Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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conservative approach the last few years under former coordinator Bob Diaco. Riggs said the biggest challenge he faced this August is getting up to speed with some of the new language Notre Dame uses with its defense. His team‑ mates had a semester‑long head start, but he said the fact that they are still picking up the lingo as well has made it easier for him. "They know how to explain it to me coming from someone that is just learn‑ ing it," Riggs said. "Rather than me coming in to a system that's four or five years in and they don't know how to teach it to you as someone who is just learning." Notre Dame's coaching staff is count‑ ing on Riggs to help distribute some knowledge while he's learning. He and Russell traded notes on footwork and form throughout training camp until the junior had to stop practicing with the team in the middle of August. Rus‑ sell said Riggs was a good influence on his work habits, and the rest of a young Irish defensive back group will need the same. Sophomores Cole Luke and Devin Butler both figure to play major roles in the secondary. While Riggs will be in South Bend for only one season, he can make a lasting impact by helping those underclassmen get settled on the field. "I'm not here for the one‑and‑done thing," Riggs said. "I'm here to help this program. I wanted to do whatever it takes to help the team. I'm pretty sure everybody knows that." Riggs could also prove to be the miss‑ ing piece in a puzzle that has vexed Notre Dame since Kelly arrived — the punt return. The speedy 5‑9, 185‑pound transfer played on all four special teams units with the Gators. He never returned punts in a game in Florida, but said he worked on it regularly in practice. It was one of the first things he asked the Notre Dame coaches about when he got settled. The Irish haven't finished higher than 81st nationally in punt returns during the last three years. That group has been consistently the weakest on Kelly's teams in South Bend. "I've heard," Riggs said. "It surprised me because I know a couple guys that were here that were pretty explosive." Riggs and sophomore running back Greg Bryant have been the two most ac‑ tive returners during the punting work that has occurred during practices open to the media. He said whether it's at returner or elsewhere on the field, Riggs expects to play a role on special teams this season. That attitude from an accomplished starter on defense is part of the reason Riggs has received a universally warm reception from his new teammates. He said he never once walked through the locker room this summer without play‑ ers saying hello or introducing them‑ selves to the new guy. Riggs said there's almost no difference now between his days at Florida and those at Notre Dame, except of course for the weather. Riggs said the only game he's played in "freezing" temperatures came last October at Missouri (it was actually 46 degrees for the noon kickoff). The senior safety lasted one play that day before he was ejected for a targeting penalty. He may not know what it feels like to play in the cold yet, but his presence already has been a warm welcome for the Irish secondary. ✦