Aug. 12, 2005
The 2005 preseason practice schedule continued on Friday, Aug. 12, for the Notre Dame football team. Amid a series of short rainshowers, which eventually gave way to sunny skies, the Irish took the field for the first time this fall in full pads.
The team will take on its first two-practice day on Saturday, Aug. 13, with a workout at 9:00 a.m., followed by a second practice at 5:30 p.m.
Here are some post-practice comments from Notre Dame’s offensive and defensive coordinators:
Offensive coordinator Mike Haywood:
On his impression of the offense’s development this week…
“The guys are grasping the offense. We have thrown a lot at them. At the same time, I think what matters right now is working on their fundamentals and technique. They need to work on the little things to make themselves better. I think one of the things we are making strides in is the psychological things. Guys are starting to believe in themselves and the system.”
On the passion of the coaching staff…
“One of the things you have to look at, when you talk about the psychological disposition of young men, you have to play this game with passion. You have to play with emotion. Fortunately for us, we have a lot of coaches that coach with excitement and coach with emotion and it gives the (players) some one to follow.”
Defensive coordinator Rick Minter:
On his impression of the defense’s develoment this week…
“I am happy with our effort. Our guys are trying hard. I think they had a pretty good summer with strength and conditioning – they are a little bit bigger and quicker. We’ve got a lot of work to do to develop who is going to play where. There are certain positions, you can understand, where we are more set and settled than others.
“We’ve got some starters back. Right now it is about solving a lot of unsolved questions we have, be it on the back end, at linebacker or up front and getting some kids back from injuries.
“It is all a learning experience. I am not disappointed at all, but the learning curve is still pretty much up there. There is some learning saturation, but I really give the kids credit. They have handled a lot of stuff. Remember, it is not always stuff from our end. I call this a `multiple defense,’ but you have to collate to a very sound and sophisticated offense. I think our kids have handled a lot of things in a short period of time.”
On the defensive backs effort against the offense on long pass plays…
“It goes with technique work, drill work and confidence. A lot of those deep balls that have been thrown 30, 40 or 50 yards downfield, the receivers are coming back to the ball. There is not a whole lot of pressure on the quarterback, either. We don’t hit our quarterback by design here and we have a great offensive line – and we match up `ones on ones.’ So it is kind of a `Catch 22′ and if true bullets were flying every day it might be a bit different. We also have some gifted receivers that are going up and doing a nice job of catching the football.”
All photos by Alan Wasielewski.