Spring practice at Notre Dame is officially underway, and as expected, there's a mix of excitement and a few early hiccups. Even seasoned players like CJ Carr aren't immune to the occasional misstep.
Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, however, isn't sweating it. When Carr threw an interception during Friday's session, Denbrock took it in stride.
“He’s been eager to get back on the field for weeks,” Denbrock remarked. “I knew he’d be going for it today, and sure enough, he launched it deep right away.”
On one of Carr’s initial attempts, he aimed downfield, only to have the ball intercepted by a Notre Dame defender. But let’s focus on the upside: Tae Johnson was the standout of the day. His performance was a continuation of his impressive 2025 season, and the interception was just one highlight.
Johnson made a spectacular play, breaking from inside the hash marks to snatch the ball with a leaping grab, showcasing his athleticism and anticipation.
Carr’s attempt was a deep shot against double coverage, and Johnson expertly undercut the route for a diving interception. Known for his ball-hawking skills, Johnson had four interceptions last season, including a memorable pair against Boston College. It seems he’s picking up right where he left off.
While Carr might face stricter feedback if similar throws happen in the fall, Denbrock remains confident. He believes in Carr’s ability to learn from these moments and settle into being one of the top quarterbacks in the game.