Notre Dame LB Te'von Coney Trusting The Process
Notre Dame linebacker Te’von Coney has experienced the highs and lows of life during the last year. The former four-star prospect was arrested last summer but has rebounded and could be the next Notre Dame success story.
“I have grown tremendously after the incident, Coney said on Wednesday. “I made a mistake, and I was able to offset the mistake I made that embarrassed the University, my family and myself. Being able to get over and follow the traits coach talks about to help you become a better person, football player, and student.
“I’ve seen improvement in my life on and off the field. Following the process and traits has made me a better man. It’s a privilege to be here to follow the traits and process to do great things like I am doing right now.”
It wasn’t an easy decision for the Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) native to choose the Irish as Miami was right down the road, but the 6-foot-1, 240-pounder doesn’t regret the decision in the least.
“Overall, I have been happy here,” stated Coney. “I think we have the support staff that helps you on and off the field to do the things necessary. The biggest thing about being here is you grow tremendously as a person.
“I’m happy I was able to come here to grow as a person on and off the field.”
Growth on the field has allowed Coney to become the leading tackler for the Irish the season. Coney has 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks on the year.
Coney gives credit to new defensive coordinator Mike Elko and linebackers coach Clark Lea for the improvement in his game.
“I feel like it gives the players to do what they can do,” Coney said of the new defensive scheme. “There isn’t too much thinking. You just go out and play hard and tough. Coach puts you in the right position to do what you need to do. He won’t put you in bad positions. It’s easier to go out and make plays.
“They put you in the right spot and tell you what’s going to happen. It actually happens, so you just make the play.”
It might not have been easy to put his full trust in a new coaching staff, but Coney and the team has followed the plan for the last 10 months. The Irish find themselves ranked in the Top 10 and many players have seen their game take off.
“It was about listening to my coaches and strength and conditioning coach,” explained Coney. “They told me areas I needed to improve in and to go out and work hard. When I did it, it just paid off for me.
“Trusting my coaches coaching each week. They get me better. They have fixed my drops, reads and footwork. Trusting them has helped me a lot with making plays.”
Coney’s trust in the scheme and his natural playmaking ability showed itself last weekend on the first play of the game. USC quarterback Sam Darnold bobbled the first offensive snap for the Trojans, and Coney capitalized off the mistake.
“I was going to go to my fit like usual, but he fumbled the ball,” recalled Coney. “I triggered to the quarterback and wrapped him up. All week coach told us how he didn’t hold the ball tight, so if we got a chance to yank it. I did, and I came up with it.”
Cornerback Julian Love stated Coney was the glue to the team as the junior linebacker makes sure each defensive player is engaged and fired up on the sideline. Coney takes pride in being the voice in the ear of his teammates, and it’s paid off.
“Energy and passion are great when you’re playing football,” stated Coney. “I want to be that hype-man that keeps that guys going. I want to keep the energy on the sideline because that’s important for us throughout the game.”