Notre Dame LB Shayne Simon Finding Comfort in New Scheme

2020 was an important year for linebacker Shayne Simon as he got his first extended time at linebacker. 

The New Jersey native started eight games and has focused on taking his game to the next level since the Rose Bowl. 

"For me personally, it's about using my hands and beating one-on-one blocks to get off the man to make plays," Simon stated. "That's what I've been focusing on this offseason." 

The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has also focused on improving his pass coverage as Simon will be the first to tell you that he could have been better there a year ago. 

"In coverage, I had a couple missed assignments last year," said Simon. "But if anything, I feel I've been better with my feet, hands and trying to stay low. That's what I've been working on all offseason and I think it's been showing." 

Marcus Freeman has arrived and after 10 practices, Simon is in the same role he was under Clark Lea, but he's also noticed some minor changes. 

"I've been working mostly at Will and focusing on Will," explained Simon. "We stay the same in all of our packages. The defense changed a little bit because we're not as gap-oriented, but there's not as much of a focus on that now. It's more about being free and making plays." 

Simon has found comfort in the new scheme as it's more about playing ball with fewer rules and assignments before the ball is snapped.

"The new scheme is open," stated Simon. "It's not as gap-oriented, but there are still rules we have to follow. The main thing is to find the ball and go hunt and go make plays.

"I think there were opportunities for all of us to play fast last year as well, so I'm not going to say one is better or worse. I definitely feel like in this defense, I'll be able to play fast and use my abilities and take advantage of them to make plays. 

"I'm confident in both systems and definitely the one we're playing in this year."