http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/cs-060821irishbits,1,2744692.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis turned up the heat at Monday's indoor practice, the better to simulate the sticky, humid conditions the Irish will face for their season opener against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

 

And the players' discomfort did wonders for Weis' mood.

 

"I think [that was] probably the best I felt," Weis said after practice.

 

"Of course, a lot of that had to do with the Yankees winning 2-1," added a grinning Weis, referring to New York's victory over the Boston Red Sox.

 

"We practiced with noise today. We pumped in music when the offense had the ball so they could have some practice with the communication problems with it being loud. The only thing we haven't worked on yet is the silent snap count."

 

Prince ready to go

 

With backup running back Travis Thomas having become a starting linebacker, freshman speedster Munir Prince knows his number could be called early and often this season to relieve starter Darius Walker.

 

He expects to be up to the task.

 

"When you get here, you kind of question the speed of the game and the power of the game," Prince said. "After taking some hits and seeing the speed, I think I should be pretty good coming in.

 

"Darius Walker, Brady Quinn, they make you feel like you're part of the team as soon as you step in the huddle. So it's not a problem getting acclimated with the team. They make you feel like you're part of it as soon as you put on the jersey."

 

Jones high on coaches

 

The coaches have been unrelenting in their demand for proficiency, if not perfection, from their quarterbacks.

 

Chicago native Demetrius Jones, who starred at quarterback last year at Morgan Park, said that has been the key to his early improvement.

 

"My development is coming along [well]," he said. "I'm getting great things from the coaches because they really do their jobs. They nitpick. They want to make sure everything [is done right].

 

"When you're watching tape, it's every little thing … 'Point your leg this way, then point your leg this way. You didn't follow through here, you didn't do this.' Everything is being corrected, and it's sort of good. Pretty much all you've got to do is follow directions."

 

Though Jones and fellow freshman Zach Frazer are behind sophomore Evan Sharpley as the backup to Quinn, Weis has said one could supplant Sharpley by demonstrating knowledge and comfort with the system.

 

Does the highly recruited Jones wonder whether he should have chosen a program where he could start immediately?

 

"I'm very happy with the decision I made, academically and athletically, and that has never crossed my mind since I've been here," Jones said.

 

Clausen? Who's he?

 

Asked what he thought of Notre Dame's signing of quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who forgot Jones' name during his announcement news conference last spring at the College Football Hall of Fame, Jones took a pass.

 

With time in the interview session running down, Jones paused, then smiled and said, "I think it's time for everybody to leave right now."

is the comment about Weis and the Yanks meaning hes a Yankees fan!? if so , thatd be awesome!

We've heard reports of Mullen talking smack on Clausen and now it sounds like DJ is not a big JC fan either. I can't believe that JC forgot DJ's name during his press conference, so I really can't blame Jones for any dislike that he may have for him. Although JC is the #1 recruit this year I'm still not 100% positive that he will start as a frosh and beat out either Jones or Frazer. Whether or not Jimmy turns out to be the top guy doesn't really matter because we can still use his verbal to get us other top guys, and we all know that we've already got two possible starters on campus already.

guys, im sorry to bring up the JC Paddy Mullen comment topic again, i know many on this board feel different ways/many also feel the same way about them. but heres something i just pulled up from an old email..lemme know whatya think

 

"Yeah, how bout it! Jimmy Clausen is a great start for many to follow in the 2007 class. I met him this weekend at the Spring Game and he seems very nice. Im not real sure how "Down to earth" he is. He comes with a lot of hype. He better be able to back it up or else many will see his career as a failure. "

Gallup, CW is a huge Yankee fan...that was on of the first things Joe Montana said about him when describing him.

YEA!!! thats awesome Scotty, any idea who his favorite player is?

No, but if I had to guess I would say Reggie Jackson.

Reasonable statement by paddy, Nick.

Well I suppose I can overlook the fact that he likes the Yankees as long as we win at least 10 games a year.... but as soon as we only win 9 I'm calling for his head.

 

Damn Yankees... they ruined what was already a crappy game.

Amen LAW - damn frinkin Yankees!!!!!

 

 

GO IRISH

I actually think that the freshman quaterbacks may feel a little threatened by Jimmy Clausen. I think that the freshman in general may see him as a little cocky. But if DJ, Zack, and Evan want that starting position for next year. They better get on it.. Because if not, Jimmy will gladly snatch that position. Trust me, he's already ready.

Et tu Gallup (Brute).... You live in Wellesley (my former home town as you know) you are a huge Barry Gallup fan (as you know, I too went to Belmont Hill) Barry's alma mater...thought were maybe even long lost kin, you and I ...then...then....I can bearly bring myself to repeat it....Yankees!!...the pain!! By the way, Yankess Suck!!!

 

Well, will just have to forge a friendship around the Irish, could be worse!!

haha, sorry irishcrazy, it didnt start out this way trust me. Started out with Oakland, THEN NYY when Giambino moved

 

if you ever come back to visit wellesley lemme know, i have a teacher here that is a HUGE irish fan also, (sadly last year i had 2 huge OSU fans as teachers also, one of which went to the 2003 Big 10 Championship game and got peppersprayed). i also lost 6 $ worth of Jolly ranchers the day after the fiesta bowl to those teachers, since our principal told us we couldnt make money bets, so instead we bet candy...but they were both great teachers other than that

It's a deal my young friend...will bring you a Red Sox hat. Besides, I look at it like this, you are a young guy and you don't really know any better yet. You are now with the Boston Brethern and I hold hope that you will come around in the years to come! Good luck in school this year, sure to speak with you soon...

 

Go Irish!