Elliott Focused on Fundamentals

Notre Dame safety Jalen Elliott was thrown into the fire early in his career last fall as a true freshman. It was probably earlier than even he would have liked and he took his ups and downs. 

The 6-foot, 205-pounder was fighting inexperience and then lost his defensive coordinator before the midpoint of the season. Elliott and the defense have been soaking up all the knowledge they can from new defensive coordinator and safeties coach Mike Elko over the past several months, and it’s paying off. 

“It’s been a big process for us as a safety unit,” stated Elliott. “We’re just trying to work every day. We know we have to have attention to detail to be a successful secondary. 

“There has been a lot of new and a lot of learning.  We have learned a lot as a group. Coach Elko is teaching us the fundamentals and basics. We have gone over everything day in and day out.” 
 
The game of football can only be played so many different ways, but the most successful teams are always fundamentally sound. Elko has made sure the defense got back to doing the little things right, and Elliott has seen the difference.  

“We do a lot of the same things we did before, but he makes sure we’re ready once we get on the big stage,” explained Elliott. “He makes sure we see everything. Whether it’s tackling or fits, he stresses it every day, and we rep it every day. 

“Just seeing it every day has helped a lot. Continuing to rep, it helps too. You can never have too many reps. Getting it in your head and seeing how things move definitely helps you play faster.” 

Tempo on offense has given the Notre Dame defense problems in the past, but going against a quick tempo in practice has also helped the Irish defense become better against pace.  

“We have a great offense, and they move at a great pace,” stated Elliott. “It’s good to see tempo in practice, and hopefully it translates to the game. Seeing it every day is great.” 

As for himself, Elliott believes he needs to continue to work on being a leader and communicating with the other 10 players on the field from his safety spot.  

“I need to continue leading and being vocal,” Elliott said. “Tackling is something I need to work on every day. I want to work on finishing every play.” 

Elliott also believes the traits head coach Brian Kelly has preached all offseason will be the difference in the 2017 season. The team believes in the message and will need to lean on each other when adversity hits.  

“It’s something we have taken head on,” said Elliott. “We believe that will help us win. There might have been times we didn’t have it, and we had to remember what we’ve learned. We need to continue to thinks about those words and focus every day.”