'13 FL RB Greg Bryant (R.I.P.)

[koonja]

He walked off the field with rest of the team.
It was on NBC.

That rumor = false.
The rest, probably the same.

That could be true and hopefully is. But BK saying they're in a 4-man rotation at RB, then following by talking about Folston isn't a rumor. ISD reported it.

 

[koonja]

Cam Roberson

Did not happen in-season:

Injuries end Roberson and McDonald’s spring | Inside the Irish

 

[NDdomer2]

I don't think so. There's 'rumors' that don't look good if true.

- BK said yesterday we have a 4 man rotation at RB. The only logical way to interpret this is Folston, Amir, GAIII, and Cam based on the fact that Folston is getting carries.

- Greg allegedly walked off of the field after the game, rather than join the rest of the team for song.

- Another rumor that the someone from the ISD tailgate party was telling everyone that Bryant is transferring.

- Fans speculating about his body language during games while on the sideline, apparently looking distant and disinterested.

These could all be fan driven, simply because everyone expects a 4/5 star player to demand playing time, but if you look at the totality of the circumstances there's room to worry IMO.

See fightingirishlover7 post.

i think it would do a lot of people a service if we at least tried to fact check a little.

The camera clearly showed Greg walking off with the rest of the team and we have been over this body language middle school girl **** already.

why would anyone be happy about no playing time. It sucks no matter if you expect it or not. Good players want on the field.

so yes it is fan driven and you are at least applying pressure on the gas.

 

[FLDomer]

Did not happen in-season:

Injuries end Roberson and McDonald’s spring | Inside the Irish

Oh I was just saying it was in practice...besides that, many season ending injuries are caused by lower body injuries (ie knee) and you dont need contact to blow a knee, see GA WR Mitchell.

 

[koonja]

See fightingirishlover7 post.

i think it would do a lot of people a service if we at least tried to fact check a little.

The camera clearly showed Greg walking off with the rest of the team and we have been over this body language middle school girl **** already.

why would anyone be happy about no playing time. It sucks no matter if you expect it or not. Good players want on the field.

so yes it is fan driven and you are at least applying pressure on the gas.

Why are you upset?

I'm pointing out what's already been posted. Given all of this combined with our troubles keeping elite player recently, I don't 't think ThePiombio and other ND fans are joking when they talk about this. It's difficult to 'fact check' rumors, that's why they're rumors. Often times the truth doesn't surface.

 

[koonja]

Oh I was just saying it was in practice...

Yeah, my point is that spring practices are wayyyyy different than in-season practices for RBs, and it's very rare to suffer a season ending injury as a RB in-season.

 

[NDdomer2]

Why are you upset?

I'm saying given the recent reports, I don't 't think ThePiombio and other ND fans are joking when they talk about this. It's difficult to 'fact check' rumors, that's why they're rumors.

im not upset. I am at work just diligently getting things done.

And it must not be too hard to fact check considering one of your bullets was debunked within seconds.

We have lots of highly rated players in last years class that aren't playing. where is the speculation on all of them.

From everything that we actually see and know Greg Bryant is a talented YOUNG rb who is being given limited reps. End of story.

Why is that the case? hard to say unless you are in coaches meetings and at pracitce. As others have said could be taking care of ball, could be just how he fell in the depth chart, could be acclimating to college, and most likely a combination of all the above.

Could he transfer, yeah, so could jaylon smith for all we know. Playing time isn't always the #1 thing to keep a kid at a college (not trying to say it isnt the #1 cause of transferring because it is imo but not always the deciding factor).

My biggest "gripe" is that every sunday/monday/tuesday everyone is calling for him to get in the game but no one knows if its actually going to equate to better performance.

Bottom line is and always will be coaches play who they think can help them win WHILE being able to trust them.

The trust is huge and it is difficult for freshman to prove they can be trusted over upperclassmen. IMO it is the #1 reason you are seeing Cam at end of games over George and Amir. we all know he doesnt give us the oos and ahhs but he doesnt fumble and he is assignment correct.

 

[koonja]

im not upset. I am at work just diligently getting things done.

And it must not be too hard to fact check considering one of your bullets was debunked within seconds.

We have lots of highly rated players in last years class that aren't playing. where is the speculation on all of them.

From everything that we actually see and know Greg Bryant is a talented YOUNG rb who is being given limited reps. End of story.

Why is that the case? hard to say unless you are in coaches meetings and at pracitce. As others have said could be taking care of ball, could be just how he fell in the depth chart, could be acclimating to college, and most likely a combination of all the above.

Could he transfer, yeah, so could jaylon smith for all we know. Playing time isn't always the #1 thing to keep a kid at a college (not trying to say it isnt the #1 cause of transferring because it is imo but not always the deciding factor).

My biggest "gripe" is that every sunday/monday/tuesday everyone is calling for him to get in the game but no one knows if its actually going to equate to better performance.

Bottom line is and always will be coaches play who they think can help them win WHILE being able to trust them.

The trust is huge and it is difficult for freshman to prove they can be trusted over upperclassmen. IMO it is the #1 reason you are seeing Cam at end of games over George and Amir. we all know he doesnt give us the oos and ahhs but he doesnt fumble and he is assignment correct.

Just saying don't kill the messenger. These rumors weren't started by me and they've already been posted in random threads here.

Speaking of trust, here's my humble opinion from a page back:

"You don't need to see many plays to see these two freshman RBs are physically ready. I think it's as simple as BK is slow to trust true freshman with the ball.

WRs is a different story (Robinson/Fuller). Run your route, make a play on the ball. Even if we send a freshman WR out on a route, it's ~25% chance they see the ball.

Compared to WR, freshman RBs are responsible for more. They'll touch the ball much more (carries > receptions), and even when they don't touch the ball, they have more responsibility in pass protection.

But I think BK is being over protective. We've seen the 2 freshman in for ~ 20 plays. They haven't missed a block, they haven't dropped a pass, and most importantly they haven't fumbled. They're running hard and look like they could be our most talented RBs right now. Time to take off the training wheels, IMO.

Plus it's Greg's birthday week. Let the animal loose."

And the other highly rated recruits (Cole Luke, Folston, Redfield) are apparently nearing playing time (Folston/Redfield) or already playing big minutes (Luke). That's part of the reason for the skepticism I'm sure. Jaylon's starting.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

im not upset. I am at work just diligently getting things done.

And it must not be too hard to fact check considering one of your bullets was debunked within seconds.

We have lots of highly rated players in last years class that aren't playing. where is the speculation on all of them.

From everything that we actually see and know Greg Bryant is a talented YOUNG rb who is being given limited reps. End of story.

Why is that the case? hard to say unless you are in coaches meetings and at pracitce. As others have said could be taking care of ball, could be just how he fell in the depth chart, could be acclimating to college, and most likely a combination of all the above.

Could he transfer, yeah, so could jaylon smith for all we know. Playing time isn't always the #1 thing to keep a kid at a college (not trying to say it isnt the #1 cause of transferring because it is imo but not always the deciding factor).

My biggest "gripe" is that every sunday/monday/tuesday everyone is calling for him to get in the game but no one knows if its actually going to equate to better performance.

Bottom line is and always will be coaches play who they think can help them win WHILE being able to trust them.

The trust is huge and it is difficult for freshman to prove they can be trusted over upperclassmen. IMO it is the #1 reason you are seeing Cam at end of games over George and Amir. we all know he doesnt give us the oos and ahhs but he doesnt fumble and he is assignment correct.

Best recent post I have seen; now go back to work everyone!

 

[NDdomer2]

Just saying don't kill the messenger. These rumors weren't started by me and they've already been posted in random threads here.

Speaking of trust, here's my humble opinion from a page back:

"You don't need to see many plays to see these two freshman RBs are physically ready. I think it's as simple as BK is slow to trust true freshman with the ball.

WRs is a different story (Robinson/Fuller). Run your route, make a play on the ball. Even if we send a freshman WR out on a route, it's ~25% chance they see the ball.

Compared to WR, freshman RBs are responsible for more. They'll touch the ball much more (carries > receptions), and even when they don't touch the ball, they have more responsibility in pass protection.

But I think BK is being over protective. We've seen the 2 freshman in for ~ 20 plays. They haven't missed a block, they haven't dropped a pass, and most importantly they haven't fumbled. They're running hard and look like they could be our most talented RBs right now. Time to take off the training wheels, IMO.

Plus it's Greg's birthday week. Let the animal loose."

well i hate messengers.

I think BK has usually erred on the side of caution.

As far as "haven't missed a block", I don't recall us keeping them in for pass pro too often, it's been hand off or route. as far as the other items you listed (dropped passes, fumbling) we haven't exactly given them amble opportunities for those to rear their ugly heads (lets hope they don't after they are given opportunities).

I think BK's week 6 thing was said for a reason. It is when he feels they will have spent enough time with the playbook, practice, in college going to class, that he can start piling on the workload. We saw Folston in on a couple important plays in the second half. Haven't seen that all year.

I took that as a sign of progression. Maybe Folston has taken to some things faster than Bryant and that's why he is included in the 4 you mentioned bk talking about. Again we don't really know.

But we are only half way through BK's self expectation for freshman rb's. I think it is still too early to worry about Greg and Folston.

Personally, the oline isnt helping either of these two out. If we could get the unit upfront rolling it is a hell of a lot easier putting in younger guys.

 

[koonja]

well i hate messengers.

I think BK has usually erred on the side of caution.

As far as "haven't missed a block", I don't recall us keeping them in for pass pro too often, it's been hand off or route. as far as the other items you listed (dropped passes, fumbling) we haven't exactly given them amble opportunities for those to rear their ugly heads (lets hope they don't after they are given opportunities).

I think BK's week 6 thing was said for a reason. It is when he feels they will have spent enough time with the playbook, practice, in college going to class, that he can start piling on the workload. We saw Folston in on a couple important plays in the second half. Haven't seen that all year.

I took that as a sign of progression. Maybe Folston has taken to some things faster than Bryant and that's why he is included in the 4 you mentioned bk talking about. Again we don't really know.

But we are only half way through BK's self expectation for freshman rb's. I think it is still too early to worry about Greg and Folston.

Personally, the oline isnt helping either of these two out. If we could get the unit upfront rolling it is a hell of a lot easier putting in younger guys.

Right. And too much in this case in my opinion.

It's definitely a small sample size, but so far they've been 'clean' and that has to count for something.

IDK if he was speaking in general, or specific to this year. If he's talking about this year, it makes sense that maybe with the bye week at week 6 he plans to work them more in practice and let them loose against USC? I hope so.

 

[NDdomer2]

Right. And too much, but that's just my opinion.

It's definitely a small sample size, but so far they've been 'clean' and that has to count for something.

IDK if he was speaking in general, or specific to this year. If he's talking about this year, it makes sense that maybe with the bye week at week 6 he plans to work them more in practice and let them loose against USC? I hope so.

I wasn't sure either but regardless in his experience that's what it is. Maybe by his own personal progression or by trying them earlier and paying for it in the past?

I would agree they have been clean so far. but that is only what we see. They could be struggling mightily in practice. (not what reports say but who really knows i.e. rumors)

I just think we are all looking at the poor production on the ground (at least from expectations) and think its solely RB solution. This o line has to gel from center right.

 

[koonja]

I wasn't sure either but regardless in his experience that's what it is. Maybe by his own personal progression or by trying them earlier and paying for it in the past?

I would agree they have been clean so far. but that is only what we see. They could be struggling mightily in practice. (not what reports say but who really knows i.e. rumors)

I just think we are all looking at the poor production on the ground (at least from expectations) and think its solely RB solution. This o line has to gel from center right.

I'm baffled at how they can dominate in pass protection and be 'meh' in run blocking. Half of the time, Tommy has time to build a campfire in the pocket.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Just because Kelly said "four man rotation" doesn't mean Greg is transferring.

Right now we have a one man rotation at QB... Is Malik leaving too?

Greg may temporarily be on the short end of the stick, he's a workaholic. Things can change.

 

[NDdomer2]

I'm baffled at how they can dominate in pass protection and be 'meh' in run blocking. Half of the time, Tommy has time to build a campfire in the pocket.

only thing i can think of was pass pro was point of emphasis throughout camp and they would figure out running game as the year went on

 

[koonja]

Just because Kelly said "four man rotation" doesn't mean Greg is transferring.

Right now we have a one man rotation at QB... Is Malik leaving too?

Greg may temporarily be on the short end of the stick, he's a workaholic. Things can change.

No one said it does. But it Kelly meant it, it does sound like Greg has taken a step back in Kelly's eyes. I don't understand the reasoning behind giving him 3 carries on the season and then taking him out of the rotation.

But I'm guessing/hoping it was just a quick response from Kelly and not indicative of what we'll see from Bryant this year.

 

[irishff1014]

im not upset. I am at work just diligently getting things done.

And it must not be too hard to fact check considering one of your bullets was debunked within seconds.

We have lots of highly rated players in last years class that aren't playing. where is the speculation on all of them.

From everything that we actually see and know Greg Bryant is a talented YOUNG rb who is being given limited reps. End of story.

Why is that the case? hard to say unless you are in coaches meetings and at pracitce. As others have said could be taking care of ball, could be just how he fell in the depth chart, could be acclimating to college, and most likely a combination of all the above.

Could he transfer, yeah, so could jaylon smith for all we know. Playing time isn't always the #1 thing to keep a kid at a college (not trying to say it isnt the #1 cause of transferring because it is imo but not always the deciding factor).

My biggest "gripe" is that every sunday/monday/tuesday everyone is calling for him to get in the game but no one knows if its actually going to equate to better performance.

Bottom line is and always will be coaches play who they think can help them win WHILE being able to trust them.

The trust is huge and it is difficult for freshman to prove they can be trusted over upperclassmen. IMO it is the #1 reason you are seeing Cam at end of games over George and Amir. we all know he doesnt give us the oos and ahhs but he doesnt fumble and he is assignment correct.

Other then fumbling the can't get much worse.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

No one said it does. But it Kelly meant it, it does sound like Greg has taken a step back in Kelly's eyes. I don't understand the reasoning behind giving him 3 carries on the season and then taking him out of the rotation.

But I'm guessing/hoping it was just a quick response from Kelly and not indicative of what we'll see from Bryant this year.

Or maybe Kelly is trying to cut the rotation?
Maybe Greg did nothing wrong.
Maybe Tarean has done better this one week.
Maybe Greg was sick.
Maybe Tarean was viewed as a better matchup against MSU.
Maybe Greg has a long way to go.
Maybe Tarean is more versatile.
Maybe Greg doesn't know blocking schemes.
Maybe Tarean does.

Or maybe it's something we as only fans, won't know...

Let's not speculate on transfers. If I were an active player, with a love for a school, I wouldn't be too pleased with rumors flying.

Once upon a time, everyone said Tommy was out the door.

Let's just watch what's on the field, and not play Freud.

 

[NDdomer2]

No one said it does. But it Kelly meant it, it does sound like Greg has taken a step back in Kelly's eyes. I don't understand the reasoning behind giving him 3 carries on the season and then taking him out of the rotation.

But I'm guessing/hoping it was just a quick response from Kelly and not indicative of what we'll see from Bryant this year.

I am wondering if that's because only 4 got carries in that game? not counting daniel smith of course.

 

[koonja]

I am wondering if that's because only 4 got carries in that game? not counting daniel smith of course.

I hope so. I'm jonesing for a heavy dose of Folston/Bryant as much as the next ND fan.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I hope so. I'm jonesing for a heavy dose of Folston/Bryant as much as the next ND fan.

I don't care about Folston/Bryant taking over.

I care about anyone taking over. If it's one of them, or the older guys. I'm cool.

 

[NDdomer2]

I don't care about Folston/Bryant taking over.

I care about anyone taking over. If it's one of them, or the older guys. I'm cool.

Agree but we gotta get blocking assignments nailed down first and foremost.

here is a portion of "The Bad" from Keith Arnold's article the other day:

The running game: After four games, it’s pretty clear that the Irish front five has some work to do. While Zack Martin and Chris Watt are playing solid football, two new starters in Nick Martin and Ronnie Stanley, and Christian Lombard playing at guard still look like a work in progress.

“I think in the run game, we need to continue to evolve,” Kelly said. “We’re getting so many different looks where at times we have to be able to identify different backers, who to work to. But by and large, we’re continuing to evolve offensively up front. But with Ronnie Stanley, obviously Nick Martin as first‑time starters, those guys are making progress for us. We’re getting strong play from the left side with Watt and Martin each and every day. And Lombard continues to play consistent for us.”

Kelly is right to talk about some of the challenges this team has faced. But Purdue looked mighty ordinary giving up 41 points and 388 rush yards against Wisconsin. The revolving door at running back isn’t helping anything, but the Irish absolutely need to show more balance when Oklahoma comes to town.

The good, the bad, the ugly: Notre Dame vs. Michigan State | Inside the Irish

 

[Ironman8]

Mike Frank of ISD said he did some digging on the GB situation and found that the reason GB isn't seeing time is because of his knowledge of the offense and his propensity for becoming confused when Tommy checks in and out of plays and what his responsibilities are. He is improving, but not there with the other 4.

If and when he picks it up, he will probably see time. But I don't think BK is going to risk Tommy being destroyed in a close game just to appease a freshman RBs moral when he isn't fully ready to handle all his responsibilities on the field. Hopefully he hits the playbook hard and works with Malik or Tommy to improve quickly, because I'd love to see him out there.

 

[scUM Hater]

Mike Frank of ISD said he did some digging on the GB situation and found that the reason GB isn't seeing time is because of his knowledge of the offense and his propensity for becoming confused when Tommy checks in and out of plays and what his responsibilities are. He is improving, but not there with the other 4.

If and when he picks it up, he will probably see time. But I don't think BK is going to risk Tommy being destroyed in a close game just to appease a freshman RBs moral when he isn't fully ready to handle all his responsibilities on the field. Hopefully he hits the playbook hard and works with Malik or Tommy to improve quickly, because I'd love to see him out there.

So what your saying is he is transfering. Seriously, thanks for the info.

 

[koonja]

Mike Frank of ISD said he did some digging on the GB situation and found that the reason GB isn't seeing time is because of his knowledge of the offense and his propensity for becoming confused when Tommy checks in and out of plays and what his responsibilities are. He is improving, but not there with the other 4.

If and when he picks it up, he will probably see time. But I don't think BK is going to risk Tommy being destroyed in a close game just to appease a freshman RBs moral when he isn't fully ready to handle all his responsibilities on the field. Hopefully he hits the playbook hard and works with Malik or Tommy to improve quickly, because I'd love to see him out there.

Thanks for the info.

In the meantime, it'd be nice if BK put together ~ 10 plays that GB could be in for that are either a run or simple passing route.

 

[Irishpinoy]

Mike Frank of ISD said he did some digging on the GB situation and found that the reason GB isn't seeing time is because of his knowledge of the offense and his propensity for becoming confused when Tommy checks in and out of plays and what his responsibilities are. He is improving, but not there with the other 4.

If and when he picks it up, he will probably see time. But I don't think BK is going to risk Tommy being destroyed in a close game just to appease a freshman RBs moral when he isn't fully ready to handle all his responsibilities on the field. Hopefully he hits the playbook hard and works with Malik or Tommy to improve quickly, because I'd love to see him out there.

Damn it...can someone please tell Tommy to stop checking in and out of plays so Bryant can play! (-:

 

[#1rish]

Thanks for he info Ironman. Once he gets a hang of Tommy and the O, I have no doubt he'll see more snaps. It's only a matter of time. He seems like a real motivated individual to be kept off the field for too long.

 

[NDohio]

Thanks for the info.

In the meantime, it'd be nice if BK put together ~ 10 plays that GB could be in for that are either a run or simple passing route.

How dare we tip the defense to our play calling.....

 

[aubeirish]

No one said it does. But it Kelly meant it, it does sound like Greg has taken a step back in Kelly's eyes. I don't understand the reasoning behind giving him 3 carries on the season and then taking him out of the rotation.

But I'm guessing/hoping it was just a quick response from Kelly and not indicative of what we'll see from Bryant this year.

Every body was still auditioning for the job. It doesn't really matter. He won't stay at ND 5 years... It's clear that he is not there based on what they have seen in practice. I'm sure that when Kelly feels like he has improved enough, he will put him back in there.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Every body was still auditioning for the job. It doesn't really matter. He won't stay at ND 5 years... It's clear that he is not there based on what they have seen in practice. I'm sure that when Kelly feels like he has improved enough, he will put him back in there.

Somehow I doubt that. Kelly was very impressed with Bryant during camp. I very highly doubt that he thinks both Folston and Bryant are both not there. Because frankly, they can't be worse than Atkinson, yet he continues to get carries.