today?", but if his answers end up on a Web site as a testimonial for some camp or training video, the...
I thought I'd throw a few comments from Jimmy Clausen out there from today's freshman media day. Clausen handled himself very well, in my opinion, and didn't seemed fazed by all the attention he received.He even responded well to a couple of suspiciously leading questions about his personal quarterback coach. And yes, Clausen was only answering the questions asked of him, which were hard-hitting inquiries along the lines of "If it weren't for (coach's name), would you be here today?", but if his answers end up on a Web site as a testimonial for some camp or training video, the...
I'm on deadline with a story to write for Friday's paper, but I thought I'd first pass on a couple tidbits from Charlie Weis' post-practice press conference Thursday.As Weis first disclosed in an interview with WNDU TV, he knows who the starting quarterback will be in the opener against Georgia Tech.“I’m absolutely sure who the starting quarterback is,” Weis said Thursday night.Weis, after a somewhat testy exchange with a reporter, said he came to the decision “within the last week to two weeks ago."And while all three quarterbacks are still getting practice reps with the first team, Weis thinks...
I'm on deadline with a story to write for Friday's paper, but I thought I'd first pass on a couple tidbits from Charlie Weis' post-practice press conference Thursday.As Weis first disclosed in an interview with WNDU TV, he knows who the starting quarterback will be in the opener against Georgia Tech.“I’m absolutely sure who the starting quarterback is,” Weis said Thursday night.Weis, after a somewhat testy exchange with a reporter, said he came to the decision “within the last week to two weeks ago."And while all three quarterbacks are still getting practice reps with the first team, Weis thinks...
Thursday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center and began just before a torrential downpour passed through the area — proving once again that Charlie Weis is the master of weather prediction — was a little different. Instead of watching practice, we spent our 20 minutes watching Weis make a few guys very happy. (I'm using mostly quotes here because I thought people would be interested to hear the way Weis addressed his team.)"Take a knee, fellas," Weis said as the players silently gathered in a half-circle at midfield. "Take your hats off.“When I got here a few years...
Thursday's practice, which was held inside the Loftus Center and began just before a torrential downpour passed through the area — proving once again that Charlie Weis is the master of weather prediction — was a little different. Instead of watching practice, we spent our 20 minutes watching Weis make a few guys very happy. (I'm using mostly quotes here because I thought people would be interested to hear the way Weis addressed his team.)"Take a knee, fellas," Weis said as the players silently gathered in a half-circle at midfield. "Take your hats off.“When I got here a few years...
Notre Dame returned to Cartier Field for practice Wednesday, and the heat was back, too. The corporate tailgating tents were going up at Moose Krause Stadium, another sign that the opener is drawing near."It's good to be outside and get a real sweat going," quarterbacks coach Ron Powlus said with a grin on his face.Someone said "shut up" in a surly voice back to him, but I'm not going to rat that person out.As the team came out for its stretches, tackle Sam Young tossed one of his gloves at tight end John Carlson. It missed and Carlson didn't even...
Notre Dame returned to Cartier Field for practice Wednesday, and the heat was back, too. The corporate tailgating tents were going up at Moose Krause Stadium, another sign that the opener is drawing near."It's good to be outside and get a real sweat going," quarterbacks coach Ron Powlus said with a grin on his face.Someone said "shut up" in a surly voice back to him, but I'm not going to rat that person out.As the team came out for its stretches, tackle Sam Young tossed one of his gloves at tight end John Carlson. It missed and Carlson didn't even...
Today I heard the most interesting description yet of Notre Dame's defense, from senior cornerback Ambrose Wooden.“Every day you go out, you try to focus on certain things, try to get better at certain things and Coach Brown and Coach Lewis they just help out, and (so do) all the guys around you," Wooden said. "It’s like a family, it’s like a cult. We’re just all together trying to focus on one goal.”So I guess you could say the defensive players are definitely drinking the Kool-Aid. (Sorry.)Anyway, Wooden and senior linebacker Maurice Crum said they're encouraged by the progress that's...
Today I heard the most interesting description yet of Notre Dame's defense, from senior cornerback Ambrose Wooden.“Every day you go out, you try to focus on certain things, try to get better at certain things and Coach Brown and Coach Lewis they just help out, and (so do) all the guys around you," Wooden said. "It’s like a family, it’s like a cult. We’re just all together trying to focus on one goal.”So I guess you could say the defensive players are definitely drinking the Kool-Aid. (Sorry.)Anyway, Wooden and senior linebacker Maurice Crum said they're encouraged by the progress that's...
And now for an update on the quarterback competition, and it's really no update at all. Notre Dame still doesn't have a starting quarterback, according to two of the guys trying to win that position.“Still clueless," sophomore Demetrius Jones said convincingly this afternoon. "This is not just the media ban, this is what’s going on. I’m quite sure if one of us knew who the person was we’d be more than happy to get it out there, but the fact of the matter is we’re just not to that point yet and whenever (coach Charlie Weis) feels it’s time for...
And now for an update on the quarterback competition, and it's really no update at all. Notre Dame still doesn't have a starting quarterback, according to two of the guys trying to win that position.“Still clueless," sophomore Demetrius Jones said convincingly this afternoon. "This is not just the media ban, this is what’s going on. I’m quite sure if one of us knew who the person was we’d be more than happy to get it out there, but the fact of the matter is we’re just not to that point yet and whenever (coach Charlie Weis) feels it’s time for...
It's another day in the Loftus Center following more rain here yesterday. I can't decide whether the smell of the artificial turf trapped in that enclosed space is intoxicating or nauseating.Somebody remind me next year to keep a running count of how many times strength and conditioning coach Ruben Mendoza uses the phrase "On the hop!" to keep the tempo high during the stretching portion of practice. If I had done this beginning at the start of camp, it's safe to say the count would be in the triple digits by now.Today we got to see some of that energy...
It's another day in the Loftus Center following more rain here yesterday. I can't decide whether the smell of the artificial turf trapped in that enclosed space is intoxicating or nauseating.Somebody remind me next year to keep a running count of how many times strength and conditioning coach Ruben Mendoza uses the phrase "On the hop!" to keep the tempo high during the stretching portion of practice. If I had done this beginning at the start of camp, it's safe to say the count would be in the triple digits by now.Today we got to see some of that energy...
As anyone who's tried to watch the NASCAR race in not-too-far-away Brooklyn, Mich., knows, it's been raining pretty steadily in this part of the country for the last 36 hours or so. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said the Irish practiced in the slop last night in Notre Dame Stadium to get some work in in adverse weather conditions, but they were inside the Loftus Center today.There was a rematch of Saturday's quarterbacks and wide receivers vs. tight ends and running backs competition, and you could tell the stakes were a lot higher because there was a lot more...
As anyone who's tried to watch the NASCAR race in not-too-far-away Brooklyn, Mich., knows, it's been raining pretty steadily in this part of the country for the last 36 hours or so. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said the Irish practiced in the slop last night in Notre Dame Stadium to get some work in in adverse weather conditions, but they were inside the Loftus Center today.There was a rematch of Saturday's quarterbacks and wide receivers vs. tight ends and running backs competition, and you could tell the stakes were a lot higher because there was a lot more...
That’s according to head coach Charlie Weis, who spoke to the media for the first time since freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen’s run-in with state excise police was reported last Friday.“It’s like this: Did he have bad judgment, being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Absolutely. You can’t sit there and say when something happens that nothing happened,” Weis said this morning at the Gug. “But as I tell you every time an issue comes up, I try to look at it like a dad.”And the dad in Weis knows that while very few encounters involving the police, a...
That’s according to head coach Charlie Weis, who spoke to the media for the first time since freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen’s run-in with state excise police was reported last Friday.“It’s like this: Did he have bad judgment, being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Absolutely. You can’t sit there and say when something happens that nothing happened,” Weis said this morning at the Gug. “But as I tell you every time an issue comes up, I try to look at it like a dad.”And the dad in Weis knows that while very few encounters involving the police, a...
Today's practice, which was held in the Loftus Center, was livened up considerably by a competition to see which group — the quarterbacks and wide receivers or the running backs and tight ends — could finish their agility drills the fastest. The QB/WR group, led by receivers coach Rob Ianello, lined up on one side of the field and the RB/TE group, under the direction of offensive coordinator Mike Haywood, on the other. (This competition must have been planned for today, because during stretching, Haywood taunted Jimmy Clausen and Darrin Bragg by saying, "You guys go through the bags like...
Today's practice, which was held in the Loftus Center, was livened up considerably by a competition to see which group — the quarterbacks and wide receivers or the running backs and tight ends — could finish their agility drills the fastest. The QB/WR group, led by receivers coach Rob Ianello, lined up on one side of the field and the RB/TE group, under the direction of offensive coordinator Mike Haywood, on the other. (This competition must have been planned for today, because during stretching, Haywood taunted Jimmy Clausen and Darrin Bragg by saying, "You guys go through the bags like...
If you watched a Notre Dame game last fall and the linebackers looked gassed by the fourth quarter ... you were right. Brian Polian, who is coaching the Irish inside linebackers this season, noticed it too.“You saw it take physical tolls on guys, where you just couldn’t afford to get them off the field and they were playing every play," Polian said this morning at The Gug.That should change this season, because Notre Dame has much-improved depth at the position, especially at the two inside spots.Maurice Crum Jr. and Joe Brockington, who were starters last season, and Toryan Smith (who...
If you watched a Notre Dame game last fall and the linebackers looked gassed by the fourth quarter ... you were right. Brian Polian, who is coaching the Irish inside linebackers this season, noticed it too.“You saw it take physical tolls on guys, where you just couldn’t afford to get them off the field and they were playing every play," Polian said this morning at The Gug.That should change this season, because Notre Dame has much-improved depth at the position, especially at the two inside spots.Maurice Crum Jr. and Joe Brockington, who were starters last season, and Toryan Smith (who...
The depth and talent at his position on Notre Dame's roster didn't scare away Konrad Reuland when he was picking a school. He wanted to be a part of the new Tight End U.“There’s been a lot of great tight ends come out of here," Reuland said Friday, "starting with Anthony (Fasano) a couple years ago, John (Carlson) coming up and then all the young tight ends that we have now, including Will (Yeatman) and Mike (Ragone) and myself and the recruits that we’re getting over the next couple years. I think it’s kind of becoming the Tight End U...
The depth and talent at his position on Notre Dame's roster didn't scare away Konrad Reuland when he was picking a school. He wanted to be a part of the new Tight End U.“There’s been a lot of great tight ends come out of here," Reuland said Friday, "starting with Anthony (Fasano) a couple years ago, John (Carlson) coming up and then all the young tight ends that we have now, including Will (Yeatman) and Mike (Ragone) and myself and the recruits that we’re getting over the next couple years. I think it’s kind of becoming the Tight End U...
On a surprisingly warm morning (for those of us who wore jeans and sweatshirts, anyway), Notre Dame, wearing protective shells, took to dewy Cartier Field for what is, by my count, practice No. 15 of 25 in fall camp. Among the guests were the fathers of players Tom Zbikowski, Steve Paskorz, Luke Schmidt and, for the third straight day, Darrin Walls. Also on hand were a scout from the San Francisco 49ers and a pair of scouts from the Houston Texans. There were also several thousands gnats present, which didn't make viewing very enjoyable.During the stretching portion of practice, tight...
On a surprisingly warm morning (for those of us who wore jeans and sweatshirts, anyway), Notre Dame, wearing protective shells, took to dewy Cartier Field for what is, by my count, practice No. 15 of 25 in fall camp. Among the guests were the fathers of players Tom Zbikowski, Steve Paskorz, Luke Schmidt and, for the third straight day, Darrin Walls. Also on hand were a scout from the San Francisco 49ers and a pair of scouts from the Houston Texans. There were also several thousands gnats present, which didn't make viewing very enjoyable.During the stretching portion of practice, tight...
"It's a good day to get better," assistant coach Bernie Parmalee told a couple of players before the start of Thursday's practice at Cartier Field. The Irish practiced in full pads again today, and in front of four NFL scouts, which might be a season high so far. The teams represented that I saw were the Bears, Buccaneers, Falcons and Lions.I mentioned yesterday that safety Ray Herring is suffering from what defensive backs coach Bill Lewis called a "minor" injury. Herring was stretching out with the rest of the players and going through drills today, but it's hard to tell...
"It's a good day to get better," assistant coach Bernie Parmalee told a couple of players before the start of Thursday's practice at Cartier Field. The Irish practiced in full pads again today, and in front of four NFL scouts, which might be a season high so far. The teams represented that I saw were the Bears, Buccaneers, Falcons and Lions.I mentioned yesterday that safety Ray Herring is suffering from what defensive backs coach Bill Lewis called a "minor" injury. Herring was stretching out with the rest of the players and going through drills today, but it's hard to tell...
Charlie Weis spoke to the media for about 25 minutes this morning, and while nothing Earth-shattering came out of it, these mini-press conferences are essential because as worthwhile as it is to talk to the other coaches and the players, he speaks for the team.Probably most interesting were his comments on the personalities of the quarterbacks, and I'll have more of these in my story in Friday's paper, but here are a couple quick quotes:“Evan, who a lot of people think is a quiet guy, is kind of a fiery guy, and Jimmy, who a lot of people think is...
Charlie Weis spoke to the media for about 25 minutes this morning, and while nothing Earth-shattering came out of it, these mini-press conferences are essential because as worthwhile as it is to talk to the other coaches and the players, he speaks for the team.Probably most interesting were his comments on the personalities of the quarterbacks, and I'll have more of these in my story in Friday's paper, but here are a couple quick quotes:“Evan, who a lot of people think is a quiet guy, is kind of a fiery guy, and Jimmy, who a lot of people think is...
Depending on who you talk to, the Notre Dame defense is coming into focus in terms of the 2-deeps. Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown says coming up with a depth chart is a "never-ending process," but he's getting a feel for who's going to play on Sept. 1."What you do is you keep working and working and working and you keep putting guys in situations where they have to make adjustments and where they have to make plays, and when you show that you can do that, you gain our trust," Brown said during today's media session. "When you don't do...
Depending on who you talk to, the Notre Dame defense is coming into focus in terms of the 2-deeps. Defensive coordinator Corwin Brown says coming up with a depth chart is a "never-ending process," but he's getting a feel for who's going to play on Sept. 1."What you do is you keep working and working and working and you keep putting guys in situations where they have to make adjustments and where they have to make plays, and when you show that you can do that, you gain our trust," Brown said during today's media session. "When you don't do...
Many of the first-teamers weren't at practice today, but don't worry, they're not suspended. This morning's practice at Cartier Field was strictly for the second- and third-teamers, so they could get some meaningful reps and some more personalized instruction from the coaches. The first-teamers were at the Gug watching film. (And, to answer your next question, all the quarterbacks were at the media portion of practice, so there weren't any hints to be found there.)The first practice injury I've seen this year occurred today when freshman halfback Robert Hughes was hit in, well, a very uncomfortable place while running through...
Many of the first-teamers weren't at practice today, but don't worry, they're not suspended. This morning's practice at Cartier Field was strictly for the second- and third-teamers, so they could get some meaningful reps and some more personalized instruction from the coaches. The first-teamers were at the Gug watching film. (And, to answer your next question, all the quarterbacks were at the media portion of practice, so there weren't any hints to be found there.)The first practice injury I've seen this year occurred today when freshman halfback Robert Hughes was hit in, well, a very uncomfortable place while running through...
It's a very nice day in northern Indiana, which means the Notre Dame football team is ... practicing indoors. (Hey, it is cooler inside today, I'll give them that.) But it also means Brian Polian doesn't have to wear his cool Notre Dame floppy hat, so I think it's kind of a wash, personally.Here are a few things I noticed today:• The mood of the team continues to be very light, and as we're into the second week of training camp, I think that's a good sign. There was a lot of shouting, laughing and general high spirits in the...
It's a very nice day in northern Indiana, which means the Notre Dame football team is ... practicing indoors. (Hey, it is cooler inside today, I'll give them that.) But it also means Brian Polian doesn't have to wear his cool Notre Dame floppy hat, so I think it's kind of a wash, personally.Here are a few things I noticed today:• The mood of the team continues to be very light, and as we're into the second week of training camp, I think that's a good sign. There was a lot of shouting, laughing and general high spirits in the...
Tuesday is a "receivers day" for me. I talked to George West this morning for an upcoming story for our print edition and also jumped in for a few minutes with D.J. Hord and receivers coach Rob Ianello during the morning media session.Hord, a junior who came to Notre Dame as a highly touted prospect, has had a rougher go of it with the Irish than he probably expected to have, due mostly to an Achilles injury that kept him out all last season. The last time I talked to him, in the spring, he seemed a little unsure of...
Tuesday is a "receivers day" for me. I talked to George West this morning for an upcoming story for our print edition and also jumped in for a few minutes with D.J. Hord and receivers coach Rob Ianello during the morning media session.Hord, a junior who came to Notre Dame as a highly touted prospect, has had a rougher go of it with the Irish than he probably expected to have, due mostly to an Achilles injury that kept him out all last season. The last time I talked to him, in the spring, he seemed a little unsure of...
Charlie Weis made it clear today that he won't be naming a starting quarterback before the Sept. 1 season opener against Georgia Tech.Keeping the name of the starter out of the media will help the Irish maintain their biggest advantage going into the game against the Yellow Jackets. It's the only game all year they'll have that edge on an opponent, Weis said, and he plans to hold onto it until the very last moment."Let's get this out now," Weis said during a briefing after the first of Monday's two practices. "I'm not going to announce the quarterback before we...
Charlie Weis made it clear today that he won't be naming a starting quarterback before the Sept. 1 season opener against Georgia Tech.Keeping the name of the starter out of the media will help the Irish maintain their biggest advantage going into the game against the Yellow Jackets. It's the only game all year they'll have that edge on an opponent, Weis said, and he plans to hold onto it until the very last moment."Let's get this out now," Weis said during a briefing after the first of Monday's two practices. "I'm not going to announce the quarterback before we...
Notre Dame practiced early this morning at Cartier Field, beating the heat and the media rush, which has died down a bit since the hectic opening week. Here are a few things I took note of during the media's 20-minute practice-viewing window:• The team was in full pads again, and in very good spirits. My guess is that'll change by this afternoon's second practice. Two-a-days are tough.• I watched the defense for the first few minutes. Justin Brown was again working with the first team at right end — I think he's got that job all but won — and...
Notre Dame practiced early this morning at Cartier Field, beating the heat and the media rush, which has died down a bit since the hectic opening week. Here are a few things I took note of during the media's 20-minute practice-viewing window:• The team was in full pads again, and in very good spirits. My guess is that'll change by this afternoon's second practice. Two-a-days are tough.• I watched the defense for the first few minutes. Justin Brown was again working with the first team at right end — I think he's got that job all but won — and...
Sunday's practice is closed, so I'm taking the day off. Until then, though, here are some — most, actually — of Charlie Weis' comments after Saturday's practice. The subject of the comment is in all caps before the quotes. We'll hear from Weis again on Monday, and I'll be back with you then.——————CLAUSEN NOT THROWING DEEP“How many deep passes did we throw today? I couldn’t tell you how many deep passes we threw today. I’m running all the team plays and I only called one ‘go’ and I called one trick play, so I don’t remember any more than two...
Sunday's practice is closed, so I'm taking the day off. Until then, though, here are some — most, actually — of Charlie Weis' comments after Saturday's practice. The subject of the comment is in all caps before the quotes. We'll hear from Weis again on Monday, and I'll be back with you then.——————CLAUSEN NOT THROWING DEEP“How many deep passes did we throw today? I couldn’t tell you how many deep passes we threw today. I’m running all the team plays and I only called one ‘go’ and I called one trick play, so I don’t remember any more than two...
I've got a gazillion things to note from Saturday's open practice at the stadium. Some of this will make my story in tomorrow's paper and some of it won't, but since there's no space restrictions on the Internet, I can throw everything I've got here. Enjoy.OFFENSE• When I arrived Saturday morning, one of the first things I saw was Jimmy Clausen handing off to Armando Allen, which could be a championship-caliber connection in the years to come. Demetrius Jones was taking snaps from starting center John Sullivan and handing off to the first-team running backs, if that means anything.On Clausen...
I've got a gazillion things to note from Saturday's open practice at the stadium. Some of this will make my story in tomorrow's paper and some of it won't, but since there's no space restrictions on the Internet, I can throw everything I've got here. Enjoy.OFFENSE• When I arrived Saturday morning, one of the first things I saw was Jimmy Clausen handing off to Armando Allen, which could be a championship-caliber connection in the years to come. Demetrius Jones was taking snaps from starting center John Sullivan and handing off to the first-team running backs, if that means anything.On Clausen...
Instead of the 20 minutes of practice they usually give us to watch, today we got 22! (It’s sort of like winning the lottery and finding out the top prize is five bucks.) So there was plenty to see on the day the humidity finally broke in northern Indiana.Notre Dame is now practicing in full pads after starting the week in protective shells only. When someone asked Corwin Brown this morning what wearing pads meant in the grand scheme of things, he said, simply, “Now you can play football.”True enough. Here are a few things I noticed during my walk...
Instead of the 20 minutes of practice they usually give us to watch, today we got 22! (It’s sort of like winning the lottery and finding out the top prize is five bucks.) So there was plenty to see on the day the humidity finally broke in northern Indiana.Notre Dame is now practicing in full pads after starting the week in protective shells only. When someone asked Corwin Brown this morning what wearing pads meant in the grand scheme of things, he said, simply, “Now you can play football.”True enough. Here are a few things I noticed during my walk...
We're starting the second cycle, if you will, of interviews, which means coaches now have at least a few days' worth of practice to go on when it comes to forming an impression on the team and individual players. At media day there was a lot of "Well, I haven't seen them practice yet, so I couldn't tell you ...", which was true, but not very helpful. (And yes, I realize that the coaches' job isn't to help me, it's to coach the team.) Today, though, defensive coordinator Corwin Brown gave his impressions of the first week of training camp."We've...
We're starting the second cycle, if you will, of interviews, which means coaches now have at least a few days' worth of practice to go on when it comes to forming an impression on the team and individual players. At media day there was a lot of "Well, I haven't seen them practice yet, so I couldn't tell you ...", which was true, but not very helpful. (And yes, I realize that the coaches' job isn't to help me, it's to coach the team.) Today, though, defensive coordinator Corwin Brown gave his impressions of the first week of training camp."We've...
And on the fourth day, they threw.Media members finally got to see the Irish quarterbacks throw the ball for the first time this fall during Thursday's practice, which was moved to the Loftus Center after heavy storms rumbled through the area during the early-morning hours (and woke me up). They weren't really difficult throws — one quarterback stood on the sideline and tossed the ball to another one standing on the yard-line numbers, which is a throw most 12-year-olds could make easily — but hey, it's something. Jimmy Clausen's throws appeared to be a little softer than the other quarterbacks'...
And on the fourth day, they threw.Media members finally got to see the Irish quarterbacks throw the ball for the first time this fall during Thursday's practice, which was moved to the Loftus Center after heavy storms rumbled through the area during the early-morning hours (and woke me up). They weren't really difficult throws — one quarterback stood on the sideline and tossed the ball to another one standing on the yard-line numbers, which is a throw most 12-year-olds could make easily — but hey, it's something. Jimmy Clausen's throws appeared to be a little softer than the other quarterbacks'...
Notre Dame sophomore Chris Stewart spent the summer in London as part of a semester abroad program only to return to another form of culture shock.Stewart, who is listed at 340 pounds, making him the heaviest player on the Irish roster by 25 pounds, is back on the offensive line this fall after spending the spring at nose tackle. Stewart first arrived at Notre Dame as a USA Today second team All-American O-lineman.You couldn't blame Stewart for being frustrated with all the things he's been through since joining the Irish, but he always seems very upbeat when he meets with...
Notre Dame sophomore Chris Stewart spent the summer in London as part of a semester abroad program only to return to another form of culture shock.Stewart, who is listed at 340 pounds, making him the heaviest player on the Irish roster by 25 pounds, is back on the offensive line this fall after spending the spring at nose tackle. Stewart first arrived at Notre Dame as a USA Today second team All-American O-lineman.You couldn't blame Stewart for being frustrated with all the things he's been through since joining the Irish, but he always seems very upbeat when he meets with...
My story on fullback Asaph Schwapp that ran in today's paper didn't make it onto the Web site, apparently, so I thought I'd post it here.———By Ben FordTruth StaffNOTRE DAME — The best way to describe the way Notre Dame fullback Asaph Schwapp plays football is to equate it to another sport.Imagine a linebacker as a head pin on a bowling lane. Now imagine Schwapp as the bowling ball. If you’re picturing that head pin flying back toward the end of the lane, taking other pins with it, and the bowling ball rolling on, barely slowed by the initial impact...
My story on fullback Asaph Schwapp that ran in today's paper didn't make it onto the Web site, apparently, so I thought I'd post it here.———By Ben FordTruth StaffNOTRE DAME — The best way to describe the way Notre Dame fullback Asaph Schwapp plays football is to equate it to another sport.Imagine a linebacker as a head pin on a bowling lane. Now imagine Schwapp as the bowling ball. If you’re picturing that head pin flying back toward the end of the lane, taking other pins with it, and the bowling ball rolling on, barely slowed by the initial impact...
Practice wasn't quite as sweltering as it was on Monday, but pretty darn close. To give the out-of-towners an idea how humid it is here this week, last night I walked out of the supermarket at 9 p.m. and my glasses fogged up because of all the moisture in the air. I can't ever remember that happening in the summer before.Anyway, the heat didn't seem to bother Corwin Brown, who wore a long-sleeved shirt and — believe it or not — sweat pants on the practice field. The players had shoulder pads on today, which made it even worse for...
Practice wasn't quite as sweltering as it was on Monday, but pretty darn close. To give the out-of-towners an idea how humid it is here this week, last night I walked out of the supermarket at 9 p.m. and my glasses fogged up because of all the moisture in the air. I can't ever remember that happening in the summer before.Anyway, the heat didn't seem to bother Corwin Brown, who wore a long-sleeved shirt and — believe it or not — sweat pants on the practice field. The players had shoulder pads on today, which made it even worse for...
This is a defense day for the media at Notre Dame, so most of the questions for Charlie Weis were in that vein. The base defenses and coverages were installed the first day of practice and multiple-wide receiver packages and the nickel packages were put in on Tuesday. Today, they're working on multiple-tight end groupings. Tomorrow is third down. Friday is red-zone and two-minute. If that sounds like a lot to learn in two days, well, it is, especially for the younger players."As you add on each day, there starts to be information overload for the younger guys, because sometimes...
This is a defense day for the media at Notre Dame, so most of the questions for Charlie Weis were in that vein. The base defenses and coverages were installed the first day of practice and multiple-wide receiver packages and the nickel packages were put in on Tuesday. Today, they're working on multiple-tight end groupings. Tomorrow is third down. Friday is red-zone and two-minute. If that sounds like a lot to learn in two days, well, it is, especially for the younger players."As you add on each day, there starts to be information overload for the younger guys, because sometimes...
Brady Quinn became a multi-millionaire since the last time I turned on my computer. (NFL.com story here: http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10284716). That's kind of weird to think about. If he wanted to start right away, Brady probably should have gotten this deal done a while ago — given Cleveland's shaky quarterback situation, I think he would have been a shoo-in to start the opener — but then again, I don't know what happened in the negotiations. (It's also not my money I would have been giving away by not holding out.) So he'll start out third-string with the Browns, but knowing Brady and...
Brady Quinn became a multi-millionaire since the last time I turned on my computer. (NFL.com story here: http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/CLE/10284716). That's kind of weird to think about. If he wanted to start right away, Brady probably should have gotten this deal done a while ago — given Cleveland's shaky quarterback situation, I think he would have been a shoo-in to start the opener — but then again, I don't know what happened in the negotiations. (It's also not my money I would have been giving away by not holding out.) So he'll start out third-string with the Browns, but knowing Brady and...
I thought I'd christen our spiffy new Web site with my first Notre Dame football blog of the season.Charlie Weis was in to talk to the media at 11:30 this morning and touched on a variety of topics, starting with the quarterbacks, as you might imagine. His comments were as non-commital and non-judmental as they were yesterday, which is no surprise either."They all showed some promise," he said about Monday's opening practice. "They threw it OK in relation to who they are. They ran the team OK."Weis said he's spending most of his time with the quarterbacks, so he has...