Couple of Things

[ScooterIrish]

I understand your points. I also thought ND would've been a lot more competitive against Alabama than they were, so I am trying to temper my optimism as much as possible for 2013. I'd much prefer to be pleasantly surprised by the team's success than be underwhelmed and thoroughly disappointed. Plus, keep in mind that everyone always looks great in practice. As you mentioned, TP's post wasn't a commentary on the opponents, so you don't know for sure how the matchups will stack up in a game situation either.

I agree - but I also think game prep/coaching/(lack) defensive adjustments played a big role in the Bama game.

I agree everyone looks great in practice but a majority of the guys TP mentioned have seen game time, compared to somebody like Jr Jabbie. We've seen a lot of potential in game film.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I understand your points. I also thought ND would've been a lot more competitive against Alabama than they were, so I am trying to temper my optimism as much as possible for 2013. I'd much prefer to be pleasantly surprised by the team's success than be underwhelmed and thoroughly disappointed. Plus, keep in mind that everyone always looks great in practice. As you mentioned, TP's post wasn't a commentary on the opponents, so you don't know for sure how the matchups will stack up in a game situation either.

I agree - but I also think game prep/coaching/(lack) defensive adjustments played a big role in the Bama game.

I agree everyone looks great in practice but a majority of the guys TP mentioned have seen game time, compared to somebody like Jr Jabbie. We've seen a lot of potential in game film.

Yes, it's been beat to death that Bama knew what ND was going to do, OL knew who to block, and how to get to the next level easily. This, imo, is a huge reason for the lop-sided game. Remove that aspect and the over-pursuit, jitters and poor tackling and you have a much closer game. I personally don't believe ND is that far removed from Bama's standards.

This team is going to be just fine. Like someone mentioned, this isn't the ND of the old. This is a team coming off a 12-0 season and has a lot of returning experience. Player development has always been something BK can hang his cap on. Why are people so skeptical? Sheesh.

 

[irishog77]

How did the fair catching on the punt return team look?

And even more-- has a quality 2, 3 deep been established for this position?

 

[TheTurningPoint]

1) Are you saying that TJ could/will be an NFL receiver or his skill set just matches the slot NFL receiver more than slot in college?

TJ matches the slot position in the NFL more so than in this offense. Granted, they do the samethings, but TJ really works the sideline well.

2) Biggest weakness on the team at this point?

Special Teams- I just dont feel the staff is confident in it at all. But there were a lot of starters (or potential starters) on spteams.

3) Which incoming freshman will have the best chance at making an immediate impact based on the above question?

Jaylon, Randolph, Butler, Luke, Redfield, Deeb,

4) Can you describe STs overall? Do you see an improvement over last season at this time or otherwise?

lol.

5) Biggest improvement from last season per position and per player?

Golson.

6) Can you describe the speed of practice? Are they going camp Kelly style where they are running a ton of plays as fast as possible or is it a little slower?

Its about game speed. ND is never going to run a Oregon or Cincy (when Kelly was there) offense. There is no need to put pressure like that on the defense, when you actually have a good defense.

7) How often is the read-option being used in practice at this point?

Readoption - not much from what I saw.

8) Is anyone going to be able to fill Manti's shoes from a leadership role on the defense?

Vocally and his intangibles no. Grace, Farley, Nix, and Jackson will all lead. It will be by a committee and to be honest i think the team will benefit from that more than just 1 individual

9) What is Ishaq missing that would make him elite?

Just getting comfortable. People can say all they want about him not playing up to expectations, but learning a position he had never played ,and one of the most complex in the D isnt easy.

10) How does our WR corps compare to last year's (including Eifert)?

I think they are more than capable of being an elite group. Lots of talent and athleticism. The most important thing is that ND has a QB that can make all the throws and get the ball down the field. God love Rees, but he just wasn't a chunk yardage kid. Golson and Floyd would have pretty fun to watch.

 

[woolybug25]

Wooly, Wooly, Wooly

Dude... i'm trying to take a "read only" break in efforts to be a better poster and not let the d@mn internet annoy me so much, so just let me do it. No reason to bring my name into it trying to egg me on. Go troll someone else. I'll be back in fall.


Great write up, TP.




Back to my hole...

 

[pumpdog20]

Lots of guys returning from a team that played in the NC. With the calvary we have coming in, and Kelly's rep for development, what's the problem with being optimistic?

 

[IrishLax]

I truly think injuries will make or break this season. A couple unfortunate injuries to the OL and the ship could sink quick. Same thing applies for key players like Nix, Tuitt.

Absolutely must stay healthy at a coupe positions where the drop off to the "next guy" is big.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I truly think injuries will make or break this season. A couple unfortunate injuries to the OL and the ship could sink quick. Same thing applies for key players like Nix, Tuitt.

Absolutely must stay healthy at a coupe positions where the drop off to the "next guy" is big.

Agreed. We can't rely on freshmen this year to take us to a BCS Bowl. Experience on both lines will be a huge advantage for us (not to mention 2 All-American candidates on the D-line), and losing that would be brutal. I like the depth in the secondary, for the linebackers, and for skill positions on offense, but the trenches must be perfectly healthy.

 

[PraetorianND]

1) Are you saying that TJ could/will be an NFL receiver or his skill set just matches the slot NFL receiver more than slot in college?

TJ matches the slot position in the NFL more so than in this offense. Granted, they do the samethings, but TJ really works the sideline well.

2) Biggest weakness on the team at this point?

Special Teams- I just dont feel the staff is confident in it at all. But there were a lot of starters (or potential starters) on spteams.

3) Which incoming freshman will have the best chance at making an immediate impact based on the above question?

Jaylon, Randolph, Butler, Luke, Redfield, Deeb,

4) Can you describe STs overall? Do you see an improvement over last season at this time or otherwise?

lol.

5) Biggest improvement from last season per position and per player?

Golson.

6) Can you describe the speed of practice? Are they going camp Kelly style where they are running a ton of plays as fast as possible or is it a little slower?

Its about game speed. ND is never going to run a Oregon or Cincy (when Kelly was there) offense. There is no need to put pressure like that on the defense, when you actually have a good defense.

7) How often is the read-option being used in practice at this point?

Readoption - not much from what I saw.

8) Is anyone going to be able to fill Manti's shoes from a leadership role on the defense?

Vocally and his intangibles no. Grace, Farley, Nix, and Jackson will all lead. It will be by a committee and to be honest i think the team will benefit from that more than just 1 individual

9) What is Ishaq missing that would make him elite?

Just getting comfortable. People can say all they want about him not playing up to expectations, but learning a position he had never played ,and one of the most complex in the D isnt easy.

10) How does our WR corps compare to last year's (including Eifert)?

I think they are more than capable of being an elite group. Lots of talent and athleticism. The most important thing is that ND has a QB that can make all the throws and get the ball down the field. God love Rees, but he just wasn't a chunk yardage kid. Golson and Floyd would have pretty fun to watch.

Thanks again TP.

Couple more questions if you don't mind -

1) Any indication of possible redshirts (i know this is speculative as injuries, transfers, etc can play a role).

2) Will Rees or Hendrix be #2? Or Zaire?

3) With regards to Golson, have you noticed him being able to find the open man better? Last season there were many cases where someone was completely open down field and he dumped it off because of pressure or because he just didn't see it.

4) With regards to the defensive scheme - how much attacking are we doing with LBs and safeties? Obviously having Farley or whoever in the backfield is great in particular instances (goal line) but are we going to be able to handle more of a traditional 3-4 and let the secondary do their jobs a little more?

5) STs are that bad? I don't get how it can be such a problem year after year.

6) What is the energy/confidence level of the team? As other posters have noted spring time is full of promise but sometimes you can sense in a team whether it is dialed in or not. Also can you comment on team chemistry?

7) Has BK been more hands on a la last season? I noticed in some of the Spring practice clips he is on the tower, has he been doing a lot of one on one instruction with players or leaving it up to his staff?

8) How much is Glolson throwing from the pocket vs designed roll outs? I thought one our strengths was having Golson roll to have better vision down field and simply the reads but it also eliminated some of the options on the field.

9) Injuries haven't been too much of an issue this Spring (knock on wood). Has anyone looked hampered or held back by injuries aside from the obvious?

10) Does Golson have a favorite target yet? Anyone getting more targets than the rest? One thing I liked about Golson is he doesn't ever seem to be looking for anyone receiver in particular like Rees did. Sometimes this was a bad thing though not recognizing his talented receivers can make plays in coverage (Eifert earlier in the season).

Thanks!

 

[TheTurningPoint]

1) Any indication of possible redshirts (i know this is speculative as injuries, transfers, etc can play a role).

No clue bc the freshman arent even on campus

2) Will Rees or Hendrix be #2? Or Zaire?

Depends on the situation. Short term Rees for situational. Long Term you got to imagine Hendrix bc he fits the offense.

3) With regards to Golson, have you noticed him being able to find the open man better? Last season there were many cases where someone was completely open down field and he dumped it off because of pressure or because he just didn't see it.

I think you will be surprised come saturday.

4) With regards to the defensive scheme - how much attacking are we doing with LBs and safeties? Obviously having Farley or whoever in the backfield is great in particular instances (goal line) but are we going to be able to handle more of a traditional 3-4 and let the secondary do their jobs a little more?

Cant tell from practice bc its not a game situation. They will have the ability to put pressure on, but thats not Diacos game.

5) STs are that bad? I don't get how it can be such a problem year after year.

Losing Davonte hurt. Not having Amir healthy hurts. And you sure as hell arent going live on a kickoff situation in spring ball haha.

6) What is the energy/confidence level of the team? As other posters have noted spring time is full of promise but sometimes you can sense in a team whether it is dialed in or not. Also can you comment on team chemistry?

This team has Brian Kellys confidence. He has that quite arrogant confidence about him. He knows he is going to get the best of you, and you know its coming. The team knows how good they are, and I think its just getting to a consistent level of bringing it week in and out.

7) Has BK been more hands on a la last season? I noticed in some of the Spring practice clips he is on the tower, has he been doing a lot of one on one instruction with players or leaving it up to his staff?

He was pretty quiet during practice, instructing and teaching on the side. Only got after Massa, Onwualu in a fierce nature lol. He was screaming at Onwualu, but then pulled him aside and had a moment with him to not embarrass him.

8) How much is Glolson throwing from the pocket vs designed roll outs? I thought one our strengths was having Golson roll to have better vision down field and simply the reads but it also eliminated some of the options on the field.

EG will have more freedom this year. Last year was just managing the games, but the Wake/Pitt/sc/Bama games when they gave him freedom....I think you saw a positive result. Its all comes back to trusting EG.

9) Injuries haven't been too much of an issue this Spring (knock on wood). Has anyone looked hampered or held back by injuries aside from the obvious?

Nope.

10) Does Golson have a favorite target yet? Anyone getting more targets than the rest? One thing I liked about Golson is he doesn't ever seem to be looking for anyone receiver in particular like Rees did. Sometimes this was a bad thing though not recognizing his talented receivers can make plays in coverage (Eifert earlier in the season).

Cant really say. Practice is totally different than games. Everythign is drills and scripting.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I like this Q&A stuff. Thanks guys.

 

[PraetorianND]

Ya thanks a ton TP. I have a million more questions but I'll leave it at that for now and wait for Sat.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The thing I wanted to follow up on is that someone I know and trust says that the whole offensive line play is way ahead of last year. For example, Martin is killing it, as you stated, but Hegarty is also, way ahead of last years level, and Harrell is well ahead of our number three option last year. Also, Stanley only got practiced for about a week, and even with rust he looks scary good. So, we may have seven better than our best couple last year; sound right or a little far fetched?

By the way, I have it from a good source that Eddie Vanderdoes will committ, what do you think? Do you see him as an early contributor this year, especially with Houndshell out, or did you just get tired because the list is so long?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Mormon mission of mass.

"Do you even evangelize, bro?"

4) Can you describe STs overall? Do you see an improvement over last season at this time or otherwise?

lol.

Cue Yakety Sax.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

Thanks for the update but i do not like what i read at all. Everybody is x1000 times better, faster, stronger.. I'm sure you're right but i think we need to be more realistic.

From what i saw a few months ago:

Golson: Still looks bad with his reads and progressions. Of course now he has more experience and he will be more polished, but he has a lot to prove.

GAII: I think everybody here saw a good athlete, but a bad running back who had no carries at the end of the season. Now from what i read, he is a tremendous RB.

Davaris Daniels: Another inconsistent player who is now an future AA. Yes, he has nice potencial but he has to prove a lot.

Troy Niklas: "Niklas is in line to be the next big name TE coming out of TightEndU" I doubt it, we are talking about Carlson, Fasano, Rudolph.. elite tight ends.

Nick Martin: He is already playing at a level better than Cave. C'mon, he does not played a snap in his career as a starter.

Jarrett Grace: He never saw the field in two years and now he fits the D better than Manti and he is going better in pass co.

Like every season, there will be players who step up in his game and others will be a disappointment. I love the potential of this group of players but i think this is exaggerated.

I don't know why fans have such a hard time believing that players can actually get better from 1 season to the next. Even within just a 3 month timeframe. This isn't a Weisdaviesham team. Kelly knows how to develop talent and every player, minus a rare few, has gotten better from 1 season t to the next under Kelly. Theo was not a good RB prior to 2012 and even struggled in the 1st few games. How did he look by seasons end? This team just played for a NC game and people find it hard to believe that highly ranked recruits haven't upped their game tremendously in the last 3-6 months? Golson looked good last year and I'm excited to see what an experienced Golson can look like. TP may be completely off his rocker but I have a feeling he is a lot closer to the truth than the naysayers.

Oh and I would like to add that Davaris Daniels had the best game of his career against the best defense in the country. That is the last game we all saw him play and yet you are questioning if he can be a big time target for Golson? How many freshmen not named Marquis Lee make a big splash their 1st season? Not many. Daniels was a red shirt freshman but that's not a whole lot different from a true frosh.

 

[PraetorianND]

I don't know why fans have such a hard time believing that players can actually get better from 1 season to the next. Even within just a 3 month timeframe. This isn't a Weisdaviesham team. Kelly knows how to develop talent and every player, minus a rare few, has gotten better from 1 season t to the next under Kelly. Theo was not a good RB prior to 2012 and even struggled in the 1st few games. How did he look by seasons end? This team just played for a NC game and people find it hard to believe that highly ranked recruits haven't upped their game tremendously in the last 3-6 months? Golson looked good last year and I'm excited to see what an experienced Golson can look like. TP may be completely off his rocker but I have a feeling he is a lot closer to the truth than the naysayers.

Oh and I would like to add that Davaris Daniels had the best game of his career against the best defense in the country. That is the last game we all saw him play and yet you are questioning if he can be a big time target for Golson? How many freshmen not named Marquis Lee make a big splash their 1st season? Not many. Daniels was a red shirt freshman but that's not a whole lot different from a true frosh.

Great point. Not to mention, for receivers, so much of your success is based on your QB. As Golson gets better the receivers will too. It's great to have such young and now experienced talent on the field.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Look at Clausens first year....he struggled just getting the snap, let alone making plays his freshman year. His sophmore year he took off...and his junior year was Heisman worthy. Its all a process. Not everyone is a johnny manziel and just bc you dont have a johnny manziel doesnt mean you arent going to put those numbers up.

If you look at Golsons "highlight" tapes in high school...you can see the progressions through his time there. You will see the samething at ND. Its just like a regular job. You aren't going to know everything the first 8months, but over a 4 year time period more often than not you are going to excel at the job.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

TP great stuff.

So what's up with Badger? How is he doing? Still trying to get his football legs?

Did you say Jalen Brown is a step slow? I thought he ran one of the fastest 40's during camp. Do you see Jalen playing in nickle and dime packages?

My biggest concern on offense...can any of the rbs pass block. i would think that can would be the best at this.

Finally, the question we have all been waiting for...Will Heggie see meaningful action this season?

 

[PraetorianND]

I have another few questions TP:

1) How does Joey Brooks look? Is it possible he sees the field at all this season?

2) Have you seen many two back sets?

3) Have you seen any of the TEs split out wide in goal line situations or otherwise?

Thanks!

 

[TheTurningPoint]

TP great stuff.

So what's up with Badger? How is he doing? Still trying to get his football legs?

Did you say Jalen Brown is a step slow? I thought he ran one of the fastest 40's during camp. Do you see Jalen playing in nickle and dime packages?

My biggest concern on offense...can any of the rbs pass block. i would think that can would be the best at this.

Finally, the question we have all been waiting for...Will Heggie see meaningful action this season?

I mean football speed is different than running a 40 yard dash. If you are thinking you arent going to be as fast. I can see Jalen getting in some nickel and dime, but he's gonna have to earn every rep.

Pass blocking is just so hard to tell from practices. Offense knows what the defense is going to do, defense knows what the offense is going to do. 1-on-1's arent really a indicator if a RB is going to pick up a blitz in a game. I think you can see the oline/dline getting better in those types of drills and stuff ,but pass pro for a RB I think is a heat of the moment type thing. Heggie's in the two deep!

 

[TheTurningPoint]

1) How does Joey Brooks look? Is it possible he sees the field at all this season?

I cant see him getting too many reps. He's just raw and hasn't played ball for at least 4 years. Tough battle for him.

2) Have you seen many two back sets?

I think their will be plenty of 2 back sets. Amir is the wildcard

3) Have you seen any of the TEs split out wide in goal line situations or otherwise?

Not sure. Spring isn't a time for a lot of situational work persay.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I mean football speed is different than running a 40 yard dash. If you are thinking you arent going to be as fast. I can see Jalen getting in some nickel and dime, but he's gonna have to earn every rep.

Pass blocking is just so hard to tell from practices. Offense knows what the defense is going to do, defense knows what the offense is going to do. 1-on-1's arent really a indicator if a RB is going to pick up a blitz in a game. I think you can see the oline/dline getting better in those types of drills and stuff ,but pass pro for a RB I think is a heat of the moment type thing. Heggie's in the two deep!

Thanks.

What about Badger though?

 

[Old Man Mike]

On the Oline vs injuries thing:

a]. no team can sustain a LOT of injuries [which prevent actual play] on the OLine, so there is no protecting against that;
b]. a better way of looking at this is: do we have a decent number of playable subs? I believe that we do... just;
c]. If ZMart and Lombard start at Tackle, and Stanley is indeed healthy, then we will have two pretty good back-up tackles ready --- as I believe from all that I've heard that Elmer is ready;
d]. If NMart is the center, then we will have a pretty good back-up center in Hegarty, as all commentary by Kelly says so. My guess is that the only reason that Matt can't get first team snaps is Nick's eyepopping performance to date;
e]. If Watt and Hanratty are the starting guards, there are interesting options if an injury occurs. Lombard could move down, or NMart could move over; theoretically both could happen, and this assumes that Harrell is not yet ready.
f]. Coach said that when Stanley got out there the other day, "it allowed them to shuffle things around". Very interesting comment. That might be a Lombard to RG "experiment" already taking place. Christian has been "relieving" Connor anyway on second team reps and is studying both positions.
g]. lastly, it is my dataless belief that Bivin will come to camp almost ready, and be in fact ready by mid-season. He murdered every camp, showed shot-putter's explosiveness, basketball athleticism, man's body, and leadership/confidence.

Our Oline situation isn't perfect, but as an alleged team point-of-concern, it is VERY high potential.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Thanks.

What about Badger though?

wrong place, wrong time? may just be bad luck on his part. i could see him on sp teams down the road, but the mission really hurt him. ND is getting diff athletes than say Utah/BYU when their kids comeback from missions.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

wrong place, wrong time? may just be bad luck on his part. i could see him on sp teams down the road, but the mission really hurt him. ND is getting diff athletes than say Utah/BYU when their kids comeback from missions.

That's a downer. But, he is a hard worker and I'm sure he will put himself in a position where he will play on SP teams sometime.

 

[greyhammer90]

wrong place, wrong time? may just be bad luck on his part. i could see him on sp teams down the road, but the mission really hurt him. ND is getting diff athletes than say Utah/BYU when their kids comeback from missions.

Honestly I have no problem with this. It's good to know that we are truly a different football team compared to the Weis years.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Honestly I have no problem with this. It's good to know that we are truly a different football team compared to the Weis years.

I have a lot of respect for him, but with the program growing by leaps and bounds I kind of included him more with a Roeback, or a Boyd. Is there a chance that he will transfer? Or is he like Hendrix an education first kid?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I have a lot of respect for him, but with the program growing by leaps and bounds I kind of included him more with a Roeback, or a Boyd. Is there a chance that he will transfer? Or is he like Hendrix an education first kid?

Like a Roebeck? Are you kidding me bro? FSU wanted Badger really really bad. Mickey Andrews was drooling over him.

There is no way imo he transfers. He loves Notre Dame and everything about it.

Also, I wouldn't count out Badger contributing at Safety or LB in 2014 or 2015. Remember he will be a red shirt freshman in 2013.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Like a Roebeck? Are you kidding me bro? FSU wanted Badger really really bad. Mickey Andrews was drooling over him.

There is no way imo he transfers. He loves Notre Dame and everything about it.

Also, I wouldn't count out Badger contributing at Safety or LB in 2014 or 2015. Remember he will be a red shirt freshman in 2013.

He's listed as 5'11.5" 197lbs. Not seeing him at LB ever.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Like a Roebeck? Are you kidding me bro? FSU wanted Badger really really bad. Mickey Andrews was drooling over him.

There is no way imo he transfers. He loves Notre Dame and everything about it.

Also, I wouldn't count out Badger contributing at Safety or LB in 2014 or 2015. Remember he will be a red shirt freshman in 2013.

Badger even had quite a few SEC offers, LSU was recruiting him pretty hard. Also Cal, Stanford, and Oregon.

LB? Highly doubt that, but I wouldnt doubt John Turner getting reps there sometime down the line.