April 26, 2001

The Notre Dame football team opened spring practice on March 27 at the Loftus Sports Complex. Throughout the spring, www.und.com will follow the progress of senior flanker Arnaz Battle and senior linebacker Tyreo Harrison.

The following is the ninth interview with Battle:

What do you expect out of the game on Saturday?

“We are not going to try to do too many things, but at the same time we are going to try to execute and do the right things in our game plan. We are just going to attempt to be successful with our offensive scheme. The defense will give us a good look. It will be a good decision.”

Will the offense open up on Saturday? Which receiver sets or positions will you see the most playing time at?

“I really can not say because I don’t know what plays the coaches are going to run and what formations we are going to use. Those spring game tapes get out to other teams, so Nebraska and other teams are going to see what we are doing. The offense is going to be limited, but we will try to show some things and just try to execute a good offense.”

We had talked earlier about your work on conditioning, where is it right now and how do you feel going into the game?

“I think I feel good. We have continued to go out hard in the spring, practicing in full pads. After practice in Thursday, I’ll take it easy that night and all day Friday, so I think I’ll get my legs back. A lot of guys will get their legs back. We will come out Saturday real excited and go out there and play and have fun. We’re excited to play ball in front of thousands of people again.”

Special teams are kind of limited during the spring game, but where will we be able to see you perform on Saturday?

“Basically I’ll be doing the same thing as I have all spring. I might get a couple of snaps with the kickoff return, or I may not get any. I’m not real sure. I might get in on punt return for a punt rush. Whether I get involved or not, I’ll be ready come Saturday.”

How would you describe your overall improvement during the Spring? What improvement will surprise people on Saturday?

“First thing is just being consistent in terms of my assignment, catching balls, and just making plays. I think the one thing I have lost since the first day of spring is my step. My legs are kind of fatigued right now. We have worked really hard this spring. I feel sort of like I did at the beginning of the spring. Like I said, I’m going to try to get my legs back during that short time off so I can go out there on Saturday and make plays.