CB Tariq Bracy Preparing For Notre Dame

Cornerback Tariq Bracy‍ knows life is going to change for him in a few weeks when he arrives in South Bend to start his career in the blue and gold, but he’s been preparing for it. 

“Everything is going well,” Bracy told Irish Sports Daily. “I’m trying to follow the workout plan they sent. It was really eye-opening because it’s different from high school. It’s a different experience. There is a lot of running involved.

“I’m just trying to do everything to prepare myself. I know it’s going to be a whole different ball game when I get to Notre Dame.” 

The 6-foot, 175-pounder has also been educating himself on the various coverages defensive coordinator Clark Lea will utilize. 

“I’ve been studying the different coverages,” stated Bracy. “There are a lot more details, but also some similar stuff we did in high school.” 

Learning the defense by himself is challenging, but Bracy has adjusted and found a way to learn it as quickly as he can. 

“I read it and then write it down because it helps me memorize it,” explained Bracy. “I can memorize it easier on paper. I read it, put it down on paper and reread it.” 

The 2018 recruiting class will report in just under a month, and while they are bonding now, Bracy feels like they will hit it off once everyone is together. 

“We have a group chat together, so we’ve been talking,” Bracy said. “We have started to gel a little bit, but once we get face-to-face, the chemistry is going to grow.” 

Cornerbacks coach Todd Lyght and the rest of the defensive staff have kept in touch with Bracy and have made it clear the class has a chance to do something special at Notre Dame. 

“They have been letting me know how excited they are to have us get to campus,” Bracy stated. “They have a feeling the defense is going to be really good and want to make sure we’re all preparing for when we get there.” 

The Milpitas (Calif.) native does admit he will miss a few things from home and that includes the warmer temperatures. 

“I’m going to miss the weather, my family and friends,” Bracy said. “Of course, I’ll miss my mom’s cooking.” 

However, Bracy will adjust as his attention will quickly turn to competing for playing time and the chance to run out of the tunnel for the first time against Michigan on September 1st.

“I can’t even explain it,” said Bracy. “It’s going to be very different. I’m going to be nervous for sure. There will be a whole lot of fans out there.” 

Bracy totaled 115 tackles and 14 interceptions during his high school career, but he also added 4,194 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns. He also caught 85 balls for 1,707 yards and 20 more touchdowns.