Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/413403
in the fire, and he's learning as we go." Redfield admits the game has slowed down for him, but it's cushy considering what he's pursuing off the field. He told reporters in Septem- ber that he's taking Mandarin Chinese classes five days a week and hopes to one day earn a gig with the CIA. Com- pared to that, pre-snap communica- tions must seem pretty simple. "I feel like I've become a more dis- ciplined player all around with eyes and just trying to focus on doing my job every single play instead of trying to do more than just that," he said. "It's perfecting technique, perfecting my craft. "I wouldn't say because Austin's out I had to grow a lot quicker. They'd still harp on us about communication as they would if Austin wasn't there. I'd still focus on communication just as much as I would if he wasn't there. With him not there, there's more stress with communication, but it's a huge focal point for every game." Defensive coordinator Brian Van- Gorder considered the communica- tion between Redfield and Shumate to be at its best in the 31-27 loss at Florida State Oct. 18, with the Semi- noles' point total representing the low- est in quarterback Jameis Winston's 21 collegiate starts. Still, there's room for improvement. "[There were] a couple situations where we communicated well but didn't trust the communication, and we've got to learn to do that," Van- Gorder said. "Both those players are in the process of gaining experience and becoming more consistent, and it was a positive step for them." Senior Matthias Farley has bounced around the defense the past three years, with 19 career starts at safety under his belt. Although he now plays nickel back, he has the unique experience of being on the field with Redfield, fully knowing the demands of the position. "He's a lot more confident," Farley said. "That comes when you have a lot of trust in your coaches and getting that experience and making plays in big sit- uations, which he's done for us all year. "When you have that, it's easier to be more vocal. When you come to a position when you're fresh and new, it's hard to be vocal when you haven't produced a bunch or don't have a track record. "He's stepped in and done those things where guys really respect him and they really listen to him. Just that confidence that has grown in him as the season progressed, and he contin- ues to grow each week." As Kelly points out, there is no way to become comfortable in game action without simply playing in games. "There's no other way to get around it," Kelly said. "We are who we are in terms of the depth at that position. We lost [sophomore Nicky] Baratti [to a season-ending shoulder injury], we made a decision that we were going to commit Farley to the nickel position. "We lost Collinsworth. We had a true freshman in Drue Tranquill that we were just trying to get lined up, and then we've got Shumate. That's really it." As Redfield makes strides each week, he's proving that "it" isn't all that bad. ✦