Quick-hitters: Notre Dame DC Al Golden on Irish defensive line, Marist Liufau, expectations for 2022

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has raved about the talent at his disposal since his February arrival. Not just in reference to the Irish defenders’ football ability, but their collective mindset.

Safe to assume he thinks he can field a sturdy unit this year, right? Probably. But Golden isn’t interested in taking that excitement and tossing expectations for the Irish’s national rankings in certain defensive categories or how their defense might compare with the rest of college football. At least not yet.

“I don’t get into predictions or anything like that,” Golden said. “I’m just talking about how blessed we are to have a group that has really good IQ, leadership and wants to do things the right way.”

Golden spoke to reporters Monday afternoon following Notre Dame’s fourth preseason practice. Here are some topics he addressed.

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On linebacker Marist Liufau

“He knows our expectations for each other are high. He’s really talented. He’s getting better. I thought the last two days were his best practices. I’m excited about him. All these guys, [strength coach Matt] Balis and his staff did an amazing job in the weight room. Marist, if you look at him, he’s much heavier than he was a year ago or when we had him in the spring. He’s doing a good job in the weight room. The sky is the limit for Marist. I’m hopeful we’ll get there.”

On linebacker Jordan Botelho

“We’re making sure we give him opportunities to do the things he does best. Jordan has been a guy who has played a number of positions, but that’s not a negative. It’s a positive. We’re hoping to really push him here the next two weeks, whether it’s at linebacker, rushing the passer or whatever it may be. I’m really excited about Jordan. He had a great summer. He came back really strong, a little bit bigger.

“He’s probably a combo guy. A little bit like Marist in that they can play on the ball, off the ball, rush the edge on third down but also play off the ball on first down. I think we’re settling in with him and I’m excited about what he’s doing.”

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On Harvard grad transfer defensive tackle Chris Smith

“He’s doing a nice job. New techniques for him. In our 33 package, the ability to play nose and play some shade if we go four-down. Some different techniques, but he’s playing with good pad level. He’s really strong. He’s a good anchor in there. Wonderful kid. I mean, he’s a Harvard grad playing at Notre Dame.”

On how good the Notre Dame defense can be in 2022

“It’s a function of how well we execute. I think we’re talented. I think we have depth. I think we have leadership. That’s a great starting point in practice No. 4. But we have a bunch of installs coming up before we get into game week. The thing I’m most excited about is it’s a group that wants to be empowered, that wants to do it on the field. Great things can happen when you have that kind of group. Today, some of the problem-solving on the field was awesome to see.”

On Notre Dame’s defensive line

“They know the challenge coming up. Not just long-term, but every day facing this offensive line and tight end group. It’s a good group. They make you bring the lunch pail every day. They’re fun to go against. [Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand’s] group, they’re physical and really long. I mean, it’s a long group. It’s hard to get off their blocks. It’s a challenge for us. I’m excited about all three levels, but it’s Day 4. We’ll see what kind of team on defense we grow into in the next week.”