Mike Elston DL Notes

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston covered a variety of topics on Wednesday and the only really bad news pertained to junior defensive tackle Elijah Taylor.

"He’s still really far away. He hasn’t been able to do much in our practices. Coach can talk more about the injuries, but he has not worked on the defensive line like I had been hoping for on August 16th."

On the defensive line as a whole this offseason. 

"We’ve made great progress up to this point. I do believe by the end of this we will be much improved from a year ago and that’s no disparaging comments on last year’s defensive line. We have guys like Jay Hayes that are committed to improving from where he was a year.

"Jerry Tillery is playing his best football and consistent football. In 14 days, I can’t think of one day he didn’t come out with the right mindset. That’s pretty good for a big guy when he’s battling every day." 

On the maturation of Jerry Tillery

"When I became the defensive line coach, my goal was to make him a better football player, more mature, and helping in every facet on and off the field. We don’t go back and talk about that moment or other moments. That’s him and Coach Kelly. They have set forth on his plan and his plan to correct it.

"Jerry is a fine young man and did something stupid. He paid the price for it and took public humility. He’s come a long way, and I’m proud of him." 

On the freshmen defensive tackles

"All three are making great progress. Kurt Hinish and Myron (Tagovailoa-Amosa) have come in more prepared in football, technique, and coming off the ball. They have a better understanding of that, and therefore they are ahead of some of the other freshmen and not just Darnell (Ewell).

"I love all of their attitudes. They are workers, and they work their tail off. Darnell can answer most questions as it relates to most of the position on our defensive line, not just the defensive tackle. He’s a smart kid and a great learner. The guys love him, and he pays great attention. He’s diligent in trying to get his craft right. He’s ways away in technique and fundamentals. That’s to be expected." 

On pass rushing difference makers

"We have some guys that can be difference makers. Daelin Hayes can be a difference maker. Julian Okwara in passing situations, he is going to wreck off that edge. You have Jerry and Bonner playing their best football. Andrew Trumbetti is playing his best football.

"There could be some great production on the defensive line. There is a lot of movement and things that can get those guys cut loose to get in the backfield in Coach Elko’s scheme. I will be shocked if the production isn’t higher than it was last year."