Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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during the regular season. At the same time, he was the clear field gen- eral for the Irish this spring on de- fense. He has not been bashful about correcting his teammates and hold- ing them accountable in practice this summer. All four of those players will be called on to set the tone for the de- fense (fifth-year transfer Cody Riggs can also impart some of his wisdom in his single season with the team), but leadership is usually strongest when a single voice emerges from the pack. Notre Dame enters the final stretches of its offseason with that decision still up in the air. 3. The secondary kicked up its swagger. Notre Dame's defense has under- gone a role reversal this offseason. The front seven is no longer the top dog on defense. The balance of expe- rience and pro talent has shifted to the defensive backfield even without Russell, who was at the top of both those lists. Their experience and the new ag- gressive mindset VanGorder preaches has that group walking with their heads a little higher this year. Russell was the most vocal in that regard, but Riggs said he'd give his fellow corner "a run for his money" talking behind closed doors. Collin- sworth, normally a quiet, consistent player, said he's looking forward to being more of an impact player this season. "It's a different style defense, cer- tainly," he said. "I'm focusing more just on myself making plays. I've al- ways been a consistent guy, but it's time for me to take the next step." ✦ BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED • P.O. BOx 2331 • DURhAm, NC 27702 1-800-421-7751 • www.BlueGoldOnline.com Notre Dame Panoramic Puzzle — $19.95 each + $8.00 S&H* 1,000 Pieces • Size 39"x13" Trivia Note: This picture was actually taken at the 10-22-11 ND vs. USC game. *Puzzle may be dropshipped direct from the manufacturer. Shipping in continental U.S. only. Please add sales tax if you live in NC (7.5%), MI (6%) or IN (7%).