Irish on the Field: Reports from Day One of Fall Practice

The Notre Dame football team took the field for the first time on Saturday, August 6th working in the morning with some conditioning and then coming out in shorts and helmets in the afternoon.

The Irish came out dressed in new practice jerseys, complete with three shoulder stripes and the ND monogram on the sleeves. The skies turned a stormy gray and rain eventually pelted the LaBar practice fields.

Also on hand for the day were ESPN cameras and reporters Joe Schad and Brian Bennett.

Here are some news, notes, and videos from Day One.

From Kelly's meeting with the media following the afternoon practice.

Team is a lot more efficient, much further ahead than last year. The team has to be ready to play from game one.

Mentioned controlling the game, but team has to get to the fast paced first.

TJ Jones and John Goodman competing for third receiver spot.

Crist was spinning the ball and looked more comfortable and confident than in the spring.

A lot of smiles on the coaches faces after watching some of the freshmen in the early morning conditioning.

Goodman, Harrison Smith, and Roby Toma are the "sure handed" guys in the return game. There are also the guys who can make things happen---Riddick, Floyd(!), George Atkinson, Cam McDaniel, and Everett Golson(!)

SNEAK PEAK OF STEPHONE TUITT (Courtesy of Irish Illustrated)

Tuitt makes Irish debut from Irish Illustrated on Vimeo.

Some pictures from day one via the official Notre Dame Facebook page.

Other notes gleaned from reporters in South Bend:

*Andrew Nuss working at first team left guard instead of Chris Watt.

*Matt Hegarty working at left guard, Prestwood at left tackle, and Heggie at center.

*Crist starting with the first team, and then giving way to Rees after a few plays. Same with Hendrix starting with second team and Golson coming in as well. Same approach as in the spring.

*Matthias Farley started out in the slot.

*Tony Springmann was at nose guard.

For the best look of Saturday's practice, head over to und.com for the official practice video.

UPDATE: Sunday practice report from und.com focusing on the running backs, click here.