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Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash on benefits of NFL experience
Notre Dame football defensive coordinator Chris Ash on creating a ‘positionless defense’ and using concepts from his four seasons in the NFL
SOUTH BEND —Adon Shuler, returning starter at safety for Notre Dame football, has been getting used to hearing the Z-word more this spring in practice and in meetings with new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.
After leading the nation in pass efficiency defense the past two seasons, Notre Dame is mixing in some zone coverages with its vaunted man-to-man identity.
“Everybody in the country last year knew we were playing man every snap,” Shuler said after a recent practice. “(Playing zone) would help us be more versatile. That’s what they look at for the next level as well: Can you play zone? Can you play man? This defense will help me be a complete safety.”
With two-time All-America safety Xavier Watts and boundary cornerback Benjamin Morrison projected as Day 2 NFL Draft picks, Ash and defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Mickens must break in multiple new starters. Alabama graduate transfer Devonta Smith is slated to replace former Arizona State import Jordan Clark as the primary nickelback as well.
Asked about the pivot to zone defense this spring, fourth-year coach Marcus Freeman smiled before answering.
“It was kind of a decision … probably a thought from Chris Ash more than anything, and that I confirmed, that we have to continue to enhance the way we play zone,” Freeman said. “We can’t play man every play. We know that. We’re pretty good at playing man, so let’s be intentional about continuing to find ways to get better at playing zone.”
Another tool in the toolbox for Notre Dame…
Source link : https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/college/football/2025/04/05/notre-dame-football-tries-to-mix-in-more-zone-coverages-under-chris-ash-defensive-coordinator/82730628007/
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Publish date : 2025-04-05 22:29:00
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