Brock Wright Confident In Wimbush And Tight End Unit

Notre Dame tight end missed the final game of his freshman season with a shoulder surgery and then was limited to start spring ball as he continued to recover. 

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder is back to taking contact and has impressed head coach Brian Kelly with the way he has embraced the physical part of the game this spring.

“He’s done a good job of coming back from a shoulder injury,” said Kelly. “He got banged pretty good today on a boot, and he bounced right back up. He put himself in a position to be a solid player for us. 

"Guys come back, and they are hesitant. He’s picked up and put himself in a position where we didn’t even know he had surgery.” 

The Cypress (Texas) native credits the medical staff for helping to get him in a position to practice, but also to have the confidence to take hits and play physical right away.

“The medical staff and coaches have been awesome working with me to get back,” stated Wright. “After the doctors cleared me, I knew it was time to get my strength back and get back in there.

“The confidence part comes from getting back out there and playing.”

It’s not a secret Wright has a bright future after playing as a true freshman, but the Notre Dame tight end unit might be the deepest in the country as Cole Kmet, Alizè Mack and Nic Weishar are all back for 2018. 

“These are the kind of guys you want in the locker room but also on the field,” explained Wright. “We have a tight-knit group, and it’s going to be an awesome season.” 

While Kmet and Mack might steal headlines with highlight-reel receptions or big plays, Wright is perfectly fine with his role and doing some of the dirty work. 

“I’m helping out any way I can,” Wright said. “Coach mentioned point of attack blocking and red zone. I’m ready to do whatever I can do to help out in those scenarios.”

Notre Dame’s tight ends have also benefited from the growing confidence of quarterback Brandon Wimbush. 

“His confidence has been great, and that helps out from a leadership standpoint,” Wright stated. “The guys are really rallying around him. It’s going to be exciting.” 

As he heads into year two, Wright believes his time on the field in 2017 will immensely help him out this fall as he knows what to expect from all aspects of Saturday. 

“It was good and a learning experience,” explained Wright. “Getting to be on the field to get used to the sights and sounds was huge. I know what to expect this year. It was fun traveling and being a part of all that. I know the feel of things. It’s just different on your body, and I know how to adjust to things like that. 

“I think it will be very beneficial for me going forward.” 

While Wright might see his confidence growing with each day, he’s also being pushed by Kmet. The two sophomores have supported each other since day one, and that includes Wright making appearances at Frank Eck Stadium.

“It’s been amazing,” said Wright. “Cole’s a phenomenal athlete, but you have to be tough to do that because his schedule is ridiculous. I don’t know how he does it, but it’s cool to see him do so well.” 

“Cole and I are best buds. We’re with each other all the time.”