'14 UT TE Dalton Schultz (Stanford Verbal)

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Didn't Luatua ditch Ohio State because they asked him to hold off for a guy higher on their board?

 

[koonja]

Who cares is what I'm saying. Sign him up, figure it out later. Troy Niklas.

You're second statement is valid. I hope not, but very possible I think.

Signing 5 TEs in 2 years means the only thing to figure out is who's transferring. The only possible position change would maybe be Heurmann to LB, but that's just my speculation based on his size. I've never read that he was recruited for that or would ever change. Troy is a major exception. He came in as a possible OL, DL, LB, and TE.

 

[Irish2155]

Signing 5 TEs in 2 years means the only thing to figure out is who's transferring. The only possible position change would maybe be Heurmann to LB, but that's just my speculation based on his size. I've never read that he was recruited for that or would ever change. Troy is a major exception. He came in as a possible OL, DL, LB, and TE.

Ok. As long as the best 11 are on the field. It will works it way out.

Luatua can play linebacker as well, btw.

 

[koonja]

Ok. As long as the best 11 are on the field. It will works it way out.

Luatua can play linebacker as well, btw.

Maybe, but this is from this week's ISD intel:

"They also expect Luatua to finally announce on his Bday, and that he is being recruited as a TE only. The staff evaluated him at OLB as well as TE, like they do with most big skill, but he is basically locked in at TE"

 

[Irish2155]

Maybe, but this is from this week's ISD intel:

"They also expect Luatua to finally announce on his Bday, and that he is being recruited as a TE only. The staff evaluated him at OLB as well as TE, like they do with most big skill, but he is basically locked in at TE"

That's ok too. Sign them both.

 

[Golden Glory]

I'm wondering if Schultz is number one on our board and ND asked Latua to push back his announcement date until Schultz could visit.

 

[Irish2155]

I'm wondering if Schultz is number one on our board and ND asked Latua to push back his announcement date until Schultz could visit.

I think it has to do with he and his sister's Bday. But could be wrong.

 

[Irishman77]

Would be amazing to add Tyler Eifert jr to this class.

Luatua to MLB along with Huermann

 

[IrishLax]

Here are his full junior highlights on Hudl: Dalton Schultz - Highlight Videos, Schedule & Roster - Hudl

The thing with Schultz is that he is a complete package. He has no truly elite "1st round NFL" style attributes, but I see no weaknesses in his game. He has a good frame with good projected size, he has decent speed and athleticism, he has soft hands, he has good balance and run after catch ability, he shows good blocking ability and physicality, etc. He has a very, very high floor and there is almost no doubt he would be a very productive college player and likely NFL caliber player in the long run. He also has a great head on his shoulders, which should never be understated.

Weishar has the best upside of maybe any TE in this class when it comes to being an offensive weapon. The only guys I think come close to him are Mark Andrews if he bulked up and moved to TE, and Ian Bunting if he reaches his upside.

Tyler Luatua has elite athletic traits that could lead to him being brutally physical at the point of attack like Weishar probably has no chance to be, and I don't really think Schultz could either. So both Luatua and Weishar (and many other TEs) have individual traits that are probably superior to what Schultz brings to the table. But Schultz doesn't have the flaws/downside of those guys and that's why he's the #1 TE in the composite and why if you had to pick one prospect I think you'd want him.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

I'm going with the coaches knowing what they are doing vs a message board poster.

I'm with this guy

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Heuerman has never played LB in his life lol. Kid is a TE and only a TE. The only player that could have success on the defensive side of the ball is Luatua, but thats a huge reach.

Luatua isnt "holding out". Thats frustrating to hear and even see someone say. ND fans complain about kids decommitting or taking visits/etc yet get mad when a kid doesnt commit right away. Let him do his thing. If he wants to commit on his birthday, then let him. Its one of the biggest days of his life and probably the biggest decision of his life up to this point.

ND got their #1 TE on the board this year. If they get Luatua great. If they get Schultz great. There are plenty of things that Heuerman, Smythe, Weishar, Luatua, Schultz bring to the table for a spread offense. And all 5 are different players. Schultz isnt going to commit to ND before Luatua's birthday, so he just has to make a decision on whether he wants a shot at being the guy somewhere else, or less snaps/better offense if he came to ND.

 

[Ironman8]

I'm going with the coaches knowing what they are doing vs a message board poster.

Wasn't my opinion or information. It was relayed information from an extremely reliable source (Christian at ISD).

Luatua is going to decide before Schultz anyway. There will be plenty of time to see how it all pans out.

 

[TheChosen1]

Wasn't my opinion or information. It was relayed information from an extremely reliable source (Christian at ISD).

Luatua is going to decide before Schultz anyway. There will be plenty of time to see how it all pans out.

Unsure how this is related to my post? On information? Just confused

All I was saying is that I trust the staff over message board posts. If they want to bring in 3 tight ends that they must know how and where to use them.

 

[CanadalovesND]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Day One was a success. The people here are so amazing and the campus is awesome!</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409341498887389184">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So this is kinda iconic I guess... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TouchdownWho&src=hash">#TouchdownWho</a>? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SoSick&src=hash">#SoSick</a> <a href="http://t.co/U7vRGe4cNY">http://t.co/U7vRGe4cNY</a></p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409444705102217216">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Day two was even better! Had a chance to see the campus and all the amazing things that Notre Dame has to offer. Tomorrow we talk academics.</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409600851401916416">December 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irish#1]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Day One was a success. The people here are so amazing and the campus is awesome!</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409341498887389184">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>So this is kinda iconic I guess... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TouchdownWho&src=hash">#TouchdownWho</a>? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SoSick&src=hash">#SoSick</a> <a href="http://t.co/U7vRGe4cNY">http://t.co/U7vRGe4cNY</a></p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409444705102217216">December 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Day two was even better! Had a chance to see the campus and all the amazing things that Notre Dame has to offer. Tomorrow we talk academics.</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409600851401916416">December 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It certainly looks like this one will go our way.

 

[koonja]

Lax, you point out that Schultz is your #1 because he's so well rounded at every aspect of the game. But this is exactly why I'd rather have Luatua. We aren't picking just '1' TE that will be asked to do everything our play book has to offer. With the two TEs from last class, and Weishar (pass running/catching specialty) already on board, we need a between the lines bruiser. I thought Luatua's blocking in his film was great, I'd even say vicious. He may not have the route running abilities of Schultz, but that's what we have Smythe/Weishar for.

I still think there's only one spot open at TE for us, signing 5 in two years is overboard.

It'll be interesting to see what the staff tells Schultz, as it seems like his visit is blowing him away. I know a lot of you think Luatua could move to another position, but the ISD from this week says the staff sees him as a TE, period.

 

[Rizzophil]

First come first serve

 

[Ironman8]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Well I'm on the plane, just boarded. Can't believe it's already over! I wish I could've spent a whole week there, it's an amazing place</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409784090980667392">December 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Luckylucci]

Lax, you point out that Schultz is your #1 because he's so well rounded at every aspect of the game. But this is exactly why I'd rather have Luatua. We aren't picking just '1' TE that will be asked to do everything our play book has to offer. With the two TEs from last class, and Weishar (pass running/catching specialty) already on board, we need a between the lines bruiser. I thought Luatua's blocking in his film was great, I'd even say vicious. He may not have the route running abilities of Schultz, but that's what we have Smythe/Weishar for.

I still think there's only one spot open at TE for us, signing 5 in two years is overboard.

It'll be interesting to see what the staff tells Schultz, as it seems like his visit is blowing him away. I know a lot of you think Luatua could move to another position, but the ISD from this week says the staff sees him as a TE, period.

If your saying that Luatua is a better TE prospect, I'll respectfully disagree. Schultz blocks extremely well, he may end up at Stanford you know they aren't recruiting TE's that can't block there.

 

[koonja]

If your saying that Luatua is a better TE prospect, I'll respectfully disagree. Schultz blocks extremely well, he may end up at Stanford you know they aren't recruiting TE's that can't block there.

I'm not saying Luatua is a better overall prospect, but I do think Luatua is a better blocker based on his film.

If we didn't have Smythe RS-ing and Weishar already on board, I'd put Schultz ahead of Luatua simply because he seems to be a better overall TE.

Again, maybe Schultz is as good/better of a blocker than Luatua, but that's not what I saw in the film (but I'm no scout).

Edit: And while it's hard to argue against a TE that Stanford wants so badly, when you look at the offer lists, Luatua's >> Schultz's, FWIW.

 

[IrishLax]

Lax, you point out that Schultz is your #1 because he's so well rounded at every aspect of the game. But this is exactly why I'd rather have Luatua. We aren't picking just '1' TE that will be asked to do everything our play book has to offer. With the two TEs from last class, and Weishar (pass running/catching specialty) already on board, we need a between the lines bruiser. I thought Luatua's blocking in his film was great, I'd even say vicious. He may not have the route running abilities of Schultz, but that's what we have Smythe/Weishar for.

I still think there's only one spot open at TE for us, signing 5 in two years is overboard.

It'll be interesting to see what the staff tells Schultz, as it seems like his visit is blowing him away. I know a lot of you think Luatua could move to another position, but the ISD from this week says the staff sees him as a TE, period.

Your point is valid, and there really isn't much else to say on that front. But here's what I would caution...

If a TE is just a great blocker and isn't effective as an offensive weapon, then you might as well have an OL. If the TE is just a good offensive threat but isn't a good blocker, you might as well have a WR on the field. Singular elite traits give prospects great UPSIDE if they can round out the rest of their game, but it also means they might not be effective players. Schultz has an A- game in every facet as a HS prospect, so you almost 100% know that he will be a VERY good player for you. That's why he's the composite #1 guy at the position, and that's why if you gave me a choice of any TE I'd take him. Is ND in a position to value upside more than usual due to depth at the position? Absolutely. And your argument is sound.

As an aside, I also think... and this is just pure subjective opinion on hearsay... that Schultz/Weishar both have a superior head on their shoulders to Luatua. Not that there is anything wrong with Luauta, just that those two are in the A++ level in that intangibles category. Both are reported fierce competitors and leaders and great community people. Have not heard any of those accolades or anecdotes for Luatua.

 

[JD Irish]

Can't believe some are suggesting not to take him. A truly elite prospect, who understands and respects what ND has to offer, who will succeed here. If he wants to be here, take him, end of story.

Two tight ends leaving after 2014 with a grand total of zero snaps played at the position behind them. If he were to commit today, he would be one of the top commits in our class. We can simply not take a tight end next year and focus on other positions. We need 1 ILB, 1 DL, 1 DB and then best available with preferably at least one offensive skill. Lots of borderline 5th years that don't necessarily need to be brought back if there is a "numbers crunch" which, it needs to be emphasized, there never is.

 

[koonja]

Can't believe some are suggesting not to take him. A truly elite prospect, who understands and respects what ND has to offer, who will succeed here. If he wants to be here, take him, end of story.

Two tight ends leaving after 2014 with a grand total of zero snaps played at the position behind them. If he were to commit today, he would be one of the top commits in our class. We can simply not take a tight end next year and focus on other positions. We need 1 ILB, 1 DL, 1 DB and then best available with preferably at least one offensive skill. Lots of borderline 5th years that don't necessarily need to be brought back if there is a "numbers crunch" which, it needs to be emphasized, there never is.

Nobody's saying not to take him.

If you're talking about me, I'm simply saying that we can take one of Luatua or Schultz, but not both, unless there's a transfer among Huermann, Smythe, Weishar, Luatua, and Schultz... These guys would all essentially be in the same class since Huermann and Smythe red shirted this year. We are not the SEC, we can't simply take everyone who is talented at every position.

 

[yankeeND]

Glad he had a great time on his visit! I think he would do very well here. All that aside, I really hope we land Luatua along with Schultz. I think they are both great talents and would be tremendous additions. As for Weisher, I think he such a good receiver he could play on the outside and it wouldn't affect any playing time for the other two. Just my opinion so take it for what it's worth.

 

[aubeirish]

Nobody's saying not to take him.

If you're talking about me, I'm simply saying that we can take one of Luatua or Schultz, but not both, unless there's a transfer among Huermann, Smythe, Weishar, Luatua, and Schultz... These guys would all essentially be in the same class since Huermann and Smythe red shirted this year. We are not the SEC, we can't simply take everyone who is talented at every position.

We have to also consider that we always begin the season 5-10 scholarships below the limit. Personally, I say take them both. Both could play defense or offense. Guys with this size and athleticism and serious interest in ND are hard to find. You just don't pass on guys like this. Also, it's a long time away from NSD, let's see how things unfold with the other guys on the board.

 

[koonja]

We have to also consider that we always begin the season 5-10 scholarships below the limit. Personally, I say take them both. Both could play defense or offense. Guys with this size and athleticism and serious interest in ND are hard to find. You just don't pass on guys like this. Also, it's a long time away from NSD, let's see how things unfold with the other guys on the board.

I think Schultz and Luatua would both be great players. But to your point about moving them around, again, ISD Intel said this week that Luatua is stickily a tight end for us and that's what he's being recruited as, and I've never seen anything suggesting Schultz could play anything other than TE. Any other year, or if Weishar wasn't on board, I say take them both, absolutely. But IMO it should be first come first serve, with one spot for whoever wants it more.

But it's not up to me, so we'll see how it plays out.

The above point about taking both and letting Weishar be a WR is the only one that would make sense to me.

 

[Redbar]

Nobody's saying not to take him.

If you're talking about me, I'm simply saying that we can take one of Luatua or Schultz, but not both, unless there's a transfer among Huermann, Smythe, Weishar, Luatua, and Schultz... These guys would all essentially be in the same class since Huermann and Smythe red shirted this year. We are not the SEC, we can't simply take everyone who is talented at every position.

Public Service Announcement
I got "called out" for making blanket statements about the SEC, so I think it is important to note that there are other conferences that also load up on talent they may or may not need, and that this type of behavior isn't just in the southeastern part of the United States. Apparently when making statements like this you need to list every school that has ever done anything resembling this behavior and not just default the conference most associated with this behavior.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Well I'm on the plane, just boarded. Can't believe it's already over! I wish I could've spent a whole week there, it's an amazing place</p>— Dalton Schultz (@BinghamBaller9) <a href="https://twitter.com/BinghamBaller9/statuses/409784090980667392">December 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Dalton, only you can turn a wish into a 4 year reality - it isn't that hard. Just say "I'm in".

 

[JTLA]

Table of Total Signees

Table of Total Signees

[/B]

Public Service Announcement
I got "called out" for making blanket statements about the SEC, so I think it is important to note that there are other conferences that also load up on talent they may or may not need, and that this type of behavior isn't just in the southeastern part of the United States. Apparently when making statements like this you need to list every school that has ever done anything resembling this behavior and not just default the conference most associated with this behavior.

I created the attached spreadsheet which details how many signees were accepted by respective schools in the last 6 years. I included the top 60 programs as identified by total recruiting points. As you can see, in the last 5 years, the SEC represents 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12th schools in ranking of the most signees.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...R0TTlzZlE0VElwakZVNVBlOFE&usp=drive_web#gid=9

 

[drake29]

Take all three of Luatua, Weishar, and Schultz if possible. Weishar has injury history, Luatua can play both sides. Factor in no Welch next year, then no Niklas or Koyak after 2014. Also, say all you want about Luatua being locked in at TE. I remember Anthony Barr wanting to play RB in college and we all see how that worked out. Once he's signed up things can change quickly.