One week they might be all four-down
the entire game and the next week
they're in three-down."
The ways in which VanGorder will
change Notre Dame's defensive phi-
losophy and how Notre Dame's cur-
rent personnel will fit into that mold
will continue to unfold during spring
practice and even more so in Au-
gust. For now the biggest immediate
changes are the inevitable new termi-
nology and play-calling nuances that
come with a rearranged staff.
VanGorder prefers to jump from
one position group to the next dur-
ing practice, rather than remain with
the linebackers for most of his time.
Kelly moved former safeties coach
Bob Elliott to the linebacker group to
help accommodate VanGorder. Elliott
has worked with linebackers and as a
coordinator himself during previous
stops at Iowa and San Diego State.
That leaves former cornerbacks
coach Kerry Cooks in charge of the
entire secondary. He'll get an assist
Elijah Shumate, who recorded 23 tackles in 10 games as a sophomore last year, will be one of several
options at safety for the Irish this season.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
