Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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10 SEPT. 16, 2019 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED UNDER THE DOME The Notre Dame two-deep lineup that was printed when Blue & Gold Illustrated went to press Aug. 20 for its preseason edition previewing the Louisville game re- mained virtually unchanged when the football program released its own depth chart five days before the season opener at Louisville Sept. 2. The most notable al- teration was fifth-year senior Shaun Crawford was listed ahead of se- nior Donte Vaughn at field cornerback, after the latter was slowed later in camp with a minor injury. Still, head coach Brian Kelly noted that Crawford — who can also play nickel and safety —Vaughn and sophomore TaRiq Bracy would all be in the ro- tation opposite Troy Pride Jr., depending on various game situations and how they best align to specific skill sets. Crawford has perse- vered and overcome two preseason ACL sur- geries (2015 and 2017) and a torn Achilles that sidelined him all but five quarters in 2016. Kelly said in that time the topic of whether to continue to play football was not broached with Crawford. "There's always going to be those times, those low points where you're going through a third opera- tion that maybe it's not in the cards," Kelly said. "But it never happened with me and Shaun. I have always felt that he was going to overcome this again, because that's the kind of spirit he has. "He's exactly where I thought he would be — playing a major role in the success of this football team." Some other top notes: 1. Multiple reports have indicated Kevin Austin Jr. will be out for the year Kelly reiterated the privacy stance and laws. "His situation is such that he is still on this football team and he is still practicing with us," Kelly said. "Other than that, I've made my statements regarding him. … I expect him to be with us the entire year." 2. Sophomore slot Lawrence Keys III earned a start- ing role with his consistent play. Collarbone surgery on junior Michael Young, who had been enjoying an outstanding camp prior to the injury, helped make it possible, but Keys didn't get to his posi- tion by default. Although still listed at only 173 pounds, Keys is described as "sturdier" than last year. "Assignment correct has been another thing that he's really worked on," Kelly said of Keys. "We need to rely on players, as well, that we know they're going to be there and line up the right way, be relied on that they're going to be accountable. "Then you just take his athleticism. Every- body can see that when he touches the ball, he's got great speed. One of the things that he does that's a little bit differ- ent than all of our guys is that he catches the ball at full speed. Some guys have to throttle down a little bit." 3. Inside linebacker remains the most fluid position on the team. Junior Drew White (Mike) and fifth-year se- nior Asmar Bilal (Buck) were listed as getting the start at Louisville, but a lot will be based on playing to strengths and packages, or schem- ing against what the op- position does best. At least five others could be in the rotation. "It's more about con- stant competition — this constant feeling that I have to come and interview for the job I have every day, that I have to prove and re-prove," summarized second- year defensive coordinator Clark Lea. "I think that ulti- mately shapes us as competitors at the highest possible level. It's a young group. It's a talented group. The other point is to let this unit evolve as the season does, too. "We always want things to happen faster than they should, but we're dealing with first- and second-year players. … Football's a little different too, it's not like basketball or baseball where you play so many games. Each exposure is just peeling back the layers and the experience will build. I think we'll see growth and ma- turity as the season goes. "I want to be able to use the skill sets of each player. I want everyone to feel like they have a role, to be at our best ability to beat the opponent week in and week out. Beyond that, I want each guy to feel they have room to go up or down based on how they approach the day at hand." Personnel News And Notes From Training Camp Fifth-year senior Shaun Crawford has persevered through injuries earlier in his career to emerge as the starter at field cornerback. He adds versatility to the sec- ondary with his ability to also play nickel and safety. PHOTO BY MIKE MILLER