Notre Dame DB Benjamin Minich Building Confidence, Embracing Nickel Role
Notre Dame safety Benjamin Minich has patiently waited for an opportunity during his first two years in South Bend.
As a sophomore, Minich appeared in 14 games, recorded nine tackles, and was a key piece on Notre Dame’s special teams units, which he hopes will give him an edge on earning more playing time on defense this fall.
“I think just making plays anywhere on the field builds it up,” Minich said of the confidence he gained on special teams last fall. “Playing on defense, I use that confidence.
“It helps just being on the field and gaining trust from coaches is probably the main thing. Doing your job on special teams consistently - Coach Mick (Mike Mickens) sees that and that’s how you gain a role on defense.”
Minich has been learning the nickel position last season and has continued to stick there through nine spring practices.
"It's been going well,” stated Minich. “I'm comfortable. I started playing it a little bit in the fall last year, with just kind of numbers. It being year two, I'm a lot more comfortable and I'm getting a lot better at it."
The competition in the secondary has heated up with the addition of Alabama transfer DeVonta Smith. Minich and sophomore Karson Hobbs are currently battling for reps at the nickel spot behind Smith.
Fortunately, Minich has benefited from learning behind veteran players — first Jordan Clark, and now Smith.
Still, Minich understands exactly what the Notre Dame coaching staff expects at nickel.
"Being tough, playing violent, playing fast, making plays consistently,” Minich said. “It's hard to guard those guys in the slot so being able to do it in a consistent manner, that's what makes you good."
When the Cincinnati native arrived on campus, Minich thought he would play safety. Plans change and Minich isn’t salty about the position switch as it fits his athletic talents well.
"I envisioned safety, but I could see myself playing nickel,” Minich said. “DB. Anywhere on the field. Covering guys. Getting the ball. That's really all I envisioned. Not a set position I needed to play."
Team periods in practice are significant for young players to show they can make plays, but Minich utilizes every period to enhance his game.
"I think there is a lot of technical work you can do,” stated Minich. “I mean, obviously, being in 11-on-11, that's probably the best place you can be. I think you can hone your skills in technical drill work.”
As for adjusting to new defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s system, Minich says the transition has been smooth.
"It's going really smooth,” said Minich. “A lot of similar stuff. But pretty easy. Easy to pick up on. Pretty much the same concepts - just how we call it, how we name it. So it's been good."
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