Who is Likely Next (2013)

[IrishLax]

ISD predicting Smythe will commit.

 

[bkess8]

I was hoping it was Anzalone. hahaha

I wonder how Anzalone feels now that BK stayed... What could have been!

 

[jimmymac]

I wonder how Anzalone feels now that BK stayed... What could have been!

No different... He was gone either way

 

[ThePiombino]

ISD predicting Smythe will commit.

Am I the only one hoping we see where the chips fall with Prevot, Fitts, and Hollins before accepting Smythe's verbal? I could be way out of line, but I would hope that the staff at least waits until after this weekend to accept his verbal. I realize Prevot is not guarantee to make it to ND next week without committing to aTm, so I guess it wouldn't be fair to ask Smythe to wait that long. But I think we should have a good idea of where we stand with Hollins and Fitts almost immediately, no?

 

[Domina Nostra]

I wonder how Anzalone feels now that BK stayed... What could have been!

Didn't Muskchamp interview with the NFL as we

 

[ThePiombino]

Didn't Muskchamp interview with the NFL as we

Reportedly interviewed with the Bears earlier that week.

 

[DillonHall]

Am I the only one hoping we see where the chips fall with Prevot, Fitts, and Hollins before accepting Smythe's verbal? I could be way out of line, but I would hope that the staff at least waits until after this weekend to accept his verbal. I realize Prevot is not guarantee to make it to ND next week without committing to aTm, so I guess it wouldn't be fair to ask Smythe to wait that long. But I think we should have a good idea of where we stand with Hollins and Fitts almost immediately, no?

What happened to wanting guys that want to be at ND? If Smythe wants to commit, I think you take it right away.

 

[IrishLax]

Am I the only one hoping we see where the chips fall with Prevot, Fitts, and Hollins before accepting Smythe's verbal? I could be way out of line, but I would hope that the staff at least waits until after this weekend to accept his verbal. I realize Prevot is not guarantee to make it to ND next week without committing to aTm, so I guess it wouldn't be fair to ask Smythe to wait that long. But I think we should have a good idea of where we stand with Hollins and Fitts almost immediately, no?

Excluding super stud EV, Smythe is #1 on my list tied with Fitts. Would rather have Smythe than either Hollins or Prevot for a couple different reasons.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

Excluding super stud EV, Smythe is #1 on my list tied with Fitts. Would rather have Smythe than either Hollins or Prevot for a couple different reasons.

Lax,
What else was in the article from ISD?

 

[ThePiombino]

What happened to wanting guys that want to be at ND? If Smythe wants to commit, I think you take it right away.

Not sure what you're getting at here. Are you implying that he is the only one that wants in? or are you just saying that it's clear that he wants in while we're not sure about the others?

Excluding super stud EV, Smythe is #1 on my list tied with Fitts. Would rather have Smythe than either Hollins or Prevot for a couple different reasons.

What reasons? I'm of the belief that the biggest thing standing between us and true eliteness (read: competitiveness with Bama) is defensive depth and overall athleticism on that side of the ball, not TE depth. With you on EV obviously.

 

[DillonHall]

Not sure what you're getting at here. Are you implying that he is the only one that wants in? or are you just saying that it's clear that he wants in while we're not sure about the others?

The latter. It's very late in the game; it's time to get whoever wants to commit.

 

[IrishLax]

Lax,
What else was in the article from ISD?

Basically nothing that wasn't already posted in the Upshot thread earlier this week (including the Smythe prediction). Hollins should be a tough pull, EV and Fitts aren't expected to commit but we've got a solid shot with both. Prevot and Isaac could both end up visiting next weekend.

 

[ThePiombino]

The latter. It's very late in the game; it's time to get whoever wants to commit.

I don't think that's true at all. I think Smythe is a guy we can afford to ask to wait to see if a couple bigger fish want to pull the trigger. I know TE depth is not ideal right now, but what happens if we accept his verbal now and then Prevot, Fitts, and EV want in? What if they don't devide that until NSD? What if we have to tell them, sorry- but we can only take 1 or 2 of you. I guess I would just rather roll the dice on the defensive recruits than the particular offensive one.

Please don't confuse this with me saying Smythe is/won't be a stud. I just think we have a greater need for DL and LB right now.

 

[DillonHall]

I don't think that's true at all. I think Smythe is a guy we can afford to ask to wait to see if a couple bigger fish want to pull the trigger. I know TE depth is not ideal right now, but what happens if we accept his verbal now and then Prevot, Fitts, and EV want in? What if they don't devide that until NSD? What if we have to tell them, sorry- but we can only take 1 or 2 of you. I guess I would just rather roll the dice on the defensive recruits than the particular offensive one.

Please don't confuse this with me saying Smythe is/won't be a stud. I just think we have a greater need for DL and LB right now.

Isn't there room for EV, Fitts, and Smythe? I'd imagine they're all valued more by the coaches than Prevot. Besides, if Prevot was genuinely interested, he'd be on campus right now.

 

[ThePiombino]

Isn't there room for EV, Fitts, and Smythe? I'd imagine they're all valued more by the coaches than Prevot. Besides, if Prevot was genuinely interested, he'd be on campus right now.

Common consensus is room for any 2 plus EV. I think it's hard to say who's valued more than anyone else, other than EV of course. As for Prevot, it's not like he cancelled his visit here all together. He had a chance to visit aTm with a buddy of his. I don't think that is all that telling to be honest. If he is able to visit both schools either way, but is able to visit aTm with a buddy then why not?

Regardless, my point is what if the SC boys decide they wanna pull the trigger together, but now there's not enough room because Smythe already did? Not to mention, it seems as though Isaac visiting next week is becoming more of a possibility. Wouldn't you rather keep a spot open for him? I can't imagine taking Smythe and Isaac, unless the staff knows by next week that they're out of it for Hollins, Prevot, and Fitts.

 

[DillonHall]

Common consensus is room for any 2 plus EV. I think it's hard to say who's valued more than anyone else, other than EV of course. As for Prevot, it's not like he cancelled his visit here all together. He had a chance to visit aTm with a buddy of his. I don't think that is all that telling to be honest. If he is able to visit both schools either way, but is able to visit aTm with a buddy then why not?

Regardless, my point is what if the SC boys decide they wanna pull the trigger together, but now there's not enough room because Smythe already did? Not to mention, it seems as though Isaac visiting next week is becoming more of a possibility. Wouldn't you rather keep a spot open for him? I can't imagine taking Smythe and Isaac, unless the staff knows by next week that they're out of it for Hollins, Prevot, and Fitts.

But what if we delay accepting Smythe's commitment just to have EV and Fitts pick schools closer to home (UCLA)? And then what if Smythe subsequently decides to go to Stanford where he knows he feels wanted? What if Isaac and Prevot don't even visit?

Lots of moving parts. We'll just have to agree to disagree and see what happens.

 

[Meacon Irish]

If the staff is fine with Smythe committing, I'm fine with him committing. They're closer (and running) this whole thing, so if they take him, then I'm sure they have other things worked out.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

In my best Rachel Ray voice:

The cake is almost done boys, instead of worrying about the icing that will go on it, let's just hope it doesn't collapse when we take it out of the oven.

 

[PraetorianND]

If Smythe wants in I think the staff will accept his commitment. It's too late in the game to tell someone to hold off. Smythe is a Stud.

 

[ThePiombino]

But what if we delay accepting Smythe's commitment just to have EV and Fitts pick schools closer to home (UCLA)? And then what if Smythe subsequently decides to go to Stanford where he knows he feels wanted? What if Isaac and Prevot don't even visit?

Lots of moving parts. We'll just have to agree to disagree and see what happens.

I guess I would rather hold off and take the risk. Worst case, we have an extra schollie for next year when we'll be in it for quite a few defensive studs, plus we can ask back an extra 5th year which would likely help with the lack of depth in the ILB position no less.

Agree to disagree I guess.

 

[IrishLax]

What reasons? I'm of the belief that the biggest thing standing between us and true eliteness (read: competitiveness with Bama) is defensive depth and overall athleticism on that side of the ball, not TE depth. With you on EV obviously.

1. Because he's a borderline top 5 player at his position by 3 of the 4 major recruiting services and will almost certainly have an impact. There is no telling if a guy like Hollins or Prevot will ever do that. When you have an option take a top player at his position, you should take them.

2. Because if he doesn't come to Notre Dame he's going to either Stanford or Michigan. Eff that. Neither Hollins or Prevot (most likely) ends up at someone we have to play. Especially Stanford... you can't just hand them another awesome TE prospect.

3. Because TE needs to be a position of dominance for us. We don't need a super-elite-hybrid-WR like Eifert but we need at least two really solid NFL level TEs on our roster at all times. Right now you have inconsistent Niklas, underperforming Koyack, injured Welch, and true frosh Heurman. TE is arguably a much bigger need than another OLB right now.

 

[ThePiombino]

1. Because he's a borderline top 5 player at his position by 3 of the 4 major recruiting services and will almost certainly have an impact. There is no telling if a guy like Hollins or Prevot will ever do that. When you have an option take a top player at his position, you should take them.

2. Because if he doesn't come to Notre Dame he's going to either Stanford or Michigan. Eff that. Neither Hollins or Prevot (most likely) ends up at someone we have to play. Especially Stanford... you can't just hand them another awesome TE prospect.

3. Because TE needs to be a position of dominance for us. We don't need a super-elite-hybrid-WR like Eifert but we need at least two really solid NFL level TEs on our roster at all times. Right now you have inconsistent Niklas, underperforming Koyack, injured Welch, and true frosh Heurman. TE is arguably a much bigger need than another OLB right now.

I'm with you on 2 and 3, not really feeling 1 though. Just because he's top-5 or close to it, doesn't mean he's a need - at least not in and of itself. I guess I just feel the offense can make up for deficiencies much more easily than the defense can. But I understand where you're coming from, and outside of the semantics that I'm arguing for #1, I'm actually with you lol

 

[Emcee77]

100% they will. There is a reason they officially re-offered him.

This. Based on everything I've read there's no doubt that the staff will accept Smythe's commitment if he gives it. No point in discussing it.

 

[NDdomer2]

I don't think that's true at all. I think Smythe is a guy we can afford to ask to wait to see if a couple bigger fish want to pull the trigger. I know TE depth is not ideal right now, but what happens if we accept his verbal now and then Prevot, Fitts, and EV want in? What if they don't devide that until NSD? What if we have to tell them, sorry- but we can only take 1 or 2 of you. I guess I would just rather roll the dice on the defensive recruits than the particular offensive one.

Please don't confuse this with me saying Smythe is/won't be a stud. I just think we have a greater need for DL and LB right now.

Depending on medicals/trasnfers couldn't we find room for four more somehow? Why not all?

 

[IrishLax]

I'm with you on 2 and 3, not really feeling 1 though. Just because he's top-5 or close to it, doesn't mean he's a need - at least not in and of itself. I guess I just feel the offense can make up for deficiencies much more easily than the defense can. But I understand where you're coming from, and outside of the semantics that I'm arguing for #1, I'm actually with you lol

Yeah, I see your point. And this is all just opinion from me so I'm sure plenty of people might disagree.

I have a recruiting philosophy that if you can get a top 5 player at a position where you only put 1 on the field (TE, RB, QB, etc.) you should take them every single time because there is no telling if you'll get the opportunity in the next cycle. For positions where you put 2+ guys on the field at a time (CB, S, WR, OL, etc.) I think you should take a top 10 guy every single time no questions asked. This is why I HATE that we passed on Dorian Johnson just because we were "full" at OL and I hated passing on Schutt, Joe Bolden, etc. last cycle.

I mean Joe Bolden was a ****ing consensus top 100 recruit... got a composite 96 rating and #2 ILB across the 4 services. Sure seems nice to have right now, doesn't it? SMH. You know who his scholarship basically ended up going to instead? Dan McCarthy/Chris Salvi. Because we didn't even have close to a full 85.

 

[Irish YJ]

Yeah, I see your point. And this is all just opinion from me so I'm sure plenty of people might disagree.

I have a recruiting philosophy that if you can get a top 5 player at a position where you only put 1 on the field (TE, RB, QB, etc.) you should take them every single time because there is no telling if you'll get the opportunity in the next cycle. For positions where you put 2+ guys on the field at a time (CB, S, WR, OL, etc.) I think you should take a top 10 guy every single time no questions asked. This is why I HATE that we passed on Dorian Johnson just because we were "full" at OL and I hated passing on Schutt, Joe Bolden, etc. last cycle.

I mean Joe Bolden was a ****ing consensus top 100 recruit... got a composite 96 rating and #2 ILB across the 4 services. Sure seems nice to have right now, doesn't it? SMH. You know who his scholarship basically ended up going to instead? Dan McCarthy/Chris Salvi. Because we didn't even have close to a full 85.

^^^^^ this... all of this.

 

[rtrn2glory]

Yeah, I see your point. And this is all just opinion from me so I'm sure plenty of people might disagree.

I have a recruiting philosophy that if you can get a top 5 player at a position where you only put 1 on the field (TE, RB, QB, etc.) you should take them every single time because there is no telling if you'll get the opportunity in the next cycle. For positions where you put 2+ guys on the field at a time (CB, S, WR, OL, etc.) I think you should take a top 10 guy every single time no questions asked. This is why I HATE that we passed on Dorian Johnson just because we were "full" at OL and I hated passing on Schutt, Joe Bolden, etc. last cycle.

I mean Joe Bolden was a ****ing consensus top 100 recruit... got a composite 96 rating and #2 ILB across the 4 services. Sure seems nice to have right now, doesn't it? SMH. You know who his scholarship basically ended up going to instead? Dan McCarthy/Chris Salvi. Because we didn't even have close to a full 85.

great stuff...loved bolden too and was not stoked about letting him go to ann arbor

 

[Irishman77]

We will all love Smythe when it's 3rd and 8. Will be an awesome get!

 

[woolybug25]

1. Because he's a borderline top 5 player at his position by 3 of the 4 major recruiting services and will almost certainly have an impact. There is no telling if a guy like Hollins or Prevot will ever do that. When you have an option take a top player at his position, you should take them.

2. Because if he doesn't come to Notre Dame he's going to either Stanford or Michigan. Eff that. Neither Hollins or Prevot (most likely) ends up at someone we have to play. Especially Stanford... you can't just hand them another awesome TE prospect.

3. Because TE needs to be a position of dominance for us. We don't need a super-elite-hybrid-WR like Eifert but we need at least two really solid NFL level TEs on our roster at all times. Right now you have inconsistent Niklas, underperforming Koyack, injured Welch, and true frosh Heurman. TE is arguably a much bigger need than another OLB right now.

Totally agree. I made this same point earlier in the year about Breneman. I of course, was treated like a lepur for it. So its refreshing for it to come to the end of the cycle, and #3 being as true as it was then.

 

[Emcee77]

Yeah, I see your point. And this is all just opinion from me so I'm sure plenty of people might disagree.

I have a recruiting philosophy that if you can get a top 5 player at a position where you only put 1 on the field (TE, RB, QB, etc.) you should take them every single time because there is no telling if you'll get the opportunity in the next cycle. For positions where you put 2+ guys on the field at a time (CB, S, WR, OL, etc.) I think you should take a top 10 guy every single time no questions asked. This is why I HATE that we passed on Dorian Johnson just because we were "full" at OL and I hated passing on Schutt, Joe Bolden, etc. last cycle.

I mean Joe Bolden was a ****ing consensus top 100 recruit... got a composite 96 rating and #2 ILB across the 4 services. Sure seems nice to have right now, doesn't it? SMH. You know who his scholarship basically ended up going to instead? Dan McCarthy/Chris Salvi. Because we didn't even have close to a full 85.

You really can't argue with this. Our depth chart is perilously thin at ILB. Of course hindsight is always 20/20 but now it does look like a major gaffe by the staff, letting Bolden go.