Pre Spring Practice Press Conference

Now that Spring Practice has kicked off here is a snapshot of Brian Kelly's Annual Spring Practice opening Press Conference.

Because of the cold temperatures the team will begin practices inside.

This in the earliest practices have started.  There will be 2 practices then spring break and back for the remaining practices before Easter.  (There are a total of 15 practices)

There are new coaches on both sides of the ball, notability in the coordinator positions.  Mike Denbrock - Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers and Brian VanGorder - Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers.  There have also been some coaching responsibility changes. 

Kelly describes the team as "a talented team but inexperienced in a number of areas"

On Golson; he is a hard workier and they are going to work on consistancey and communication.

Although Nick Martin is listed as a guard/tackle his IS  a center.

Matthias Farley was moved from Safety to Cornerback.  Farley came to South Bend as a Receiver.

James Onwualu was moved from Receiver to Safety.

Areas of inexperience as stated by Brian Kelly; quarterback, defensive line and inside linebacker.

On starting left tackle.  Kelly mentions Elmer, Stanley, McGlinchey and Lombard.  Although Kelly does not buy into the blind side left tackle.  Mentioning most athletic and size Ronnie Stanley, most comfortable and time there it's Steve Elmer.  They mostly identify players as a tackle not a left or right.

Ishaq Williams will play like Prince Shembo coming off the edge with his hand on the ground but he can and will drop back into coverage.

Injury Status as it pertains to contact

Nick Baratti everything but full contact

Nick Martin - No contact

Ben Council - No contact

Devin Butler - out for spring

Jarrett Grace - slow progress, still healing.

Tony Springman - out for spring

Positions are up for grabs this spring.  There are no guaranteed positions.

On Jaylon Smith.  Looking for more consistency and leadership.