Everything Notre Dame DC Al Golden said on National Signing Day

On3 imageby:Tyler Horka12/21/22

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Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden took to the microphone Wednesday afternoon to speak on the defensive players the Fighting Irish signed on National Signing Day.

Here’s everything Golden said.

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On the defensive linemen Notre Dame signed

“They all have a chance to come in and compete early, and that’s going to be important for the depth. Boubacar [Traore], length, rangy, probably in that 240 range right now. At some point here we’ll get him up to 255, 260, I’m sure. Brenan [Vernon] brings physical assets. He’s strong, he’s tough, he’s a competitor. Devan [Houstan] is another guy that brings size inside. [Armel] Mukam, strength. Just overall, I’m excited about that group and anxious to get them here and get them going.”

On Irish cornerbacks signees Christian Gray and Micah Bell

“Well Christian, first, just a great mentality. Great attitude, great competitor. Just really one of the backbones of this class. Never wavered. Unbelievable relationship that he and his family forged with our staff and Coach [Marcus] Freeman. Really excited about his prospects and the ability for him to make an impact early.

“Micah, the speed, that’s hard to find. Really, really hard to find. I think in a lot of ways he could play corner, he could play nickel, inside. I’m sure coach Mason is going to try to get him to return kicks and punts. But really, just a kid who is one of the faster kids in this class overall.”

On the mindset behind linebacker recruiting

“The biggest thing in that group is you’re looking for four-down players. Guys that can play the three downs on defense and also on special teams. I think all three of those guys have a chance to do that. Length is important because you want to have the ability to play multiple fronts. That’s one thing that with Jaylen Sneed and Nolan Ziegler coming on, you’re starting to see more length in that room. That will give us the ability to transition some of those guys to a different look on second and long or third down.

“Obviously with Drayk [Bowen] and [Preston Zinter], they definitely can do that. And Jaiden [Ausberry] has shown he can be a really good sub linebacker, too. So really just excited about that room in general.”

On Notre Dame athlete signee Brandyn Hillman

“He can play safety. He’s big enough to be a rover, if you will. But what’s not to like about him? He’s a team captain. Anytime you can get a quarterback, you’re basically taking a player that his high school coach has already deemed him good enough to give him the keys to the car, right? So that high school coach and their staff’s career and success depends a lot on that quarterback. So when you make that guy your leader and make him the face of your program, that says a lot to me.

“And when you look at the competitive nature of the kid and his makeup and the type of family background he has, I’m really excited about him.”

On how different recruiting is from the last time he was a college coach

“The portal has made a little bit of an impact. There is no doubt about that. And we’re not immune to the irregularities of recruiting or some of the sideshows that go on with recruiting. But what’s nice about recruiting at Notre Dame is you try to, for the most part, you’re attracting a pre-qualified kid. You’re attracting a kid who wants what you represent. I could say that part of it has been great, to be able to go on the road and represent that and the values of the university and obviously the tradition of the program and an unbelievable education. So all of those things really help you on the recruiting trail. Who you are is who you attract. And for the most part, we’re excited about that; bringing the kids in who really want what we offer.”

On Notre Dame safety signees Ben Minich and Adon Shuler

“For Adon, leading his team to a state championship a year ago is something that’s never been done at that school or at least in quite some time. But I’m pretty sure Coach said it had not been done in forever, which is great. I had a chance to watch him practice live in the spring. He’s a guy, like Hillman, who is playing wildcat quarterback on offense. Really excited about that. All these guys can strike. They’re a physical group. Adon, obviously a really physical player and a competitor.

Ben Minich, I had the good fortunate of seeing him play live early in the year. He had a fake punt, some great tackles in the open field on defense at safety. Game-tying touchdown with seconds remaining in the game on offense. A really, really smart player that’s physically tough. Just versatile. You love those guys who can play multiple positions. That group, can’t wait for them to get here.”

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