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Chat Reel: Grant Irons
'Our main goal is to play together as a team'
Posted: Thursday August 23, 2001 4:46 PM
Updated: Thursday August 23, 2001 4:46 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's college football chat with Notre Dame defensive end Grant Irons. Welcome Grant and thanks for joining us.
Grant Irons: Thanks for having me.
From Chris T. in Biloxi, Miss.: How are you preparing for the Nebraska game since they have two glorified scrimmages before the Sept. 8, showdown? Everyone says it hurts Notre Dame because Nebraska plays two games. But do you see it as a chance for you guys to see two game films on them?
Grant Irons: I think for us it's an advantage because we do have the benefit of watching Nebraska play two games and to watch and analyze their style of play. But it's all going to come down to what we do come September 8th.
From Jake Davidsonin Trussville, Ala.: Grant, first of all, good job on coming back from a devastating injury to become a leader and captain of this talented Irish bunch. How has coming back from the injury improved your work ethic and dedication to winning and being the best this season?
Grant Irons: It has put things in perspective. It's allowed me to realize how fragile the game of football is and to not take it for granted. I'm blessed and fortunate to have another opportunity to play for the University of Notre Dame and to compete for a national championship.
From Frank W. in Greenbelt, Md.: Since you practice against the offense what do you think will be the strength of that unit? The running game with Julius Jones, Tony Fisher and Terrence Howard, or the passing game with Davis Givens, Javin Hunter and new wide receiver Arnaz Battle?
Grant Irons: They have so many weapons and players that they can utilize to make big plays. I'm excited to see this offense really dominate this year. In my opinion I think they have one of the best offensive lines in the nation. I think the skies the limit for this offense.
From volunteer: How do feel about the Tennessee coming into your house?
Grant Irons: We're all looking forward to it. They're a great team and it's going to be an awesome game.
From Paul Costanzo in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.: Grant, I know that its next to impossible to replace a Tony Driver or Anthony Denman, and I'm just talking in terms of talent, let alone the leadership they brought to the team. But what have you guys done to fill those holes, and has it put more pressure on guys like you, Rocky Boiman and Anthony Weaver?
Grant Irons: Looking at the type of individuals Tony Driver and Anthony Denman are -- they are special players and people and it's hard to replace such high-caliber players, but all we can do is come together as a team and play as one.
From Holtz Room in South Bend, Ind.: Do you plan on laying out Eric Crouch the way you did Tom Brady in the '98 Michigan game?
Grant Irons: I'm looking forward to a great game. Crouch is a great quarterback and they have a high-powered offense and we're looking forward to Sept. 8th.
From Jasmine in Atlanta, Ga.: How has Gary Godsey made the switch to tight end from quarterback? Reports are that he has beefed up to 270 pounds and is doing very well.
Grant Irons: He is. I can attest to that. He's making that transition smoothly. He's done a great job of learning the tight end position and making that adjustment.
From Irish: What are the team's goals for this year BCS Bowl, a national championship?
Grant Irons: That's a good question. For us we just have to take one step at a time. For us it's definitely to win the national championship. Our main goal is to play together as a team and to just win.
From Steve in the Woodlands, Texas: I've seen you many times in the weight room during the summer working out at 0530 with your father. This dedication appears to be with your whole family (i.e. older brothers who played for Nebraska and Michigan). To whom do you attribute this trait of focus, dedication, and hard work? It also appears to go much further than athletics, in terms of your family's achievements off the field.
Grant Irons: That's a great question. I think I've been very fortunate and blessed to not only have two loving parents who instilled the values of having a strong work ethic and a strong desire, but I've also been fortunate to have two older brothers that have gone before me and lead by example. My oldest brother Gerald Jr. played at Nebraska and my other brother played inside linebacker for University of Michigan, and learning from those two has been great. And they've really taught me a lot about the game of football and the life.
From ND: What do you expect from Arnaz Battle this year? Will he be an electrifying wide receiver?
Grant Irons: Without a doubt. Arnaz is the real deal. Every time, he touches the ball he makes great plays. He's one of the team leaders, and we know he'll have a great year.
From kc: What's the competition in secondary shaping up to look like. Is anybody emerging as a probable starter opposite Shane Walton?
Grant Irons: The secondary is strong. They've had a great two-a-day camp. Every player has improved and taken their game to a higher level. It'll be great to see how much improvement they've made when the season starts. Shane Walton is definitely the leader in the secondary. All he does is make big hits, and he'll continue to make big hits for this team.
From IrishInAnnArbor: How would you rate your present physical condition? Are you working at full speed, and do you think you're back to 100 percent? I'm pulling for you this year. I think you're a tremendous example to young athletes.
Grant Irons: I appreciate the compliment, And with regards to my health, I definitely feel that I'm at 100 percent. I feel great, and I'm really looking forward to this season.
From NickSablan: Grant, did you graduate last year, and are you in graduate school at Notre Dame right now?
Grant Irons: Yes. I graduated this past May with a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Management. I'm currently working on my Masters degree in Business Management.
From Tim Daro in Kildeer, Ill.: How do you value the educational experience you are receiving at Notre Dame, along with the football tradition of which you're a part now?
Grant Irons: Priceless. The academics at Notre Dame are second to none. It's one of the best academic institutions in the nation. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to not only be challenged on the football field but also in the classroom. Many of my teammates and I look forward to competing against the best on the field and to compete intellectually with the top scholars in the nation in our classrooms.
From Nick Morin in Atlanta: As a Notre Dame alumnus and long time fan, I am very excited about the upcoming season. I am, however, concerned about team speed. On the defensive side of the ball, do we have the right combination of size and speed to stop the offensive firepower of teams like Nebraska, Texas A&M and Tennessee?
Grant Irons: Definitely. In our offseason we worked tremendously on our team speed. I'm confident in the speed of this team.
From irish84: A lot of publicity was given to Brennan Curtin for handling you in one-on-one drills. Come on, you slipped right?
Grant Irons: I have to give him credit. He made a good block, but that was one block out of about 200 blocks during a practice. It's all part of the game. I take one play at a time. And if I'm not successful at one play, I put it behind me and look forward to the next play.
From kc: Is Carlyle Holiday the funniest looking dude you've ever laid eyes upon?
Grant Irons: Carlyle is not only an awesome player, but he's a great person. A lot of the players really respect him, and he's really going to have an awesome season this coming year.
From pdm: Do you think you have a legitimate shot at knocking off Nebraska in Lincoln? What will the keys to that game be?
Grant Irons: That's a good question. Without a doubt, we wouldn't be here practicing everyday if we didn't think we could win. Nebraska is a good team, but we're also a great team. It's going to be a great game on September 8th.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Grant Irons. Grant, thanks for joining and good luck this season?
Grant Irons: I Appreciate it!
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