Notre Dame Football 2015: Winners and Losers from Spring Practices, Game
With the spring session now in the books for Notre Dame, it seems like a good time to be reflective.
This piece will take a look at the winners and losers from spring practice. Of course, the quarterback position is a hot-button issue in South Bend, Indiana. One of those options has flashed, while another has some work to do.
An expected leader of the defense has continued to improve, a senior offensive skill player is making a push at another position and an early enrollee freshman has impressed. Lastly, a former member of the team seems unlikely to return.
Here are the winners and losers from the spring practice period for head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Winner: Everett Golson
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In a quote compilation provided by IrishIllustrated.com senior editor Tim Prister, Brian Kelly was particularly effusive in his praise of senior quarterback Everett Golson:
"I couldn't tell you for certain, but [Golson] has had his best spring since he's been here. He's fully engaged in everything that he's doing. It's the best that I've seen him do the things that we've asked him to do since he's been here. It's like everything else: If you're half in, you kind of see it.
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This quote illustrates why Golson is likely ahead of Malik Zaire in the quarterback competition. Being effective when it comes to little things at such an important position cannot be overstated enough. Golson's ability to manage the game and avoid turnovers is key.
During the spring game, Golson performed efficiently (7-of-15 passing, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD). He may not have had the explosive plays that Zaire brought to the table, but Golson didn't make any mistakes besides the interception on a trick play. He also appeared to have improved his footwork for running zone-read looks.
Loser: Malik Zaire
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The term "loser" is a bit harsh when it comes to Malik Zaire. It's not as if he's had a poor spring ball period. In fact, he outperformed Golson on Saturday, going 8-of-14 for 137 yards through the air with two touchdowns.
However, he's yet to take the next step in terms of the mental side of the game. Zaire needs to be able to make the requisite reads and adjust to the defensive coverages.
Kelly remarks about this, per Prister's article:
"As it relates to Malik, we're still in that process where it's (wondering) 'What were you thinking?' We had a quick tempo play on and he got out of the quick tempo play, changed the entire formation, and we were wondering, 'What's going on here?'
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Physical ability will never be a question with the Ohio native. It'll come down to how well he can stay within himself and be a true general of the offense.
Winner: C.J. Prosise
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C.J. Prosise has been a revelation this spring.
The senior out of Virginia has been impressing all throughout camp with his explosiveness in running the football. After playing him as wide receiver the last two seasons, the team is trying him out at running back.
Per Tim Prister, Kelly shared his thoughts about what Prosise can do for the Irish:
"[Prosise] looks like a natural running back. He can see things. He's exceptional at the second-level. He's got better speed than any of our backs and he's almost 218 pounds. He's a big, long back. He's still running routes for us, too, so he knows the passing game.
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At Saturday's postgame press conference, Kelly addressed Prosise and his future on offense, saying "he'll get every opportunity to take over a starting position, whether it's at wide receiver or whether it's at running back."
It's safe to say Kelly is a fan of his dynamic offensive weapon.
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Loser: Ishaq Williams
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The saga of defensive lineman Ishaq Williams might be coming to a resolution soon.
JJ Stankevitz of CSNChicago.com details Williams' current position in regard to returning to the team. The would-be fifth-year senior is currently on academic suspension, a penalty that is set to expire this summer.
Per the article, Kelly admits that he "can't guarantee" he'll allow Williams to return to the team.
There are simply no winners in this scenario. Williams would provide Notre Dame with a veteran option along its defensive line, making an already deep unit even more talented. As for Williams, he's missing out on getting a degree from a highly prestigious university.
Per Frank Vitovitch of UHND.com, Williams plans on traveling back to campus sometime after the spring game. This could offer some more clarity to the situation.
Winner: Jaylon Smith
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Notre Dame's stud linebacker, Jaylon Smith, is poised to take the next step in becoming one of the top players at his position in the entire country.
One of Smith's main orders of business this spring was becoming a more well-rounded defender. According to Mike Monaco of Bleacher Report, the team has cross-trained him at multiple positions.
Not only can he line up in the middle in certain situations, but he also offers the flexibility to set up shop out on the edge. This versatility will allow him to rush the passer and also cover opponents in space.
Smith's evolution can only help Notre Dame's defense down the line.
Winner: Jerry Tillery
6 of 6The legend of Jerry Tillery has already started in South Bend.
Brian Kelly has called the 6'7", 300-pound defensive tackle out of Louisiana "a once in a lifetime guy," per Carolyn Manno of NBC Sports. Fellow defensive lineman Andrew Trumbetti had glowing remarks about the freshman, per Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated, and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey called Tillery "something special," according to Tom Loy of 247Sports.
It's remarkable to see the hype surrounding a prospect who should be a senior in high school right now. Despite the good depth on Notre Dame's defensive line, there's no question Tillery appears in line for time right away.
His ability to use his hands to dislodge blocks has been something to see, in addition to his sheer size and athletic ability.
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