Notebook: Kelly Talks Safeties, Special Teams, Other Topics
Bill Panzica
Notre Dame kicks off the 2017 season in just nine days, and one of the questions that still surrounds the Irish program is whether or not its safeties are ready to thrive in defensive coordinator Mike Elko’s defense.
Head coach Brian Kelly likes where his young back end players are with just over a week left before the season’s first game.
“We’re pleased … Jalen Elliott has done a really nice job developing his game,” Kelly said. “… Jalen was a young player for us last year as a freshman, and is obviously getting much more work, more consistency in Coach Elko’s system.”
Elliott is not the only young safety that continues to make strides, according to the Irish head coach.
“Devin [Studstill] is improving every day,” continued Kelly. “Isaiah [Robertson], mid-year enrollee coming in and just learning and getting a lot more comfortable being out there.”
Progress has been made, but the unit still must keep improving in two very important areas.
“We have to tackle better, that’s key for us, get the football down on the ground,” Kelly said. “[We have to] communicate effectively, and I think those kids have done a really nice job each and every day there’s a lot more confidence growing in that unit.”
STATUS FOR ALOHI GILMAN REMAINS UNRESOLVED - TAYLOR OUT
Sophomore safety Alohi Gilman has been working for weeks to get his transfer status resolved. The Navy transfer applied for a waiver in hopes of not having to sit out the season.
Despite being just nine days away from the first game, the NCAA has yet to make a decision on Gilman’s waiver application.
“Nothing yet, still waiting,” Kelly said when asked if there was any news on Gilman’s request. “I wish I could look in the NCAA crystal ball and give you an indication. I think they’re well aware of Alohi’s situation relative to wanting to play in the opener."
The lack of a decision means Gilman isn’t getting the reps his position-mates are receiving.
“We’re going every day and spending much more time with the guys that are ready to play and [are] eligible to play more so than him,” explained Kelly.
A decision might not come until after the season starts, but whenever it comes Kelly believes Gilman will be able to quickly get up to speed.
“I wouldn’t rule it out, I don’t think it’s out of the realm,” Kelly said when asked if the decision could come in-season. “Alohi’s really smart, he knows our defense, he’s in great physical condition. If we were told Saturday morning before Temple he’d be ready to play.”
Kelly also said junior defensive tackle Elijah Taylor (foot) would not be available for the opener against Temple.
TOMMY KRAEMER COMING ALONG
Sophomore Tommy Kraemer is projected to be Notre Dame’s starting right tackle when the Irish kick off the season against Temple. Already a strong run blocker, Kraemer has had some issues in pass protection.
Despite those struggles, Kelly is quite happy with the development of his young tackle.
“I think he’s doing great,” Kelly said. “He’s got some things he’s got to work on, but Mike McGlinchey does too. I’m pleased with Tom. He’s got some fine traits. He’s physical, he’s big, he’s got to continue working on some of his sets, but to come in here as a redshirt freshman and know that you’re going to play right tackle for Notre Dame; man, that’s pretty good, that’s a strong resume right there, that means you’re a good player.”
Bill Panzica
Consistency will be the key for the Cincinnati native.
“What we want to do is have his great traits flash more,” continued Kelly. “He’s a good player, we just need his great traits to flash a little bit more; they’re getting there. That’s repetitive reps, because he’s got all the other things you want.”
Kelly said freshman Robert Hainsey would continue competing at the right tackle position, and a redshirt season is unlikely for the Pittsburgh native. If things play out how Kelly stated in this press conference, Hainsey would be just the second true freshman to see action under line coach Harry Hiestand, joining Steve Elmer in 2013.
MICHAEL YOUNG BRINGS A UNIQUE SKILL SET
Freshman wide receiver Michael Young was graded as a three-star recruit by all four of the major recruiting services. Despite that low ranking, Young has made his presence felt right away.
“Michael has an explosiveness when he gets his hands on the ball that is a unique trait,” Kelly said. “So we think we have some offensive plays that can run through him and that can contribute to what we’re doing offensively. So he’ll be a piece of what we do offensively. He won’t be 82 snaps, but he’ll be a contributor to our production on offense because of his explosiveness.”
Young could also be a factor on Notre Dame’s special teams, especially the return game.
POLIAN TASKED WITH MAKING IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS "BEST IN THE COUNTRY"
Brian Polian has built a reputation as a quality special teams coordinator, a role he held from 2005 to 2012 during stops at Notre Dame, Stanford and Texas A&M. Kelly is hoping Polian can rebuild Notre Dame’s disastrous special teams, which ranked 81st in special teams efficiency in 2016.
Kelly plans to allow Polian to do whatever it takes to get the job done. That includes using starters on offense and defense when he deems it necessary.
“I’ve given Brian Polian the green light to use whomever he feels is necessary on all of our running teams to be the best special teams in the country,” said the Irish head coach. “I did not want to shorthand him, and that was really one of the first questions he asked.
“’How are we going to go about flipping this in terms of special teams,’” Kelly said, relaying Polian’s concern during the interview process. “’I can come in here and be the best special teams coach but if I’m going to field walk-ons on this team we’re not going to be very good.'”
“So I’m going to give him the resources necessary to perform at the highest level,” concluded Kelly. “So you’re going to see a lot of really fine players on those teams.”
STEPHERSON STILL NOT AN OPTION
Sophomore wide receiver Kevin Stepherson made a big impact as a freshman, hauling in 25 passes for 462 yards and five scores. His 18.5 yards per reception was second on the roster last season.
His freshman statistics and his outstanding physical tools should make Stepherson a potential impact player in the offense, but he remains out of the mix. According to Kelly, it has nothing to do with a lack of talent.
“I think the clearest picture that I can give you is the consistent message that I’ve been giving everyone, we’re not going to put you in a competitive situation or on the field based on your talent,” Kelly explained. “You’ve got to exhibit the traits that we’re developing in our players, and those traits are coming along, he’s making progress.
“His attention to detail, his focus, all of those traits that we require all of our players to have, he’s working on and he’s getting better,” continued Kelly. “When he exhibits all those traits he’ll find himself on the field.”
Kelly was asked whether or not the rumors concerning Stepherson being suspended were true.
“I can neither confirm, nor deny,” Kelly stated.
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