Aug. 9, 2005
The University of Notre Dame football team entered day two of its preseason practice schedule on Tuesday, Aug. 9, fighting through some hot and humid weather to put together a crisp three-hour practice.
Notre Dame will continue to practice from 2:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. the rest of the week until the team hits is first two-a-day on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Some post-practice quotes from junior tight end John Carlson and head coach Charlie Weis –
John Carlson –
On getting back in the groove…
“The first couple days are rusty when you are just starting to get back into it. We have made progress toward some of our goals and it is just good to be back and working together as a team.”
On the excitement level having a lot of returning veterans on offense…
“It is exciting to have everyone back. I think we made some progress as a team and I hope we can build on that and score some points this year.”
On any physical issues he might have after his injury in the Blue/Gold Game…
“I feel great. I haven’t missed anything in terms of practice or summer workouts.”
Head coach Charlie Weis –
On his impression of the offensive line early in the practice schedule…
“I’m spending so much time going from position to position, so it would be difficult to tell you what I think of the offensive line. What I can tell you, looking at the inside run drills and the team run drills, I am encouraged with not only the first guys but the second guys too.
“Some of the guys are starting to gain a little bit of my confidence that we will be able to play them in the games. You only play as many guys as you have confidence in. If you have seven guys that you like – that is all you are playing. The rest will want to get in the game, but you are only going to play the guys you have confidence in. Training camp is a good time to not only put in installation, but to learn more about our players.”
On the overall conditioning of the team and the offensive line…
“They were in way better shape than when they left. They all passed the conditioning test, which is a modern miracle in itself – offensive linemen passing a conditioning test. Remember that the front line guys are a veteran group so you are really trying to learn more about them and find some guys to get in the mix.”
On the effect that some roster changes will have on the team depth…
“I don’t see at this point anybody’s absence being an issue at this point. Obviously there is going to be injuries that we have to deal with. A couple players are gone. We have another one that’s gone today, Chauncey Incarnato. He decided to leave the program on his own.”
Unless a story breaks over the next three days in practice, look for the next www.und.com practice report to be posted on Saturday, Aug. 13 – Notre Dame’s first day in full pads (and first two-a-day practice). A photo gallery also will be offered that day.