April 2008 Entries
I didn't get much of a chance to talk to the honorary coaches at Saturday's game, but I did take a couple minutes to hear what former Irish running back Ryan Grant and defensive tackle Bryant Young had to say.Grant said he was "excited for what they're going to do next year," and, as you might imagine liked what he saw in the running game in particular."The running backs, what I want to say — pad level, guys running through stuff and hitting it — they did it," Grant said. "The pace they have, the three different backs, they all...
I didn't get much of a chance to talk to the honorary coaches at Saturday's game, but I did take a couple minutes to hear what former Irish running back Ryan Grant and defensive tackle Bryant Young had to say.Grant said he was "excited for what they're going to do next year," and, as you might imagine liked what he saw in the running game in particular."The running backs, what I want to say — pad level, guys running through stuff and hitting it — they did it," Grant said. "The pace they have, the three different backs, they all...
Here's something kind of neat: The Saucony shoe company is creating a shoe to honor former Irish All-American Ryan Shay, who collapsed and died during the U.S. Olympic marathon trials last November.The cross country shoe will be released in June. You can read more about it here.
Here's something kind of neat: The Saucony shoe company is creating a shoe to honor former Irish All-American Ryan Shay, who collapsed and died during the U.S. Olympic marathon trials last November.The cross country shoe will be released in June. You can read more about it here.
As planned, Notre Dame named its captains on Saturday, and the names probably won't shock anyone: linebacker Maurice Crum Jr., wide receiver David Grimes and safety David Bruton. Crum represents the defense, Grimes the offense and Bruton the special teams.Crum is the 17th player in Notre Dame history to be named a two-time captain, and the fourth in three years, following Brady Quinn (2005-06), Travis Thomas (06-07) and Tom Zbikowski (06-07).
As planned, Notre Dame named its captains on Saturday, and the names probably won't shock anyone: linebacker Maurice Crum Jr., wide receiver David Grimes and safety David Bruton. Crum represents the defense, Grimes the offense and Bruton the special teams.Crum is the 17th player in Notre Dame history to be named a two-time captain, and the fourth in three years, following Brady Quinn (2005-06), Travis Thomas (06-07) and Tom Zbikowski (06-07).
Robert Hughes' touchdown against Navy, just days after his brother Tony was fatally shot, was one of the most heartwarming moments of the 2007 season.Almost six months later, Hughes is still trying to come to terms with Tony's death. As you might expect, the process has been a slow one."Things will never be back to normal," Hughes said. "It has been easier to accept the fact of what happened."There's been no resolution to the case from a legal standpoint."You just hope for the best and hope that the Chicago police department is doing everything they can," Hughes said. "Whatever the...
Robert Hughes' touchdown against Navy, just days after his brother Tony was fatally shot, was one of the most heartwarming moments of the 2007 season.Almost six months later, Hughes is still trying to come to terms with Tony's death. As you might expect, the process has been a slow one."Things will never be back to normal," Hughes said. "It has been easier to accept the fact of what happened."There's been no resolution to the case from a legal standpoint."You just hope for the best and hope that the Chicago police department is doing everything they can," Hughes said. "Whatever the...
We had our practice-viewing window supersized on Wednesday. (And just when I was trying to cut back, too.) Notre Dame was outside on Cartier Field on an extremely windy day for a workout that was half individual and small-group drills and half special teams work. The media was allowed to watch the entire first segment.First, a roundup of the guests: Former offensive lineman Bartley Webb, whose career ended because of injury, has been a regular fixture and was present again Wednesday; tight end Will Yeatman was back; tight end Luke Schmidt was pedaling the stationary bike; former defensive backs coach...
We had our practice-viewing window supersized on Wednesday. (And just when I was trying to cut back, too.) Notre Dame was outside on Cartier Field on an extremely windy day for a workout that was half individual and small-group drills and half special teams work. The media was allowed to watch the entire first segment.First, a roundup of the guests: Former offensive lineman Bartley Webb, whose career ended because of injury, has been a regular fixture and was present again Wednesday; tight end Will Yeatman was back; tight end Luke Schmidt was pedaling the stationary bike; former defensive backs coach...
A lot of people wondered before the start of spring practice about the working relationship between defensive coordinator Corwin Brown and new assistant head coach for defense Jon Tenuta.So far, there's really not much to report, and from a Notre Dame standpoint, that means things are running smoothly."I've probably learned more this year than in any other year minus that year," Brown said, referring to his first offseason as an NFL assistant. "That was a big jump and this was even more."Tenuta has taught him how to use defensive pressure on every down, not just as a "changeup," which is...
A lot of people wondered before the start of spring practice about the working relationship between defensive coordinator Corwin Brown and new assistant head coach for defense Jon Tenuta.So far, there's really not much to report, and from a Notre Dame standpoint, that means things are running smoothly."I've probably learned more this year than in any other year minus that year," Brown said, referring to his first offseason as an NFL assistant. "That was a big jump and this was even more."Tenuta has taught him how to use defensive pressure on every down, not just as a "changeup," which is...
The spring is quickly running out on the Notre Dame football team, and for those of us who observe these practice. The Irish were inside the Loftus Center again Monday, but the plan is to go outdoors on Wednesday so they can get some kicking work in. Right now, the weather looks pretty favorable for that.There were a couple more recruits on the scene today — quarterback Jon Budmayr, who from a distance I mistook for former Irish wide receiver Matt Shelton; and offensive lineman Chris Watt.We had our first "bag race" of the spring, with the running...
The spring is quickly running out on the Notre Dame football team, and for those of us who observe these practice. The Irish were inside the Loftus Center again Monday, but the plan is to go outdoors on Wednesday so they can get some kicking work in. Right now, the weather looks pretty favorable for that.There were a couple more recruits on the scene today — quarterback Jon Budmayr, who from a distance I mistook for former Irish wide receiver Matt Shelton; and offensive lineman Chris Watt.We had our first "bag race" of the spring, with the running...
Back in the Loftus Center for practice No. 10 of the spring, which was shorter and less physical by design because the Irish are going to practice hard on Saturday. (Saturday's practice is closed to the media.)In attendance today were former (and future, probably) defensive lineman Pat Kuntz, wearing a "Thick, Quick & Nasty" T-shirt, and Chicago-area offensive line prospect Michael Schofield, who was there with his family. Michael probably already gets enough "Prison Break" jokes, so I'll just move on.Not in attendance were Matt Romine (ankle) and Luke Schmidt (concussion). We're not sure yet if we've seen...
Back in the Loftus Center for practice No. 10 of the spring, which was shorter and less physical by design because the Irish are going to practice hard on Saturday. (Saturday's practice is closed to the media.)In attendance today were former (and future, probably) defensive lineman Pat Kuntz, wearing a "Thick, Quick & Nasty" T-shirt, and Chicago-area offensive line prospect Michael Schofield, who was there with his family. Michael probably already gets enough "Prison Break" jokes, so I'll just move on.Not in attendance were Matt Romine (ankle) and Luke Schmidt (concussion). We're not sure yet if we've seen...
After a freshman season that saw him catch 32 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns, Notre Dame wide receiver Duval Kamara has set his sights just a bit higher for 2008:"I'm just trying to go out there and be the No. 1 receiver and be an All-American this year," Kamara said. "Those are my goals for this year."If Kamara is even in that conversation next season, Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen will be very happy men.But then again, Kamara did accomplish his goal of playing as a freshman and contributing to the Irish offense."It was a great experience,"...
After a freshman season that saw him catch 32 passes for 357 yards and four touchdowns, Notre Dame wide receiver Duval Kamara has set his sights just a bit higher for 2008:"I'm just trying to go out there and be the No. 1 receiver and be an All-American this year," Kamara said. "Those are my goals for this year."If Kamara is even in that conversation next season, Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen will be very happy men.But then again, Kamara did accomplish his goal of playing as a freshman and contributing to the Irish offense."It was a great experience,"...
Notre Dame was inside the Loftus Center again Wednesday, in full pads, for practice No. 9 of the spring.The observers included a couple of special guests — former Irish running back Reggie Brooks and ex-Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann. Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood joked with Brooks that he was welcome to call him if he wanted to have lunch or dinner, but the two would, under no circumstances, "talk football." Haywood even pulled a manager aside and told her to make sure Brooks didn't try to talk football with him.Haywood was in a joking mood Wednesday — he also told...
Notre Dame was inside the Loftus Center again Wednesday, in full pads, for practice No. 9 of the spring.The observers included a couple of special guests — former Irish running back Reggie Brooks and ex-Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann. Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood joked with Brooks that he was welcome to call him if he wanted to have lunch or dinner, but the two would, under no circumstances, "talk football." Haywood even pulled a manager aside and told her to make sure Brooks didn't try to talk football with him.Haywood was in a joking mood Wednesday — he also told...
The Blue-Gold scrimmage is going to have one of those funky offense vs. defense formats with special scoring rules. So print this out and bring it to the stadium with you on April 19 if you want to keep score, or better yet, just sit in the warm sun (hopefully) and check out an improved Irish football team (again, hopefully).Here's the format:• Clock — Two 30-minute halves with running clock; stoppages only for injuries or timeouts; normal clock rules apply during the last two minutes of each half.• Timeouts — Three per team, per half.• Halftime — 20 minutes.• Coin...
The Blue-Gold scrimmage is going to have one of those funky offense vs. defense formats with special scoring rules. So print this out and bring it to the stadium with you on April 19 if you want to keep score, or better yet, just sit in the warm sun (hopefully) and check out an improved Irish football team (again, hopefully).Here's the format:• Clock — Two 30-minute halves with running clock; stoppages only for injuries or timeouts; normal clock rules apply during the last two minutes of each half.• Timeouts — Three per team, per half.• Halftime — 20 minutes.• Coin...
We're now officially into the offseason, so that means it's time for truly brave to start posting rankings for 2008-09. So far, Notre Dame is doing quite well for itself: Foxsports.com's Jeff Goodman puts Notre Dame third behind North Carolina and Michigan State. That would make a short trip for Irish fans to the Final Four in Detroit. ESPN.com's Andy Katz has the Irish No. 5.And SI.com's Luke Winn ranks Notre Dame just outside of the top 10.Finally, the Portsmouth Invitational tips off tonight, one of the big NBA scouting opportunities before the draft. Notre Dame's Rob Kurz is...
We're now officially into the offseason, so that means it's time for truly brave to start posting rankings for 2008-09. So far, Notre Dame is doing quite well for itself: Foxsports.com's Jeff Goodman puts Notre Dame third behind North Carolina and Michigan State. That would make a short trip for Irish fans to the Final Four in Detroit. ESPN.com's Andy Katz has the Irish No. 5.And SI.com's Luke Winn ranks Notre Dame just outside of the top 10.Finally, the Portsmouth Invitational tips off tonight, one of the big NBA scouting opportunities before the draft. Notre Dame's Rob Kurz is...
If you're wondering why this is being posted on a Tuesday, I'll just say I had the technology day from hell yesterday:1. I awoke to find that the battery on my iPhone had fried and I had to send it back to Apple for a new one.2. My digital recorder that I use for interviews had a dead battery.3. My backup recorder, my iPod — ditto.4. At the place where I went to post this originally, the Wi-Fi was down. After that, I just forgot.Anyway, Monday was not a good day for me and machines. I felt like that guy...
If you're wondering why this is being posted on a Tuesday, I'll just say I had the technology day from hell yesterday:1. I awoke to find that the battery on my iPhone had fried and I had to send it back to Apple for a new one.2. My digital recorder that I use for interviews had a dead battery.3. My backup recorder, my iPod — ditto.4. At the place where I went to post this originally, the Wi-Fi was down. After that, I just forgot.Anyway, Monday was not a good day for me and machines. I felt like that guy...
We don't generally get much of a chance — or have much of a need — to talk to Notre Dame kicker Brandon Walker, but when we do, the results are almost always entertaining.Here are a couple of his comments following Saturday's practice, starting with the misconceptions about kickers being loners:"As much as the public thinks, we're not all that weird. We are normal people. We have feelings, too. The guy that lives down the hall is Aaron Nagel. I'm friends with linebackers. I'm friends with quarterbacks, receivers. It's not like we have a poker night with just kickers on...
We don't generally get much of a chance — or have much of a need — to talk to Notre Dame kicker Brandon Walker, but when we do, the results are almost always entertaining.Here are a couple of his comments following Saturday's practice, starting with the misconceptions about kickers being loners:"As much as the public thinks, we're not all that weird. We are normal people. We have feelings, too. The guy that lives down the hall is Aaron Nagel. I'm friends with linebackers. I'm friends with quarterbacks, receivers. It's not like we have a poker night with just kickers on...
Before we get started, I just want to say that if you’re planning on reading all of this entry in one sitting, you should make sure the dog’s been walked first. This is a long one.As you know, the entire practice on Saturday was open to the media, as well as to the couple hundred or so coaches who were attending Notre Dame’s annual coaches clinic. Today may be the nicest day of the year yet, weather-wise, but practice was held indoors, probably because it started so early (7:30) in the morning.First came the stretching and bag drills we see...
Before we get started, I just want to say that if you’re planning on reading all of this entry in one sitting, you should make sure the dog’s been walked first. This is a long one.As you know, the entire practice on Saturday was open to the media, as well as to the couple hundred or so coaches who were attending Notre Dame’s annual coaches clinic. Today may be the nicest day of the year yet, weather-wise, but practice was held indoors, probably because it started so early (7:30) in the morning.First came the stretching and bag drills we see...
Oh, my ears.New assistant head coach for defense Jon Tenuta unleashed his full, colorful vocabulary on Notre Dame’s linebackers during Tuesday’s practice, the first of the spring to take place outdoors.“Don’t waste my time,” Tenuta said to a ’backer in one of the few printable comments he made during a physical hitting drill. Most of the rest of the time, he sounded kind of like the father in “A Christmas Story” trying to fix the furnace.So it’s fair to say that Tenuta has the players’ attention. I didn’t hear a lot of chatter from the linebackers, other than...
Oh, my ears.New assistant head coach for defense Jon Tenuta unleashed his full, colorful vocabulary on Notre Dame’s linebackers during Tuesday’s practice, the first of the spring to take place outdoors.“Don’t waste my time,” Tenuta said to a ’backer in one of the few printable comments he made during a physical hitting drill. Most of the rest of the time, he sounded kind of like the father in “A Christmas Story” trying to fix the furnace.So it’s fair to say that Tenuta has the players’ attention. I didn’t hear a lot of chatter from the linebackers, other than...
Charlie Weis' decision to give up the play-calling duties on offense has freed up time for him to be more involved with defense, and defensive coordinator Corwin Brown welcomes it:"He's in meetings now, he's watching your drills now, so there's a presence that's there, which is always good, because when the head coach comes in your meeting, that's good," Brown said. "When the head coach is watching your individual drills, there are no negatives to that. None. Because it makes the players, puts them on alert, it makes sure that the coaches are doing what you're supposed to do, what...
Charlie Weis' decision to give up the play-calling duties on offense has freed up time for him to be more involved with defense, and defensive coordinator Corwin Brown welcomes it:"He's in meetings now, he's watching your drills now, so there's a presence that's there, which is always good, because when the head coach comes in your meeting, that's good," Brown said. "When the head coach is watching your individual drills, there are no negatives to that. None. Because it makes the players, puts them on alert, it makes sure that the coaches are doing what you're supposed to do, what...