April 15, 2002
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The second week of spring drills got underway for the University of Notre Dame football team on Monday afternoon, as the Irish donned helmets and shoulder pads for a two-hour practice under sunny skies. It was the first opportunity for head coach Tyrone Willingham and his staff to work with the players following Saturday’s 30-minute controlled scrimmage. Among those in attendance at Monday’s practice session was former two-time Irish All-American Chris Zorich (Class of ’91).
Willingham said after viewing film of the weekend scrimmage, he felt better about his team’s efforts than he did two days ago.
“When you look at the film, you usually come away with a different opinion than you may have had at the time,” Willingham said. “I felt comfortable with what we had done on Saturday, and spirits were bolstered a little bit, even from what I had seen.”
Receivers Catching On
The first-year mentor also discussed the development of the Irish wide receivers, who will be called upon to fill a larger role in Notre Dame’s new offensive scheme.
“The hook that sticks with me is the word ‘learning’ because I think that’s what they’re going through,” Willingham commented. “It’s very difficult to judge and make decisions when you’re going through as much learning as they’re going through. They’re now totally involved in the football game.
“In certain styles of offenses, you’re limited in terms of your role,” he continued. “Our receivers are not limited in terms of their role. They’re going to have to execute in all facets of the game. So, they’re learning how to get open, adjust routes and read coverages on the run. They seem to be doing a good job of that.”
Quarterback Query
As for naming a starting quarterback, Willingham noted that choice would be left in the hands of the signal-callers themselves.
“That decision will be made when the quarterbacks tell us,” he said. “I’m comfortable with making that decision August 30th (the day before Notre Dame’s season opener vs. Maryland). You really don’t want to wait that long, but if that’s how long it takes for them to understand and separate themselves at the position, then that’s how long we wait. Really, the timetable is based on them, and not so much on the coach.”
Tyrone For Two?
Willingham’s athletic abilities once again were a topic of conversation, as he was asked about whether he had been approached to play in this year’s Bookstore Basketball tournament. Although he said he had politely declined all offers to play in the world’s largest hoops event, he did leave the door open slightly for a future appearance.
“The Celebrity Hall of Fame Game is a different status,” he joked. “That just elevates you, so you might have to jump on that. There’s a possibility I could be there.”
— ND —