Jamir Jones Focused on Traits and Leadership

Entering the season, Jamir Jone wasn't a name Irish fans were watching closely as it was expected he would redshirt and return for a fifth season. 

Plans change quickly as Daelin Hayes was lost for the season and it shoved Jones into a role. 

Now, Jones will take on a more significant role as captain Julian Okwara went down with a fibula fracture last Saturday. 

"It's been whirlwind," Jones explained. "You always have to be ready to make the most of your opportunity when it's given. That's what I try to do each day." 

The Rochester (N.Y.) native isn't overwhelmed as he's seen many guys step up during his career. Jones is focused on making sure he maximizes his final reps in blue and gold, which starts on the practice field. 

"It's the same sort of thing," said Jones of if anything changed after being thrown into the rotation. "I'm trying to get that one percent better each day. I'm worried about taking my game to the next level, being a great teammate and trying to become a leader." 

The loss of Okwara hurts the Irish defensive front, but Jones is ready  and looks forward to playing for his teammate, friend and roommate. 

"It's very unfortunate he won't be on the field with us," explained Jones. "He's still with us. He's still out at practice and going to be a huge part leader for us moving forward. 

"He still helps me out. He's my roommate. We still talk. We need guys to step up and try to fill that role. He's still upbeat. He's my guy." 

Navy will come to South Bend this weekend and so will its No. 1 rushing offense.

The Midshipmen average 357 yards per game and Jones knows stopping Navy starts in the trenches. 

"They're a really good team and really physical upfront," stated Jones. "They're fast and have a great quarterback and fullback. They love to hit the ball straight ahead and attack the ally as well. 

"We have to be sound in our assignments and make sure we're on top of everything." 

Notre Dame has prepared for the triple-option attack over the course of the year and got a refresher last week. 

"We know what's coming," Jones said. "We take it week by week. Last week, we sort of prepared for it because Duke ran a little bit of it as well." 

While the Irish will need to win the line of scrimmage, Notre Dame will also need to play disciplined football. 

"There's a ton of respect," Jones said of the rivalry. "The history goes way back and they're a great team. They use our traits and they take them into every single game. We just have to be ready to have more traits than they have." 

A win Saturday would put Notre Dame two wins from another perfect November and a big-time bowl game, which Jones and the Irish want. 

"We definitely want to make this month the best November we've ever had here and win the next few games," said Jones. 

"We know if we keep winning, we're going to put ourselves in the best position to play in the best bowl game that we can."