Offensive position battles heat up as Notre Dame opens fall camp
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s offense returned to the practice field Thursday with plenty of talent, several position battles and one major question still unanswered: What will this group’s identity be?
Third-year offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said the Irish have some early ideas, but the next few weeks of fall camp will determine whether the offense is built around its quarterback, running backs, receivers, tight ends or a combination of all four.
That evaluation began on the opening day of practice, with several players making immediate impressions. Jordan Faison, Jaden Greathouse, Micah Gilbert and Mylan Graham were among the early standouts Thursday. Jerome Bettis Jr. also turned heads by making one of the best catches of practice.
Faison said his focus throughout camp is becoming a more vocal leader and spending additional time studying film. After not playing lacrosse during the spring, the two-sport athlete said he feels fresher entering the football season.
Transfer receiver Quincy Porter also participated as he continues working his way back from patella surgery. Porter wore a compression sleeve on his left leg but moved well during position drills.
Meanwhile, the running back room also produced several highlights. Aneyas Williams showed why he remains one of Notre Dame’s biggest receiving threats out of the backfield, making an impressive one-handed catch. Kendren Young also appeared noticeably bigger and stronger entering camp.
Behind starting quarterback CJ Carr, the competition for the backup job remains open. Freshman Teddy Jarrard took every quarterback rep during the wide receiver-defensive back one-on-one period. He was not perfect, but consistently delivered a clean, accurate ball and appeared comfortable directing the drill.
Denbrock said additional opportunities will be earned throughout camp.
“Coach Freeman talks a lot about, if you have a plate of food and want more food, you should clean your plate,” Denbrock said. “If they clean their plate and they earn more reps, then they will get an opportunity to showcase what they can do a little bit more.”
Along the offensive line, Joe Otting took the first-team snaps at center. Ashton Craig, who is continuing his recovery from a torn ACL, also received a few snaps with the first unit during walkthrough periods. Notre Dame also received an encouraging performance from new Australian punter Jasper Scaife. Scaife consistently generated strong hang time and placement, appearing ahead of schedule during his first fall camp practice with the Irish.
Notre Dame will continue evaluating its offensive personnel throughout camp as Denbrock and his staff work to determine which position group will ultimately shape the unit’s identity.