Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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uous figure on the first day of training camp, and even more so at the end of it when during his "welcome to col- lege football" moment he began to re- gurgitate his meal. That prompted an "atta boy" compliment from defensive line coach Mike Elston on the effort he put forth. With Springmann's football career finished, Cage is in line to provide girth behind junior Jarron Jones at nose guard. So many freshmen in part- time packages are no longer discon- certing to Kelly. "In years past, I probably would be [concerned], but my eyes tell me some- thing different when I watch them," Kelly said. "… These g u y s a r e p h y s i - cal football players and have an edge to them. Cage is a load. "It'll be fun but they'll cause a few moments of Coach VanGorder throw- ing his hat on the ground. I'm sure of that." What VanGorder 's system allows is a little more freedom, although 2012 Frank Broyles National As- sistant Coach of the Year Bob Diaco, now the head coach at Connecticut, had his own success with a more rigid approach. "Brian lets them run and lets them g o , " K e l l y s a i d . "That's why a lot of these young guys — in the places that he's putting them and the fronts he's calling. … He's say- ing, 'Listen, we're going to go cover everyone. Go run. Go make a play.' They can pin their ears back and go." If Notre Dame's current cornerback situation had been like two years ago, Watkins would have stepped in as a starter the way Russell did in 2012. Corner is now a team strength, even with Russell's status in limbo, but Watkins will be on the field for spe- cial teams at least. His range has im- pressed defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks. "He's a longer corner who's able to open up his hips and run," Cooks said. Safety is also con- gested for Tranquill a n d h e p ro b a b l y won't crack the two deep, but he has the combination of size (6-1½, 225 pounds, almost like Morgan) and speed that get freshmen on special teams roles. Tranquill is begin- ning his career at safety, but his future probably will be at Sam linebacker. Like s o p h o m o re J a m e s O n w u a l u i n 2 0 1 3 (a receiver last year who moved to Sam this spring), Tranquill is projected by Kelly to play on all four special teams units. Safety Drue Tranquil has the combination of size (6-1½, 225 pounds) and speed that will help him earn a role on special teams. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND