'13 PA WR Will Fuller (Notre Dame Signed LOI)

[Murphy921]

I'm actually kind of suprised the majority of people that post on this site are so excited about this kid.

When Brian Kelly said in the recent press conference that the team wouldn't try to poach any Penn State players that "were committed" to the team, I just assumed he meant this year's recruits as well. Out of respect for the new head coach coming into a tough situation.
" We treated as though those players were committed to Penn State on their roster, and we kind of used a recruiting scenario, if you will. They were committed, and the only way that we'd be involved with them is if they decommited and publicly said they're looking to transfer." Fuller said on Twitter he was "100% committed" to Penn State, what? A week earlier?

Ok, even without all of that...this amazing class is filling up fast. Does Coach Kelly really want to use up a scholarship this early on in the process for a "filler" player? Think about it...Robinson has his size, Onwualu is a super-athlete. What does this guy bring to the table thats so special? I would have thought the coaching staff to wait for a speed guy like Hunter or even Allen, then maybe pick this kid up to fill a slot.

Don't get me wrong, a commit is a commit. I'm just questioning the strategy.

 

[NDdomer2]

IMO he brings versatility. The fact we can plug him in on either side of the ball is huge. It allows us to continue our pursuit of elite corners and wr's while having a "bird in the hand."

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

From reading some Penn State fan comments and such, it seems like Will was just starting to garner a lot of attention nationally and was waiting for the ND offer. Another camp champ.

 

[nsisk157]

I'm actually kind of suprised the majority of people that post on this site are so excited about this kid.

When Brian Kelly said in the recent press conference that the team wouldn't try to poach any Penn State players that "were committed" to the team, I just assumed he meant this year's recruits as well. Out of respect for the new head coach coming into a tough situation.
" We treated as though those players were committed to Penn State on their roster, and we kind of used a recruiting scenario, if you will. They were committed, and the only way that we'd be involved with them is if they decommited and publicly said they're looking to transfer." Fuller said on Twitter he was "100% committed" to Penn State, what? A week earlier?

Ok, even without all of that...this amazing class is filling up fast. Does Coach Kelly really want to use up a scholarship this early on in the process for a "filler" player? Think about it...Robinson has his size, Onwualu is a super-athlete. What does this guy bring to the table thats so special? I would have thought the coaching staff to wait for a speed guy like Hunter or even Allen, then maybe pick this kid up to fill a slot.

Don't get me wrong, a commit is a commit. I'm just questioning the strategy.

I was kind of thinking along the same lines but I am hesitant to call him a "filler." I think if we flipped him to a secondary position, he is a great addition...still leaving room for the premier DBs we are currently courting.

If he stays with the WRs, I still like the commit in the sense that "competition breeds success." We have no one truly proven at the WR position. Our best two are Toma and Jones with Theo as a flex and Eifert as the hybrid-TE (correct me if I am wrong, please).

It's always tricky when you want to accept commits but, at the same time, save room for the premier players. It's tricky and an unenviable position. Last year, we were a bit burned at this (Missing Schutt comes to mind, but that is hindsight with the decommits and transfers).

Recruiting is a volatile beast. I have the fullest faith in BK as a recruiter and judge of talent and character. Now, I would like to foster similar faith in his "big-stage" coaching. I think he is the guy, I'd just like to know.

Give is the Everett and don't look back.

 

[Ironman8]

I'm actually kind of suprised the majority of people that post on this site are so excited about this kid.

When Brian Kelly said in the recent press conference that the team wouldn't try to poach any Penn State players that "were committed" to the team, I just assumed he meant this year's recruits as well. Out of respect for the new head coach coming into a tough situation.
" We treated as though those players were committed to Penn State on their roster, and we kind of used a recruiting scenario, if you will. They were committed, and the only way that we'd be involved with them is if they decommited and publicly said they're looking to transfer." Fuller said on Twitter he was "100% committed" to Penn State, what? A week earlier?

Ok, even without all of that...this amazing class is filling up fast. Does Coach Kelly really want to use up a scholarship this early on in the process for a "filler" player? Think about it...Robinson has his size, Onwualu is a super-athlete. What does this guy bring to the table thats so special? I would have thought the coaching staff to wait for a speed guy like Hunter or even Allen, then maybe pick this kid up to fill a slot.

Don't get me wrong, a commit is a commit. I'm just questioning the strategy.

I'm questioning how an individual could possibly know the ND football career (as a "filler) of a prospect, let alone before his senior year of high school. You like Tyler Eifert, right? Think he is a decent player? Many people thought his offer was questionable at the time, given his other offers and relative rankings. He is just one of several in the same ilk. Either trust the staff to recruit players and develop them, or don't. They obviously have a strategy and are implimenting it.

Plus, Fuller is an athlete, and can play on both sides of the ball, a la Bennett Jackson (props and a citation to Philly for the original comparision)

 

[Murphy921]

No correction needed. I completely agree that there are no "proven" receivers yet besides who you listen. I do believe however that this year will produce some guys that shine in the Era After Floyd, which will give the coaching staff a better idea on what kind of players they need at WR in the future.

And I have to agree with you on your second point, too. Kelly has proven himself in my eyes as a great recruiter. Now if he can get some big game wins under his belt against this gauntlet of a schedule...

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I'm questioning how an individual could possibly know the ND football career (as a "filler) of a prospect, let alone before his senior year of high school. You like Tyler Eifert, right? Think he is a decent player? Many people thought his offer was questionable at the time, given his other offers and relative rankings. He is just one of several in the same ilk. Either trust the staff to recruit players and develop them, or don't. They obviously have a strategy and are implimenting it.

Plus, Fuller is an athlete, and can play on both sides of the ball, a la Bennett Jackson (props and a citation to Philly for the original comparision)

+1

 

[Murphy921]

I'm questioning how an individual could possibly know the ND football career (as a "filler) of a prospect, let alone before his senior year of high school. You like Tyler Eifert, right? Think he is a decent player? Many people thought his offer was questionable at the time, given his other offers and relative rankings. He is just one of several in the same ilk. Either trust the staff to recruit players and develop them, or don't. They obviously have a strategy and are implimenting it.

Plus, Fuller is an athlete, and can play on both sides of the ball, a la Bennett Jackson (props and a citation to Philly for the original comparision)

Eifert coming out of high school: 6'6", 220lbs and ran a 4.51 40-time. At his position nationally, he was ranked 17th by Scout, 23rd by Rivals, and 13th by ESPN.

Fuller as of right now: 6'1", 165lbs and ran a 4.53 4-time (per ESPN). At his position nationally, he is ranked 39th by Scout, 55th by Rivals, and 130th by ESPN.

I don't care what his offer list looked like. Look at Eifert's numbers and rankings. Pretty good. And Fuller doesnt even compare. He has a slower 40 time and weighs 50+ pounds less. I'm not saying he is a "bad" player. All I'm saying is I'm suprised the staff jumped on him so fast.

But thanks for trying to call me out.

 

[PraetorianND]

Eifert coming out of high school: 6'6", 220lbs and ran a 4.51 40-time. At his position nationally, he was ranked 17th by Scout, 23rd by Rivals, and 13th by ESPN.

Fuller as of right now: 6'1", 165lbs and ran a 4.53 4-time (per ESPN). At his position nationally, he is ranked 39th by Scout, 55th by Rivals, and 130th by ESPN.

I don't care what his offer list looked like. Look at Eifert's numbers and rankings. Pretty good. And Fuller doesnt even compare. He has a slower 40 time and weighs 50+ pounds less. I'm not saying he is a "bad" player. All I'm saying is I'm suprised the staff jumped on him so fast.

But thanks for trying to call me out.

There are fewer TEs than WRs so comparing position ranking straight across is not useful. Also, word on the street is Fuller ran a 4.4 at PSU to earn his offer.

 

[Irishnuke]

Eifert coming out of high school: 6'6", 220lbs and ran a 4.51 40-time. At his position nationally, he was ranked 17th by Scout, 23rd by Rivals, and 13th by ESPN.

Fuller as of right now: 6'1", 165lbs and ran a 4.53 4-time (per ESPN). At his position nationally, he is ranked 39th by Scout, 55th by Rivals, and 130th by ESPN.

I don't care what his offer list looked like. Look at Eifert's numbers and rankings. Pretty good. And Fuller doesnt even compare. He has a slower 40 time and weighs 50+ pounds less. I'm not saying he is a "bad" player. All I'm saying is I'm suprised the staff jumped on him so fast.

But thanks for trying to call me out.

Lol...I know, right? Isn't it a shocker when the staff knows something a fan doesn't.

 

[Ironman8]

Eifert coming out of high school: 6'6", 220lbs and ran a 4.51 40-time. At his position nationally, he was ranked 17th by Scout, 23rd by Rivals, and 13th by ESPN.

Fuller as of right now: 6'1", 165lbs and ran a 4.53 4-time (per ESPN). At his position nationally, he is ranked 39th by Scout, 55th by Rivals, and 130th by ESPN.

I don't care what his offer list looked like. Look at Eifert's numbers and rankings. Pretty good. And Fuller doesnt even compare. He has a slower 40 time and weighs 50+ pounds less. I'm not saying he is a "bad" player. All I'm saying is I'm suprised the staff jumped on him so fast.

But thanks for trying to call me out.

You are missing the point entirely. I'll offer 6'6 athletes who played DB in high school everyday. My point is, I do not get when fans are "surprised" at offers, or question what are staff was thinking on certain offers, like with Eifert. The staff clearly sees a tangible value in Will and his abilities, like others have seen in prospects in the past who have also been openly questioned. Do all of them work out, no. But are there enough (even with just BK) to say that clearly staffs know way more about the prospects and their value than fans, especially after getting them into their program and developing them.

You can question this all you want, and I refuse to debate this further, but personally I will also accept a commitment from a 6'1 fluid athlete with amazing hands (said at every camp) who ran a 4.4 to earn an offer at PSU, and who most importantly wants to be at ND. Agree to disgree bro.

 

[PraetorianND]

You are missing the point entirely. I'll offer 6'6 athletes who played DB in high school everyday. My point is, I do not get when fans are "surprised" at offers, or question what are staff was thinking on certain offers, like with Eifert. The staff clearly sees a tangible value in Will and his abilities, like others have seen in prospects in the past who have also been openly questioned. Do all of them work out, no. But are there enough (even with just BK) to say that clearly staffs know way more about the prospects and their value than fans, especially after getting them into their program and developing them.

You can question this all you want, and I refuse to debate this further, but personally I will also accept a commitment from a 6'1 fluid athlete with amazing hands (said at every camp) who ran a 4.4 to earn an offer at PSU, and who most importantly wants to be at ND. Agree to disgree bro.

I agree with this except for that you imply that BK and staff knows more than I do about football and coaching. False. I play NCAA 13 all day, I should be head coach of ND. Just sayin.

 

[NDdomer2]

Ahh but do you have a Paul Longo?

 

[PraetorianND]

Ahh but do you have a Paul Longo?

Is that the reference I think it is? Is so, then yes, yes I have a Paul Longo.

 

[NDhoosier]

Does that number reflect Carrico no longer being a part of the 85?

Yes, the magic number was at 25, with Carrico's injury, the magic number is now 26.

 

[Emcee77]

Yes, the magic number was at 25, with Carrico's injury, the magic number is now 26.

If by "magic number" you mean the maximum scholarships available. I have to think we will keep at least one 5th year (either Fox or Calabrese, but probably not both) and I think three is probably a safe bet, although I don't know which three it will be. (I think Chris Watt will be back as well. Cierre, depends on how good his season is. Zack Martin, same but I think he goes. Tausch, same, plus it depends on how Brindza looks; right now my understanding is that Tausch is the better field goal kicker.) 247 is calling 22 the "magic number" (which doesn't reflect Carrico's medical) so they are assuming four 5th years. Not sure who those are ...

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I'm actually kind of suprised the majority of people that post on this site are so excited about this kid.

When Brian Kelly said in the recent press conference that the team wouldn't try to poach any Penn State players that "were committed" to the team, I just assumed he meant this year's recruits as well. Out of respect for the new head coach coming into a tough situation.
" We treated as though those players were committed to Penn State on their roster, and we kind of used a recruiting scenario, if you will. They were committed, and the only way that we'd be involved with them is if they decommited and publicly said they're looking to transfer." Fuller said on Twitter he was "100% committed" to Penn State, what? A week earlier?

Ok, even without all of that...this amazing class is filling up fast. Does Coach Kelly really want to use up a scholarship this early on in the process for a "filler" player? Think about it...Robinson has his size, Onwualu is a super-athlete. What does this guy bring to the table thats so special? I would have thought the coaching staff to wait for a speed guy like Hunter or even Allen, then maybe pick this kid up to fill a slot.

Don't get me wrong, a commit is a commit. I'm just questioning the strategy.

One of our other committs called WF the toughest receiver he went up against this summer in 7 on 7's. His accelleration is magnificent and he has the surest hands of any receiver his coach has ever had.

[The real flaw with doubting Kelly offers, is Kelly is killing it with turning three stars into five star producers.]

 

[Irish YJ]

I'm actually kind of suprised the majority of people that post on this site are so excited about this kid.

When Brian Kelly said in the recent press conference that the team wouldn't try to poach any Penn State players that "were committed" to the team, I just assumed he meant this year's recruits as well. Out of respect for the new head coach coming into a tough situation.
" We treated as though those players were committed to Penn State on their roster, and we kind of used a recruiting scenario, if you will. They were committed, and the only way that we'd be involved with them is if they decommited and publicly said they're looking to transfer." Fuller said on Twitter he was "100% committed" to Penn State, what? A week earlier?

Ok, even without all of that...this amazing class is filling up fast. Does Coach Kelly really want to use up a scholarship this early on in the process for a "filler" player? Think about it...Robinson has his size, Onwualu is a super-athlete. What does this guy bring to the table thats so special? I would have thought the coaching staff to wait for a speed guy like Hunter or even Allen, then maybe pick this kid up to fill a slot.

Don't get me wrong, a commit is a commit. I'm just questioning the strategy.

During this interview, Kelly differentiated a commit that had not signed an LOI vs. a current enrolled player. Kelly said he was being more aggressive with 2013 kids if they believed there was mutual interest (opposed to waiting to be contacted on enrolled kids). Nothing wrong with that. ND was WF's first choice before the PSU offer.

 

[NDhoosier]

If by "magic number" you mean the maximum scholarships available. I have to think we will keep at least one 5th year (either Fox or Calabrese, but probably not both) and I think three is probably a safe bet, although I don't know which three it will be. (I think Chris Watt will be back as well. Cierre, depends on how good his season is. Zack Martin, same but I think he goes. Tausch, same, plus it depends on how Brindza looks; right now my understanding is that Tausch is the better field goal kicker.) 247 is calling 22 the "magic number" (which doesn't reflect Carrico's medical) so they are assuming four 5th years. Not sure who those are ...

ya, 22 is simply assuming what 5th years are taken... I am simply saying the overall magic number which is not debatable is 26. This my own personal view on the 5th years:

Going to the NFL:
Wood
Watt
Martin
Eifert

One of these will be asked back:
Fox
Calabrese

I dont see a need to bring these guys back (maybe Tausch):
Tausch (I dont see why we need him with Brindza on the roster)
Stockton (hasnt seen much playing time, probably wont see much playing time, why ask him back?)
Jake Golic (We are fine at TE)

So I believe one is guaranteed at the LB position, and whoever doesnt make it to the NFL from the 4 I listed will be asked back. So you are talking anywhere from 1-4 5th years. which leaves 3-6 recruiting spots for the 2013 class.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Watt is a good player, and stranger things have happened, but the NFL like college like the extra time for linemen. I do not see Watt leaving early. I think his projection will see him fifth round or later, and with another year, that would help him not hurt him.

Martin isn't that big for a left tackle, so unless he wins the Outland Trophy or something, I believe his chances back are 50/50. The money for left tackle is too good for him to risk moving to another position in the NFL if he doesn't use his fifth year.

Of the lb's I only see Fox being asked back, if that.

Tausch may be asked back for some depth in case of injury, let alone if he gets on a streak this year.

Stockton looked hot this spring. That's a long way from seeing the field. Now we're hearing Jones is coming in, lighting things up and there is Springman . . .

 

[Irish YJ]

Watt, Martin, Fox, and Tausch IMO will be asked back assuming their are no 5* surprises or 4* in positions of need close to NSD. If Carlo has a breakout year, perhaps he replaces Fox. So agreeing with projected 22 (from 26). Also assumes no transfers, which I believe we may see a few this year as the depth chart is solidified.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Watt, Martin, Fox, and Tausch IMO will be asked back assuming their are no 5* surprises or 4* in positions of need close to NSD. If Carlo has a breakout year, perhaps he replaces Fox. So agreeing with projected 22 (from 26). Also assumes no transfers, which I believe we may see a few this year as the depth chart is solidified.

Assuming Watt & Martin don't go pro either.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Kelly can't be making the assumptions that some people on this board are making. Sh!t happens. He has to be managing recruiting with the idea that ZMartin, Watt, and Wood will be back. [Think injuries or someone in Wood's case shining out so much that he steals a huge amount of carries]. He has to think that his young supermen at LB might not be as good as Dan Fox afterall --- he has to see the season. And if Brindza keeps club-footing the occasional FG or extra point, then Tausch is a necessity.

A head coach who doesn't cheat or run people off scholarship must play the odds but in a conservative way. Kelly could be saying: the odds are good that I'll only REALLY need Chris Watt to 5th year, but I might need five.

 

[NDhoosier]

Kelly can't be making the assumptions that some people on this board are making. Sh!t happens. He has to be managing recruiting with the idea that ZMartin, Watt, and Wood will be back. [Think injuries or someone in Wood's case shining out so much that he steals a huge amount of carries]. He has to think that his young supermen at LB might not be as good as Dan Fox afterall --- he has to see the season. And if Brindza keeps club-footing the occasional FG or extra point, then Tausch is a necessity.

A head coach who doesn't cheat or run people off scholarship must play the odds but in a conservative way. Kelly could be saying: the odds are good that I'll only REALLY need Chris Watt to 5th year, but I might need five.

I dont know, I would almost think it is the other way around. Wouldnt Kelly have to plan for the worst (losing all those players to the draft) so that he is prepared if it happens?

 

[Emcee77]

Kelly can't be making the assumptions that some people on this board are making. Sh!t happens. He has to be managing recruiting with the idea that ZMartin, Watt, and Wood will be back. [Think injuries or someone in Wood's case shining out so much that he steals a huge amount of carries]. He has to think that his young supermen at LB might not be as good as Dan Fox afterall --- he has to see the season. And if Brindza keeps club-footing the occasional FG or extra point, then Tausch is a necessity.

A head coach who doesn't cheat or run people off scholarship must play the odds but in a conservative way. Kelly could be saying: the odds are good that I'll only REALLY need Chris Watt to 5th year, but I might need five.

I dont know, I would almost think it is the other way around. Wouldnt Kelly have to plan for the worst (losing all those players to the draft) so that he is prepared if it happens?

This is what makes this tricky. Kelly has some flexibility because at ND you are never guaranteed your 5th year, so who comes back for the 5th year is totally up to him, but like I think OMM is saying, right now he can't even know who he wants to bring back for a 5th year (except Eifert, but everybody agrees he won't be back barring some unforeseen circumstance). So I think the only safe way to do it is use a working target number of 22 or 23 2013 recruits (he can be pretty sure he won't need more than four or at most five 5th years), and adjust as necessary (i.e., take back Eifert if by some miracle he decides to stay).

 

[IrishFBfanatic]

His numbers may not blow you away, but Kelly knows how to scout a helluva lot better than Rivals, 247, or Scout.

Look at Collinsworth:
3*
4.7 forty time
nothing majorly impressive about his offer sheet or numbers, but Kelly knew he had to bring him on board.

If Kelly sees something special in this kid, I trust him.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Kelly is planning for BOTH the "heavy" 5th year scenario AND the "light" 5th year scenario. He is no gambling fool. At every stage of the recruiting season he has to get with Alford et al and reassess where they are. Because this class has filled so rapidly and unexpectedly rapidly I'd bet, the pressure is really on as to which previous scholarship offers to pull, or which to give conditional "if..then" types of statements to recruits not yet verbaling.

As NSD gets closer, and the season is complete, Coach will try to get clear reads from Eifert, Martin, Wood, and Watt. His variables, he hopes, will then shrink. His plan will be to hold everybody already verbaled, while maintaining "presence" with a larger number of elite prospects than he has numbers to give. He can do this of course because the phone cannot ring simultaneously with three acceptances.

If things break right, he will have filled all the really required player positions already, [This is what he has pretty much already done, and Will Fuller is part of that foundation], and be looking to roll high for a small number [One? Two?] of young supermen like say a Neal. Kelly's strategy can neither be narrow nor fixed. Recruiting is a dynamic hard-working and gambling game in which you hope to set solid foundations and then go for the gold while holding onto your early treasure.

Always astonishes me how people gripe at Kelly for not getting some commitment or for going after someone who is lower probability of committing but bigtime talent. Oh if life were so simple.....

 

[NDhoosier]

Good point, I guess nothing can really be figured out regarding the 5th years until after the season due to:
-Injuries
-performance on the field (Draft ranking)
-performance off the field
-Transfers (which is something we all forgot to mention, it is safe to assume a transfer or two each year these days)

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

4 and #223 Overall in Rivals 250.

Boom.

 

[NDPhilly]

Wow....