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

[Ironman8]

It has been a long time coming... I've been convinced for a while he wouldn't stick for various reasons. One being a video of him introducing himself on the first day of classes-- everyone else said their intended major, while Greg said "I'm here to play football." While it was "funny" at the time, it surely wasn't a good indicator of his future academic performance.

As well, if Tarean's getting reps over him, what would you do? The three older rbs who are playing will all be back next year, and if Tarean is playing over Greg I'm sure its been taking a tole on him.

The fact of the matter is people need to chill the **** out. Stars don't mean as much as we make them out to be. Losing a player of Greg's caliber hurts and something is wrong in the program. BUT theres A REASON WHY TAREAN IS PLAYING AND NOT GREG. BK is not looking at 247 and being like, well Greg had a higher composite so we should play him. BK is watching practice and evaluating talent as he sees it. Does anyone really think we have a coach stupid enough to not see this coming? BK knew exactly what he was doing when he played Tarean over Greg; the fact of the matter is the Tarean is better.

Sure, I would love for no transfers, and something needs to change. But get your panties out of a bunch. We are fine, will be fine, with or without Greg Bryant.

FINALLY, everyone here should be thanking BK and his staff for keeping the players who are here and dedicated here. If you knew how difficult it was for players to keep pace academically you would realize why its tough for people to stick. It takes the right kind of guy to play at Notre Dame. And not this RKG bullshiit that Kelly spits out. David Shaw knows whats up. We need to mimic our recruiting after their style, and that's something were seeing more and more of. Its a tough balance, but we're headed in the right direction.

GO IRISH

Post of the year.

 

[arrowryan]

Why that GIF?

 

[Buster Bluth]

BK knew exactly what he was doing when he played Tarean over Greg; the fact of the matter is the Tarean is better.

And, he knew what he was doing when they brought both in instead of relying on Greg 100%.

Again the BK model of having good depth and trying to fit in "borderline" five-stars is present. It's frustrating, but I think until Notre Dame changes its DNA it's the best we can hope for.

Jimmymac is right in saying that we see an obvious switch towards a more Stanford-esque model (moar TEs and OLs!), and there's a reason. And we are seeing that reason.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

yeah our transfers are usually the late adds it seems. Kiel last minute enrolling, Vanderdoes on nsd after being usc for a while, Greg joined super late after being already committed.

the recruiting philosophy after season ends changes from finding fits (rkg) & positional needs to poaching imo. thats is the disconnect. yourtryingto convince a teenager to make life decision in two months and 5+ staffs all doing it. we end up making promises to stand out then reality hits.

there are too many talented 3 kids who love nd that end up being the guy at some average to below average big10, acc, etc team instead of with us.if were gonna get aggressive and poach after seasons end it should be those kinds of players not the glorifieds waiting to see who is going to get on their knees

The problem with that philosophy is that most 5 recruits don't commit until very late in the cycle. Kelly thinks he needs those 5 kids to win, and I don't know enough to argue with him.

We could go the Stanford route and take only RKGs/ developmental prospects, but that would probably require changing the offensive philosophy. Kelly wants to run a Clemson-esque Power Spread, and that requires the kinda speed one only finds in the South.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I believe I saw it posted here before somewhere, but we all thought Folston was the flight risk. Many thought he would pull a signing day switch. More room for the rest of the backfield. Kuehnja, no more asking for Bryant to get in the game. We must now focus on demanding Folston become the starter. Lets go.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Why that GIF?

The sky is falling.

 

[ACamp1900]

It's a pretty clear line from teams with top rated classes and teams consistently in title chances... titles are won three years prior in recruiting....

ND must find a way to hold on to these kids at a MUCH higher clip or consistent title contention will most likely not happen.

Just my two cents.

 

[arrowryan]

The sky is falling.

I thought it was a good tweet if anything lol

 

[ACamp1900]

I believe I saw it posted here before somewhere, but we all thought Folston was the flight risk. Many thought he would pull a signing day switch. More room for the rest of the backfield. Kuehnja, no more asking for Bryant to get in the game. We must now focus on demanding Folston become the starter. Lets go.

That was me about week ago.

 

[Damion704]

Sucks but there is no way in hell anyone following ND didnt think this was a VERY realistic possibility. Not surprised at all.

 

[Buster Bluth]

We could go the Stanford route and take only RKGs/ developmental prospects, but that would probably require changing the offensive philosophy. Kelly wants to run a Clemson-esque Power Spread, and that requires the kinda speed one only finds in the South.

May I theorize that going "power spread" will allow Notre Dame to stock up on TEs and OLs and sprinkle in the (riskier) speed players as needed? I think it's a wise, wise move by the staff if true. I don't think Kelly and Co intended to run the power spread per se when they got here, they've learned.

 

[irishff1014]

yeah our transfers are usually the late adds it seems. Kiel last minute enrolling, Vanderdoes on nsd after being usc for a while, Greg joined super late after being already committed.

the recruiting philosophy after season ends changes from finding fits (rkg) & positional needs to poaching imo. thats is the disconnect. yourtryingto convince a teenager to make life decision in two months and 5+ staffs all doing it. we end up making promises to stand out then reality hits.

there are too many talented 3 kids who love nd that end up being the guy at some average to below average big10, acc, etc team instead of with us.if were gonna get aggressive and poach after seasons end it should be those kinds of players not the glorifieds waiting to see who is going to get on their knees

You have to have top talent at certain areas of the team Running back is on of them. The running backs we have will NOT help us beat the top teams in the county. TF might be a back to help us get in that direction but he can't do it by him self.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Most obvious transfer situation since probably Shaq Evans.

 

[Wild Bill]

It's a pretty clear line from teams with top rated classes and teams consistently in title chances... titles are won three years prior in recruiting....

ND must find a way to hold on to these kids at a MUCH higher clip or consistent title contention will most likely not happen.

Just my two cents.

I agree but you can't play kids who haven't earned tick simply to appease them. Those reps are coming at the expense of someone who has earned them. It's a quick way to lose the rest of your team.

 

[Buster Bluth]

It's a pretty clear line from teams with top rated classes and teams consistently in title chances... titles are won three years prior in recruiting....

ND must find a way to hold on to these kids at a MUCH higher clip or consistent title contention will most likely not happen.

Just my two cents.

I think the bigger factor is the schedule. It's nothing short of stupid to play four ranked teams in the first six games. By front-loading the schedule you stunt growth.

 

[gkIrish]

It has been a long time coming... I've been convinced for a while he wouldn't stick for various reasons. One being a video of him introducing himself on the first day of classes-- everyone else said their intended major, while Greg said "I'm here to play football." While it was "funny" at the time, it surely wasn't a good indicator of his future academic performance.

As well, if Tarean's getting reps over him, what would you do? The three older rbs who are playing will all be back next year, and if Tarean is playing over Greg I'm sure its been taking a tole on him.

The fact of the matter is people need to chill the **** out. Stars don't mean as much as we make them out to be. Losing a player of Greg's caliber hurts and something is wrong in the program. BUT theres A REASON WHY TAREAN IS PLAYING AND NOT GREG. BK is not looking at 247 and being like, well Greg had a higher composite so we should play him. BK is watching practice and evaluating talent as he sees it. Does anyone really think we have a coach stupid enough to not see this coming? BK knew exactly what he was doing when he played Tarean over Greg; the fact of the matter is the Tarean is better.

Sure, I would love for no transfers, and something needs to change. But get your panties out of a bunch. We are fine, will be fine, with or without Greg Bryant.

FINALLY, everyone here should be thanking BK and his staff for keeping the players who are here and dedicated here. If you knew how difficult it was for players to keep pace academically you would realize why its tough for people to stick. It takes the right kind of guy to play at Notre Dame. And not this RKG bullshiit that Kelly spits out. David Shaw knows whats up. We need to mimic our recruiting after their style, and that's something were seeing more and more of. Its a tough balance, but we're headed in the right direction.

GO IRISH

Gotta disagree with you here. Sure Bryant might not be getting PT over other players now. But he has the very very high POTENTIAL to be our #1 back next year or in 2 years. Just because Folston has earned the PT now DOES NOT mean he is the better back down the line. He might be, he might not be.

Everyone keeps saying we are fine, and will be fine. I've heard someone say that after every single transfer or decommit since I joined this board. What does "fine" mean? Show me the other schools that go through all this bullshit. Losing our QB, multiple 5 stars, Deontay ****ing Greenberry has 530 yards right now. I'm not blaming anyone. I'm just really frustrated at this moment and far from believing we are "fine" because it just keeps piling on.

 

[returnofthemack]

Damn. My dream of the GB-TF tandem just was lit on fire and pissed on.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I believe I saw it posted here before somewhere, but we all thought Folston was the flight risk. Many thought he would pull a signing day switch. More room for the rest of the backfield. Kuehnja, no more asking for Bryant to get in the game. We must now focus on demanding Folston become the starter. Lets go.

He would have made the switch if he could have. Numerous people have confirmed that. He tried like hell to get into Auburn's class at the last minute.

 

[Irish Insanity]

You have to have top talent at certain areas of the team Running back is on of them. The running backs we have will NOT help us beat the top teams in the county. TF might be a back to help us get in that direction but he can't do it by him self.

Agree with the first half. But not many, if any, teams in the country bring in 2 top backs in the same recruiting cycle like we did. Everyone (who doesn't transfer) returns next year. We won't be without. Every back we have on the roster is serviceable in at least on way, and Folston seems to be possibly capable of the every down back we long for. Losing Bryant wouldn't be good, but him being gone won't affect our ability to beat top teams.

 

[ACamp1900]

I think the bigger factor is the schedule. It's nothing short of stupid to play four ranked teams in the first six games. By front-loading the schedule you stunt growth.

I have championed that idea of toning down the schedule since I joined this board,... so clearly I don't disagree... but they are both serious issues

 

[Whiskeyjack]

May I theorize that going "power spread" will allow Notre Dame to stock up on TEs and OLs and sprinkle in the (riskier) speed players as needed? I think it's a wise, wise move by the staff if true. I don't think Kelly and Co intended to run the power spread per se when they got here, they've learned.

I was going to argue that the Stanford recruiting model would necessitate a shift to their style of offense (which I don't think Kelly wants to do), but then I remembered Baylor. Briles has consistently fielded one of the best offenses in the country without top-flight talent. I'm sure Kelly can find sufficient speed and elusiveness with "RKGs" if he wants.

 

[tussin]

It has been a long time coming... I've been convinced for a while he wouldn't stick for various reasons. One being a video of him introducing himself on the first day of classes-- everyone else said their intended major, while Greg said "I'm here to play football." While it was "funny" at the time, it surely wasn't a good indicator of his future academic performance.

As well, if Tarean's getting reps over him, what would you do? The three older rbs who are playing will all be back next year, and if Tarean is playing over Greg I'm sure its been taking a tole on him.

The fact of the matter is people need to chill the **** out. Stars don't mean as much as we make them out to be. Losing a player of Greg's caliber hurts and something is wrong in the program. BUT theres A REASON WHY TAREAN IS PLAYING AND NOT GREG. BK is not looking at 247 and being like, well Greg had a higher composite so we should play him. BK is watching practice and evaluating talent as he sees it. Does anyone really think we have a coach stupid enough to not see this coming? BK knew exactly what he was doing when he played Tarean over Greg; the fact of the matter is the Tarean is better.

Sure, I would love for no transfers, and something needs to change. But get your panties out of a bunch. We are fine, will be fine, with or without Greg Bryant.

FINALLY, everyone here should be thanking BK and his staff for keeping the players who are here and dedicated here. If you knew how difficult it was for players to keep pace academically you would realize why its tough for people to stick. It takes the right kind of guy to play at Notre Dame. And not this RKG bullshiit that Kelly spits out. David Shaw knows whats up. We need to mimic our recruiting after their style, and that's something were seeing more and more of. Its a tough balance, but we're headed in the right direction.

GO IRISH

The fact that Bryant the player is transferring doesn't bother me.

What's frustrating is that every player that transfers is one less player that Kelly can develop. One less player to help the team next year. Bryant doesn't hurt necessarily... but when you add him to the others that transferred / couldn't hack it across multiple positions, it makes ND a different team.

 

[tussin]

I was going to argue that the Stanford recruiting model would necessitate a shift to their style of offense (which I don't think Kelly wants to do), but then I remembered Baylor. Briles has consistently fielded one of the best offenses in the country without top-flight talent. I'm sure Kelly can find sufficient speed and elusiveness with "RKGs" if he wants.

Oregon does too. Has Oregon had top classes or am I wrong there?

 

[koonja]

Blame the system, blame NDs location, the cold, the academics, whatever you want and there is probably a little bit of truth to every part, but BK needs to integrate elite players sooner. Giving Greg two carries to date is pointless. Same goes for Folston. Both of these guys are more talented than everyone ahead of them at their position and they have not made a mistake to this date. Yet BK doesn't give them a chance in the games. These two, Folston especially can help us win now at the RB position. Invest in your future especially if it doesn't compromise on the present.

If you have a problem with underclass men coming in and taking a spot from an older player, get used to it. It's the way it is now and Greg came in as the most physically impressive back I've ever seen at ND and now he'll never be, maybe because of the issues above but also because BK is too slow to integrate elite talent I'm certain cases.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

It has been a long time coming... I've been convinced for a while he wouldn't stick for various reasons. One being a video of him introducing himself on the first day of classes-- everyone else said their intended major, while Greg said "I'm here to play football." While it was "funny" at the time, it surely wasn't a good indicator of his future academic performance.

As well, if Tarean's getting reps over him, what would you do? The three older rbs who are playing will all be back next year, and if Tarean is playing over Greg I'm sure its been taking a tole on him.

The fact of the matter is people need to chill the **** out. Stars don't mean as much as we make them out to be. Losing a player of Greg's caliber hurts and something is wrong in the program. BUT theres A REASON WHY TAREAN IS PLAYING AND NOT GREG. BK is not looking at 247 and being like, well Greg had a higher composite so we should play him. BK is watching practice and evaluating talent as he sees it. Does anyone really think we have a coach stupid enough to not see this coming? BK knew exactly what he was doing when he played Tarean over Greg; the fact of the matter is the Tarean is better.

Sure, I would love for no transfers, and something needs to change. But get your panties out of a bunch. We are fine, will be fine, with or without Greg Bryant.

FINALLY, everyone here should be thanking BK and his staff for keeping the players who are here and dedicated here. If you knew how difficult it was for players to keep pace academically you would realize why its tough for people to stick. It takes the right kind of guy to play at Notre Dame. And not this RKG bullshiit that Kelly spits out. David Shaw knows whats up. We need to mimic our recruiting after their style, and that's something were seeing more and more of. Its a tough balance, but we're headed in the right direction.

GO IRISH

Translation: I knew a month ago

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Gotta disagree with you here. Sure Bryant might not be getting PT over other players now. But he has the very very high POTENTIAL to be our #1 back next year or in 2 years. Just because Folston has earned the PT now DOES NOT mean he is the better back down the line. He might be, he might not be.

And if Kelly had played Bryant over Folston, the latter might be transferring right now instead; which would arguably be a bigger loss, since he seems to be a better RB right now, with a similar ceiling. Had Kelly given both of them a lot of reps, maybe we're 3-3 instead of 4-2; and that still might not make Bryant happy enough to stay. It gets back to us playing a front-loaded schedule and needing to win immediately.

Everyone keeps saying we are fine, and will be fine. I've heard someone say that after every single transfer or decommit since I joined this board. What does "fine" mean?

We lost Shepard, Lynch and Prestwood and still went undefeated last year. We lost Golson, Kiel and Neal this year, and still have a good shot at BCS bowl. That's "fine" in my book.

Losing our QB, multiple 5 stars, Deontay ****ing Greenberry has 530 yards right now.

Greenberry allegedly had similar academic issues to Shepard. Fault the staff for not catching it earlier, but I seriously doubt he spurned us for Houston on a whim.

Show me the other schools that go through all this bullshit.

I can't, because there's no other school that has to overcome ND's unique challenges.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Blame the system, blame NDs location, the cold, the academics, whatever you want and there is probably a little bit of truth to every part, but BK needs to integrate elite players sooner. Giving Greg two carries to date is pointless. Same goes for Folston. Both of these guys are more talented than everyone ahead of them at their position and they have not made a mistake to this date. Yet BK doesn't give them a chance in the games. These two, Folston especially can help us win now at the RB position. Invest in your future especially if it doesn't compromise on the present.

Maybe they haven't made a mistake because he has only put them in position where mistakes couldn't be made. He 'protected' them. I believe he himself said that they were each learning certain plays and such and that they would play only when those plays could be used. That they were having trouble adjusting to protections and the audible Tommy was calling. I wan't to see them both more, but one missed block could mean we lose our QB. I'd rather not.

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

I think the bigger factor is the schedule. It's nothing short of stupid to play four ranked teams in the first six games. By front-loading the schedule you stunt growth.

I agree that it's very hard in the beginning. ND should find better balance, but I totally oppose ND playing the cupcakes the other teams do. How does someone get pumped up for a game against Eastern Michigan or North Dakota St.? I would hate it if ND resorted to playing those teams.

 

[Irish Insanity]

We lost Shepard, Lynch and Prestwood and still went undefeated last year. We lost Golson, Kiel and Neal this year, and still have a good shot at BCS bowl. That's "fine" in my book.

Both on D and one that was a starter. And not only were we undefeated the next year, we fielded a top level D.

 

[koonja]

Maybe they haven't made a mistake because he has only put them in position where mistakes couldn't be made. He 'protected' them. I believe he himself said that they were each learning certain plays and such and that they would play only when those plays could be used. That they were having trouble adjusting to protections and the audible Tommy was calling. I wan't to see them both more, but one missed block could mean we lose our QB. I'd rather not.

The fear of the unknown in this case doesn't outweigh losing an absolute freak athlete who's going to help you win big for the next 3 years. Greg was a game changer and would help us down the road and this year.

If your players need 1-2 years in the system in order to play, you are a poor teacher