Notre Dame Defense Already Looking Different

Veteran linebacker Bo Bauer broke down some of the differences that defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman is bringing to the Irish defense

Bryan Driskell | Mar 29, 2021

Notre Dame officially began the Marcus Freeman era on Saturday when the Fighting Irish held held their first practice of the 2021 spring. There will be similarities on defense from what Notre Dame fans have seen in recent seasons, but there will also be plenty of differences.

Some of those differences won't be obvious on film, as they are more about how the players are coached, how they go about their business on a day-to-day basis and the expectations placed upon players philosophically, schematically and from an execution standpoint.

Senior linebacker Bo Bauer addressed some of those differences in a post-practice interview. You can listen to his comments here:

In the first portion of the interview Bauer talked about the demand for high effort, but also the notion that this defense will allow players to play a bit more free. Bauer praised former coordinator Clark Lea, but you could see there is some excitement about the focus on less scheme, fewer checks, less complexity and more focus on attacking.

Bauer then talked specifically about Freeman and how he's gone about running practice and also how he develops off-the-field relationships with players.

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Notre Dame Announces Spring Football Schedule

Notre Dame Blue-Gold Game Announced

Published Mar 29, 2021

BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter