Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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tackle Aaron Donald, the 13th pick in last May's NFL Draft. If Day possesses that many of the traits of a high NFL Draft pick, one would think there'd be no benefit to him coming off the field. However, as the primary, if not only, veteran along the defensive line, Day is counted on to give defensive line coach Mike Elston status reports during the game. "There is great communication be- tween Coach Elston and his defensive linemen when they're coming in and out of the game," Kelly said. "They're getting great input, and Mike is talk- ing to them as they're coming in and out of the game. "We are trying to get Sheldon in in crucial situations, too, and trying to be smart as to when we are pulling him out of the game as well." The time on the sidelines also gives the defensive front's elder statesman a chance to calm down his greener comrades. Day insists, with much laughter, he never needed such calm- ing from Nix or Tuitt, but his chuckles betray the truth. "[The freshmen defensive linemen] did have a few jitters, but it wasn't anything major," Day said, adding the words of advice he shares with the freshmen as often as possible. "Just play with confidence. We plan it out each and every day. Learn your assignment and then be confident as you execute your assignment. It's all about playing with confidence." Day has never been short on con- fidence, but his should only increase as his snaps do, as his cliff rises. The Notre Dame coaching staff just hopes he will bring the rest of the defensive line with him. ✦