Notre Dame seeking more aggressive mindset under new defensive coordinator VanGorder

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame safety Austin Collinsworth says spring practice has felt like three straight weeks of final exams.

Defensive players say they are struggling as they learn a new system, new terminology and, for some, new positions. But one thing they understand is new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder wants them to be more aggressive.

Cornerback KeiVarae (kee-var-AY) Russell says the Irish are switching from a bend-but-don’t break mentality to an attacking mindset. VanGorder believes the defense needs to take control by being aggressive.

The Irish have used a 4-3 defense in nearly all practices the media have been allowed to attend, and VanGorder says Notre Dame will continue to switch between the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses as it has in recent years. VanGorder says he’s still trying to evaluate what works best.

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