Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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starter, has been solid, learning. Christian has really grown into his position. I would point to just some basic understandings of power, for example, where to fit on the power play, clicking off some games." Two of Notre Dame's three rushing touchdowns in the first five games went behind the left side of the line, as did junior Amir Carlisle's 45-yard scamper against Temple and freshman Tarean Folston's 36-yard sprint versus Oklahoma — two long carries that did not reach the end zone. Although the less experienced right side has not shown up as much in the highlight reels to this point, they are an integral part of Notre Dame's offensive game plan. "I would say that we're much more confident that we can run the football either side, right or left," Kelly said. "We obviously have two seniors on the left [side]. If you had to ask me where [I had to choose], obviously if I had one play, I'd go to the left. "But we feel like if we have to win the game, we can run the ball to the right side. We don't go in there and feel like we can't win a football game running the ball to the right side." As a four-star high school prospect, Stanley uprooted from Las Vegas to play at Notre Dame. In 2012, he briefly appeared in two games, but Kelly said the most substantial progress made came in the adjustment to his new surroundings. "Not playing last year was a tough transition for him, and I think it is for most kids, but I think it was beneficial for him to really get comfortable here at Notre Dame," Kelly said. "He went to a place [Bishop Gorman High School] that has so many similarities to Notre Dame that I think that helped him with the transition, as well. "He hasn't gotten an easy baptism into playing offensive tackle in the first month. He could have used a couple of easy ones along the way. But it's been a great learning experience." During the 17-13 win over Michigan State, Stanley temporarily left the game with a hip pointer sustained on a Tommy Rees interception that was called back due to pass interference. He sat out one play through significant pain before re-entering the game. As a high school senior, Stanley was taken to the hospital with a dislocated elbow. He was determined not to let an injury keep him out of the game, so he returned for the second half and helped lead his team to a state championship berth. "I was so hyped up for that one game," said Stanley, whose injury was so severe that he could only play a few plays in the championship game. "It was my last game against the rival school in the playoffs. I was a big leader on our team and that injury happened early in the game and I felt like I should be there for my team even if I can't play. "[My teammates] were in shock. At first it looked like I was hurt real bad and I came back with a little smile. They didn't really know what happened." As for his debut as a starter at Notre Dame this season, Stanley said the anxiety dissipated during week two at Michigan in front of more than 115,000 fans.