28 Days Later | by Pat

While we gather up all of the various links, reactions, and stats from the recent NFL Combine, here is some good news to tide you over. We're only 28 days away from the start of spring ball. Und.com released the spring practice dates and they are as follows:

2008 Spring Football Practice Dates

Wed. March 26
Fri. March 28
Sat. March 29
Mon. March 31
Wed. April 2
Fri. April 4 - Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic
Sat. April 5 - Notre Dame Football Coaches Clinic
Mon. April 7
Wed. April 9
Fri. April 11
Sat. April 12
Mon. April 14
Wed. April 16
Fri. April 18
Sat. April 19 - Blue-Gold Spring Football Game

You may notice the ND Football Coaches Clinic taking place over the weekend of April 4th-5th. What is interesting about the Clinic this year is that ND has opened the doors to all fans and not just high school coaches (or crafty ND fans posing as high school coaches).

On Friday, April 4, participating coaches and fans will have an opportunity to attend the FCA luncheon as well as a hosted dinner and social hour on Friday evening. Those involved in the weekend's activities will have a tremendous experience - including interactive presentations from Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, the Irish coaching staff as well as visiting coaches.

Chalk-talk sessions will provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to become familiar with various coaching techniques and a chance to know the coaches and other visitors. In addition to various presentations, participants will get an exclusive look at the '08 Fighting Irish team practice as well as tour the Notre Dame Stadium locker room and peruse items from local exhibitors.

Hopefully the added fan element won't disrupt the chalk talks too much, which typically focus more on strategy and technique than updates on which ND player is going to play which X and which O. Still, it's a great opportunity for the motivated Irish fan to get an upfront look at the personalities and coaching styles of the various assistants as well as the chance to watch a ND practice, armed with plenty of new football knowledge.

ND just announced that Mount Union head coach Larry Kehres and Grand Valley State head coach Chuck Martin will be speaking at the clinic in addition to keynote speaker Bill Polian of the Colts. I can't say I mind the fact that two college coaches with 11 collegiate national championships under their belt will be hanging out at ND over the weekend. For those wondering who other than Bill Belichick would be a possible Weis target for advice, I have to imagine he'll have a few chats with Kehres and Martin.

As for the Blue and Gold game, no mention yet on game time or possible honorary coaches, but info like that will likely hit the wire shortly. Feel free to put your guesses in the comment section.