Everything Notre Dame DC Al Golden said before Gator Bowl
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden spoke to reporters just outside of Jacksonville on Tuesday ahead of the Fighting Irish’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl vs. South Carolina at TIAA Bank Field on Friday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Here’s everything Golden said prior to the matchup.
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On freshman linebacker Jaylen Sneed
“I think from Navy on, he’s been really focused and growing — off the field, really. He’s had the skills on the field, but the preparation has been better and certainly that’s continued into the bowl practice and gone up a level.”
On James Laurinaitis helping Sneed and other Notre Dame linebackers
“James does a lot with the group both from a tactical standpoint and an experiential standpoint. He’s really helping those guys. Jaylen has benefitted from that relationship a lot. We’re excited about Jaylen, and he’ll have a great opportunity in this game.”
On linebacker Prince Kollie and cornerback Jaden Mickey
“Mickey has been practicing really well. Made a couple plays on the ball [Tuesday], which was fun to see. It was just fun to see him play with confidence. Play with a little swagger and be confident. PK is doing good. PK has been steady for us. So I’m excited about PK and his development for sure.”
On defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio
“He’s doing a good job. He’s just got to keep getting better. I’m really excited about him longterm. A couple things he needs to improve on, but he’s rugged. He’ll run to the football. He’s physical. He’ll lay heavy at the end.”
On Mickey not having the same season as Benjamin Morrison
“Everybody is on a different path. It’s never the same, no matter what. Everybody is on a little different path. I’m excited about Jaden and what he brings to the program with his coverage ability, playmaking ability and ball skills. Just a great kid and fun to coach. Hopefully he’ll get the opportunities that he deserves on Friday.”
On Notre Dame’s defensive play-calling without Isaiah Foskey
“Some of the guys have to step up. It’s a great opportunity. Any time you lose a guy like that, it’s never easy. He’s such a great human being. I’ve said it to you guys a million times. But at the same time, it creates opportunity. If the guys behind him step up and fulfill that role, you call the game the same. If we’re not getting the pass rush, we’re going to have to bring a fifth guy. it’s pretty simple. It’s pretty black and white.”
On defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina
“He’s had a good bowl practice. And he’s had a great attitude. He was just telling me about how cold it was when he went back home to Colorado, so he’s glad to be down here. But he’s had a really good bowl practice. He looks like himself again, which is great. I’m happy that it’s healing up and he’s feeling better. That part is great.”
