Everything Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington said during spring practice

Notre Dame defensive line coach Al Washington spoke to reporters Wednesday after practice. Here’s everything he said during his spring meeting with the media.

On if he has lost weight

“From the beginning of July. probably like 55 [pounds], That’s just how bad I was taking care of myself. So, feel much better. It’s been one of the things that after the ’23 season, I just said to myself, like, ‘You’re asking the guys I’m coaching to give everything they’ve got.’ And so, I just felt like I wasn’t the best version of me, and we’re all chasing that. And I’m not trying to be on the soapbox at all.

“I’m just telling you my mindset. I was like, ‘Yo, I have to. I gotta. I can’t cut corners. I can’t do things that erode my ability to lead at the highest level I can. And I felt like that was an area I could obviously adjust. So, that’s the whole reason for it.”

On if Notre Dame players have noticed his weight loss

“Yeah, they try you a little bit. They think they can ruffle me a little bit. I’ve still got the strength. Nah, but they see it, man. But to me, it’s just a way to  — constantly, as a coach, you try to do this. You try to find ways to connect at a deeper level. And that’s my reason for it. And so, yeah, they’ve seen it, so it’s been helpful that way.”

On how close Bryce Young is to being a beast

“He already is a beast, man. I think he is. How close is he to taking a next big step? He’s very close. I think, with him, I’ve got to check myself. He’s still a freshman, in his freshman year, and played a substantial amount this year. I think the thing he is doing is working on the details of his craft. There’s still much to learn. You think about as a freshman, where you go from a freshman to a junior, that’s like a tremendous jump. And so his mindset is just focused on the details. So, I think he is a beast. Obviously, he’s talented. His mental makeup is elite, but that’s his focus right now.”

On Jason Onye’s return to the Notre Dame football team

“One that’s changed me as a person. And I can’t even express how proud I am of that kid. And I think a lot of places I’ve been, a lot of places talk about, ‘Hey, you know, we’re family. We’re going to do this and that.’ I think how Jason has evolved is a reflection of Notre Dame. It’s a holistic approach, and they really care. And so I’m tremendously proud of him, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow. But, man, he’s done a phenomenal job, and it’s just a testament to Notre Dame, in my opinion, like this place really does care about the people that walk around campus.”

On Onye’s improvement as a player

“Listen, Yes. Jason is different, and since I got here, I think he’s grown fundamentally. I think he’s grown in maturity, like in terms of his knowledge of the game, because when I got he was pretty young. But man, I mean, he’s different. And I have a high expectation for him. So yes, to answer your question, he’s doing a phenomenal job this spring, and he left on a high note. He’s picking up back up on a high note.”

On defensive tackles Elijah Hughes and Jared Dawson transferring to Notre Dame

“Yeah, high opinion of them. Very, very mature. Obviously they’re older, but I think the thing that I appreciate is their willingness to learn. Part of the challenges of being a transfer is you have to be willing to adapt. You’ve got to be willing to learn a new system, new nomenclature, new terms, new techniques. And some people could rebuff it. I think they have approached it like, ‘OK, I want to learn. I see the success Rylie [Mills] and Howard [Cross III] had. I want to learn and evolve.’ So, it’s been great, and I think they’re talented too. They’re going to help us. Shoot, they’re going to help us on the field. But I’ve got high expectations for both of those young men.”

On Onye’s weight increase

“It has, and it’s good weight. I think he’s north of 300. I think it’s the most he’s ever weighed, but it’s good weight, and I think it’s helped him. I think he’s stronger at the point of contact. It’s almost like he’s faster, to be honest with you, I credit [Loren] Landow and Alexa Appelman. What they do from a nutrition standpoint is next level, and you see it in guys like Bryce. Bryce is starting to fill out. He’s a pup. Think he came here probably in like the 50s [250s]. Now he’s damn near 70 [270], and he doesn’t look it. He still looks like, you wouldn’t pick it up. But I think for Jason, going back to him, I think it’s helped him. I think it’s going to help him this season. So, I’ve been pleased with him.”

On how Onye’s personal journey has impacted him

“Well, just like, again, you think about last season, right? You’re in arguably the most pressure-packed season of my career. And at the same time, it’s about the people, man. It’s about the people. You think about why we coach. What wakes us up? It is seeing young men reach their potential, overcome whatever’s in their way. That’s why we do what we do. So, to see that and to be there and witness his resilience and his love of team — all of that was awesome. So yeah, when a situation comes up down the road, I’ll look back on that. And [shoot] I love Jason. Me and him will be close for the rest of our lives. I feel like that about a lot of my players, but Jason, I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

On how he fought for Onye

“I wouldn’t use the term fight. Just engage, man. Help him. Be supportive. Be understanding. Be empathetic, all of that. So, he’s got a great family, and it’s a credit to Notre Dame. And credit to the young man.”

On splitting the Vyper out wider to pass rush

“So coach Ash, obviously, his reputation, his experience, speaks for itself. But one of the things I think he’s done a good job of is complementing what Al Golden has established. I think he’s established a great culture. But now he’s trying to find ways to enhance — like we all do. And one of the things that when you look at us, I think we have some athleticism on the edge. And I think he’s trying to find ways to unlock them. You think about, like Maxx Crosby. Guys he’s been around, different things that can enhance the production of a Jordan Botelho by giving them a little more freedom, so to speak. And nothing crazy, but it’s certainly something I’ve learned.

“And, hell, I’m into as well, because not every player is the same. You may have a player that has a knack for whatever, you want to play to that. I think that’s the key — play to the strengths of who you have, with keeping your core intact.”

On Notre Dame defensive ends rushing the passer

“They want to play the run, too. But you’re right. I mean, you want to impact the game, man. And I think a lot of the stuff that coach Ash is suggesting and bringing, it’s been awesome. And I’m a sponge man.  Every coach I’ve been around, I’ve learned from. I love it, and so I’m very appreciative of that contribution and something that will help my career.”

On if he is in playing shape

“No, I look like I’m in playing shape, but I ain’t in shape. I’ve got one play. That’s it. But I can walk a little better without my knees hurting. That’s about it.”

On if Joshua Burnham is flipping back to strong-side defensive end or if he’s staying at Vyper

“He’s both. One thing that is happening, even on the inside, guys are getting experience at both. Again, lessons learned from last year. You think about last year. You don’t know what — it’s an uncertain future. So you want to have — and our guys are smart. That’s the thing, being at this school. So yeah, he can do both, and he’s done both. And so, one thing we want to try to do, even with the inside guys, give them a chance to work the nose. Give them a chance to work the tackle, because it’s the time to do it. Because the best player you want to put on the field. You don’t want to be limited, because so-and-so is not a ‘fill in the blank.’ So yeah, for Josh, he bounced around a little bit.”

On Brenan Vernon

“I mean, first, Brenan has really worked on and off the field, and grown and physically in showing his body. So, I’m expecting to see him continue to compete, continue to prepare and continue to enhance his techniques and things like that. And I think he’s off to a good start.”

On Dawson

“So, good question. Honestly, when we played Louisville, you’re just looking at the offense, but I obviously saw the film. He’s just a disrupter, man. He’s explosive, powerful. He’s a disrupter. So, that was the thing that I liked about his game. And he plays with a motor and an edge. So yeah, I mean that those are the things that I think he showed in a game against us, because our line is arguably the best, I think the way we play — and I’m being sincere — like we I think we played at a high level, because our O-line every day played at a high level. You saw throughout the playoff. That’s how you’re able to play the brand we play. So, I think for him, playing in that game and having some moments of disruption was awesome. And so that’s what I liked.”

On Loghan Thomas

“Yeah, just to increase play. I mean, he’ll increase his play. He was a special teams demon. I think that’s always an earmark of a good player early in his career. But he’s put on weight. He’s been really working at that, and his speed hasn’t dropped off. Again, I credit our strength and nutrition. But I expect him to continue to advance. Highly intelligent player. His background is as a linebacker, and usually guys that have that experience off the ball, you kind of see the game a little bit. So, he can process things at a high level. He’s real smart. So, I have a high expectation for Loghan. He’s done a great job.”

On if 342 pounds is the weight Washington wants Sean Sevillano Jr. to play at

“Is he 342?”

More on Sevillano being 342

“He better not be right now [laughing]. Nah, I mean, listen, man, Sean he is a different body type. He’s tough to move. I mean, last year, I think he was scout team Player of the Year, because you look over on scout team, the coaches are praising him. [O-line] coach [Joe] Rudolph is coming over. Coach Freeman is like, ‘Man, Sean.’ So, yeah, I’ve got a high expectation. And so, his role is, obviously, in that two-gap role. He’s strong. He’s really smart. And he’s keeping his weight — I think more so with him, it’s just his functionality, his mass. Macros, all of that stuff. I don’t know all that. But that’s where he’s focused on right now. He’s progressed. He’s got good feet. And so, as time goes, he’s going to make plays. He’s going to make plays because of that.”