May 2, 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 final spring interview with Harrison:

What is your evaluation of the team with spring practice coming to a close this past weekend?

“The transition to the off-season will not be difficult for us. We have been waiting for this summer since the end of the season so we can get in the weight room fast and get big again. You kind of sweat all that muscle off during spring ball, but the whole team will be back in June 18th to get big again.”

Were you happy with the play of the defense in the Blue and Gold game?

“My defensive play I was not too happy about, but the other linebackers did a pretty good job. Carlos had a sack and Goolsby had a sack or two, Justin Thomas had a big hit, and Patrick Ryan had an interception. The linebackers did a pretty good job in the game.”

Shane Walton was named the defensive MVP of the Blue and Gold game. Do the linebacker share in that award with Shane, because of the pressure you guys applied to the quarterbacks?

“We will give it to Shane because we are always helping the corners out. It was a nice interception he had for a touchdown, so we’ll give it to him. The cornerbacks are always appreciative, especially of the defensive line and if they get a good rush going.”