Notre Dame CB Clarence Lewis Loves Move to Boundary, Ready for Top 10 Clash
Notre Dame's defense turned over once against under Brian Kelly as Clark Lea left for the head coaching job at Vanderbilt.
Marcus Freeman arrived in South Bend with an aggressive style of defense designed to cause havoc and force turnovers.
The Irish defense had its ups and downs over the first four games, but there is no denying the last two weeks have been statements as Notre Dame owned Purdue and Wisconsin.
At first, cornerback Clarence Lewis and his teammates didn't know what to expect from Freeman, but they quickly embraced his energy and passion.
"It definitely has evolved a lot," Lewis said of his relationship with Freeman. "He's definitely a great guy. We didn't really know him at first in the spring and we had to get to know him. Over the course of the season so far, we got to know him so more. He's definitely a good guy and we love him.
"He's definitely fun and brings the energy in unit meetings."
Cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens arrived at Notre Dame a year before Freeman and has been a significant piece to the improved play from the Irish secondary.
"I think he really understands us," explained Lewis. "I would say every coach has a different coaching style, but his coaching style has been good for us."
Lewis has also put his trust in the coaches as he's recently moved from field corner to the boundary.
It's a move Lewis has not only embraced, but he's had fun with as he gets to play with more physicality.
"I just know I love it over there," laughed Lewis. "I'm definitely learning because I was in the field and playing more off. Now, it's closer to the ball and getting hands-on and stuff like that. It's definitely more physical over there."
Notre Dame is tied for the national lead in interceptions with nine and Lewis doesn't expect the Irish to slow down as the new defense is starting to click.
"I feel like every game we're going to keep getting better and better," stated Lewis. "We're getting more experience under our belt and as the year goes on, we're going to play better and faster.
"I feel each week we're growing and it's getting better each week. We're showing that we're dawgs and can get to the ball."
As for Saturday's top ten matchup with Cincinnati, Lewis doesn't care who is the underdog as this game is about protecting Notre Dame Stadium.
"It's exciting," said Lewis. "Playing at home is really about protecting the house. No one is getting out of here with a W because we're protecting the house."