Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Fully aware of his predecessor's im- pact, Stanley said he has watched count- less hours of Zack Martin film with of- fensive line coach Harry Hiestand to pick up on his characteristics. "He's a great player and a great ex- ample," Stanley said. "I'm so happy and blessed to have come here while he was still here. He showed a great example of the type of player I want to be." Other than the obvious of protecting Golson's blind side, Stanley lists the stance as the No. 1 difference in moving from right to left tackle. Admittedly the stance was a challenge at the beginning of spring practice, but now Stanley says he feels his technique is up to par. Now his focus is on bringing the same 60-min- ute intensity Martin did every game for four years. "My confidence was always there. It was more about me getting comfortable at that position and with that type of footwork," Stanley said. "I would say attitude [is my focus]. He came in with a grisly attitude, just getting after people nonstop. Even if he messed up, he's go- ing to try and get back on his blocks. He's relentless." After starting 13 games last season, Stanley is hardly an unknown. With two years of eligibility remaining after 2014, he could be in the middle of his own multi-year stint at the position. His size will be intriguing to NFL talent evalua- tors this offseason, even if it is rare for an underclassman offensive lineman to declare early. "I'm not even thinking about going to the NFL right now," he said. "I'm just thinking about this season and getting better with my O-line and my offense and my team." Much of how far he goes depends on footwork, the roots of which were estab- lished on a basketball court. ✦