Upshot for the Rest of the Class (2013 edition)

[Domina Nostra]

This is why the staff was so wise to recruit Deeb. But I think Randolph can play inside.

 

[LoveThee]

This class can finish with a fantastic boom if we reel in Vanderdoes and Prevot. I am feeling pessimistic though and think we may just get Hollins. We have great options on the board, but I really think we need Vanderdoes.

Ideally I would like Vanderdoes Prevot and Fitts, if we have the room.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

To be quite honest, I won't be surprised if a new name at ILB pops up between now and NSD. Alex's decommitment is brutal for our depth at this position. As mentioned above, we still have Grace, Moore, Deeb, and maybe Fox/Carlo. Someone will almost certainly be moved inside.

I'm not going to go all Chicken Little on this situation if another ILB isn't added to this class, but 2014 must reel in some elite, instant-impact ILBs imo.

 

[irishog77]

To be quite honest, I won't be surprised if a new name at ILB pops up between now and NSD. Alex's decommitment is brutal for our depth at this position. As mentioned above, we still have Grace, Moore, Deeb, and maybe Fox/Carlo. Someone will almost certainly be moved inside.

I'm not going to go all Chicken Little on this situation if another ILB isn't added to this class, but 2014 must reel in some elite, instant-impact ILBs imo.

Agreed. Funny how a couple weeks ago posters (myself included) were ok with losing Mattingly and didn't believe AQM was a must get due to overloading at LB. Now...ND needs another LB. Who knows, maybe the staff sees Randolph as an ILB, or at least is fine moving him there instead of OLB. Maybe they view him strictly as an OLB. Or, like was brought up earlier, maybe they feel fine moving a guy like Councell inside. Whatever the case, I'd be surprised if they didn't pick up another LB this cycle. No clue if it's a guy like Hollins or Prevot, a guy like Isaac S who has been on the radar before, or maybe some guy they try and poach though.

However LB shakes out this cycle, ILB in particular will be huge in the '14 cycle.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Somebody on a different site said the other day that there was some hint that Spond could move to ILB. Seems odd to move a near-AA vet but the talent is surely there. I wondered if such a thing would affect keeping Carlo and Dan Fox, and whether it could be prying open space for Jaylon?

 

[ThePiombino]

Somebody on a different site said the other day that there was some hint that Spond could move to ILB. Seems odd to move a near-AA vet but the talent is surely there. I wondered if such a thing would affect keeping Carlo and Dan Fox, and whether it could be prying open space for Jaylon?

I think you're onto something here. My guess is still only one of Fox/Calabrese will be asked back. Moving Spond to the inside, while I'm not sure how I feel about it (good thing my feelings don't matter), would allow for only asking one of the two back AND getting Jaylon more PT- and much earlier IMO.

 

[Ironman8]

I've seen repeatedly that Jaylon thinks he is coming in to play CAT. I personally think his skill set is perfect to be the prototype DOG, but after seeing him rush the passer in the Army AA game, I certainly think he can be an early force at CAT especially if the nuances of DOG are too tough to pick up totally for a true frosh.

 

[Emcee77]

To be quite honest, I won't be surprised if a new name at ILB pops up between now and NSD. Alex's decommitment is brutal for our depth at this position. As mentioned above, we still have Grace, Moore, Deeb, and maybe Fox/Carlo. Someone will almost certainly be moved inside.

I'm not going to go all Chicken Little on this situation if another ILB isn't added to this class, but 2014 must reel in some elite, instant-impact ILBs imo.

I thought the same thing so I specifically asked Sapp if he thought we would go after another ILB after the AA decommit. He wouldn't rule anything out but he said he doubted we would go after a new name. Since there's A LOT of versatility among our current LBs and current recruits (Randolph and Jaylon can both play inside as well as out) he thinks we'll just stay on our current targets.

If it were me though ...

I would FULL COURT PRESS Michael Hutchings. With his size, physicality, versatility and his coverage ability he is the perfect LB for us, second only to Jaylon. If he has any interest in ND (and it seemed like he did based on his interaction with other recruits at the AA game, but maybe the staff has determined he doesn't), I wouldn't take no for an answer from him.

 

[ThePiombino]

I've seen repeatedly that Jaylon thinks he is coming in to play CAT. I personally think his skill set is perfect to be the prototype DOG, but after seeing him rush the passer in the Army AA game, I certainly think he can be an early force at CAT especially if the nuances of DOG are too tough to pick up totally for a true frosh.

Isn't it true that the staff ultimately wants the linebacking corps to be largely interchangeable and that they're starting to recruit LBs with versatility that would allow them to move inside and out? Is it possible that Jaylon is the first of said mythical beast that could play any of the 4 positions and play them well? This would make gameplanning against him damn near impossible.

Or was that more in reference to DOG/CAT and MIKE/WILL exclusively?

 

[Emcee77]

I've seen repeatedly that Jaylon thinks he is coming in to play CAT. I personally think his skill set is perfect to be the prototype DOG, but after seeing him rush the passer in the Army AA game, I certainly think he can be an early force at CAT especially if the nuances of DOG are too tough to pick up totally for a true frosh.

I thought the same thing at first, but when I thought more about it, I realized how bad it is for us that Shembo sucks in coverage. Basically, opposing offenses know if he's on the field, he's rushing the passer. The staff seems to think Ishaq is better in coverage, but he doesn't have quite the same intensity or explosiveness rushing the passer. Jaylon gives you the best of both worlds. I agree with you, Jaylon's freakish athleticism can be put to use rushing the passer just as well as in coverage -- plus his ability to rush the passer and cover equally well will keep defenses on their toes.

Not sure how persuasive that is, but as I see it that's the argument for using Jaylon at CAT.

 

[Grahambo]

Jaylon could be anything from a RB to S so for him, being as athletic as he is, he will be a hybrid of both. The ability to move him around the field and create a defensive mismatch is beyond valuable. For this upcoming season, I think the staff will evaluate the position then decide where they want Jaylon based off of everybody else.

 

[IrishSpartan]

I know this is outside the box but is that ILB named mastrogiovanni (I think that's right) committed anywhere I know many posters here like him

 

[Rack Em]

I know this is outside the box but is that ILB named mastrogiovanni (I think that's right) committed anywhere I know many posters here like him

Committed to Oklahoma early in the cycle. He wanted an ND offer and got one late I believe. He didn't wait around and pulled the trigger.

EDIT: He decommitted from OK and is now one of 3905245615028210620394 commits to TX A&M

 

[PANDFAN]

I know this is outside the box but is that ILB named mastrogiovanni (I think that's right) committed anywhere I know many posters here like him

oklahoma then decomitted to texas a & m

 

[fitz_bu47]

If I'm not mistaken Mastrogiavanni just flipped to A&M (Beat me to it PANDFAN). Or was at least thinking about it. I am not worried about any of these guys except Big Eddie. We have guys inside/outside lb that I like (I know AA left us thin) and we will recruit more. The natty really made it obvious to me that we HAVE to keep loading up on elite hogmollies, offense, and defense, if we want to beat teams like Bama.

That said, would love to add Prevot, or Hollins....Really would love a late qualifying score and a flip from AQM.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I thought the same thing at first, but when I thought more about it, I realized how bad it is for us that Shembo sucks in coverage. Basically, opposing offenses know if he's on the field, he's rushing the passer. The staff seems to think Ishaq is better in coverage, but he doesn't have quite the same intensity or explosiveness rushing the passer. Jaylon gives you the best of both worlds. I agree with you, Jaylon's freakish athleticism can be put to use rushing the passer just as well as in coverage -- plus his ability to rush the passer and cover equally well will keep defenses on their toes.

Not sure how persuasive that is, but as I see it that's the argument for using Jaylon at CAT.

I just don't see Jaylon playing with his hand down. Perhaps it's lack of depth that has forced ND's hand into using Shembo this way and going forward they want to use a DL-only guy to be the fourth lineman when they move to a 4-3? I guess it makes sense in light of the fact they are pursuing some undersized DE/oversized OLB types who would fit a pass rush specialist role.

 

[connor_in]

Does anyone else find it interesting that our line-up and depth chart can only be kepth on a chalk board now? We keep getting these versatile guys who we talk about 2-3 different positions for and different sides of the ball. Its almost like BK's pitch is come to ND and we will figure out someplace to get you on the filed at.

(NOTE: Yes I know I ended that phrase with a preposition)

 

[IrishLax]

Updated. Next weekend will be HUGE. Really happy Jaylon will be there.

Ty Isaac should make it either this weekend or the next.... I really think we desperately need to hold on to one of Bryant or Folston but losing one might not be the end of the world with Isaac and possibly Wilson still on the board. I think I'm most interested to see how hard the staff pushes for Smythe this weekend... I think we have great momentum with him.

Hopefully the next update is to take a guy off the list for committing. Can I get a sticky for this thread?

 

[beryirish]

Updated. Next weekend will be HUGE. Really happy Jaylon will be there.

Ty Isaac should make it either this weekend or the next.... I really think we desperately need to hold on to one of Bryant or Folston but losing one might not be the end of the world with Isaac and possibly Wilson still on the board. I think I'm most interested to see how hard the staff pushes for Smythe this weekend... I think we have great momentum with him.

Hopefully the next update is to take a guy off the list for committing to Notre Dame. Can I get a sticky for this thread?

Fixed it for ya

All the ups and downs of this recruiting cycle will be over in about 2 weeks. Crazy to think about it with all the discussions/arguments we've had. Right when the 2012 cycle was over I had no idea who was who in 2013. Now they are like family..lol. After NSD - onward to more discussion and arguments for 2014.

 

[PANDFAN]

I want Bryant to remain more than anything....i know folston is great too, but we could use a back like bryant......wilson would be a great addition as well if folston is waivering...likely hood...not very good for wilson but his speed is incredible....anyone watch the ua game? he smoked people

 

[IrishLax]

I want Bryant to remain more than anything....i know folston is great too, but we could use a back like bryant......wilson would be a great addition as well if folston is waivering...likely hood...not very good for wilson but his speed is incredible....anyone watch the ua game? he smoked people

I agree. I think Bryant is a "must keep" to be an every down back kind of guy. I think Folston is darn near perfect for the RB/slot role but we've got options left if he decides to go elsewhere. I'd put our chances at keeping him squarely at 50/50 right now.

 

[PANDFAN]

I agree. I think Bryant is a "must keep" to be an every down back kind of guy. I think Folston is darn near perfect for the RB/slot role but we've got options left if he decides to go elsewhere. I'd put our chances at keeping him squarely at 50/50 right now.

yeah i say if we get a visit by wilson and he wants to commit...take him(loooooooong shot at best)....but folston visiting this late in game....don't like! Bryant---we saw what kind of backs bama has been rolling out the past couple of years...he fits that mold

a lot of people feel we are "stacked" at the position but i don't feel we are at all....GA3-not going to take over the bulk of carries, mahone-unknown, mcdaniel-showed flashes but isnt an every down back, carlisle-same thing, showed athleticism at usc but has been hampered w/ injury....so bryant physically comes in as college ready....if u have a lot ?'s best to bring in #'s and let the play settle it

 

[Irishman77]

I all but gave up on my EE wish when we landed folston and Bryant. If Wilson goes to Ohio st and we lose folston......I am holding hope yet!

 

[IrishLax]

Updated. Scratch LaRue off the list. Didn't get his house in order and won't be visiting.

 

[PANDFAN]

Updated. Scratch LaRue off the list. Didn't get his house in order and won't be visiting.

thanks for update...d@mn playmaker on field...

 

[PraetorianND]

Updated. Scratch LaRue off the list. Didn't get his house in order and won't be visiting.

Sucks. Really liked this kid and Khalfani Muhammad. Not getting either....

 

[Fbolt]

EV + 1 = happy Fbolt

 

[scUM Hater]

Updated. Scratch LaRue off the list. Didn't get his house in order and won't be visiting.

Looks like Kelly didn't get all his wishes as far as flirting with the NFL then. Oh well there is always jumbotron and field turf.

 

[Booslum31]

EV + 1 = happy Fbolt

EV + TP = Happy!

 

[Ironman8]

EV = Happy Ironman

Everyone else is a bonus.