Irish Special Teams

[jiggafini19]

Removed.

 

[Irish Envy]

I'll be honest... of all of the things to worry about next year, special teams is one I do worry about.

Going down the stretch last year, we had problems on almost ever aspect of special teams. Our returns were average, our return coverage was barely average and our kicking game flat out was terrible. There is a LOT of work to be done in this area.

 

[scooper]

Improving the team speed should help on ST's. That's where all those safeties could pay off. Bruton was a demon in coverage last year. Getting a few more of him on the field could be huge.

 

[KMac151993]

I think the only thing that didn't make our special teams horrible last year was the play of Zibby and his overall desire to make things happen.

 

[scooper]

DJ was pretty good until the injury. His punting was good as well.

 

[Irish Envy]

DJ was pretty good until the injury. His punting was good as well.

He was, but the mark of a good team is having someone ready at all times. That said, we failed here and failed hard as it was obvious Charlie didn't have an ounce of faith the backups.

We need to be two deep, and that means two deep that can be called on a moment's notice at both kicker and punter. As for returns, outside of Zibby, it was just "meh." Nothing more, nothing less. On coverage, we also were "meh" in my opionion.

As you said, speed kills and will be welcomed.

 

[scooper]

That's one thing I will give Davie's teams credit for, and really it was a continuence of the Lou era. The return teams were dangerous. Frankly, some great returns kept Davie's teams in some big games that they had no right to be in.

 

[jiggafini19]

I hope that Prince and West can contribute to the return team, possibly even Darrin Walls.

Anyone know the last time ND returned a kickoff for a TD?

 

[irishnd31]

I hope that Prince and West can contribute to the return team, possibly even Darrin Walls.
Anyone know the last time ND returned a kickoff for a TD?

If I'm not mistaken it was Vontez Duff in 02? God, has it been that long?

 

[Irish Envy]

I hope that Prince and West can contribute to the return team, possibly even Darrin Walls.

Anyone know the last time ND returned a kickoff for a TD?

I think 02... but the last I can actually remember and replay in my head was the Rocket. We need that guy that can captivate people.

 

[jiggafini19]

Special teams, unfortunately, are a necessary evil. They can win or lose games in the blink of an eye. Fitzpatrick, who was steady and reliable (reliable for a kicker), will be tough to replace.

Burkhardt should be kicking off. Goia should attempt the XP and FG. Price should be the punter. My predictions as to who wins these jobs in spring. These walkons added into the mix at least provide options.

There is a kid from Grand Rapids, MI named Rockne Belmonte they should recruit for name alone. And he's a pretty good kicker from what I've gathered.

 

[scooper]

You CAN'T be named Rockne without Irish fans for parents.

 

[KMac151993]

I know Duff did in 2002 I believe, but who could forget Julius Jones electrifying return against Nebraska in 2000?

 

[irishnd31]

You CAN'T be named Rockne without Irish fans for parents.

Damn fine parenting if you ask me.
While we were watching the Super Bowl, my son asked me which one is Notre Dame.
GOOD BOY.