Notre Dame freshman safety Tae Johnson is set to miss a significant amount of time due to a foot injury sustained during practice, according to a university announcement.
Hailing from Fort Wayne, Johnson underwent surgery last week to repair a fifth metatarsal injury, performed by Dr. Thomas Bemenderfer.
Johnson, known for his versatility in high school, received high praise from Notre Dame’s coaching staff during fall camp.
Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden noted the progress made by the 6-foot-2, 175-pounder during camp. “Tae has really made a lot of progress,” Golden said. “He cares about it, wants to improve, and is working hard to get better. It’s a challenge when you’re young, but we’re building for the long haul.”
Defensive backs coach Mike Mickens also expressed his satisfaction with Johnson’s development, particularly as his athleticism began to emerge with increased comfort in the position. “He’s coming along great,” Mickens said. “He’s a quick learner, very athletic. This is his 13th practice, and he’s hitting his stride, getting comfortable with the defense, schemes, and techniques. I’m very, very pleased with what we’re seeing so far.”
While Johnson wasn’t expected to be part of the rotation this season due to the presence of several experienced players, including All-American Xavier Watts, the biggest setback will be the valuable reps he’ll miss. These were crucial for mastering the position and positioning himself strongly for spring ball.
“He’s done well,” added defensive backs assistant Mary Biagi. “He’s had a really good camp. We’ve been impressed with what he’s been able to do. Learning the playbook is something we want to ensure he continues to make huge strides in. He’s also been performing well on special teams.”
