Five notable Blue-Gold Game comments from former Notre Dame OT Ryan Harris

Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game on Peacock offered a rarity for a Notre Dame game booth: the color commentary was done by an Irish football alum.

Ryan Harris, a four-year starter at offensive tackle from 2003-06 and ultimate third-round NFL Draft pick, was on the call with play-by-play announcer Tony Simeone last weekend. Harris is still deeply embedded in the Irish program; in addition to his background with the team, he served as the director of the Monogram Club from 2017-22. As such, Harris provided some valuable insight and commentary about this year’s squad.

Here are a few notable comments from the former Notre Dame lineman.

On early enrollee and LB Junior Tuihalamaka

The coaching staff raved about Tuihalamaka all spring, and Harris piled on during the broadcast after he nearly brought down (but successfully slowed down) running back Jadarian Price for a loss.

“That play was made by a player you are going to hear a lot about,” Harris said. “I can’t wait. Allow me to introduce you to Junior Tuihalamaka. This guy is an early enrollee, and he looks like an NFL linebacker right now. It’s amazing.”

On S Brandon Joseph, Marcus Freeman’s recruiting

Midway through the first quarter, Joseph was the punt return man for a 44-yard boot from punter Bryan Dowd.

“I think he’ll return some kicks for them as well,” Harris said. “How rare is it that a safety will return kicks. (You saw) him with the fair catch there.

“That’s a nod to Marcus Freeman. Not only are they getting a great recruiting class coming in (with) 14 early enrollees, but you’re recruiting some of the best senior players in the country as well, (including) getting a Harvard transfer. Marcus Freeman’s really been recruiting a lot of players, even players on his own roster, especially when it comes to Isaiah Foskey.”

The final comment was regarding Freeman keeping Foskey, who could have been drafted this weekend, around for another season.

PROMOTION: Sign up for just $1 for your first year at Blue & Gold

On DC Al Golden ‘getting’ Notre Dame

During the second quarter, while the scrimmage was still scoreless, Harris took a moment to compliment Golden, who had apparently showed up to talk with former players the night before.

“Al Golden’s only been here for three months, and his defense is making big plays,” Harris said. “One of the things, when we got to talk with him, I was testing his knowledge a little bit about safety blitzes and what not. But he also came and showed up last night with the former players. Al Golden gets this place. He gets Notre Dame. Of course, he played against Notre Dame in the 1990s at Penn State, played tight end. But (he’s) a tremendous value and asset for this team, and I really think in all of the offseason additions, Golden’s going to be one of the best ones when we look at it next season.”

On what makes OL coach Harry Hiestand great

This is Harris’ area of experience — offensive line. He can recognize a good line coach when he sees one.

“He knows what each individual needs. I talked to him a little bit. He said ‘Make sure Joe Alt‘s punching. Watching last season, he needs to make sure he’s punching.’ He (added) ‘We need to make sure Blake Fisher‘s healthy.’ Understanding that each individual player really needs something different to be coached on, that makes him great.”

On freshman QB Steve Angeli

Early in the fourth quarter, Angeli completed a 58-yard pass to walk-on receiver Conor Ratigan. It was down the sideline and directly into the sun. Harris took note.

“I was impressed with Steve Angeli,” Harris said. “Being a young player, and early enrollee. (He’s) able to digest the playbook, but also he’s making that throw in the sunlight. That’s something that as a quarterback , you want to start learning these things. Spring games are valuable for a guy like Steve Angeli because (he should be learning) ‘I gotta believe the receiver is going to be there even though I can’t see him because the sun’s in my eyes.’ Those kinds of things matter. Angeli is doing well so far.”

Of course, this was before the game-winning touchdown. It only got better for the freshman.