Kraemer's Confidence High After Starting In 2017
Notre Dame offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer became a first-year starter at right tackle a year ago as a sophomore. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder gained a ton of experience last fall, which has given him a confidence boost heading into this spring.
“The first game you never know,” Kraemer said of being a first-time starter. “It’s a big-time college program, and you don’t know if you can really do it. You practiced the whole offseason, but you don’t know until you go on the field.
“Going on the field and doing pretty well, it definitely boosts my confidence.”
Learning behind Mike McGlinchey, and Quenton Nelson also provided Kraemer with lessons and the toolbox to take his game to a new level in 2018.
“My speed on the edge, playing more physical and my footwork,” Kraemer said of the things he’s working on this spring. “Learning from Q and Mike, they gave us some many great examples of what to do.”
While the Cincinnati native spent all of 2017 at right tackle, Kraemer is now taking first-team reps at left guard this spring. Kraemer has adjusted well but is still getting used to the finer points of playing on the opposite side of the line and in a tighter space.
“Right now for me, it’s really just footwork,” stated Kraemer. “I was in a right-hand stance, and now I’m in the left-hand stance. Getting all that together has taken a while, but I’ll get it.”
Kraemer arrived Notre Dame with a nasty streak, so playing inside is something he has come to enjoy.
“The guy is closer, and I’m more of a physical guy since he’s right there,” Kraemer said. “I enjoy the physicality, but tackle is also pretty physical. It’s a good battle.”
To catch up on the left guard position, the former Elder (Ohio) star has a great resource in the ability to watch Nelson’s film.
“I watch Q’s film every day,” said Kraemer. “Some of his plays are insane and the same with Mike. The way they came to work every day and led the younger guys – they were like the perfect leaders.
“We’re all trying to emulate what they did.”
Kraemer has also noticed the strongside defensive end position has started to get deep with juniors Khalid Kareem and Ade Ogundeji ascending.
“Khalid is really shifty,” stated Kraemer. “When you get your hands on him, he’s good at turning off and getting the edge. He’s slippery. You always have to be ready for his second move. He’s good at those.”
Ogundeji is a different type of player, but Kraemer appreciates the work the Michigan native has put in.
“He has really long arms,” Kraemer said. “He’s worked hard the last two years. He’s become a powerful guy and tough to stop his bull rush.”
The chance to play guard isn’t the only change for Kraemer and the offensive line, as Jeff Quinn has taken over for Harry Hiestand. For Kraemer, the transition has been a positive one.
“Coach Quinn is a really positive guy,” said Kraemer. “He wants us to play hard and physical. He’s all about finishing. It’s exciting to cut it loose and not worry about making a mistake.
“Coach Quinn is letting us play free, and we’re developing well because of it.”