Brian Kelly gives candid response on TaRiq Bracy's improvement

Brian Kelly has watched defensive back TaRiq Bracy reshape his college football career. After falling out of favor with Notre Dame in 2020, Bracy has returned to the Fighting Irish with a vengeance this season.

In his press conference this week, Kelly was candid while speaking on Bracy’s improvements. Evidently, the strides the defensive back has made are making Kelly proud. 

“Taking care of himself. Eating right, sleeping. All the things that are off the field that have derailed him. Some of its public — he has taken care of those things. They generally allow somebody not to be distracted when it comes to playing football. I’m proud of what he’s done — it’s been a long road for him,” stated Kelly. It’s been a bumpy one. But I love seeing a young man grow in this manner, where in his fourth year he’s made this kind of progress.” 

“He’s done a really good job in the weight room .. he’s stronger. He’s able now to handle himself in a manner where he can play some physical football.”

As you can see, Kelly has watched Bracy go through some trials and tribulations on his way back into the rotation. Now, the defensive back has elevated to an important piece of the Fighting Irish defense.

On the season thus far, TaRiq Bracey has 21 tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery. With safety Kyle Hamilton out against North Carolina, perhaps Kelly will open up Bracey to show his stuff against the Tar Heels.

Brian Kelly reveals Kyle Hamilton out against North Carolina

Kelly is going to need Bracy more than ever, as Kyle Hamilton will be out when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Earlier this week, Kelly revealed the unfortunate news.

Originally, Kelly was “optimistic,” saying “things look pretty good” when asked if Hamilton could play against the Tar Heels. Evidently, something changed after his original positive assessment of Hamilton’s injury.

Additionally, Kelly stated that Hamilton’s knee wasn’t severely injured following Notre Dame’s victory over USC. After saying there was no structural damage in the star safety’s knee, the Fighting Irish are being cautious with Hamilton.

On the other hand, North Carolina may smell blood in the water with Hamilton missing the game. Back in the summer, quarterback Sam Howell was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. While things haven’t worked out well for the Tar Heels, spoiling Notre Dame’s season would be a victory in itself.