Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/140903
defensive backs less and less of that to the boundary corner [Jackson] and got back to playing our defense. "Right now we're just running what we run and we don't have to have any protections on those guys." The 5-11 Russell played at 175 pounds in 2012, but was listed at 190 on this spring's roster, which will help him in his ongoing development as a tackler. "As far as athletic ability, he can cover the best wide receivers in the country, and he's proved that," Cooks added. "It's about doing it on a consistent basis and being confident in understanding what you're doing and when you can do it." Detail work such as footwork and vision is on Jackson's study guide heading into 2013. Watching Russell and Wood in action this spring also made Jackson truly value a starting role despite returning as the team's top tackler (65) and with the most interceptions (four) from last year. "If I continue to show up and not produce, somebody else is going to take my spot," Jackson said. "They're out there now competing physically and mentally, and I'm just out there competing mentally … there's not anybody that has a guaranteed spot." The goal is to have a three-man rotation at corner in 2013 similar to 2010 with Darrin Walls, Gary Gray and Robert Blanton. "I would love to get back to that, and that's what I told those guys: 'Don't look at KeiVarae and Bennett starting for 13 games,' " Cooks said. "You look at, 'How can I go and help this team?' If I can get those guys on a three-three-three rotation, every three plays … but they have to be able to go out there and play with no drop-off. "I've always felt like since I've been here my first few years I've been kind of shorthanded at the cornerback position. But this year, finally, I feel like I've got some depth." Having several bodies, Cooks explained, doesn't necessarily translate to depth. Having able minds ready to take on a challenging position at the highest level is most crucial. He believes he has that this year. "It's going to allow us to continue to expand our package," Cooks said. "Last year we couldn't get into nickel package or dime package because we were limited at cornerback and in what they can do. This year, Lord willing they stay healthy, we can open up our whole plbook like we did in year one and continue to expand that." Physical maturation is also extremely important — a point Russell now fully understands. Alabama running back Eddie Lacy made the entire Notre Dame defense look bad, but he made Russell look small and weak. "I was at 178 in the BCS game," Russell said. "I'm not gonna tackle Lacy at 178. That's just not going to work. I felt it every time he ran. I just thought this isn't going to work." The switch from offense did work, however, and Russell quickly got more comfortable at his new position, breaking through for nine tackles and helping to limit points against pass-heavy Oklahoma. "I think just getting over that factor of fear, fear of letting people down," Russell said when asked what changed most in him from August to April. "I like when I have the pressure on me now. … Throw it over here. Let's make plays. "Coaches said they believed in me after that game, and I was like 'OK, we gotta get going.' I always knew I had the talent, but that only goes so far," Russell said. "You've gotta have that mindset, that savvy." The story was the same in 2011 and 2012 — Wood was the surprise of fall camp, according to his teammates. But just when he was ready to break into the starting lineup, an Achilles injury in fall camp derailed that plan. With 10 career tackles and an interception to his credit, Wood rapidly navigated rehabilitation and is once again ready to prove his stuff. "He's worked his butt off, his upper body, and it's paid off with his jams," said Jackson, who is Wood's roommate. "There's still a little rust he needs to knock off, which is evident in everybody's game right now, but he hasn't really lost a step. Just having three corners, [the coaches] know both sides can compete at a high level and it takes a lot of pressure off of them." ✦ Preseason Analysis ★★★★ National Title Contention; ★★★ BCS Contention; ★★ Top 25 Potential; ★ Too Unproven Starters ★★★ If this group could help the Irish reach the BCS National Championship Game in 2012 — after beginning the year with little depth and then seeing it further attacked by injuries — it can help position them for another BCS run this fall. There are a number of talented players waiting in the wings to show what they've got. Experience ★★★ Going through an undefeated regular season and playing for the crystal trophy is about as high pressure as it gets in college football. Every mistake was magnified when a perfect record was on the line down the stretch, and the defensive backs never crumbled under that weight. The Irish gave up just two fourth-quarter touchdowns and picked off a total of four passes in the final quarter last season. Depth ★★★ Notre Dame fans have hardly even seen what Lo Wood and Austin Collinsworth are able to do. They'll get that opportunity in 2013. The Irish hope to avoid such a rash of injuries, particularly before kicking off the season against Temple, but they'll be a lot more prepared to deal with any depth chart changes that might come their way. Overall Grade ★★★ Thought to be a liability heading into 2012, the defensive backfield turned out to be a solid outfit. It was stretched to its limit at times, but never really snapped until the program's date with mighty Alabama. What the cornerbacks and safeties learned along the way, combined with power in numbers this fall, bodes well for a team already stout against the run. An improvement on the road or at neutral sites, where Notre Dame ranked a pedestrian 50th in the country against the pass, should be immediately noticeable. Sophomore safety Nick Baratti worked his way into the lineup last year, compiling eight tackles and an interception. photo by bill panzica Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview ✦ 103 100-106.DBs.indd 103 6/25/13 2:34 PM