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Notre Dame Captains Transcripts: Oct. 25

Four of Notre Dame's captains addressed the media today to discuss a variety of topics including their upcoming matchup with North Carolina State.

Read what running back Josh Adams, linebackers Greer Martini and Nyles Morgan and rover Drue Tranquill had to say below about the Wolfpack and other topics.

Junior running back Josh Adams during his 84-yard touchdown run against USC.
Junior running back Josh Adams during his 84-yard touchdown run against USC. (BGI/Bill Panzica)
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RB JOSH ADAMS

Q: Coach Kelly yesterday was talking about how NC State's defense is really similar to Georgia's. Can you kind of give us some examples of what you've seen? JOSH ADAMS: “I just think he means that in the way of they're going to be that type of physical team that we probably have experience going against Georgia. Of course, they're going to bring something that we haven't seen. And just like every team that we've played this year they're going to bring their best. And they're going to try to do what they can to disrupt us on offense.

“But I think it's more important of how we prepare throughout this week and how we attack our preparation and just sticking with our game plan that we have planned.

“I think that we've been doing a great job this year of just taking it one game at a time and preparing for each opponent and just really focusing on that one opponent, not focusing on anything else. So they're going to give us their best so they're going to prepare likewise.”

Q: They have the No. 6 rushing defense. What have you seen that makes them look different from USC last week or other teams that you've faced?
ADAMS: “They have a lot of energy on the defensive side of things. They fly around. They're pretty sure tacklers. But again, none of that is really too much of a concern for us because it's more important of focusing on our side of things. Although we had a great game last week, it wasn't a perfect game. And that's something that we're still chasing as a team is trying to have that perfect game.

“So as an offense, we're going to do better on things that we may have lacked, and we're going to try to build on things that we have some success on. So we're constantly trying to get better and improve as an offense and we're going to continue to do that throughout practice.”

Q: Curious to see how you've responded to the hype that's been going on the last week with the Heisman talks and of course the team being in the College Football Playoff conversation?
ADAMS: “I'm sorry, can you repeat that again.”

Q: How you've responded sort of and handled the hype that's been around the campus, specifically with you with the whole Heisman talk and everything as well with the team of the College Football Playoff?
ADAMS: “I haven't experienced any hype around campus. The only thing I've experienced is getting that notification of exams coming up. So that Heisman talk doesn't stop that.

“So I'm just doing the same thing I've always been doing. I mean, my team has always been with me. And I love hanging out with these guys, going to work with them each and every day. We as a team have never let any outside noise get in between of what we're trying to build here. And I don't think that changes anything of what our mission is and what we're trying to accomplish as a team.

“Although it is an honor, we're just going to stay focused on our track and continue to prepare for each team each and every week.”

Q: And each week how you view yourself as improving each and every game, I mean, constantly with the big runs. How has your game improved since week one? ADAMS: “Specifically more of the last game I think I did a better job of blocking. I was really impressed on how I was able to react to different looks and being able to kind of blocking the perimeter. That's something that I try to take pride in is how well I'm able to pass protect and kind of block in the run game. I thought I did it pretty well, a pretty good job of doing that on Saturday.

“I have to continue to improve on that. Just like I have to improve on everything else in my game. But like I said, yesterday had a pretty good practice. But I have to come back out today and try and improve and try to do better. And that's the exciting thing about it is each and every week you have something to build on and something to improve on.

“And we're just excited as a team to be able to face a new opponent who is going to, again, bring us their best. So we love taking on challenges like that. And it's exciting to work on that with the guys on your team and kind of try to perfect their craft.”

Q: In terms of running the football, as a running back, running behind that offensive line has got to be a great feeling for you. Every time you're able to hit a hole open in the secondary like that, what's going through your mind when you're pulling off those big runs?
ADAMS: “It's amazing. Like I said, I love each and every guy on that line. Just a lot of fun running behind them. They always bring their energy. They lead as a unit. They kind of allow others to feed off of them the way they attack each and everything that they do, whether it's from on the football field or just going to meetings. They kind of attack everything and they lead by example. And they make my job easy.

“We wouldn't be here as a running back unit having the success that we're having without those guys. So we try to complement them as best as we can.

“We try to help them out as much as they help us out. They're always looking after us so we try to look after them. But so far this season we're having a lot of fun. We just can't wait to have some more fun.”

Q: You look forward to every game. But when you have the stakes of a top 15 matchup, getting into the past midpoint of the season, how much more does it ramp up that excitement for you guys with a matchup like this?
ADAMS: “We've prepared each and every game like we've been playing top teams, top 10 teams. That's how we prepare for each and every week, like our next opponent is at the No. 1 spot because that's just the type of focus we have as a team and that's how good we want to be.

“We're just going to continue to work and treat it like any other week, is prepare like they're going to give us something that we haven't seen, prepare like it's our last game. And I think that's the right mindset of how to dominate and how to be successful as a team.”

Q: You spoke glowingly of that line just now and obviously you've got a couple of All-Americans on the left side. Talk about how much the guys on the right side have come along through the course of the season. And are you as comfortable running that side as the left?
ADAMS: “Right or left, you can pick a side. I'm comfortable running either way. Every single guy has been balling, has been giving it their all and has been really dominating this year.

“Like I said, when you talk about the line, you talk about them as a unit. I don't think you split them up into any sides, because we're one football team. The left side can't do it without the right, and the right can't do it without the left. And I can't do it without them.

“So every single guy on that line has been working their butts off throughout the week, just hammering things and really leading and bringing the aggression to practice. And it helps and it pays off when we go play games on Saturday.

“So a lot of the credit goes to those guys. I'm not sure why people split them up. But I guess it is what it is.”

Q: Want to ask you about the two-back set when you're out there with Tony, now that he's healthy again. What do you like about that look? How does that stress a defense?
ADAMS: “I mean, it's a lot of fun for us as running backs is getting two people from the room on the field. It's just another opportunity for us to compete and kind of try to push each other. When we're out there, we try to help each other as much as possible.

“We try to compete with each other, so who can make the better block when they're out there, who can run the ball better when they're out there. It's just another thing for us to kind of make each other better and try to improve as players.

“Obviously it adds a lot to our offense, just being able to have that type of personnel out there. But whether it's single back or two back, we try to contribute to the offense as best as possible. And I think that allows us to do that better.”

Q: Why do you think that's a hard thing for a defense to defend?
ADAMS: “I mean, just like I mentioned again, the amount of success that the offensive line has been having this year, having two backs in there, it's kind of like double the trouble because any guy in that room, when they're on the field by themselves has been doing a great job running the ball. So when you put two of them out there, just going to be a little harder for defenses.

“But, like I said before, it's another opportunity for us to contribute to the offense.

Q: You've had a large number of runs over 60 yards this year that have ended up in touchdowns. I'm curious, as those plays start to develop at the very beginning, are there any similarities to them? I mean, are they all different or are there some things that are similar in those runs that you see something when you're hitting the hole or as the hole is opening up and realize, oh, this could be big?
ADAMS: “I don't really think about it in that way. I just try to take each play individually and try to take it one play at a time, just knowing that sooner or later something will break if I'm staying patient and I'm trusting it and trusting in my track, trusting in the guys up front, knowing that they will get the job done.

“A lot of it is just me being able to finish. Couple times I got caught short of the goal line. So a lot of it is just me being able to finish the job and kind of get past the goal line. But there's nothing really special that goes into it. Just how we practice.

“Each and every day practicing through, finishing through the end zone. A lot of that stuff shows up in the game. So there's nothing too special except for the fact that it was a little longer than usual. But no, that's just how we prepare as a team and we just try to make it pay off in the game.”

Q: This next question is a little bit more about your mentality as a ball carrier. But in theory when Coach calls a run between the tackles, on your own 15-yard line on first down, I think people would assume that that play is designed to set you up in second and short, give you options not to go for 85 yards. So is it your mentality every time you have the ball, let's see if I can break this, whether it's 98 yards or eight yards?
ADAMS: “I think any down regardless of the play that we call we know that we have the potential to score if we call a certain play. I think it's just a matter of our execution, and we've been doing a great job executing as a team this year.

“But my mindset is just, you know, getting the amount of yards, however amount that I can. Just sticking with that specific play at that moment. If it doesn't work out, focusing on the next play. And like I said before, just trusting in everybody else on the offense to do their job and just focusing on doing my job, not trying to do too much, just doing what I can.”

Q: You said earlier you haven't gotten any notifications about Heisman thoughts. But are you aware that there's a national poll out that has you pretty high in it? ADAMS: “I am now, yeah.”

Q: How does that make you feel? Is it proud? Is it completely irrelevant to you? Or curious how you feel about it.
ADAMS: It's not irrelevant for me. I mean, I'm not doing it for any of that. I'm doing this for my family and for God and for my teammates. I mean, that's all that really matters. There's awards for stuff like that, that would be cool.

“But we're just focused on, like I said, trying to reach maximum peaks as a team. So that's really where my focus is right now. Whatever happens with that, happens. But my main focus is on the guys on the team.”

Q: You used the word "dominate" earlier today when you were talking to somebody. And I think Greer used it and Drue talked about punishing opponents. Is that a little bit of the insight into the mentality of this team? You guys use these superlatives a lot -- you don't talk about winning, you talk about dominating. Is that insight into how you guys prepare going into games?
ADAMS: “Yeah, every guy on the team has that mindset. And that's helped us throughout the spring, throughout training camp and throughout the beginning of our season, just have that mindset and continuing to work and to build on that.

“I mean, it's amazing to see that every guy is thinking on that same page. And we're not taking anything for less. We're pushing each other, and we know how good we can be and we're all fighting and working to get there. And having that dominant mindset is pushing us to new limits.

“And we're excited each and every week to get into a (indiscernible) because that's another opportunity for us to show how hard we've worked, where we are as a team and just it's one step closer to our goal.”

Q: I know you guys are all about the here and now, but could you put in perspective how far this team has come since maybe this time last year?
ADAMS: “I mean, from the moment our season ended last year, I think that is when the mindset changed and when things kind of changed for our team. Like I said, each and every guy on the team has done a tremendous job of adjusting and kind of shifting the culture of what it means to be a Notre Dame football player. And it's just amazing to see how far we've come.

“Like I said, having that dominant mindset and redefining what it means to play Notre Dame football, I think we've shown that throughout the first half of our season and I think it's kind of self-explanatory.”

Q: And how much has that confidence from the team continued to grow each week as you guys continue to validate the beliefs you've had all offseason?
ADAMS: “I think we laid our foundation out earlier in the offseason. And from then we've continued to grow each week. Of course that gives us confidence, but we never let that get in the way of what we have planned in our goals.

“Of course, we have to enjoy each and every game. We never take any game for granted. We're going to enjoy the wins. We're going to learn from the things that we've done and try to get better.

“But we just try to stay focused on our next opponent, try to stay focused on our traits and everything that helped us get to this point. And I think that is great for us to continue to grow as a team.”

Q: You were asked earlier about NC State's defense and pointed out Coach Kelly mentioned they're similar to Georgia in terms of their front. Georgia was obviously the only game where you didn't dominate as much as every other game this year. Is that extra motivation for you and the offensive line to show everyone you could do that against another high-powered defense?
ADAMS: “I'm not really too concerned about any of that type of stuff. If I would have had the same game and we won against Georgia, that would have been a different story. I would have been fine with that.

“But the fact that I wasn't able to do as much as I should have and get the win, my main goal is to do whatever I can possible to help the team win. So whatever area I can do that in this game I'm going to be happy with it. As long as the outcome is a win for the team.”

Senior linebacker Greer Martini during his interception in Notre Dame's 52-17 win over Miami (Ohio).
Senior linebacker Greer Martini during his interception in Notre Dame's 52-17 win over Miami (Ohio). (BGI/Bill Panzica)

LB GREER MARTINI

Q: Can you give us an update on your health situation and what exactly occurred and went through?
GREER MARTINI: “Yes, so during the bye week I was in an ST drill and basically tore my meniscus. And I had surgery last week. They repaired it and I'm full go. I had practices all yesterday. Didn't take any reps off. And I'm feeling really good.

Q: What did you think of your replacement's play last week?
MARTINI: “You probably know, it was excellent. Te'von played an excellent game. I was really happy for him to get in there do such great job for us.”

Q: You mentioned Te'von and I know Coach Kelly gave the game ball for USC to Khalid. What does it mean for these guys who don't start every game, but what do they do for their defense?
MARTINI: “They do great things for us. Obviously everyone on the defense is important to us. But a guy like Te'von, with our rotation, the three-man rotation that we've done the whole season, it isn't like he hasn't had that starting position. He might not be the first guy out there, but he's been taking starting reps all season long, so he was ready for the moment. And that's for us. Whether it's Te'von or I or Nyles starting, we all kind of have had enough reps that we feel like we're all starters.”

Q: How would you describe NC State's offense and the things that you guys have to deal with adjusting to them?
MARTINI: “I think they're really good at what they do. They have a lot of misdirection with their stuff. They're pretty sound at what they do. They don't turn over the ball. I think they had three turnovers (indiscernible) the first game. The quarterback is really good with his progressions. And so it's going to take a lot of us to beat them, but I think we're up to the task.”

Q: Regarding motions, Drue talked about how many motions they incorporate. What does that do for a defense?
MARTINI: “So I think for a defense it makes you have to be more disciplined with your eyes. Definitely there's going to be kind of like window dressing and you kind of got to read through it and go through your progressions and fit the right gaps. And that kind of adds a new element to the defensive game.

“So when they have a bunch of motions it makes it trickier. At the same time as long as we're understanding our game plan, it shouldn't be too big of a deal.”

Q: As Nyles reminded me, all the running backs you face are fast. But I was wondering if Hines is at the top of that list or who up to this point has been maybe the fastest running back that you guys have faced?
MARTINI: “I think probably the guy we'll see this week, Hines, I think he's downhill, he's fast, I think it's going to be a challenge for us but I think we're up to it.”

Q: You guys have been beat people so badly you haven't had a close game since the Georgia game. I would imagine that maybe that would be fine with you the rest of the season if they were all four-touchdown games, but does the competitor in you look forward to an opportunity to maybe an end game situation?
MARTINI: “As you said, I would be totally okay beating the rest of the teams by a lot of points. But I think definitely as a competitor we want a close game and we're ready for that close game. And when it comes I think we're going to be able to dominate that type of situation. That's what we've been preparing for. We talk about grit and like all these attention to details and that's when it really comes into play, not when we're beating teams by a lot of points but when it's really narrow.”

Q: I know you guys were pretty confident before the season where this team could go. Now to be where you are and have that validation to this point, how much has the confidence, the mood increased throughout the season?
MARTINI: “I wouldn't say that it's increased. I think it's stayed pretty level. I think that from the start we had this confidence engrained in us just from our preparation.

“But for us, like it's not about listening to anything on the outside or any of the noise, it's just about doing the same exact thing we've been doing and just preparing to out-execute our opponents.”

Q: I asked Drue about maintaining that focus, but I guess as captains, probably easier for you guys, how do you make sure that maybe the younger guys aren't listening to anything from the outside?
MARTINI: “I think just reiterating the fact we are where we are because we did things a certain way, so we have to continue doing them that way. When we were really bad, they were saying this; and when we're really good, they're saying that. It doesn't really matter as long as we have the same message in the locker room: Continue to grow as a team.”

Q: Does it help having another big opponent in NC State that you kind of you have to focus on the task at hand, because you know they're so good?
MARTINI: “Yeah. And I think that goes for the rest of our season. It's not like any of the games get easier. So it's just a progression for us. As the season continues to go on, we just have to keep getting better if we're going to keep winning.”

Q: You've won the turnover battle. They win their turnover battle every week the other way in terms of not giving it up. How much are you looking forward to that challenge and how critical is that in determining the outcome of this game? MARTINI: “I think it's huge in determining the outcome of this game. Usually the team that has the more turnovers wins the game. And for us that's been a big emphasis on creating turnovers.

“And with an offense that doesn't give very many opportunities for those turnovers, it's going to be a great challenge to us. And I think we're ready for it.”

Q: Obviously you're still under two weeks from that surgery. Do you feel like you could have contributed anything against USC?
MARTINI: “I warmed up against USC. I felt I could go. But it was probably more adrenalin than anything. But I wasn't prepared to play last week. I'm more focused on getting back this week and being healthy.”

Q: We saw you dress out and go through warmups. What was the experience of that game like, just being that close to it but not participating?
MARTINI: “Well, obviously for me as a competitor I wanted to be out there and sharing that celebration with the guys, but from the sideline it gave me a different perspective. And it really kind of made me want to get back out there. But it was awesome to see all the guys on the defense and offense succeed. And ultimately it doesn't really matter about me; it's about the team.”

Senior linebacker Nyles Morgan during Notre Dame's 49-14 win over USC.
Senior linebacker Nyles Morgan during Notre Dame's 49-14 win over USC. (BGI/Bill Panzica)

LB NYLES MORGAN

Q: Wonder if you could talk about Te'von Coney and just the impact that he had filling in for you guys defensively on Saturday night.
NYLES MORGAN: “Te'von had a great impact. Led the team in tackles, (indiscernible) and just out of the gate, you know, he had a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, all in one play. And he really just set the tone for the entire game.”

Q: From your point of view, after the incident that he was involved with last year, just the strides that he's been able to make since then and how proud you are of him to be able to overcome that?
MORGAN: “I would say that I'm very proud of Te'von. He's came a long way, and since the incident, you know, he's been steadily been trying to get better and to mature and learn and grow.”

Q: Now kind of getting to the game aspect of it against this Wolfpack team, a team that doesn't turn the football over. You guys harp on turning the football over. How forward of a matchup are you looking just from that aspect of it?
MORGAN: “Just from that aspect, I'm very excited. I feel every great competitor wants to be challenged. So this will be a perfect challenge for us.”

Q: We were talking with Drue about the strides Brandon Wimbush has been making in the two-minute drill throughout practice, throughout the season. Obviously you guys haven't had many opportunities to see that in games because it hasn't really been close except for one game. Maybe you're not eager to be playing close games at all, but are you guys kind of excited to see that once the offense gets in that situation, kind of excited to see it translate into a game format?
MORGAN: “Yes, it's like a double-edged sword, because we want to win. But it's always good to see our offense competing, especially Brandon, just see him throw the ball around with confidence and things like that. So either way it's kind of a win-win for us.”

Q: But you obviously don't like him beating you in any of those drills, I'm assuming?
MORGAN: “I mean, no. But, yeah.”

Q: Nyles, Drue was talking about all the motions that NC State has to offer. I don't know how much of that you've seen on film. But how do you guys deal with that?
MORGAN: “With the emotion? We just move with it.”

Q: Just move quickly?
MORGAN: “With it.”

Q: Move with it. Because you can't react to everything because you would be switching back and forth.
MORGAN: “No, you can. Just he moves, you move with him.”

Q: Simple as that. All right. I'll keep an eye on that on Saturday. How would you describe NC State's offense? Does it compare to any that you've played against previously?
MORGAN: “I would say that they're kind of like our offense. Like our offense has like a lot of motion, a lot of shifts. There's things we have seen before. We're not just -- not not accustomed to it. We had it like all summer with Chip Long and now he runs things.

“All the motions, all the shifts. We'll have an answer for everything that they have.”

Q: Have you faced a running back as fast or faster than Hines for NC State? MORGAN: “Is it because of the whole track thing going on?”

Q: No, it's because he's really fast and you can see it on film.
MORGAN: “To me everybody is kind of really fast. Like Nick Chubb he's fast. Sony, he's fast. No. 3 for Michigan State, he was pretty fast. Everybody is kind of fast to me. I just gotta catch you.”

Q: I know you guys were pretty confident in what you guys could achieve before the season. But to be at this point, seeing what you guys are achieving as kind of like that validation of what you said before, how has that grown the confidence in this team?
MORGAN: “It's a great feeling to know that everything you've been working for is coming to fruition. And it's like you want more of it. You want everything to keep working. So it makes you just want to practice and compete and lift weights and do everything that much harder.”

Q: Can you put in perspective the feeling, the mood around the team now versus maybe this time last year?
MORGAN: “I would say now guys are it's like they're hungry. It's like they keep getting a taste every game but they want more and more. And that's what we need.

Q: What was it like at this point last year?
MORGAN: “I would say last year it was hard, you know. Guys obviously wanted to fight. Guys obviously wanted to compete. But I would say it was a little more frustration.”

Q: And then obviously you guys got more students, classmates talking to you about what you're achieving, maybe more family and friends texting you. How do you keep that same mindset that you've had all season long and not let that stuff become a distraction?
MORGAN: “You just block it out as you walk into this building and you block it out as you're walking to that stadium, and you block it out as you walk on to that field.”

Q: You were very vocal on social media since January about Notre Dame is back. You had this confidence it seemed like throughout this entire process. I'm wondering what was it in January and March and April seeing this, what was it then that made you so confident that you'd be at this point right now?
MORGAN: “Because either the things that we were doing, either everyone else was already doing that and we just kind of missed out, or the things that Coach Kelly had brung to us was so, I guess, new and over the top compared to what we've been doing, that it was no way that we could have any other result.”

Q: I guess this was your expectation. Do you feel everyone else is kind of coming around to it right now what you already expected?
MORGAN: “Who is everybody? Like you or”

Q: Outside the program.
MORGAN: “I'm not here to talk about anybody or anything outside of the program. I don't know. It doesn't really concern me.”

Senior rover Drue Tranquill during Notre Dame's 49-14 win over USC.
Senior rover Drue Tranquill during Notre Dame's 49-14 win over USC. (BGI/Bill Panzica)

ROV DRUE TRANQUILL

Q: Drue, Coach Kelly was talking yesterday about you guys maintaining your focus and kind of doing things the same way. How do you do that when obviously I'm assuming you're hearing a lot more chatter from those around whether it's in class or family or friends. How do you make sure that the focus and the preparation is the same way each week?
DRUE TRANQUILL: I think it just comes with an understanding that when you're being successful, when you're winning everyone going to want to be a part of it. But nothing changes for us inside of this building.

“For us it's still a seven-game playoff to do what we want to do. We have to win seven games to accomplish our mission. So, great win against USC. Obviously very exciting. But we have another incredible opponent coming in here this weekend and we have to win in order to do what we want to do.”

Q: How much does that help to have NC State as the next opponent that there can't really be a lull because of how talented they are?
TRANQUILL: “I mean, I think that helps in terms of guys' focus. But the message has been the same throughout the whole year. It doesn't matter who we play. We kind of approach it as a faceless opponent. We have to take the opportunity to make ourselves better, because you know there's going to be a point in the season when we come up against an opponent and a very tough opponent, and we're going to be in that situation and we have to put ourselves in the best position to be successful in that moment.

“So we don't know when that moment is going to come. We don't know when that moment will be when we're locked up in the fourth quarter and have to make a play on defense or offense to win the game. “But each and every opponent we face, it's an opportunity to prepare for that moment. And so we kind of approach each week the same way.”

Q: What makes NC State's offense such a challenge?
TRANQUILL: “I mean, they take care of the football. They don't turn it over. They've got a lot of playmakers, a lot of speed, a lot of dynamic players at the skill positions.

“So they present a challenge to us. They're going to do a lot of things formationally that we haven't necessarily seen this year, a lot of shifts and motions. So we'll have to be on our stuff.”

Q: Are you guys looking forward to that challenge of facing a team that doesn't give the ball up, and you guys have been known as a team that takes it away? TRANQUILL: “Yeah, we like to take the ball away. That's our mindset this week. It's not going to change. We're going to go in there to take the ball away. And they like to keep the ball. So it will be fun to see who wins that battle.”

Q: Coach Kelly gave the game ball for USC to Khalid. What do people like him and Te'von filling in for Greer, what do those type of guys do for your defense? TRANQUILL: “think you're just seeing the depth we have on defense. I think guys are being put in positions to be most successful and Khalid is obviously an incredible asset to us in terms of rushing the passer. Even in his run defense, has incredibly long arms and is able to make things happen and make plays.

“So we have those kinds of players all across our defense, all across our offense. And it's cool to finally see those guys reap the fruits of their preparation, because those guys prepare very hard. Te'von another guy having a huge game -- 10 plus tackles, the strip fumble there in the first quarter.

“And so guys just prepare really hard and it's cool to see all those guys having success.”

Q: Curious about Jaylen Samuels. How much of an interesting lineup is that because you don't see a guy with that stat line very often?
TRANQUILL: “Do everything. He'll line up in slot, line up receiver, line up in the backfield. I think he allows him to do a lot of things in terms of the trades, the motions, the getting in different formations. He's definitely a challenge.

“He's everything we talk about in terms of gritty in terms of being a gritty football player -- makes plays happen for the offense and provides a dynamic aspect to them.”

Q: When you watch him on tape is it an issue of teams not being able to locate him? How do they sort of make him be as productive as he is?
TRANQUILL: “I think when you can line a player up in multiple different spots on the field and create mismatches, you know, he's a guy who maybe is slightly undersized at the tight end position but has the speed, the agility to be a mismatch on your interior linebackers.

“So when you can line them up at 3 and teams don't necessarily know -- do we call this 11 personnel, do we call this 10 personnel, how do we best match our personnel on the field?

“So they can put him in there and he can still block and they can still run the ball, but they can also get an aerial attack and attack you downfield. So just creating mismatches, I think.”

Q: Want to ask you a little bit about the two minute you guys practiced it on Thursdays most weeks.
TRANQUILL: “Yeah.”

Q: BK mentioned last Thursday was one of the first times, if not the first time that Brandon sort of led that successfully for the offense over the defense. I guess could you sort of take us through what that drill's been like for the season, how you've seen Brandon get better in that even if it's maybe a negative for the defense? TRANQUILL: “It's always a really competitive drill. I think it's great because those are the -- those were the moments last year when we weren't successful. We lost a lot of games in the two-minute scenario at the end of the games.

“So it's a big point of emphasis for us. And I think Brandon's comfort in the pocket, his ability to deliver the ball downfield to the receivers just continues to grow. When you have -- I mean, we all know how dynamic he is as a runner. And when you are that dynamic, it's hard to, you know, not take that thought of I'm just going to take off and just stay in the pocket a little longer.

“So he just continues to develop in that area. And so when you have a quarterback who is as dynamic as he is to get out of the pocket and extend plays, but he continues to develop himself through the air, it becomes more of a challenge for the defense and you have to pass your routes downfield. It creates for a more competitive environment and it's been a lot of fun.”

Q: Do they run that period the same way maybe we saw in August where he has to stay behind the line of scrimmage like a no-running-allowed-type of situation for him?
TRANQUILL: “No, this past two-minute drill he took off on I believe it was second and 10 and I think he got a first down scrambling, got out of bounds. He's allowed to run the ball, scramble the ball.”

Q: Going back to Coney here a little bit, what does it mean, I guess, for you as teammates to see how far he's come since the incident last season and the impact he's had with your defense?
TRANQUILL: “Yeah, Te'von is a special player. I think he brings a sense of intensity and passion to the game that you don't see a lot of times. He's a dynamic playmaker for us. He lives in the backfield, it seems like, and is making plays all across the field for us. “But he's just a spark that gets guys going and really gets guys and brings guys together. And so when you feel his energy and his passion, it's contagious, and it makes you want to play harder.”

Q: Just how he's matured off the field from before camp in 2016?
TRANQUILL: “I think he's just realizing how important this is to him and how many guys are affected by the decisions we make on and off the field. And so it's one of our traits of excellence, being smart.

“And so I think he's one of those guys who has taken it to heart and continue to develop himself as a young man on and off the football field. And so really proud of him. He's a great teammate of ours.”

Q: Who is the fastest running back that you faced so far this year and where does Nyheim Hines fit in there?
TRANQUILL: “He's got to be close to the top, if not the top. Geez, he's a 100-meter champion or something, very competitive. Track athlete. He'll be a dynamic playmaker for them and we'll have to make sure we contain him.”

Q: From the first seven games, who jump out at you as being the fastest of that group?
TRANQUILL: “Ronald Jones is pretty fast. And then USC also had No. 23 line up sometimes. He's probably the fastest guy I've seen on tape, just in terms of running switch (indiscernible) out of the backfield, up the seam. But he'll definitely be up there one of the top guys.”

Q: Coach Elko, not to say that Coach Elko's defense is simple. Of course it's not. But he's simplified things for you guys. Talking about all the motions that you're going to face this week. How does he or how do you guys simplify that part of it? TRANQUILL: “I think the ways he simplifies things or he gives power to his position coaches, and his position coaches handle the adjustments and checks for their guys. So I don't have to know the adjustments and the checks that the strong safety or the whip safety is going to have this week.

“I have to focus on what the rover checks are going to be and I have to know those in and out. And so when we say simplified, I don't necessarily know that the whole schematics of what he's doing is simplified. It's just that it's more detailed and oriented towards what you have to do for the week.

“And so guys will continue to develop in the plan and guys will continue to become experts at what their checks and how they adjust versus these motions. And then communication on the field is obviously key in being able to communicate those things. And how they affect different guys will be critical for us this week.”

Q: You guys are winning games by four touchdowns which I'm sure you'd be fine with that throughout the year, but is there a part of you that looks forward to an end game/close game situation?
TRANQUILL: “I don't know that I look forward to anything other than coming in and having the mindset of punishing our opponents. That's what we're trying to do each and every week and whether that's winning by 28 or winning by seven, it doesn't really matter as long as we get the win at the end of the day.

“So we've prepared ourselves for big wins and how to handle ourselves by stepping on our opponents and not allowing them to get back in the games. And we've prepared ourselves in terms of having to win close games at the end of the game.

“And so whatever that presents itself on Saturday, we'll see. But we're prepared for either.”

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Talk about it inside Rockne’s Roundtable

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