Top 10 players to watch moving forward

[koonja]

Notre Dame football: Intriguing players to watch as building process continues - southbendtribune.com

What's your top ten?

My top 10:

10) Jarron Jones
9) Nick Baratti
8) Max Redfield
7) Chris Brown
6) Gunner Keil
5) Devonte Neal
4) Jaylon Smith
3) Sheldon Day
2) Greg Bryant
1) Everett Golson


Random qu: How is Jarron Jones doing? I know BK said he was one who stood out during bowl practices, but imo, on the 'eye-test' he seemed to be carrying some extra weight, especially on the 'love handles' section at the NC game (didn't want to bump his thread).

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Outside of your top 10, I'm curious to see the strides Ishaq and Stanley can make this off season.

 

[ChiRish]

Notre Dame football: Intriguing players to watch as building process continues - southbendtribune.com

What's your top ten?

My top 10:

10) Jarron Jones
9) Nick Baratti
8) Max Redfield
7) Chris Brown
6) Gunner Keil
5) Devonte Neal
4) Jaylon Smith
3) Sheldon Day
2) Greg Bryant
1) Everett Golson


Random qu: How is Jarron Jones doing? I know BK said he was one who stood out during bowl practices, but imo, on the 'eye-test' he seemed to be carrying some extra weight, especially on the 'love handles' section at the NC game (didn't want to bump his thread).

I don't disagree with your list, I think Redfield especially in the secondary will be interesting. For me, though, I'll focus on current players. I think it'll be interesting to see how the offensive line sorts out, and whether Davonte Neal can step into a starting role next year. I think we need to see some growth from George Atkinson, as both him and Carlisle have the potential to present a dynamic backfield. On defense, I'm looking forward to seeing Day grow after a great freshman season, and see Jones get into the mix. I also, like the article, want to see a leap from Ishaq next year and possibly the emergence of a Ben Councell or Jarrett Grace.

But perhaps most importantly for me - how can the players who already played big roles grow and break through? Can we see an even larger leap from Nix and Tuitt? From Danny Spond? From Everett? How about Davaris? Lots of talent there.

 

[yankeeND]

Nice list! Should be a lot more fun this off-season. Player development is at an all-time high and the talent coming in looks to be exceptional. With the players we have now and the depth we are building my goal for 13' is a BCS game follewed up with a win! I think the stage has been set quite nicely!

 

[chicago51]

My intrigue is focused on guys currently not starting that have the potential to make more of impact. Hence that is why Golson isn't on my list. Yes I cheated and got 11 people on my list.

9) Elijah Shummate (tie)
9) Austin Collinsworth (tie)
9) Nick Baratti (tie)
8) Max Redfield
7) Jaylon Smith
6) Greg Bryant
5) Ishaq Williams
4) Davarious Daniels
3) Jarrett Grace
2) Sheldon Day
1) Eddie Vanderdoes (Yea thats right!)

 

[koonja]

I wish GAIII could play WR. He has excellent straight line speed, and watching Amari Cooper you see how that can impact a play action passing game. At RB, he doesn't have the agility, or lateral mobility to ever be more than a pitch-outside back at ND, IMO. With the surplus of talent at RB, any chance they flank him out more next year?

I understand of the returning RBs, he's the only one with significant carries (assuming Cierre is gone), but he just doesn't have the cutting/agility to be a good RB, IMO.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Romeo Is on my list, though I am not sure where he would fall.

After what happened Monday, I think the need for extra size on the outside is needed and Romeo is just the man for it (along with Ishaq, but he is on one of the lists already).

 

[koonja]

Romeo Is on my list, though I am not sure where he would fall.

After what happened Monday, I think the need for extra size on the outside is needed and Romeo is just the man for it (along with Ishaq, but he is on one of the lists already).

Forgot about him. He'll be very interesting. He seems to have really good straight line speed for how big he is (evident on kick offs).

 

[RDU Irish]

No Ishaq on your list? I also like Shumate to make a big jump in playing time. I am hopeful Redfield or Luke can be impossible to keep off the field.

I am not sure which freshmen work into the starting rotation but a few of them will and upgrade our athleticism.

Rotating these guys along the line makes me smile: Nix, Tuitt, Day, Jones, Shembo, Williams, Kona and Springmann. Vanderdoes comes to us and plug him into that mix. That would be half a dozen 300 pounders on DL (athletic too).

 

[koonja]

No Ishaq on your list? I also like Shumate to make a big jump in playing time. I am hopeful Redfield or Luke can be impossible to keep off the field.

I am not sure which freshmen work into the starting rotation but a few of them will and upgrade our athleticism.

Rotating these guys along the line makes me smile: Nix, Tuitt, Day, Jones, Shembo, Williams, Kona and Springmann. Vanderdoes comes to us and plug him into that mix. That would be half a dozen 300 pounders on DL (athletic too).

I actually meant to put him in the top 3, and had a mental note of that when I was around #10, 9, etc... But got to top 3 and totally blanked, lol. He's in my top 3.

 

[ChiRish]

My intrigue is focused on guys currently not starting that have the potential to make more of impact. Hence that is why Golson isn't on my list. Yes I cheated and got 11 people on my list.

9) Elijah Shummate (tie)
9) Austin Collinsworth (tie)
9) Nick Baratti (tie)
8) Max Redfield
7) Jaylon Smith
6) Greg Bryant
5) Ishaq Williams
4) Davarious Daniels
3) Jarrett Grace
2) Sheldon Day
1) Eddie Vanderdoes (Yea thats right!)

Romeo Is on my list, though I am not sure where he would fall.

After what happened Monday, I think the need for extra size on the outside is needed and Romeo is just the man for it (along with Ishaq, but he is on one of the lists already).

No Ishaq on your list? I also like Shumate to make a big jump in playing time. I am hopeful Redfield or Luke can be impossible to keep off the field.

I am not sure which freshmen work into the starting rotation but a few of them will and upgrade our athleticism.

Rotating these guys along the line makes me smile: Nix, Tuitt, Day, Jones, Shembo, Williams, Kona and Springmann. Vanderdoes comes to us and plug him into that mix. That would be half a dozen 300 pounders on DL (athletic too).

I agree with all you guys - Shumate, Ishaq, and Romeo are three players that are so talented that they could take a big leap.

 

[ND NYC]

can coaches be on this list?

 

[ChiRish]

can coaches be on this list?

I don't see why not. They're always striving to improve, just like players. I think we'll see another step forward from this staff. They're a cohesive unit, they went through a great learning season, even as it was tremendously successful. They're nailing it in recruiting too. Be interesting to see where they go from here.

 

[ND NYC]

there is a lot of room for improvement by the entire coaching staff as well in all this.
if they think "all they need is the athletes" now and dont have to change anything they do--we are ALL in trouble. lots of things need fixin. a great foundation is laid but still a work in progress to be sure.
go irish!

 

[Domina Nostra]

I wish GAIII could play WR. He has excellent straight line speed, and watching Amari Cooper you see how that can impact a play action passing game. At RB, he doesn't have the agility, or lateral mobility to ever be more than a pitch-outside back at ND, IMO. With the surplus of talent at RB, any chance they flank him out more next year?

I understand this sounds crazy because of the returning RBs, he's the only one with significant carries (assuming Cierre is gone), but he just doesn't have the cutting/agility to be a good RB, IMO.

I seem to recall that his hands are not great.

 

[koonja]

I seem to recall that his hands are not great.

I know they were reportedly bad when he got here, but I think BK said he had gotten a lot better. Either way, I don't see him ever being a solid starter at RB.

 

[chicago51]

I don't see why not. They're always striving to improve, just like players. I think we'll see another step forward from this staff. They're a cohesive unit, they went through a great learning season, even as it was tremendously successful. They're nailing it in recruiting too. Be interesting to see where they go from here.

Coaching Intrigue List

Would have put Paul Longo on here but he is going to be businesses as usual.

10) Scott Booker -Can he develope a replacement for TE for TE? He has title of ST coordinator also; (although ST at ND is more by committee) I would like to see improvements in the return game.
9) Mike Denbrock - With TE leaving the WR core is going to have to care the passing load, how Alford developes Davarious Daniels etc all will be important
8) Mike Elson - Did great with Louis Nix, Kap, and Stephon Tuitt. Now he will be expect to do the same with next generation of DL going forward particularly from 2014 on.
6) Tie Bob Elliot / Kerry Cooks - Got some you DBs coming in ton of saftety depth. Best wishes to Elliot on the kidney transplat
5) Harry Hiestand - We got 4 OL studs coming in. Lets see what he do with them
4) Tony Alford - New starter at RB in 2013. New starter at slot in 2013. With Folson and Bryant on the roster plus Devonte Neal likely getting a bigger role. Alford will have some new toys develope.
3) Chuck Martin - Interested to see how he works with Kelly to improve the offense going forward.
2) Bob Diaco - In addition DC he is the LB coach. He has to replace Manti so we will how he has developed Jarrett Grace and others. He has some stub LBs coming in as well. Most importantly would like to see an evolution in the defense. He can keep the conservative mindset but I would like to have to a bit more of mix in terms of bringing extra guys to get pressure.
1) Brian Kelly - How will he change the bowl prep next year to account for the sloppy tackling (did not see that level of missed tackling all year)? How will he work with OC Chuck Martin to change the offense? How will he help Golson continue to develope? What about Gunner Giel? Lots of questions. I got faith in him.

 

[IrishLax]

In no particular order I really want to see the unknown RBs (Folston, Carlisle, Bryant), the safeties (Collinsworth, Slaughter, Shumate, Redfield, Baratti), Jarron Jones, Jarrett Grace, and basically everyone not on the left side of the OL.

I think the battle for PT at safety and RB will be VERY interesting. I also think our OL needs to drastically improve and I'm interested to see how much young blood makes an impact.

 

[Ironman8]

I'll be watching all the players, so I don't want to do players to watch, but rather I'll give my top 10 on players who I think we need to either break out or significantly improve to be better in '13:

1. Everett Golson
2. Ishaq Williams
3. Jarrett Grace
4. Jarron Jones
5. Amir Carlisle / Greg Bryant / GAIII
6. Troy Niklas
7. Nick Martin
8. Matt Hegarty / Conor Hanratty
9. Davonte Neal
10. Chris Brown

Not as worried about one or two particular players at safety or corner, as I think we finally have the quality depth to create a great competition which will improve all players, and in which the best will rise to the top.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

How can anyone's list not have Davaris Daniels?

 

[chicago51]

How can anyone's list not have Davaris Daniels?

He's 4th on mine.

 

[koonja]

How can anyone's list not have Davaris Daniels?

I left him off of mine because I'm listing the most 'intriguing' players to look for. I can tell you with near certainty that DD is going to be really good and he's going to be a possession receiver with really good hands.

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

I will just give one offensive player and one defensive player which is tough.

Golson and Okwara.

 

[Ironman8]

How can anyone's list not have Davaris Daniels?

Because I think he has shown, as had TJ, that they can be studs if giving the opportunity already. The others on my list have not done so.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Ok guys, but the title of the thread is top 10 players to watch going forward. Not top 10 players who could emerge from the bench. Davaris Daniels has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of.

 

[chicago51]

Ok guys, but the title of the thread is top 10 players to watch going forward. Not top 10 players who could emerge from the bench. Davaris Daniels has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of.

You feel really strongly about this don't you?

 

[SoDakDomer]

Returners
10.Ishaq
9.Day
8.GAIII
7.J. Jones
6.Neal
5.Shembo
4.Daniels
3.Grace
2.Brown
1.Kiel/Golson

 

[koonja]

Ok guys, but the title of the thread is top 10 players to watch going forward. Not top 10 players who could emerge from the bench. Davaris Daniels has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of.

My OP was vague, but the article that sparked the thread says most 'intriguing' players going forward.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Here are the 10 kids I will be watching.

- Amir Carlisle (Is he an effective 3 down back?)
- Will Mahone (is he good enough to crack the rotation?)
- DaVaris Daniels (is he a star?)
- Davonte Neal (is he good enough to start at this point?)
- James Onwualu (will he suprise and see significant PT?)
- Matt Hegarty (can he come-back and replace Cave by the Fall?)
- Ronnie Stanley (will he start at LT and allow us to shift Z. Martin to OG?)
- Romeo Okwara (will he grow into a DE, will he suppplant Williams?)
- Jarrett Grace (werewolf?)
- Jaylon Smith (how do you get this kid on the field?)

 

[Ironman8]

Ok guys, but the title of the thread is top 10 players to watch going forward. Not top 10 players who could emerge from the bench. Davaris Daniels has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of.

And I qualified my post before I gave my list.