Kelly talked about the importance of the use of sports
science keeping players healthy and on the field.
In terms of receivers Torii Hunter Jr. may move around a bit
this year. Of course he mentioned a
number of players who could see the field this year but did say several in particular
will have to step up this year, specifically; C.J. Sanders, Cory Holmes, Equanimeous
St. Brown and Miles Boykin.
When asked bout which freshmen have impressed him so far in
OTA's and behind the scenes Kelly highlighted Tommy Kraemer and said that in
terms of players seeing the field this year as true freshmen that would come in
the form of corners and safeties.
Kelly was happy that Alize Jones took accountability for his
academic issues. Although he won't play
football this season he will remain and practice with the team.
Brian Kelly said that because the Irish have no conference
title to play for their goal is to be one of the four teams selected to be in
the college football playoffs.
In regards to his timeline to name a starting quarterback
Kelly said that he and his staff had no timeline. He seemed to hint that spring was an
opportunity for Zaire to catch up.
When asked Kelly spoke highly of Mike McGlinchey.
When addressing the defensive line "It's Cage, Tillery
and Jones. Those three guys right away." along with some rotations with
3-5 guys. With rotation and Jarron Jones
coming back after an injury Kelly expects Jones to tae 20-30 snaps per game.
On who will have a break out year (and the answer could not
be Torii Hinter Jr.), Kelly said there won't be one player but several; Josh
Adams, Tarean Folston, Dexter Williams and Equanimeous
St. Brown could all do big things.
Kelly said the
office would look very similar no mater whether Ziare or Kizer are in at
quarterback, to would be seamless.
Nyles Morgan WILL BE the starting middle linebacker. Kelly seemed very confident in his abilities. Who will be second string is still a big and important
question.
Kelly said it is important that the defense stop giving up
big plays.
Shaun Crawford will play where he is needed corner or
safety.
Donte Vaughn
is listed as a safety, but he is unequivocally a corner.
On Brandon Wimbush; "We were committed to not playing him this year and saving
a year and that was the plan. So there's no frustration on anybody's part.
He'll be able to compete for the starting job next year."
About punting and kicking; to no
one's surprise after the Blue Gold Game Kelly is happy with the punting
game. As for the kicking game there will
be a new holder this year. (Kizer was the
holder)
The kick return position is an open
competition.
Unexpected leadership; James Onwaulu, Cole Luke, and Mike McGlinchey.
As the day went on the press kept asking about picking a
starting quarterback just in different ways and Kelly never took the bait.
Great depth at tight end; Smythe, Weishar, Luatua and
Matuska.
Injuries Justin Brent is out for camp, six weeks away from returning
from injuries, Devin Butler is stillout with a broken foot and Nick Watkins is
not 100% but is participating fully.
Grant Blankenship is not on the roster and is looking for a
transfer.
At right guard as for freshmen involvement; Tommy Kramer
would be involved and maybe Tristen Hoge
Sam Mustipher looks to be the
starting center, Alex Bars will be at the right tackle, but it sounds like
there will be competition to rotate guys in.
Kelly spoke high of Harrell being able to play every position along the
line.
More quarterback questions,
maybe playing both Zaire and Kizer again and again. Kelly says everything is on the table looking
at all options.
On the relationship with Bleacher Report; "This gives us a unique relationship that nobody else has
in college football." Kelly thinks
this is a big plus in recruiting as well.
