The 'Len' Zone
Notre Dame DBs and Special Teams Breakdown: Player Insights, Scheme Changes,
The defensive backs and special teams players at Notre Dame share their spring progress, challenges, and goals as they prepare for the upcoming season under new coaching leadership.

by Len Clark

DB's and Specialists Press Conference
Coach Mickens on Defensive Backs Development
Elevating Standards
Focus on holding the standard and learning to practice at a high level daily.
Coverage Mix
Implementing both man and zone coverage to grow knowledge within the system.
Player Progress
Tae Johnson working at field safety. New safeties Blair, Long, Thomas, and Smith showing competitiveness.
Marty Biagi Special Teams Coordinator Insights
Noah Burnette Recruitment
Clean striking form, quick ball flight, and big-game experience stood out.
Transfer Kicker Success
Notre Dame's history with Grupe, Shrader, and Bryan helped recruit Burnette.
James Rendell's Growth
Developed from acclimation to consistency and confidence in his second year.
Open to Innovation
Not opposed to Rendell's GPS idea to prove his fake punt potential.
Christian Gray's Sophomore Focus

Little Things
Working on details to become dominant after strong freshman year.

Whole Defense
Learning the entire defense, not just individual assignments.

Preparation
Treating practice like game reps after learning preparation is everything.

Versatility
Emphasizing zone coverage to complement man skills for complete secondary.
Karson Hobbs' Journey
Culture Shock
Coming from Wyoming to Notre Dame was an adjustment both on and off field.
Player Development
Evolved into a longer, more physical safety with improved coverage skills.
Special Teams Embrace
Found joy in special teams under Coach Biagi's leadership.
Belonging
Overcame self-doubt as a walk-on to earn scholarship and seek playing time.
Tae Johnson at Safety
Natural Position
Safety feels more natural than corner. Former receiver experience helps with ball tracking and angles.
Health Confidence
Being healthy for spring has boosted confidence after injury setback last fall.
Complete Focus
Maintaining urgency through playbook study, recovery, and academics to maximize on-field performance.
Preventative Approach
Emphasizing "prehab instead of rehab" with training staff to maintain health.
Ben Minich Finding His Role

Defensive Trust
Special teams success opening door to defensive opportunities
Building Confidence
Game experience in any capacity helps transition to bigger roles
Nickel Position Fit
Quick, fast, physical skillset aligns perfectly with nickel requirements
Leonard Moore's Comeback

Health Priority
Recognizing importance of staying healthy after sitting out
System Comfort
Growing more comfortable in Coach Ash's defensive system daily
Multiple Positions
Learning three different positions to maximize contribution
James Rendell's Punting Progress
First-Year Experience
Embraced the journey from June arrival to performing in front of 100,000 fans. Nothing he hasn't seen now.
Mental Game Development
Learned to stay mentally ready despite long sideline waits before 30-second performance windows.
Technical Refinement
Working on technique, consistency, and process. Comparing punting to a golf swing that requires muscle memory.
Adon Shuler's Natural Fit
Safety Comfort
Safety feels more natural than corner, leveraging receiver background for ball tracking.
Health Confidence
Being healthy has restored confidence after injury interrupted progress.
Complete Dedication
All-in approach to playbook, recovery, and details with sense of urgency.
Skill Evolution
Added structure and mental aspects to raw athletic talent since arriving.
Luke Talich's Growth Mindset
2
Years of Experience
Feels significantly more prepared in second spring compared to freshman arrival.
100%
Effort Level
Focused on controlling what he can through maximum effort to earn opportunity.
1
Biggest Challenge
Mastering the playbook was his primary adjustment, now feeling locked in.
Kennedy Urlacher's Development Path
Special Teams Foundation
Values game reps on special teams as crucial for development and contribution.
Used that experience to build toward defensive opportunities.
Coaching Impact
Credits Coach Mickens for coverage improvements in understanding leverage and run fits.
Appreciates Coach Golden's overall defensive development approach.
Competitive Environment
Embraces safety competition as motivation to improve daily.
Finds Coach Ash's scheme familiar enough to build upon previous knowledge.