If you could not catch the entire 55 minute Brian Kelly
press conference with week here are the highlights as seen be Talking Irish.
Brian Kelly feels that they had a good offseason as it
pertains to strength and conditioning.
Thank you Paul Longo.
Kelly gave his standard answer as it relates to leader, that
they will emerge naturally.
ON Jarrett Grace.
It's a wait and see process but he is ahead of what they had thought he
would be.
Mike Heuerman had another hernia, as had surgery and will be
out about a month.
Tony Springmann has suffered a setback and will not be able
to play football because of a back injury not from the knee injury. He will stay with the program as a mentor and
a leader and will go to camp with the team.
Nick Martin and Ben Counsel are back fully from respective
knee injuries.
First question asked about nose tackle depth behind Jarron
Jones, Brian said the is depth with size, however it is young depth.
On Nile Sykes' departure.
he's a good kid it just wasn't a fit.
Kelly gave him a great recommendation.
On incoming freshman who may have an early impact Kelly
mentioned Nick Watkins, Niles Morgan, Jhonny Williams, Jonathan Bonner by name
saying they had the physical traits to compete.
He did note that they have not even have had on pads yet.
Kelly is not ready to name a starting quarterback.
On Davaris Daniels after missing the spring; he's a stronger
football player, more mature with some leadership. He wants to see it every day.
Everett Golson knows the playbook, he now needs to know the
why. Why are we running something and
what's next.
Along with Grace Ben Councell is big piece at linebacker.
Kelly likes Malik Zaire's progression.
This is the first time the Irish don't have two scripts for
two quarterbacks because of the similarity of Zaire and Golson.
Defensive Back transfer Riggs fits in well and is a
"Notre Dame Man". "He's a
great add to our football team" - Brian Kelly
In the Offensive line; getting Chris Lombard back is huge,
Nick Martin is healthy and with Stanley and Elmer that is four starters returning
, Now we have to find the fifth. There are plenty of talent for that fifth
spot.
What are priorities?
Finding continuity and production on the offensive side of the ball; new
and young wide receivers and a new quarterback.
Defensively; its dealing with young players and a new coordinator.
What has to happen to be an "Elite" team? Need to be part of the national
conversation. With the new structure
that means getting into the playoffs. 4
spots for 128 teams.
Kelly expects to see more players play on the defensive side
of the ball depending on their abilities and the situation using each players
strengths.
When questioned about Jonathan Bonner he sounded like he was
talking about Troy Niklas as a physical specimen.
As far as the schedule goes Kelly is happy with two bye and
it is important to get off to a good start.
Kelly mentioned (briefly) that he was impressed with
freshman quarterback DeShone Kizer OTA workouts.
Kelly highlighted Nick Martin as a leader of the offensive
line, crediting his brother Zack for passing that along.
It is time for Ishaq Williams to play, his attitude is good.
Kelly agrees the Irish need to score more points this year.
Beyond Ben Koyack Kelly has great confidence Durham Smyth and
Tyler Luatua.
Kelly feels good about the wide receiver position and feels consistence
between the quarterback group and the wide receiver group will me key to
success.
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