Instant Reaction | Brian Kelly's Opening Press Conference

We may not have learned too much on the first day from 30 minutes of access to practice, but Brian Kelly revealed plenty in his opening press conference to kick off fall camp.

I’ve got some quick thoughts on everything:

- It was not unexpected that Jarrett Patterson would remain at center, but I do think it’s interesting that Kelly said that Josh Lugg would play, but didn’t define where he would play or if he’ll start.

Lugg has proven he can play and if he’s the starting right tackle, it’s pretty good to have the luxury of someone who has started games when the rest of the line is inexperienced. My question will be whether or not he splits that job with someone or if they end up moving him inside to guard if that is more of a need heading into the season.

- Well, I guess that settles it with Jordan Botelho.

Let the reporters report things and let the others stay in their lane. I’m not out here trying to break news or hint at things that may or may not be true. That’s not my job. We have others at ISD who are great at it and reliable.

It’s great news for the Vyper position as well because that is one spot where depth isn’t as strong compared to the rest of the defensive line. Now we get to see if Botelho can push Isaiah Foskey to start there.

- Everything we heard about Ramon Henderson from the spring suggested he was going to be in the mix to play a lot at corner and Kelly confirmed that today. Henderson versus Cam Hart should be a camp battle to watch, though I imagine both are going to play quite a bit this season.

- I think you can read the tea leaves at quarterback based on what we have heard and what Kelly said today about the quarterback competition wrapping up fairly early in camp: it’s Jack Coan’s job to lose.

- What Kelly said about the leadership being so good on the team is why it’s hard to envision the team underachieving this season. There are too many good leaders in place that set the tone for the entire team even if more of the most talented individuals are underclassmen.

I know I posted about more questions than expectations in my 6 Thoughts earlier in the week, but I will be surprised if Notre Dame doesn’t find answers for most of them.

- It’s not a bad thing to hear about the development of players like Braden Lenzy, Joe Wilkins, and Lawrence Keys being described as “transformational” this off-season. They are going to be counted on so that’s the kind of thing every Notre Dame fan would hope to hear.

It still doesn’t make it less disappointing that it’s year four for those guys and things didn’t click sooner. This is a “contract year” for them so I understand the sense of urgency. At the same time there were plenty of opportunities to step up at receiver last year so it’s going to remain a question about them all until we see it on Saturdays.

- Every Notre Dame fan is on pins and needles when there are Kevin Austin updates and Kelly said what people would want to hear today. I expect a monster camp from him so prepare for the hype machine to be turned up to 11 in a few weeks.