Tis the Season

After the humiliating 1st round exit for the Irish basketball program, it's time to refocus ND From the Bleachers to our true calling - ND Football. Yesterday marked the start of Spring practice and there are dozens of potential topics to be discussed as Brian Kelly enters his first spring ball season.

5th-year Seniors

Before you knock it, try it. There is something to be said about the leadership and perspective a 5th-year senior can provide for the benefit of a young, inexperienced and talented football team. Therefore, I'm excited to welcome back Bobby Burger (FB), Barry Gallup (WR), Chris Stewart (OG), Dan Wenger (C/OG), and Darrin Walls (CB).

All these players will provide vital leadership in all aspects of the game. Look for Gallup to anchor the kick-off duties. Stewart and Wenger, mixed with our best lineman prospect Trevor Robinson, should anchor the interior of the line. Walls, if he can return to his pre-suspension form, will be a stalwart in the defensive back opposite Blanton.

Depth Chart

Brian Kelly publicly addressed the current lack of a spring depth chart, citing reasons of ongoing player evaluations. I think this is great for all parties. Kelly gets all spring to evaluate his talent. The players get all spring to prove themselves to the coaching staff. Bottom line, this keeps the competition open and drives players to be better. The Irish can use a fresh start.

Position Switches

The biggest publicized switch has been Theo Riddick from RB to WR. I think this is a great move for multiple players at multiple positions. The Irish are currently stacked at RB with Armando Allen, Robert Hughes, Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood, and are bare at WR experience. Duval Kamara, John Goodman, Shaquelle Evans, and Deon Walker are all battling for that starting spot beside Floyd. I expect John Goodman to win out, assuming he's not wasting his spring reps at QB. Otherwise, keep your radar on Shaquelle Evans.

Attitude

With a new coach comes a new approach to almost every facet, from running the overall program down to running every moment of practice. Kelly has approached this opportunity with vigor and passion - truly motivating his players. The most telling statistic is that not one player has transferred or left the Notre Dame program. That alone speaks highly of the character of Brian Kelly, and the type of program he is building. That also speaks volumes for the intensity and passion in the players - a no quit mentality.

Another notable quote from Kelly, per ESPN, was in regards to the stype of practice. Kelly extremely dislikes trash talking, fighting, and cheap hits. This is exactly the mentality that Notre Dame needs to rebound, and a complete 180 from the Weis regime. While Weis promoted individual development for the NFL, Kelly relies on unity and the concept of the team as the backbone to his program. I totally agree and am excited to see it pay dividends in the fall.

Leadership

Kelly singled out Chris Stewart, Kapron Lewis-Moore and Manti Teo as the off-season leaders in the weight room. I love all three of these players for their intensity and beastliness. Not to mention, they back up their words with action (take notes Brian Smith). I believe these are the guys you want taking charge. Spring ball is a chance for players to step up and show what they are made of.

I love the motto Kelly has penned for his spring practice: Buy In. While my heart tells me to drink the Kool-Aid, my mind and experience tells me otherwise. However, all these signs make me feel comfortable about the position of the Notre Dame Football program.

-DH