Here comes the zone for Notre Dame football: 'We can't play man every play.'

SOUTH BEND —Adon Shuler, returning starter at safety for Notre Dame football, has been getting used to hearing the Z-word more this spring in practice and in meetings with new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.After leading the nation in pass efficiency defense the past two seasons, Notre Dame is mixing in some zone coverages with its vaunted man-to-man identity.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Everybody in the country last year knew we were playing man every snap,” Shuler said after a recent practice. “(Playing zone) would help us be more versatile. That’s what they look at for the next level as well: Can you play zone? Can you play man? This defense will help me be a complete safety.”With two-time All-America safety Xavier Watts and boundary cornerback Benjamin Morrison projected as Day 2 NFL Draft picks, Ash and defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Mickens must break in multiple new starters. Alabama graduate transfer Devonta Smith is slated to replace former Arizona State impo...