Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/204831
Under the Dome Personnel Notes • Junior outside linebacker Ishaq Williams did not play against Navy after injuring his right knee early in the 45‑10 win over Air Force in late October. Louis Nix III (sore knees) is the only other starter that was ruled out before Saturday's game against the Midshipmen. • Better tackling was a focal point during the month of October, and it especially reaped dividends at Air Force when Irish cornerbacks combined for 16 solo stops, mainly on the edge versus the option pitch. "We felt like our corners needed to be better tacklers, more aggressive," head coach Brian Kelly said. " I think Coach [Kerry] Cooks has done a great job of really taking on that role of demanding more from our corners." • Kelly had high praise for freshman Dog linebacker Jaylon Smith's discipline while facing the option for the first time, versus Air Force. "The patience that he showed to buy time for the Mike [linebacker] to get over a block, or the safety to come from the backside hash — you just don't teach that," Kelly said. "It's just instincts that he had that he could slowplay the options. Another weekend where you go, 'The kid just has those things that are hard to teach.' " • Junior defensive Chase Hounshell practiced in full pads during the final week of October for the first time this season. Hounshell needed shoulder surgery this spring to repair his second torn labrum. He will not, however, play during the final month of the 2013 season. • Senior defensive lineman Kona Schwenke has been an important cog this season, both as an end and at nose guard while Louis Nix III is sidelined. NFL teams are starting to take notice of the 305-pound Hawaiian. "We're getting a lot of favorable reports on him being able to play next year as well, at the next level," Kelly said. Senior defensive lineman Kona Schwenke's strong play at both end and nose guard this season has boosted his stock as an NFL Draft prospect. photo by bill panzica