'11 TX ATH Cam McDaniel (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

[IrishLion]

We need a guy who can break one on any touch. Cam just isn't that guy. He'll get you three of four yards on a carry, but he'll never break a long one that changes a game. That said, he ran tough against Purdue and was the most productive back who got a real opportunity to play.

I'd rather have 4-10 yards consistently from a guy with great vision and ball protection than -2, 0, sometimes 10+ from an inconsistent GAIII that requires predictable playcalling and has issues with ball security.

 

[GoIrish41]

Why do we need a running back that can break one on any touch? We have wide receivers that have demonstrated that.

One think I am sure we need is a running back that can pound it and never get less than four yards a carry.

If teams don't fear your running game, they will focus on stopping your passing game. You want them to have to commit to stopping the run to help the passing game to open up. If all we ever do is gain 3 or 4 yards a carry, eventually they will shut down our pass game. I think a game breaker is vital to a highly successful offense.

 

[GoIrish41]

I'd rather have 4-10 yards consistently from a guy with great vision and ball protection than -2, 0, sometimes 10+ from an inconsistent GAIII that requires predictable playcalling and has issues with ball security.

We don't have 4-10 yards consistently. Cam had 16 carries for something like 60 yards. That is less than 4 yards a carry. Our running backs more often than not were gaining 2 yards or less against Purdue. I'm not advocating for GAIII. I'd much rather see Bryant and Folston get 15 carries a game and see what they can do.

 

[IrishLion]

If teams don't fear your running game, they will focus on stopping your passing game. You want them to have to commit to stopping the run to help the passing game to open up. If all we ever do is gain 3 or 4 yards a carry, eventually they will shut down our pass game. I think a game breaker is vital to a highly successful offense.

If all we ever do is gain 3 or 4 yards per carry, Tommy will have DD and TJ in one-on-one matchups all nigh, not to mention 3rd and 3/4 at worst. That would be spectacular lol.

The problem is that GAIII and Amir haven't shown enough consistency to be relied upon to get 4 yards, while Cam has. GAIII and Amir are boom or bust, which you can't have when you are still trying to find consistency across the board.

Also, I would say Amir is still not a lost cause. He runs between the tackles pretty well, but his crucial fumble has hurt his good standing that everyone seemed to hold after the Michigan game.

 

[GoIrish41]

If all we ever do is gain 3 or 4 yards per carry, Tommy will have DD and TJ in one-on-one matchups all nigh, not to mention 3rd and 3/4 at worst. That would be spectacular lol.

The problem is that GAIII and Amir haven't shown enough consistency to be relied upon to get 4 yards, while Cam has. GAIII and Amir are boom or bust, which you can't have when you are still trying to find consistency across the board.

Also, I would say Amir is still not a lost cause. He runs between the tackles pretty well, but his crucial fumble has hurt his good standing that everyone seemed to hold after the Michigan game.

Amir was terrible yesterday. He should never be expected to run between the tackles. He's just not stoudt enough to do it and he his going to get hurt. I think he should move to slot and give us some production out of that position.

 

[IrishLion]

Amir was terrible yesterday. He should never be expected to run between the tackles. He's just not stoudt enough to do it and he his going to get hurt. I think he should move to slot and give us some production out of that position.

I don't know how you expect him to play in the slot when he struggled to catch the ball himself last night. Sure, he's a better pass-catcher than GAIII, but I haven't seen enough to think he would be any better in the slot full-time than TJ or Chris Brown (or even CJ Prosise).

And it's already becoming clear that GAIII is useless due to lack of lateral mobility unless he's taking a quick pitch or a stretch play.

So if Amir was terrible and GAIII results in predictable play calling, who does that leave you with? Cam McDaniel. (I'm excluding the freshmen because they are obviously not ready to play, or else they would've been stealing carries last night)

 

[Irishnuke]

We need a guy who can break one on any touch. Cam just isn't that guy. He'll get you three of four yards on a carry, but he'll never break a long one that changes a game. That said, he ran tough against Purdue and was the most productive back who got a real opportunity to play.

Emmitt Smith disagrees.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Emmitt Smith disagrees.

Both can be right. You don't need a guy who can break every play, but it sure gives you a different dimension that makes a defense respect the run a lot more. You have to commit a lot more to contain when someone might break a run by getting the edge.

I love Cam. He was great last night. I think he's earning carries. I just don't think he's an every down running back on an elite team (maybe we're just not close to being elite...the evidence is mounting).

 

[Irish Insanity]

Why do we need a running back that can break one on any touch? We have wide receivers that have demonstrated that.

One think I am sure we need is a running back that can pound it and never get less than four yards a carry.

If teams don't fear your running game, they will focus on stopping your passing game. You want them to have to commit to stopping the run to help the passing game to open up. If all we ever do is gain 3 or 4 yards a carry, eventually they will shut down our pass game. I think a game breaker is vital to a highly successful offense.

I think he'd be great as the featured back as he is consistent and can bust the occasional 10 yarders, but thats why we should use the others in the rotation as well, because they are the ones that can break it long. 40% Cam, and 15% each of GA III / Amir / Folston / GB. Whoever shows themselves as the clear number two, will see an increase of their carries, and the others a decrease. I'm not a coach, but thats what I'd like to see.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

My concern with Cam is that he sort of fades over a game. Temple was a good example of that. He'll come in, look great, but then slowly start to gain less and less and less. I don't know why people are giving up on Carlisle after one bad game, but McDaniel as the #2 back is perfect. I wouldn't mind splitting the carries evenly by 4 with Carlisle, McDaniel, Bryant, and Folston.

 

[IrishLion]

My concern with Cam is that he sort of fades over a game. Temple was a good example of that. He'll come in, look great, but then slowly start to gain less and less and less. I don't know why people are giving up on Carlisle after one bad game, but McDaniel as the #2 back is perfect. I wouldn't mind splitting the carries evenly by 4 with Carlisle, McDaniel, Bryant, and Folston.

I don't want my argument to show that I'm giving up on Carlisle if I was giving that impression; I'm not at all. He looks good between the tackles (at least when his line creates space for him) and can obviously break the long one. He had a crucial fumble in crunch time, which will obviously affect people's opinions. I'm simply saying that whenever Cam's been given the opportunity, he's been great (IMO). He runs hard and sees holes forming much more effectively (and earlier in the play) than GAIII or Amir.

I also think people are being quick to jump off the GAIII and Amir bandwagons because they are terrified of Bryant/Folston getting upset and transferring. However, I'm sure there is good reason why they haven't played more, and I bet BK answers that question this week.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I don't want my argument to show that I'm giving up on Carlisle if I was giving that impression; I'm not at all. He looks good between the tackles (at least when his line creates space for him) and can obviously break the long one. He had a crucial fumble in crunch time, which will obviously affect people's opinions. I'm simply saying that whenever Cam's been given the opportunity, he's been great (IMO). He runs hard and sees holes forming much more effectively (and earlier in the play) than GAIII or Amir.

I also think people are being quick to jump off the GAIII and Amir bandwagons because they are terrified of Bryant/Folston getting upset and transferring. However, I'm sure there is good reason why they haven't played more, and I bet BK answers that question this week.

Mine wasn't addressed to anyone. I hadn't read any posts in this thread yet. That was just something that came up a lot last night. I think pass blocking is what is keeping Bryant and Folston from seeing the field, but I think throwing them to the lions would help their development a lot.

 

[pkt77242]

My concern with Cam is that he sort of fades over a game. Temple was a good example of that. He'll come in, look great, but then slowly start to gain less and less and less. I don't know why people are giving up on Carlisle after one bad game, but McDaniel as the #2 back is perfect. I wouldn't mind splitting the carries evenly by 4 with Carlisle, McDaniel, Bryant, and Folston.

What is that about Cam fading over the course of a game? Did you watch that last drive vs Purdue?

 

[IrishLion]

Mine wasn't addressed to anyone. I hadn't read any posts in this thread yet. That was just something that came up a lot last night. I think pass blocking is what is keeping Bryant and Folston from seeing the field, but I think throwing them to the lions would help their development a lot.

I agree both parts of the bolded to an extent; the only way they will truly learn is by working in pass pro against teams in different uniforms... however, I can see the flip side. You don't want to send Bryant or Folston out there to learn on the fly, only to have Tommy get splattered when one of them misses a key or messes up on a play that Tommy changes.

It's kind of like Peyton Manning and the Broncos RB situation... Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman are the 1-2 punch of the future, but Moreno is going to dominate playing time, even if he's underwhelming, as long as Peyton is most comfortable with him in terms of pass pro and understanding checks at the line.

Bryant and Folston probably offer a much more complete combined package than GAIII, Amir, and Cam combined, but BK is going to send RBs out there who already understand how to help protect Tommy, not RBs who still need to learn.

 

[Irishnuke]

What is that about Cam fading over the course of a game? Did you watch that last drive vs Purdue?

No shits. He was put in at the end to close out the game and in no way faded.

 

[MJ12666]

I don't want my argument to show that I'm giving up on Carlisle if I was giving that impression; I'm not at all. He looks good between the tackles (at least when his line creates space for him) and can obviously break the long one. He had a crucial fumble in crunch time, which will obviously affect people's opinions. I'm simply saying that whenever Cam's been given the opportunity, he's been great (IMO). He runs hard and sees holes forming much more effectively (and earlier in the play) than GAIII or Amir.

I also think people are being quick to jump off the GAIII and Amir bandwagons because they are terrified of Bryant/Folston getting upset and transferring. However, I'm sure there is good reason why they haven't played more, and I bet BK answers that question this week.

I am watching the replay of the game tonight and this statement is simply not accurate. Cam did not have any more success then AC or GA before the last drive. Actually, GA seemed to produce the longer runs of the three, although for the most part they occurred on the pitch play to the outside. Also, for some reason on the last drive Purdue did not load up the box and AC or GA would most likely have been just as effective as Cam (although I can understand Kelly's concern about ball security which is probably why he was sticking with Cam).

 

[IrishLion]

I am watching the replay of the game tonight and this statement is simply not accurate. Cam did not have any more success then AC or GA before the last drive. Actually, GA seemed to produce the longer runs of the three, although for the most part they occurred on the pitch play to the outside. Also, for some reason on the last drive Purdue did not load up the box and AC or GA would most likely have been just as effective as Cam (although I can understand Kelly's concern about ball security which is probably why he was sticking with Cam).

I need to watch a replay, so am I imagining his success two or three drives before that when he pounded the ball, got bloody, and went back in for the TD a play later? I'm not being a smartass either, I seriously can't remember if that drive was aided by Rees and the passing game (maybe that was the drive where Chris Brown burned them deep).

GAIII did have the most success, but that pitch play is an example of a tendency that defenses will begin to take away because playcalling becomes predictable when GAIII is on the field. I believe, even after his huge success early against Miami last year, that they adjusted to that play in-game and could take it away after a quick adjustment.

Again, I'm not saying that I'm down on Amir (or even GAIII when used in proper situations), but I think Cam is the best option if ND is going to continue to try and attack the middle of the defense, which it appears the coaching staff is content to do. Amir can be great going through the middle, but only if there is a clear lane. He nor GAIII can run through contact like Cam, they simply aren't built to do so.

 

[ulukinatme]

Give the Cam the damn ball

You don't need a starting RB that can break one on every play. You need one that can run between the tackles, is consistent, takes care of the football, can block, and has good vision. Cam has all this. The only thing unsure about him is how he can catch the ball out of the backfield, they never throw it to him. Honestly, it doesn't matter though. If he can keep defenses honest, then we throw the ball and pass the ball and keep a defense off guard. They'll have to respect him if he pickup 4-5+ yards on most carries like he was doing (And that was when Purdue KNEW the run was coming).

 

[GreenSox04]

whose got the picture of cam bleeding for this team for me. cause i need it.

 

[JughedJones]

If some of the more talent players on this team had the heart the Cam does we could have some really good players.

Are you talking to Vince Vaughn?

 

[Irish To The Core]

How am I getting worked up by saying Amir played like complete shits last night? 11 carries for 16 yards and a big fumble that let PU back in the game. Cam looked much better. That's not really even debatable. I also never called for Amir to be the starter. Personally I don't think he should be.

Add a dropped pass to that. Not Amir's best performance that is for certain.

 

[ulukinatme]

whose got the picture of cam bleeding for this team for me. cause i need it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/1stDownMoses">@1stDownMoses</a>: Did you get any of Cam bleeding blue and gold?"
Here y'go: <a href="http://t.co/vxTRow5tPY">pic.twitter.com/vxTRow5tPY</a></p>— Matt Cashore (@mattcashore) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattcashore/statuses/379317917151551488">September 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[tko]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/1stDownMoses">@1stDownMoses</a>: Did you get any of Cam bleeding blue and gold?"
Here y'go: <a href="http://t.co/vxTRow5tPY">pic.twitter.com/vxTRow5tPY</a></p>— Matt Cashore (@mattcashore) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattcashore/statuses/379317917151551488">September 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Straight baller, warrior.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

This thread!

1) Cam always runs hard.

2) A huge problem with this offense overshadows all of the talk of running backs and wider receivers. The Purdue head coach, Darrell Hazell, SAID, the team studied ND personel groupings and formations and were SUCCESSFULLY able to predict ND's plays and know where show up to defend them.

3) Point number two means your O-line is screwed, and you better have a grind em out running back, (THAT DOESN'T PUT THE BALL ON THE CARPET).

4) If your WR's still look good with Point number 2 in mind, they are actually fabulous. If the coaches get their act together, then you can throw the top off of any defense. Oh wait a minute. ND can. They just don't!

5) A team can throw fast and far, and bring the running game in after and under. It works, and some good teams have done it.

6) Number five gives the defense some time to grow up, too!

7) Anything else? Cam doesn't have to be the only running back, just the mainstay.

8) GEOIII missed some key blocking assignments and almost got Tommy decapitated.

9) Amir works out to slot quite nicely, but has to hold the ball, particularly in key situations.

10) If you establish Cam as number 1 for now, that actually gives you more time and opportunity to get GB and TF in the game!

 

[ulukinatme]

From MSPaintLikeAChampion

 

[Damion704]

Badass

 

[dublinirish]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kacBQnIOTck" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[dublinirish]

just noticed Greg Bryant is on kickoff team

 

[Bogtrotter07]

just noticed Greg Bryant is on kickoff team

Hmmmm! Good find!

 

[dublinirish]

Also who is wearing #16? Defensive player i think