Notre Dame hits the field for its first day of practice
Posted: Aug 7, 2011 1:59 AM EDT | Updated: Nov 6, 2014 6:57 AM EDT
Notre Dame, IN. - Notre Dame hits the field for its first day of practice
Today was the first official practice for Notre Dame aand although it got off to a rainy start, it did not stop the Fighting Irish from leaving it all on the field.
Fresh off its longest winning streak to close a season since 1992, Notre Dame hit the field motivated to keep that winning streak alive.
Rain or shine, these players are ready for the season to start. It's not hard to see why, the USA Today's pre-season poll ranked the team 18th overall. that is the best pre-season ranking they have had since 2006.
Today was not only the first day back for the team, it was the first time junior Michael Floyd hit the field with the Fighting Irish after his March DUI put his future with the team up in the air.
The team is being very supportive of Floyd and players like quarterback Tommy Rees say they're just happy to see the wide receiver back.
"He is such a great player that really helps out our offense and he has worked hard to get back on the team. So, I am happy for him. It's behind us now so we are just going to look forward," says Rees.
Rees is a front-runner for the starting quarterback spot, which is up for grabs this season. His biggest competition? Senior quarterback Dayne Crist, who had to sit out part of last season because of a knee injury.
"It feels 100 percent. My strength is back, I feel my foot speed is back, and my quickness feels good. So, I am really happy with were I am at. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate where I am at and I am just continuing to get better. More than anything, I am just happy to be back out there," says Crist.
Both Crist and Rees say that even though it's a competition they don't see it that way. "I think both of us have the right state of mind. We are trying to do what's best for the team and of course we go out there and compete with one another on the field," says Rees.
Crist may have more experience and seniority on his side, but he says he still understands it's something he must earn. "I want to earn everything that I ever get in life so I am going to just work as hard as I can to attain that spot."
Head coach Brian Kelly has not said when he will make his final decision. He says their main focus is making sure they are ready when they take on tough opponent, South Florida at home September 3rd.