Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist talked about spending more time watching film with receivers this week, not just because of the extra time players had with no classes, but because guys were in new spots and others were looking at playing more than they had all year.
Coach Brian Kelly said after Thursday's practice that he feels confident the passing game is where it needs to be.
"TJ (Jones) got a lot of work (in the slot) in the spring," Kelly said. "He is pretty smooth in there. He's a smooth, savvy kid."
"We talked about it today, Dayne and I, he feels really good at the Z position. You don't replace Michael Floyd, but Duval (Kamara) is a big, rangy kid. You kind of get the same look over there where he is a matchup guy, and you can put the ball up and he can come down and get it. It is falling into place probably where I thought it would. At the end of the day, it's about the comfort level Dayne has, and I think he felt pretty good today."
Kamara has only one catch for 12 yards this season.
Kelly said he is confident that Kamara will be able to perform because the receiver is a senior, but the coach also said he understands that a few early successes will be important for Kamara to get back in the swing of things.
"I don't think he can go out there and drop the first two or three and be brimming with confidence," Kelly said. "He is a veteran player. He knows his role. He knows that Michael Floyd is going to be there if he can be. Having said that, he is a little bit older I don't think it is as much of a concern if he was a freshman out there."
