TheTurningPoint
New member
- Messages
- 2,883
- Reaction score
- 662
QB - Everett Golson is going to have a coming out party all season long, Lord willing. He is getting the fellas in the right sets and making adjustments pre-snap. He is oozing confidence, and just the way he carries himself, one can tell that is a confident young man. Golson is embracing the leadership role for not just the offense, but the entire team. That is truly what ND has been missing since Clausen left, a QB that will get the team to follow him. Coach Martin was going to install a series of hand signals pre snap, but decided to wait until Fall Camp....Golson took it upon himself to get with his guys, and installed it himself. Blew away the staff when they rolled it out. Rees is still looking like Rees. Kid has peaked, but is wise. Knows the offense, and where to go with the all. He just cant make all the throws and obviously is limited athletically, but is still a good option for a series or limited plays if Golson gets banged up, or loses his helmet lol. Hendrix, actually looks very well. I truly think the light has come on for the young man, but may be a year or two too late. I would feel confident with him running things, if Golson did get hurt for a extended period of time. Zaire def looks like a college qb, a little bigger than expected. Still somewhat of a slow release, and doesnt have his release points down yet, but thats expected for a EE freshman. He seems to know what they have given him playbook wise fairly well. From looking at Zaire and Gunner, Zaire is a little ahead of where Gunner was at this point last year. He looks comfortable out there, and plays with confidence. Just needs to understand he cant learn it all in 3 months, and get himself ahead of other QBs in his class.
RB - GA3 looks and plays like the GA3 that showed up in the spring game last year. He looks like a college RB and the weight is def helping his game. He has enough power to accelerate out of his cuts and is running inside the tackles with a lot of confidence. Still is a little light on his feet, but theres few perfect backs. If he keeps adding good weight, I think he will put himself on the map this year. Few kids at this level have that speed, and size. He still needs a little work on his ball skills in the pass game. He is more than able to catch in the flats, but he struggled when he was trying to get in the seam. Cam McDaniel is a more than serviceable back, and I think ND can win their fair of games if he was the starter. He's a back that does everything good, and nothing great. I was very impressed with him running up inside the tackles. A couple plays it looked like a 2-3 yard gain, then all of sudden the pile was 8-10 yards down the field. He plays the ball in the air better than GA3, but does struggle to get depth on routes. He's a kid that will excel in the screen game, get him in space with some blocker, and he will use his vision and agility to get the ball up the field. Will Mahone looks like he does have a little way to go. He seems light on his feet and doesnt run with as much confidence as the other two yet. Mahone def looks the part of a college rb, just needs to keep getting his lower body stronger. He moves really well, but just needs to run harder and keep his legs moving.
WR - Davaris looks like a future All American. He is going hard each rep and does many things with ease. He has improved getting himself in position to make plays on 50-50 balls and with his athleticism, I see him winning most of those come fall. He has really improved his all around game and isnt thinking too much out there. Fine tuning his route running, getting stronger, and run game are going to be keys for him. TJ, is just Mr. Reliable. I didnt see anything too glaring from him where he really improved. He is just a jack of all trades, and I think he can be one of Golsons "go to" guys. In my opinion he needs to stay outside where he can work the sideline and use his deceptive speed. The NFL game suits him as a slot more than Kellys offense and I think ND prefers him outside. Chris Brown looks the part of a college WR, and that kid just looks fast in everything. You can really tell he has worked hard at coming in and out of his breaks to use that speed to his advantage. His ball skills have been at a high level coming out of high school, and a couple times he got deep, he made the catch look effortless. If he can get to 200 by fall, I think that would be huge for him. He was in limited reps and i supect he wont get a ton in the spring game, but he looks night and day compared to last fall. Onwualu looks like a JR in college and I would be absolutely shocked if he didnt get major reps come fall. He was working inside and outside, struggled a little getting off press, but he is getting used to the college game. Once he starts using his body and strength to get off the line, he will be well on his way. I think he is similiar to Golden Tate, where he has such a strong lower body and plays like a rb. I dont think he has top end speed like Golden, but he is going to break his fair share of tackles. Robinson, literally catches everything. When people say a Wr has soft hands, Corey Robinson has soft hands. He really knows how to play the fade/jump ball with his size, and I was impressed with his speed for his size. As of April 2013, he is a kid that is going to play outside the numbers, and redzone situations. I cant see him running a route inside numbers bc he does lack the speed/strength to get the into the seam right now. This kid has the potential to be really special and set some records by the time he leaves. As of right now, I really do see him getting a chance to play early but like I said in situational work. CJ Prosise may have been the surprise of practice for me. He has some serious wheels and is a big *** kid. He gets off the line very well for someone that has played slot for the time he has, and works inside the numbers well. He needs to work on improving his catching bc on 2 plays I saw, he had smoked the db, but let them fall right through his hands. On one play, Golson was rolling right and running out of real estate, Prosise found the soft spot and out ran Russell about 60yards to the house. Russell was keeping up with Stills, Lee, Woods last year, so you know the speed he has. Fine tuning all the little things and getting good work in during 7-on-7s are going to be huge for him. Daniel Smith still looks to be a better blocker than route runner. Id love for the light to come on bc he has the abilities to be a threat, but right now he is just a hell of a run blocker.
TE - Niklas is in line to be the next big name TE coming out of TightEndU. He really gets in and out of his breaks well, and uses his body well to get depth. Hands are better than I thought, and I mean thats just a large human playing TE. Blocking looked improved and if he gets that down, the sky is the limit. A little different TE than Eifert, where he is more of a bruiser and not quite as athletic, but I think he can be just as productive. Koyack looked night and day compared to last fall. He was playing with confidence, and playing physical. He may not be the thread Welch, Niklas are in the pass game, but he is more than capable of making plays. He just needs to continue to work on the run game and becoming more physical. Welch has a hell of a set of hands on him. I didnt see him in the run game too much so I cant really tell you one way or anther on that. He does seem to be a little hesistant and not trusting his knee 100% yet, but he is def able to play. Heuerman. Kid has a motor lol. He needs work in the weight room and the run game. But he is at a position where he is getting compared to Eifert/Niklas as a early enrollee. A year with Longo will make him into a different kid physically this time next year. He catches well, and routes looked good. He plays physical and with a chip on his shoulder and I think he will have no problem at ND over his career.
Oline - As whole, I will bet the house this line is better than last year. They are physical and just look damn intimidating. Nick Martin is going to make a name for himself, and if Prosise wasnt the surprise of the offense, it'd be Nick. He was holding his own vs Nix and def isnt backing down from a dogfight. He did pancake Nix in the 11-on-11 session, then the next play Nix absolutely destroyed him, but Martin just stood up to him and went about his business the next play. From a good source, Martin is already playing at a level better than Cave. Experience and mentally, I am sure he isn't there yet, but his athleticism is going to be able to take the Oline to higher levels. Zach Martin and Chris Watt were Zach Martin and Chris Watt. Physical, reliable, leading, I mean theres not really much that needs to be said there. Hanratty is going to be the weak link of the Oline, but if you look at the Oline its really a compliment to how good the Oline is. I think that RG will be more productive than last year and he plays hard and physical. Fine tuning himself for the fall is the biggest emphasis for him. Being able to deal with fatigue and the course of the season is key for him as well, as he hasnt gotten live reps yet. Lombard looks great physically and has gotten stronger. He seems a step quicker too, whether that is work with Longo, or just experience and confidence. Like Kelly said in his presser, if the right side can play each week, this team will soar to new heights in the run game. Ronnie Stanley is a massive human. He looked pretty damn good in the reps he got.
DBOYZ
Dline - Im not sure what I can say here other than I'd love to see a better starting Dline. Nix has really filled out his upper body and looks like a new IrishChocolate. He looks like a Vince Wolfork clone out there. Tuitt looked good and I mean its Tuitt lol. Day has def put time in with Longo and he has filled out. Springmann was working inside and outside and if he keeps getting stronger then he can really fill in inside when he is there. Jarron Jones looks the part for damn sure. He struggled when it wasnt a goalline situation, but in goalline he filled the gap and held his ground. I think he will get spot PT this year in short yardage but just will continue to mature physically and get stronger to play his position. Utupo looked actually pretty good setting the edge. He lacks a little size (well i guess depends on what team you are on) but was holding his own. Stockon is def undersized, but his motor has come on so the effort is there. I dont think theres a lot of depth there right now, but I will be curious to see the development of the kids that come in once summer rolls around. Losing Hounshell hurts bc thats a big athletic kid that fills space well.
LB- Grace has command of his defense. I hesistate to say this, but he may fit the defense better than Manti. Manti is obviously one of the better LBs to play at ND and Grace hasnt taken a snap. But this kid sideline to sideline is unreal. He is going to be better in pass co and he plays the run well. He is going to play in space better than Manti just bc he is more athletic and just has good senses in the pass game. I dont think he will ever have 7INTs in a season but I dont think he will get smoked on wheel routes. Literally the sky is the limit for him and he just needs to keep progressing. Carlo is Carlo. Fox didnt take live reps. Shembo is an absolute hoss. Pass rush is still his best trait but he obviously can set the edge. I really can't believe he played DOG lol. Shembo has a bright future. Ishaq looks comfortable out there and looks like he has put some good work in weight room too. His drops were good and he is playing aggressive. He absolutely destroyed Mahone on a pass to the flats. Just his reaction to the play was the great thing about the play. Pass was thrown and as soon as Mahone caught it, Ishaq decleated him 2 yards in the backfield. Spond had limited reps but again you know what you are getting with him. Someone that holds the edge, smart player. Councell was the surprise on D. The light has come on and you cant teach his size. He was setting the edge, and attacking. Between Spond and Councell we have pair that can really play DOG at a high level, and thats not including a certain LB from Fort Wayne. Moore looks better than last year, but still just has mental lapses. I think he may get some PT this year, but I think that might also depend on how ready Deeb is. Joe Schmidt looked ok, but ND just has some elite athletes at LB.
DBs- Bennett didnt have pads on, but was def being a leader. Lo looked good before he was shut down. He has really changed his body and looks more than capable of playing. His height is still going to cause concerns bc he isnt Bennett Jackson athletically. Russell has packed on some lbs and hasnt lost a step. He has def improved his back pedal and just needs to continue getting out of his breaks. Its just awesome to think of how well he played, yet how much he has to learn and grow. Jalen Brown is by far the biggest cb on the roster. He did some good things in pass coverage and has really improved there over the course of his time. I think he can get some PT this year but I dont see him starting without injuries infront of him. Def plays physical but just lacks a little foot speed. Josh Atkinson struggled a lot. The speed is there, but I think he size hurts him. He plays with a motor and gives 110% but he just struggles with the bigger WRs. Farley is the vocal leader of the secondary...reminded me of Motta moving him into the right positions last year, but he was moving Shumate and LBs around. He has come a long way in 8months. Still a smaller safety but is a smart player. Shumate was impressive. All over the field. Plays the ball really well, and is killer in the run game. I think his OLB from high school come into play in the run game. Ill be curious to see how he does in play action situations, but if he can be disciplined he has a very high ceiling. Eilar Hardy looks like the kid that was on his high school film. He just moves smooth and literally looks like he is gliding out there at times. Getting him reps in live situations will go a long way for him and getting his feet back under himself in live reps. Collinsworth looks a little like where Eilar was last year, just trying to get his football legs back. It will be interesting to see if he can get back to the point he was at before his injury bc that does add some great depth back there between him, hardy, farley, shumate. John Turner looks like a OLB but just looks somewhat lost in the coverages. Athletic kid for sure, and I can def see him getting some SpTeams reps this year. It will be fun to watch Redfield and behind closed doors they do have a timeline for him whether they admit it or not. Shumate/Redfield back there would be a scary combo. Thats size and athleticism ND hasnt seen for quite sometime. I think this year you may see ND get aggressive in the secondary. They have the athletes and exp to do so and thats the next step in taking the defense to the next level.
SpTeams - Daly is going to be a staple at LS for the next 4 years and is reliable as hell. Brindza looked good on FGs. I did not get a chance to see Punt. Carlisle, Prosise, and TJ were fielding punts.
Notes...Amir is on a athletic/speed/agility level by himself on the team. The kid is elusive as Theo, but with top end speed. If he can stay healthy, that is a bigtime playmaker waiting to explode. Between Chris Brown and Davaris there are going to be a lot of shots downfield Golson can take. I think that ND is on the verge of becoming deadly weapon on offense. Kids coming in June add a new level of athlete and game breaking ability.
Holla.
RB - GA3 looks and plays like the GA3 that showed up in the spring game last year. He looks like a college RB and the weight is def helping his game. He has enough power to accelerate out of his cuts and is running inside the tackles with a lot of confidence. Still is a little light on his feet, but theres few perfect backs. If he keeps adding good weight, I think he will put himself on the map this year. Few kids at this level have that speed, and size. He still needs a little work on his ball skills in the pass game. He is more than able to catch in the flats, but he struggled when he was trying to get in the seam. Cam McDaniel is a more than serviceable back, and I think ND can win their fair of games if he was the starter. He's a back that does everything good, and nothing great. I was very impressed with him running up inside the tackles. A couple plays it looked like a 2-3 yard gain, then all of sudden the pile was 8-10 yards down the field. He plays the ball in the air better than GA3, but does struggle to get depth on routes. He's a kid that will excel in the screen game, get him in space with some blocker, and he will use his vision and agility to get the ball up the field. Will Mahone looks like he does have a little way to go. He seems light on his feet and doesnt run with as much confidence as the other two yet. Mahone def looks the part of a college rb, just needs to keep getting his lower body stronger. He moves really well, but just needs to run harder and keep his legs moving.
WR - Davaris looks like a future All American. He is going hard each rep and does many things with ease. He has improved getting himself in position to make plays on 50-50 balls and with his athleticism, I see him winning most of those come fall. He has really improved his all around game and isnt thinking too much out there. Fine tuning his route running, getting stronger, and run game are going to be keys for him. TJ, is just Mr. Reliable. I didnt see anything too glaring from him where he really improved. He is just a jack of all trades, and I think he can be one of Golsons "go to" guys. In my opinion he needs to stay outside where he can work the sideline and use his deceptive speed. The NFL game suits him as a slot more than Kellys offense and I think ND prefers him outside. Chris Brown looks the part of a college WR, and that kid just looks fast in everything. You can really tell he has worked hard at coming in and out of his breaks to use that speed to his advantage. His ball skills have been at a high level coming out of high school, and a couple times he got deep, he made the catch look effortless. If he can get to 200 by fall, I think that would be huge for him. He was in limited reps and i supect he wont get a ton in the spring game, but he looks night and day compared to last fall. Onwualu looks like a JR in college and I would be absolutely shocked if he didnt get major reps come fall. He was working inside and outside, struggled a little getting off press, but he is getting used to the college game. Once he starts using his body and strength to get off the line, he will be well on his way. I think he is similiar to Golden Tate, where he has such a strong lower body and plays like a rb. I dont think he has top end speed like Golden, but he is going to break his fair share of tackles. Robinson, literally catches everything. When people say a Wr has soft hands, Corey Robinson has soft hands. He really knows how to play the fade/jump ball with his size, and I was impressed with his speed for his size. As of April 2013, he is a kid that is going to play outside the numbers, and redzone situations. I cant see him running a route inside numbers bc he does lack the speed/strength to get the into the seam right now. This kid has the potential to be really special and set some records by the time he leaves. As of right now, I really do see him getting a chance to play early but like I said in situational work. CJ Prosise may have been the surprise of practice for me. He has some serious wheels and is a big *** kid. He gets off the line very well for someone that has played slot for the time he has, and works inside the numbers well. He needs to work on improving his catching bc on 2 plays I saw, he had smoked the db, but let them fall right through his hands. On one play, Golson was rolling right and running out of real estate, Prosise found the soft spot and out ran Russell about 60yards to the house. Russell was keeping up with Stills, Lee, Woods last year, so you know the speed he has. Fine tuning all the little things and getting good work in during 7-on-7s are going to be huge for him. Daniel Smith still looks to be a better blocker than route runner. Id love for the light to come on bc he has the abilities to be a threat, but right now he is just a hell of a run blocker.
TE - Niklas is in line to be the next big name TE coming out of TightEndU. He really gets in and out of his breaks well, and uses his body well to get depth. Hands are better than I thought, and I mean thats just a large human playing TE. Blocking looked improved and if he gets that down, the sky is the limit. A little different TE than Eifert, where he is more of a bruiser and not quite as athletic, but I think he can be just as productive. Koyack looked night and day compared to last fall. He was playing with confidence, and playing physical. He may not be the thread Welch, Niklas are in the pass game, but he is more than capable of making plays. He just needs to continue to work on the run game and becoming more physical. Welch has a hell of a set of hands on him. I didnt see him in the run game too much so I cant really tell you one way or anther on that. He does seem to be a little hesistant and not trusting his knee 100% yet, but he is def able to play. Heuerman. Kid has a motor lol. He needs work in the weight room and the run game. But he is at a position where he is getting compared to Eifert/Niklas as a early enrollee. A year with Longo will make him into a different kid physically this time next year. He catches well, and routes looked good. He plays physical and with a chip on his shoulder and I think he will have no problem at ND over his career.
Oline - As whole, I will bet the house this line is better than last year. They are physical and just look damn intimidating. Nick Martin is going to make a name for himself, and if Prosise wasnt the surprise of the offense, it'd be Nick. He was holding his own vs Nix and def isnt backing down from a dogfight. He did pancake Nix in the 11-on-11 session, then the next play Nix absolutely destroyed him, but Martin just stood up to him and went about his business the next play. From a good source, Martin is already playing at a level better than Cave. Experience and mentally, I am sure he isn't there yet, but his athleticism is going to be able to take the Oline to higher levels. Zach Martin and Chris Watt were Zach Martin and Chris Watt. Physical, reliable, leading, I mean theres not really much that needs to be said there. Hanratty is going to be the weak link of the Oline, but if you look at the Oline its really a compliment to how good the Oline is. I think that RG will be more productive than last year and he plays hard and physical. Fine tuning himself for the fall is the biggest emphasis for him. Being able to deal with fatigue and the course of the season is key for him as well, as he hasnt gotten live reps yet. Lombard looks great physically and has gotten stronger. He seems a step quicker too, whether that is work with Longo, or just experience and confidence. Like Kelly said in his presser, if the right side can play each week, this team will soar to new heights in the run game. Ronnie Stanley is a massive human. He looked pretty damn good in the reps he got.
DBOYZ
Dline - Im not sure what I can say here other than I'd love to see a better starting Dline. Nix has really filled out his upper body and looks like a new IrishChocolate. He looks like a Vince Wolfork clone out there. Tuitt looked good and I mean its Tuitt lol. Day has def put time in with Longo and he has filled out. Springmann was working inside and outside and if he keeps getting stronger then he can really fill in inside when he is there. Jarron Jones looks the part for damn sure. He struggled when it wasnt a goalline situation, but in goalline he filled the gap and held his ground. I think he will get spot PT this year in short yardage but just will continue to mature physically and get stronger to play his position. Utupo looked actually pretty good setting the edge. He lacks a little size (well i guess depends on what team you are on) but was holding his own. Stockon is def undersized, but his motor has come on so the effort is there. I dont think theres a lot of depth there right now, but I will be curious to see the development of the kids that come in once summer rolls around. Losing Hounshell hurts bc thats a big athletic kid that fills space well.
LB- Grace has command of his defense. I hesistate to say this, but he may fit the defense better than Manti. Manti is obviously one of the better LBs to play at ND and Grace hasnt taken a snap. But this kid sideline to sideline is unreal. He is going to be better in pass co and he plays the run well. He is going to play in space better than Manti just bc he is more athletic and just has good senses in the pass game. I dont think he will ever have 7INTs in a season but I dont think he will get smoked on wheel routes. Literally the sky is the limit for him and he just needs to keep progressing. Carlo is Carlo. Fox didnt take live reps. Shembo is an absolute hoss. Pass rush is still his best trait but he obviously can set the edge. I really can't believe he played DOG lol. Shembo has a bright future. Ishaq looks comfortable out there and looks like he has put some good work in weight room too. His drops were good and he is playing aggressive. He absolutely destroyed Mahone on a pass to the flats. Just his reaction to the play was the great thing about the play. Pass was thrown and as soon as Mahone caught it, Ishaq decleated him 2 yards in the backfield. Spond had limited reps but again you know what you are getting with him. Someone that holds the edge, smart player. Councell was the surprise on D. The light has come on and you cant teach his size. He was setting the edge, and attacking. Between Spond and Councell we have pair that can really play DOG at a high level, and thats not including a certain LB from Fort Wayne. Moore looks better than last year, but still just has mental lapses. I think he may get some PT this year, but I think that might also depend on how ready Deeb is. Joe Schmidt looked ok, but ND just has some elite athletes at LB.
DBs- Bennett didnt have pads on, but was def being a leader. Lo looked good before he was shut down. He has really changed his body and looks more than capable of playing. His height is still going to cause concerns bc he isnt Bennett Jackson athletically. Russell has packed on some lbs and hasnt lost a step. He has def improved his back pedal and just needs to continue getting out of his breaks. Its just awesome to think of how well he played, yet how much he has to learn and grow. Jalen Brown is by far the biggest cb on the roster. He did some good things in pass coverage and has really improved there over the course of his time. I think he can get some PT this year but I dont see him starting without injuries infront of him. Def plays physical but just lacks a little foot speed. Josh Atkinson struggled a lot. The speed is there, but I think he size hurts him. He plays with a motor and gives 110% but he just struggles with the bigger WRs. Farley is the vocal leader of the secondary...reminded me of Motta moving him into the right positions last year, but he was moving Shumate and LBs around. He has come a long way in 8months. Still a smaller safety but is a smart player. Shumate was impressive. All over the field. Plays the ball really well, and is killer in the run game. I think his OLB from high school come into play in the run game. Ill be curious to see how he does in play action situations, but if he can be disciplined he has a very high ceiling. Eilar Hardy looks like the kid that was on his high school film. He just moves smooth and literally looks like he is gliding out there at times. Getting him reps in live situations will go a long way for him and getting his feet back under himself in live reps. Collinsworth looks a little like where Eilar was last year, just trying to get his football legs back. It will be interesting to see if he can get back to the point he was at before his injury bc that does add some great depth back there between him, hardy, farley, shumate. John Turner looks like a OLB but just looks somewhat lost in the coverages. Athletic kid for sure, and I can def see him getting some SpTeams reps this year. It will be fun to watch Redfield and behind closed doors they do have a timeline for him whether they admit it or not. Shumate/Redfield back there would be a scary combo. Thats size and athleticism ND hasnt seen for quite sometime. I think this year you may see ND get aggressive in the secondary. They have the athletes and exp to do so and thats the next step in taking the defense to the next level.
SpTeams - Daly is going to be a staple at LS for the next 4 years and is reliable as hell. Brindza looked good on FGs. I did not get a chance to see Punt. Carlisle, Prosise, and TJ were fielding punts.
Notes...Amir is on a athletic/speed/agility level by himself on the team. The kid is elusive as Theo, but with top end speed. If he can stay healthy, that is a bigtime playmaker waiting to explode. Between Chris Brown and Davaris there are going to be a lot of shots downfield Golson can take. I think that ND is on the verge of becoming deadly weapon on offense. Kids coming in June add a new level of athlete and game breaking ability.
Holla.
