Aug. 22, 2005
After close to three weeks of hard work in training camp and summer session by several freshman, the 2005 Notre Dame football rookie class met with the media for the first time on Monday afternoon.
Their positions on Notre Dame’s depth chart are not concrete, nor is their spot on the Irish plane to Pittsburgh, but the 2005 Notre Dame freshman class has worked hard in the preseason to become part of the Irish team. Here are a few of player’s thoughts shared with the media on Monday.
DB David Bruton (Miamisburg, OH)
On his develoment during the preseason..
“I’m just trying to learn the defense and take in as much as I can. I just want to help the team as much as possible. If I am on the scout team I don’t mind.”
On his biggest adjustment to college football…
“All the schemes that you have to learn. If you make a mistake, make it at 100 percent.”
OL Paul Duncan (Dallas, GA)
On the possibility of playing time this season…
“It would be exciting to have that opportunity. But, I’m not exactly sure how far away that is yet.”
On his experience at Notre Dame thus far…
“It’s been exciting and fun. I was here all summer, working out, getting in the mix of things and learning about campus.”
David Grimes is one of 17 freshman competing for playing time on the Notre Dame football team this season.
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WR David Grimes (Detroit, MI)
On his impression of head coach Charlie Weis…
“He’s very demanding. He expects you to execute and holds you accountable for that. It makes us better.”
WR D.J. Hord (Lee’s Summit, MO)
On the possibility of playing time this season…
“Whatever way I can get on the field, if it be on special teams, whatever chance I have to get on the field I’ll take so I can travel and help the team.”
On Irish wide recievers Coach Rob Ianello…
“He’s been great. He’s given me all kinds of little tips on releases and routes. He’s been a big help. Between him and the upperclassman receivers, they all know a lot and have the answers for us.”
On the benefit of being on campus all summer…
“It was very beneficial. We were able to work out, run and lift. Going into two-a-days, we can be in shape, instead of coming in and having to do everything on your own.”
DB Kyle McCarthy (Youngstown, OH)
On Irish assistant head coach (defense) and defensive backs coach Bill Lewis…
“Coach Lewis is a great teacher and a great guy. I’ve learned a lot from him in the short time I’ve been with him, and I’m excited to see what the next four years bring.”
On why he chose to attend Notre Dame…
“Notre Dame has always had a special place in my heart. My grandfather went here, my brother goes here, and it’s truly a special place. Anyone who has been around campus knows that.”
FB Asaph Schwapp (Hartford, CT)
On what he has learned from the upperclassmen…
“I’ve learned that you have to go 100 percent on every play and that if you slack off you’ll get caught.”
On the biggest adjustment from high school football…
“The speed of the game. There’s also better competition. I’m used to not having that in high school, so I’m just doing whatever I can to get on the field.”
On what he sees as his role this season…
“As long as I’m on the bus (to Pittsburgh) and have the opportunity to play, I really don’t care.”
QB Evan Sharpley (Marshall, MI)
On how the freshman class has bonded…
“It’s been great. We were all on the same (dorm) floor here in the summer. We’ve had fun getting to know guys.”
OL Michael Turkovich (Bedford, PA)
On his impression of Head Coach Charlie Weis…
“He expects us to do our best every play. He wants to eliminate the mental mistakes. He coaches hard, like all of the staff. They coach hard and there’s no room for mental errors.”