'14 TX DE Solomon Thomas (Stanford Verbal)

[GreenSox04]

Is it just me or are TX commits trending up on the boards ever since the rumors of a deal with Texas is in the works..coincidence?

 

[Luckylucci]

Personal opinion is that doesn't have much to do with it. It could when it actually happens or when our series begins and they are actually watching the games. I think that the staff has worked on getting roots down in Texas and are working extremely hard to build that. This is a couple years in the making. Also, keep in mind a lot of these prospects play defense and when I watch our defense play I get excited I imagine they do to.

 

[STLDomer]

Notre Dame made his Top 9 that he released after visits to ND, OSU, and Bama. He's done with out of state visits till the fall when he takes officials per Rivals

 

[BeauBenken]

Notre Dame made his Top 9 that he released after visits to ND, OSU, and Bama. He's done with out of state visits till the fall when he takes officials per Rivals

Do we have his whole top 9?

 

[NDWorld247]

Do we have his whole top 9?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Solomon's list from 13 down to 9. No particular order
Top 9
Texas
Baylor
Oklahoma
Ohio State
UCLA
Stanford
Notre Dame
Alabama
Arkansas</p>— Joe McBride (@coachjmcbride) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachjmcbride/statuses/346007766466457600">June 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

 

[Emcee77]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

That's actually really smart. It's not like he'll be a spectator on football weekends anyway, once he gets to school.

 

[aubeirish]

At the top of everybody's list I presume.

 

[BeauBenken]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

Are we different because we have both discipline and community?

 

[greyhammer90]

At the top of everybody's list I presume.

2nd. Lorenzo, you have the power to make my year.

 

[PANDFAN]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

wow!!!!! not only is this probably the smartest move but really shows he isn't coming for huge games for free tickets and to be wined and dined

 

[NDFAN22]

If the other stuff means academics, how can those even compare to ND?

 

[PANDFAN]

If the other stuff means academics, how can those even compare to ND?

how he feels he fits in w/ student body, likes the campus feel etc..

 

[Luckylucci]

TJ at II has been saying for awhile now that the staff believes Thomas is a perfect fit at ND. With team, student body, and coaching staff.

 

[irishff1014]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

I would think that this helps ND some.

 

[rtrn2glory]

Wow the fact he will not official for games really is a positive for us IMO. Not that we can't compete with those other two in relation to atmosphere but I don't think the other two can compete with nd when it comes to the "other stuff" he refers to!

 

[beryirish]

Likes Bama discipline, OSU community, ND being different. Also told Wiltfong that none of his OVs will be used for game weekends. Really focused on the "other stuff."

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r2pt2-F2j2g?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

There's nothing like South Bend - imagine yourself being there for the next 3-4 years.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Wow the fact he will not official for games really is a positive for us IMO. Not that we can't compete with those other two in relation to atmosphere but I don't think the other two can compete with nd when it comes to the "other stuff" he refers to!

The only exception might be Stanford. If it comes down to us vs them our game day atmosphere would really help. I agree with what you are saying though.

 

[rtrn2glory]

**** forgot he was interested in them too. Any idea what he's interested in majoring in?

 

[STLDomer]

Alabama and Notre Dame are recruiting him for OLB per Rivals. I didn't know that, I thought it was DE.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Are we recruiting any DEs? This is getting to be like Stanford and all there TEs....

 

[greyhammer90]

Alabama and Notre Dame are recruiting him for OLB per Rivals. I didn't know that, I thought it was DE.

The way things are going it seems like playing OLB is a prerequisite for playing DE at Notre Dame.

 

[NDWorld247]

Are we recruiting any DEs? This is getting to be like Stanford and all there TEs....

It's all part of our new 2-5 defense....two DT/DE hybrids, four OLB and one MLB...offenses won't know what hit 'em. Genius!

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Alabama and Notre Dame are recruiting him for OLB per Rivals. I didn't know that, I thought it was DE.

So let me be sure I've got this straight. Thomas, Carter and Williams are all being recruited at ROLB and Williams was their primary target (top of the list if you will)? Doesn't seem right, but that's just me.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Could just be that ROLB is the sexiest position in Diaco's defense, so if it's even remotely plausible that a 5 talent will end up there, that's the position we recruit them for.

 

[STLDomer]

Could just be that ROLB is the sexiest position in Diaco's defense, so if it's even remotely plausible that a 5 talent will end up there, that's the position we recruit them for.

U think im sexy?

 

[STLDomer]

I think they tell lighter DEs like Blankenship or Thomas that they will start as a CAT because that leaves the door open for them to get immediate PT

 

[irishog77]

If he's truly being recruited as an OLB, then my excitement for him drops.

And if Okwara is truly being switched to DE (is Andrew Williams the only source?), then it's a bit of head scratcher. Not because I don't think he couldn't be good there, but because not only did Kelly rave about his ability to play in space, but becoming a true 3-4 DE requires a thorough body and technique transformation. Why waste a year of eligibility for a little special teams play when they could've been in the process of preparing him, physically, for his other position?

The ability to go from 3-4 OLB to DE is easier than going from 3-4 DE to OLB, if that makes sense, body and technique-wise. We obviously see guys like Shembo and Williams put their hand on the ground sometimes. But guys like KLM, Tuitt, and Day would have a tough time taking their hand off the ground and playing in space. So if the switch is made with Okwara, then it's going to be a pretty permanent switch.

I brought up a while ago the possibility of Okwara redshirting this year, either to bulk up and play DE next year, or simply because he has Spond, Councell, Shembo, Williams, and (probably) Smith ahead of him as an OLB. But I was actually getting excited about the possibility in a year or two of having Councell, Smith, and Okwara manning the 2 OLB spots-- all with the ability to cover and rush the passer. I thought that could've been pretty nasty when the opposition has no idea which LB is rushing and which may be covering, or both, or neither. It would also allow the D to not have to necessarily play dime or nickel, thus staying in a base package and confusing the opposition more.

Of course if a switch to more 4-3 is coming, then I guess the novel I posted above is more or less moot anyway! Haha

 

[Luckylucci]

If he's truly being recruited as an OLB, then my excitement for him drops.

And if Okwara is truly being switched to DE (is Andrew Williams the only source?), then it's a bit of head scratcher. Not because I don't think he couldn't be good there, but because not only did Kelly rave about his ability to play in space, but becoming a true 3-4 DE requires a thorough body and technique transformation. Why waste a year of eligibility for a little special teams play when they could've been in the process of preparing him, physically, for his other position?

The ability to go from 3-4 OLB to DE is easier than going from 3-4 DE to OLB, if that makes sense, body and technique-wise. We obviously see guys like Shembo and Williams put their hand on the ground sometimes. But guys like KLM, Tuitt, and Day would have a tough time taking their hand off the ground and playing in space. So if the switch is made with Okwara, then it's going to be a pretty permanent switch.

I brought up a while ago the possibility of Okwara redshirting this year, either to bulk up and play DE next year, or simply because he has Spond, Councell, Shembo, Williams, and (probably) Smith ahead of him as an OLB. But I was actually getting excited about the possibility in a year or two of having Councell, Smith, and Okwara manning the 2 OLB spots-- all with the ability to cover and rush the passer. I thought that could've been pretty nasty when the opposition has no idea which LB is rushing and which may be covering, or both, or neither. It would also allow the D to not have to necessarily play dime or nickel, thus staying in a base package and confusing the opposition more.

Of course if a switch to more 4-3 is coming, then I guess the novel I posted above is more or less moot anyway! Haha

Could you elaborate on this? Why would him playing DE in our 3-4 excite you more than OLB? His pass rushing skills is whats exciting to me and that is much better suited coming off the edge. In a 3-4 your best pass rusher is usually one of your OLB's. Think Mario Williams, Clay Mathews, DeMarus Ware, James Harrison, Aldon Smith, Terrell Suggs. The exception to the rule is Tuitt last year and JJ Watt because they are freaks.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

If he's truly being recruited as an OLB, then my excitement for him drops.

I'm skeptical of him playing at ROLB long-term, since he's already tipping the scales at ~260. But we may be recruiting him at that position if he sees himself primarily as a pass-rusher.

And if Okwara is truly being switched to DE (is Andrew Williams the only source?), then it's a bit of head scratcher. Not because I don't think he couldn't be good there, but because not only did Kelly rave about his ability to play in space, but becoming a true 3-4 DE requires a thorough body and technique transformation. Why waste a year of eligibility for a little special teams play when they could've been in the process of preparing him, physically, for his other position?

Vanderdoes defected and Hounshell hurt his shoulder again. Sh!t happens.

I brought up a while ago the possibility of Okwara redshirting this year, either to bulk up and play DE next year, or simply because he has Spond, Councell, Shembo, Williams, and (probably) Smith ahead of him as an OLB. But I was actually getting excited about the possibility in a year or two of having Councell, Smith, and Okwara manning the 2 OLB spots-- all with the ability to cover and rush the passer.

I recall Kelly praising Okwara's coverage ability last year, but I wouldn't read too much into it.