Quick Hits: Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly's Thursday press conference

Texas is almost here.

But until then, more press conferences.

Specifically, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had his final meeting with the media before Game Week rolls around on Thursday evening, and as always, ND Insider was there.

Here are the key points from Kelly's address.

• Kelly announced that Notre Dame's 2015 captains will be center Nick Martin, defensive back Matthias Farley, linebackers Joe Schmidt and Jaylon Smith and defensive tackle Sheldon Day. The sixth-year head coach added that he initially whittled down the list to seven names before eventually deciding on those five.

• Senior defensive end Ishaq Williams' appeal to the NCAA to play in 2015 has been denied, Kelly confirmed. He is also not allowed to practice at Notre Dame this season. Kelly said that Williams has a locker with the team and will be allowed to work out at the facility. He is enrolled at Notre Dame and is still pursuing his degree.

• Kelly said that the following freshmen have put themselves in position to play as freshmen: wide receivers C.J. Sanders and Equanimeous St. Brown, tight end Alize Jones, nose tackle Jerry Tillery and cornerback Nick Coleman.

• Thursday's practice was not a great one for Notre Dame's safeties, Kelly said. "If you were out at practice today we would be playing with nine players and two orange cones," Kelly joked. However, Kelly also reported that senior Elijah Shumate will start at strong safety, with graduate student Avery Sebastian backing him up.