Watch what Notre Dame players said and highlights from Wednesday's fall practice
The season opener against Miami continues to get closer and closer, as it seems like Aug. 31st is right around the corner. There still is a quarterback battle ongoing, as CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey are vying to take the field with the offense against the Hurricanes.
We already highlighted Jaylen Sneed looking like he's taking over the a starting linebacker spot, but there was much more happening on the field as well. Check out below some practice clips and players speaking on different topics shared on social media.
Jordan Botelho continues to get healthier
A second injury in the last 12 months, Botelho can at least go through drills as he recovers from a pectoral surgery. He's definitely favoring his left side, but he looks quick. There's no current timeline for his return, but one he does come back, Botelho will make an impact.
A punt returner emerging?
Last year wasn't pretty for Notre Dame returning punts, as they averaged just 5.5 yards-per-return. Sure, it was really the only spot on special teams that wasn't elite, but that could be changing this fall. The Irish have been getting freshman cornerback Dallas Golden opportunities and it looks like he's impressed in the role. In high school he averaged over 7 yards-per-carry and over 13 yards in 74 receptions. He scored 58 total touchdowns, so Golden knows how to find the end zone.
Boubacar Traore looking healthy
Another player that the Irish lost to a season-ending injury last fall was Traore, but the expectation is that he'll be ready when the season starts. It looks like he's ready now, as his practice counterpart, offensive tackle Aamil Wagner told Jack Soble that the quickness is back.
Billy Schrauth has supreme confidence in his unit
Notre Dame's offensive line should once again be a strength this fall, and Schrauth thinks it's the best group in the country. Depth is all over at each position, as we saw last year, even with multiple injuries across the line, the Irish played at an elite level. There shouldn't be much drop off from last year, and this year could see them being even better.
Kenny Minchey is ready for this opportunity
Having confidence as a quarterback is huge, and we are seeing that Minchey is not lacking in that department. It seems like he loves to be in this kind of environment, one that he wanted to be in. Carr won't make it easy for him to win the starting job, but if he gets an opportunity, Minchey could run with it and take over the job.
Donovan Hinish reiterates that the culture is strong
One of the biggest aspects of the Freeman era that is significantly different than previous regimes, is that he's been able to have everyone in the program buy into his philosophy. The cohesion between all phases of the program was part of the reason why the Irish made it to the CFP championship game. It starts with the players, and Hinish sees the vision as well.
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame highlights and player interviews after practice No. 4

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