Rockne's Roundtable

Very good overview of the defense, Lou.

So who do you think is going to start at quarterback, Lou, and why can't Brian Kelly see Tommy Rees' limitations?

Unfortunately, USC will have a solid OL and the best WR corps in the country. That secondary is going to need to grow up in a hurry.

:)

Look for Jalen Brown to have an impressive year at corner. I'm calling it right now and Jackson will be a stud as I've seen his spring practice highlights and he's got great speed and reaction time to the ball in the air-something we never saw with Gray. Overall, look for the boundary cornerback to be much improved!

irishnumberone,

We definitely want to do something on special teams, but we have not seen anything in the way of coverage units, return game, etc. to really formulate anything at this point. The first time we saw any kicking was last Wednesday. Tausch came out with the first group, but Brindza looked a little more impressive on his five kicks. Making a conjecture on five kicks would be premature.

This Saturday will be the lone spring practice open for the entire two hours, and usually this session has had a lot of special teams work. We should be able to provide a far more detailed report on special teams after that practice, including who is lining up in coverage or returns. Unfortunately, there is a thunderstorm in the forecast for Saturday, so they might have to practice indoors, which generally limits the punting and kicking action to fielding punts and kickoffs from a Jugs machine.

Two years ago, corner was a "strengh" for ND... I will wait to see how things turn out.

Payday,

Right now, from what Kerry Cooks indicated, Jalen could be training more so for the nickel position. They believe down the road he could become a Robert Blanton or Jamoris Slaughter type of figure in that he might be able to swing between corner or safety.

Odd it's not being discussed..... is Lynch back at practice?

Thanks Lou for your update