clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Brian Kelly Presser Recap: Thursday August 27th, 2015

Head Coach Brian Kelly spoke with the media this evening and provided some updates on the Ishaq Williams situation.

By Eric Murtaugh
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Kelly met with the media tonight and provided numerous updates to the roster:

  • Nick Martin, Matthias Farley, Joe Schmidt, Jaylon Smith, and Sheldon Day are the 2015 captains. Kelly mentioned there were as many as 10 candidates who could have been chosen.
  • Kelly said Jaylon Smith is the best player on defense and it's not even close.
  • Ishaq Williams has lost his appeal with the NCAA and will not play this season. He will be provided a locker and can use the Notre Dame facilities but cannot practice with the team. Kelly mentioned Ishaq still wants to play in the NFL. He'll stay in school and graduate after this year.
  • Freshmen running backs Dexter Williams and Josh Adams got quality work in camp. He feels Adams can hold up in pass protection.
  • Zaire and Kizer getting close to just playing and not thinking too much on the field. Wimbush will remain with the varsity and not go down to scout team this year.
  • Currently having discussions with the freshmen regarding whether they'll play or redshirt. C.J. Sanders, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Alize Jones are pushing for a lot of playing time. Miles Boykin is close too.
  • Jerry Tillery and Nick Coleman are the freshmen defenders who will definitely play.
  • Kelly is excited about sophomore nose guard Daniel Cage. He's trimmed down to 307 pounds and will back up Tillery.
  • Shumate and Redfield are starting at safety with Sebastian and Tranquill the backups. The situation with Shumate and Sebastian 'could change.' Kelly was not kind to the safeties calling them orange cones during today's practice.
  • Linebackers right now are: Jaylon & Coney at WILL, Schmidt & Grace at MIKE, and Onwualu & Martini at SAM. Kelly said Grace is fully back to the health he was at in 2013. Schmidt is still a half step behind from last year but is making progress quickly.
  • Matthias Farley is playing everywhere, including nickel, safety, and special teams.
  • Kelly doesn't think there will be a defender with 8 to 10 sacks. Day & Jaylon will rush from the edge a lot.
  • The staff had an eye for moving Boykin to tight end because he has that type of body. But he'll remain at receiver because his ball skills downfield and running ability are too good.
  • Kelly said the 3-3-5 Texas defense is not ideal to prepare for in a season opener. Also believes the Horns' offense will be different but only has the spring game to go off for film.

More From One Foot Down