Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/218514
✦ News & notes "He's a very confident young man, and he believed that he's a BCS football player. With the kind of physical setback that he had, if he didn't believe in himself, I don't think he would have been able to come back," Kelly said. The Irish head coach also praised offensive line coach Harry Hiestand's work with the overall unit, as well as the leadership of fifth-year senior left tackle Zack Martin and fifth-year senior left guard Chris Watt, who organized offensive line workouts throughout the summer to create cohesion. Backing up Hegarty will be Hanratty, a la Mike Golic Jr., who started at right guard last year while also backing up center Braxston Cave. Travel Plans & Personnel Notes • The long list of injured players who won't be available for Saturday's game departed campus Tuesday night to spend Thanksgiving with their families, if they so chose. The rest of the team will practice Wednesday, and have an early practice and eat together with the coaches and coaches' families Thursday afternoon. They will depart for Stanford around 1 p.m. on Friday. • Senior defensive lineman Kona Schwenke's high ankle sprain limited how much he could play against BYU, but sophomore Jarron Jones had a strong showing in his place at nose guard with seven tackles (four solo) and a blocked field goal attempt. Schwenke is listed as the starter in this week's depth chart, but his playing time again might be limited if he sees any at all. • Head coach Brian Kelly said he's been pleased with the patience of freshmen Tarean Folston and safety Max Redfield during their first seasons of college football. Freshman running back Tarean Folston patiently bided his time and has been rewarded by receiving 46 of his 57 carries this season during the past four games, when he has run for 278 yards and two scores. photo by bill panzica Folston bided his time behind three junior running backs before becoming a bigger part of the offense in November — 46 of his 57 carries have come in the past four games. "He has not become frustrated," Kelly said. "He understands the process of learning and waiting for his chance and for his opportunity, and he's been very enjoyable to coach." Redfield has had a more difficult time finding playing time at safety. He has played all season on special teams, but the mental challenges that come with playing safety in Notre Dame's defense have slowed his path to the field. If the Irish played a simpler Cover 1 defense, Kelly said Redfield might have started from the outset. "Max has 10 times as much on his plate at that position than Tarean Folston, 10 times, in terms of coverage checks and formation adjustments and communication," he said. ✦ ✦ Page 13