Ambrose, The Bell Tolls For Thee

If Notre Dame is to win games this year, we all know that a big part in doing so will come from the performance of the Irish secondary. Going on the notion that this will be a new page in the great book of Notre Dame football, we should have no other expectations then that the Irish's defense will be solid. Some might argue that more time is necessary and others might say the talent is far from plentiful. I am not in the mood to accept those type's of thoughts. We must do what needs to be done now, not later. We have capable talent in our secondary to be quite productive and that will start to show at Pitt. Now, one member of our secondary who looks to be getting the nod is Ambrose Wooden. I admit that thoughts of Ambrose make me cringe, though after a quick moment, I remember that we are going to be solid this season in our secondary, right? I believe that Ambrose will play an integral part this season if all continues in the direction we are heading with our secondary. The previous season was bad, very bad for Wooden. Harsh statement? Yes, but that's the way it is and we are going to speak the truth. Tackling was not a part of Wooden's focus the previous season. His desire to make contact was simply not there. He played scared and it showed. This was all in a matter of minimal minutes that he played all season. Ambrose can do one thing this season, and that is to play in such a way that he belongs on the field. If he is ready, this will show in his coverage, his desire for contact, and attitude in wanting to be a nasty corner. Wooden has great athletic ability. He has played a number of positions throughout his football career thus far, which include quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. He can be a great Irish corner. The key word there is can. Starting now with practices under way, Wooden should turn that can into will.

--Wee Leprechaun