SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame football began its six-week spring practice schedule Thursday, giving us our first glimpse of what the 2024 team will look like.
Here are five observations from a 90-minute session at the Irish Athletic Center.
more:Keep an eye on these five stories as Notre Dame football begins spring practice
Jaden Mickey is having a good day
Defensive back Jayden Mickey, in addition to being the most vocal player, made some nice plays during 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 practice. He individually shut down new wideouts Chris Mitchell and Cam Williams, and quarterback Riley Leonard didn't even attempt a pass to Mitchell.
Mickey had the advantage on the 7-on-7 pass to Mitchell, and the ball flew out of the wide receiver's hands and into Mickey's hands for an interception.
Mitchell got a bit back at Mickey with a nice catch over a defensive back during an 11-on-11 session.
Transferred WR Beau Collins is here even if he's not practicing.
Collins announced his transfer from Clemson to Notre Dame in the winter, but is completing classes at Clemson before enrolling at Notre Dame. Still, he attended Thursday's practice and observed the wide receivers he practices with over the summer. Collins had 91 receptions for 1,290 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons with the Tigers.
more:Get ready for Notre Dame football with the 2024 roster
quarterback, offensive flash
Riley Leonard looked good in his first practice with the Irish national team. He showed his legs a few times and ran when the defense covered all of his receiving options. That will be the key to Notre Dame's offensive success this season.
The wide receivers also had good moments, especially Mitchell, Jayden Thomas and freshman Micah Gilbert.
Latest information on human resources
Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler, who missed the final three games of last season with a knee injury, participated fully in practice.
Notable players who did not practice were tight ends Mitchell Evans and Eli Raridon, defensive end Aiden Gobaila, defensive back Rohan Thomas and defensive lineman Aamel Mukam. Coach Marcus Freeman announced after practice that all five players would be absent from spring practice.
Devin Ford changes positions, going from running back to safety. There were no other notable position changes to the team as of Thursday.
more:When will Notre Dame football be played next? Click here for the 2024 game schedule
Bowen and Gray nick up
Defensive back Christian Gray and linebacker Drake Bowen both left practice with apparent leg injuries and did not return. The severity of the injuries is still unknown, but both players were able to leave the field on their own.
The defensive line has the upper hand
It's common for the defense to get ahead of the offense early in spring practice, and that was on display Thursday. If the defensive line had been allowed access to the quarterback, there would have been multiple sacks. Notre Dame returns a lot of talent on that side of the ball, giving them great expectations as the 2024 season begins.
