long corners that are good with their
hands. We've got guys that can flip
their hips and run. The system fits
them pretty well. Again, the system is
flexible enough to where we can prob-
ably piece any kind of corner into this
system with as much as we do."
The secondary emerging as the
unit's strength — which contrasts the
previous four years of play — coin-
cides with a system that demands its
defensive backs be more aggressive,
to push the envelope and to make
things happen. It's likely the Irish will
draw more flags and perhaps allow
big plays at a higher rate than in the
VanGorder's aggressive defensive scheme has changed Notre Dame's style of play in the secondary, where
Irish defensive backs are now showing more physicality and toughness.
PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND
