Morgan Wants To Set The Standard
Notre Dame got two big wins on the road and will return home for Saturday’s matchup against Miami (OH). The Irish aren’t in a position to overlook a team, and captain Nyles Morgan is making sure his team uses the momentum from the win in East Lansing to set the standard for the season.
“I don't want to say that that was a statement game, but obviously it was one of our bigger games,” Morgan said. “It kind of set the tone for what we have to continue to keep doing, whether it's Miami of Ohio, North Carolina, USC, that sets the standard forward for what is yet to come.”
Notre Dame’s defense forced three turnovers against Michigan State, and all three turnovers gave the Irish critical momentum at the right time.
“Coach (Mike) Elko is really big on turnovers, and he makes sure that we feel the same way about it,” stated Morgan. “Just putting that implication of every day in practice getting the ball out, punching, stripping. We work these mechanics every single day, so you know, it makes sense that it translates over to the field if you work it every single day. It's kind of like walking. You walk every day, you just learn how to walk.”
Notre Dame’s turnover weapon Shaun Crawford will be a national name before the season is over and Morgan isn’t surprised at the defensive back’s success.
“Shaun was here every day before anyone else,” said Morgan. “Every time I got to The Gug, Shaun was already in the training room getting treatment. Shaun was always after practice or after a lift or anything we had going on, he was out there getting treatment. He's so dedicated to getting back at it without even saying a word. He's not a guy who tells you -- who does the talking or even has to talk. He shows it through who he is as a person, and him coming back from two injuries like that, he's still fighting what he does. If that doesn't motivate you, then I don't know what else would.”
Crawford’s work ethic impressed Morgan and his teammates, but that’s just who he is, and his teammates are drawn to his personality.
“I love Shaun, because like Shaun is always himself,” Morgan stated. “Shaun is a guy who he brings great energy to this team and to this defense because, in my eyes, everything he does is pure. He's not faking it. He's always himself, and especially on that field. Shaun gives me energy, and I just give it back to him, and if he has enough energy, I'll just give it to somebody else. He's one of -- I look at Shaun as a leader on the team, despite what anybody might say. He's somebody that motivates others, and if you can do that, then you're somebody of great value.
“I've watched Shaun's process since he's got here, and he's always had that fire and ambition. He's been through a couple of challenges, but when he touches that field, he ignites everyone else around him, and it's through his playmaking ability and his energy and enthusiasm.”
Four games into the season, Notre Dame leading tacklers comes from the linebacker position. Morgan leads the team with 34 tackles and is followed by Tevon Coney with 32, Greer Martini with 29 and Drue Tranquill with 20.
Morgan didn’t even realize where he ranked in stats as he is simply focused on personal growth, but he did give major credit to the guys up front.
“We don't really pay attention to stats too much,” explained Morgan. “It's all about just really doing your job. Like in my eyes, stats don't really matter as much to me. Just for me personally, I'm trying to do the best I can, but saying that, the D-line is doing a heck of a job because the biggest thing for linebackers is when those guys come up to you too quick or guys getting not back into you, you can't get a good read. The D-line is doing an excellent job, like an excellent job. If there are any mistakes, the three linebackers are there to clean it up. But they're doing an amazing job.”