Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/396685
IRISH IN THE PROS "I never really said I wanted to play any position," Martin said. "I just am willing to play whatever. It's been re- ally fun and a good experience at a new position and it's great because you learn something new every day." Even with Notre Dame's national schedule and a slate that typically ranks among the nation's most difficult, Mar- tin said it is impossible to prepare for the NFL's elite competition. "It's the constant week-in and week- out going against the best," he said. "There's no off week. Every week you're going up against one of the best in foot- ball. That's been the biggest adjustment. "[Notre Dame] did as well as you can. Obviously at Notre Dame with the schedule we play [it prepares you], but you can't actually see it until you get to this level." With Saturday typically a day for pre- game meetings in the NFL, Martin can't catch every snap Notre Dame plays each weekend, but he has enjoyed the pro- gram's success from afar in 2014. Martin has paid close attention to Notre Dame's offensive line, but politely declined to discuss the unit's struggles in 2014, only expressing confidence in the group and offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, whom he calls the best coach in the country. "They're doing fine," Martin said. "They've been fun to watch. I played with all those guys for several years." His younger brother, Irish senior cap- tain Nick Martin, has shifted from center to left guard as part of an offensive line reconfiguration after the team's third game. "We talk every week about the games I'm able to catch," he said. "I try and tell him what I'm seeing. "I really don't know [whether he's best suited for center or guard]. He's played both and it's kind of like me where he's learning a new position, so it's going to take some time to get used to. He's a football player and he can play all across the line." If big brother is any indication, it's not likely to take long. NFL NOTES Through Oct. 9 • Former Notre Dame offensive lineman Braxston Cave (2008‑12) signed with the Cleveland Browns' practice squad Oct. 9, one week after the Washington Redskins released him. • San Diego Chargers rookie Chris Watt made his first career start at right guard in a 31‑0 win over the New York Jets Oct. 5, after debuting the week before. The team had put him in a rotation at right guard and is now starting him at center after an injury to Doug Legursky. • Watt is now teammates with offensive lineman Trevor Robinson (2008‑11), whom the Chargers signed off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad prior to week six. Robinson hosted Watt during the latter's official visit to Notre Dame in 2008. "We talk every week and I'm so happy for him," Zack Martin said of Robinson. "He deserves it. We talk every week and break down [opponents]. We play a couple of the same teams so it's good to talk to each other and get the inside scoop." • Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (2007‑09) notched his best two games of the season Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. In those contests, he combined for 15 recep‑ tions for 250 yards and one touchdown. • Linebacker Prince Shembo (2010‑13) started con‑ secutive games for the Atlanta Falcons, and recorded 16 tackles in a 30‑20 loss to the New York Giants Oct. 5. • Through week five, a total of 29 former Notre Dame players had been active for NFL teams at some point this season. ✦