Transition To Guard Has Been Smooth For Kraemer

Notre Dame Stadium was rocking on Saturday night as the Irish beat Michigan 24-17. Junior offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer definitely appreciated the ruckus atmosphere and felt it was a difference maker. 

“It was electric,” stated Kraemer. “Big shout out to the students. That made the game. I’ve never heard it that loud before.” 

While the atmosphere helped, the Irish offensive line was facing off against one of the nation’s top defenses and also fought through some adversity along the way. 

Right tackle Robert Hainsey left the game in the second half to get an IV, and Kraemer was forced to move out to right tackle after playing right guard the whole game. 

“It was a little different,” explained Kraemer. “When you’re in the game, you learn what their tendencies are. I talked to Rob before, and he gave me some stuff. It’s not live, but after a couple of snaps, you get right back into it.”

It was Kraemer’s first extended action at guard in a game, and it felt natural to the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder.

“It’s been good,” Kraemer said of the move to guard. “I played guard my freshman year and a little bit last season. Anything is good. I’m comfortable with both positions and will play whatever they need. It’s an honor to be able to play both of them.”

The Irish passed the test on Saturday, but so did first-year offensive line coach Jeff Quinn. Gameday at Notre Dame wasn’t a new thing to Quinn as he had been on staff, but in-game adjustments and communication went smoothly in his return the sideline. 

“Coach Quinn was awesome,” said Kraemer. “He was really positive and fired up. He was really proud of us and was a great communicator on the sidelines. There was no step off.”

The Irish have turned the focus to Ball State this week, and while they aren’t Michigan, the Cardinals have the full attention of the Notre Dame offensive line.

“We’re going to stick to our same preparation and our process,” Kraemer stated. “We’re going to communicate up front and practice hard, which I think we’ve done this week. There’s no difference in that.

“Everyone is a faceless opponent, and we stick to what we do to go out and play.”

Kraemer was pleased with the performance against Michigan, but he also knows the Irish have a long way to go and this weekend provides an opportunity to take the next step forward.

“There is always stuff to improve on,” stated Kraemer. “Run game, pass game, screen game, so we’re going to be working on that all week moving into Ball State.”