Projected depth chart and area's of concern.....

[Spitfire]

Just wanted to see how other posters thought the depth chart would break down and what are the main concern areas. Am I wrong in worrying about the defensive line and linebackers? Thanks.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Just wanted to see how other posters thought the depth chart would break down and what are the main concern areas. Am I wrong in worrying about the defensive line and linebackers? Thanks.

Nope LB is my biggest question. There is potential, just uncertainty.

 

[stlnd01]

Just wanted to see how other posters thought the depth chart would break down and what are the main concern areas. Am I wrong in worrying about the defensive line and linebackers? Thanks.

Not wrong at all. Those would be the most logical positions to worry about.
Beyond Day and Jaylon we're a little light on proven contributors in the front seven. Other guys like Ishaq, Okwara, Jones, Councell, etc. certainly have the potential, and we've got a lot of young quality depth - some of whom will hopefully develop into studs. But it's nothing like the experience and top line talent we've had the last couple years.

Beyond that I actually think we're in pretty good shape, except maybe a little green at tight end. Loads of talent there, though.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I'm one to think we're worried about very little. Jones seems to have put it all together, and who are we to doubt that? He did more than just hold his own last season at NG, and he'll be at a more favorable position this season. I see him and Day forming one of the most formidable duos of DT's in the country. Not saying there are concerns, like MLB or if Ishaq can finally put it together, but the strengths vastly outweigh the weaknesses in my opinion.

 

[Spitfire]

Yeah it seems the defense has done a complete reversal from the last couple seasons where the front seven was the strength of the defense and the secondary was a weakness. To me it seems the secondary looks much improved while the front seven is now the weakness. I'm excited to see who steps up and have high hopes for guys like Ishaq and Jones. Lot's of unproven guys along that line and I'm worried about depth there.

Could someone give me a projected depth chart for the defense? Thanks.

 

[ClausentoTate]

"area is" what?

 

[GoIrish41]

Yeah it seems the defense has done a complete reversal from the last couple seasons where the front seven was the strength of the defense and the secondary was a weakness. To me it seems the secondary looks much improved while the front seven is now the weakness. I'm excited to see who steps up and have high hopes for guys like Ishaq and Jones. Lot's of unproven guys along that line and I'm worried about depth there.

Could someone give me a projected depth chart for the defense? Thanks.

I want to see the DBs perform before they are annointed the best unit on the team. We have a good mix of experience and high potential youth on the d line. Jaylon will be jaylon. The other two lb spots have some question marks but we have some young talent mixed with some experienced guys coming off injuries so it will be interesting to see how they play together.

 

[stlnd01]

I want to see the DBs perform before they are annointed the best unit on the team.

Best unit on the defense. I wouldn't put them ahead of any unit of the offense. From a depth/talent standpoint is looking like the best offense we've had under Kelly.

 

[eNDzone]

http://irish.nbcsports.com/2014/04/18/notre-dames-post-spring-depth-chart-defense/

Here is Kieth Arnolds shot at a depth chart for defense back in April. Don't Know if if helps. The big questions Will be Springmann and Grace. There is a lot of depth added if they are both healthy.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Just wanted to see how other posters thought the depth chart would break down and what are the main concern areas. Am I wrong in worrying about the defensive line and linebackers? Thanks.

No. Also, safety is rather unproven between Redfield's inexperience and the jumble at strong safety. And of course, there is the mystery of starting CB opposite Russell. Will the Irish go really young with Luke or put a safety there (Riggs)?

On offense WR is all projection led by an underachieving Daniels, TE is all potential, there are no proven RBs, the presumed starting QB spent last year throwing footballs over brooms, the offensive line has to replace two draft picks (one of whom was ND's best lineman in decades) and the starting center is coming off a severe injury.

Brindza looks good, though.

 

[Black Irish]

No. Also, safety is rather unproven between Redfield's inexperience and the jumble at strong safety. And of course, there is the mystery of starting CB opposite Russell. Will the Irish go really young with Luke or put a safety there (Riggs)?

On offense WR is all projection led by an underachieving Daniels, TE is all potential, there are no proven RBs, the presumed starting QB spent last year throwing footballs over brooms, the offensive line has to replace two draft picks (one of whom was ND's best lineman in decades) and the starting center is coming off a severe injury.

Brindza looks good, though.

Have some Sprite, it'll help take the edge off that Saturday morning hangover.

 

[EuropeanDomer]

Is not the Pass-rush an area of concern?

Day: Can bring pressure but he is not a pass rusher
Rochelle: Run Stopper
Okwara: Maybe the best potential of pass-rush among the group.
Jones: Same as Day
Springmann: Obviously not
Ishaq: Has the skills, but not the productivity and he is a senior.
Trumbetti: We will see
J. Williams: Apparently, an edge rusher but probably will take a redshirt year.
Kolin Hill: Pass-rusher, but just a Freshman.
Jaylon: Not a pass-rusher, even if he has the speed.

Number of sacks of this group, last season: 3 (Day 0.5) (Ishaq 1) (Romeo 0.5) (Jarron Jones 1)

 

[Wild Bill]

Is not the Pass-rush an area of concern?

Day: Can bring pressure but he is not a pass rusher
Rochelle: Run Stopper
Okwara: Maybe the best potential of pass-rush among the group.
Jones: Same as Day
Springmann: Obviously not
Ishaq: Has the skills, but not the productivity and he is a senior.
Trumbetti: We will see
J. Williams: Apparently, an edge rusher but probably will take a redshirt year.
Kolin Hill: Pass-rusher, but just a Freshman.
Jaylon: Not a pass-rusher, even if he has the speed.

Number of sacks of this group, last season: 3 (Day 0.5) (Ishaq 1) (Romeo 0.5) (Jarron Jones 1)

I'm more concerned about the run defense. I'm confident BVG can manufacture a pass rush with scheme and the talent of the front seven, namely Jaylon and Day.

It's not a secret, our toughest opponents are going to try and run the ball against us - Michigan, Stanford, FSU and USC. Consistently stop the run and we'll have a shot at making the playoffs. Play inconsistent against the run and we're probably a three loss team.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Have some Sprite, it'll help take the edge off that Saturday morning hangover.

That was (mostly) tongue-in-cheek. Roster turnover and question marks are a constant in CFB... and ND is kind of extreme in this regard for 2014.

As others have said, my concerns about the defense aren't so much who will play what position but whether ND can defend the run. The exception, I think, is that the MLB needs to defeat blocks in a 4-3 and I'm as yet unconvinced Schmidt can do this. The roster will allow for a lot of different combinations to be deployed on the edges but I don't think a MLB deficiency can be schemed around. So, my two cents is that middle linebacker is bellweather for 2014.

 

[Wild Bill]

That was (mostly) tongue-in-cheek. Roster turnover and question marks are a constant in CFB... and ND is kind of extreme in this regard for 2014.

As others have said, my concerns about the defense aren't so much who will play what position but whether ND can defend the run. The exception, I think, is that the MLB needs to defeat blocks in a 4-3 and I'm as yet unconvinced Schmidt can do this. The roster will allow for a lot of different combinations to be deployed on the edges but I don't think a MLB deficiency can be schemed around. So, my two cents is that middle linebacker is bellweather for 2014.

Scheme can't but a dominant defensive line can, to an extent, conceal a weak Mike.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Just because it's still the off-season dead time: [i.e. a contribution out of boredom].

OLine: Stanley/ Elmer/ NMart/ Lombard/ McGlinchey --- four of those guys have had a lot of experience and all have looked good doing so. Watt was good. Elmer will replace him and probably spectacularly. ZMart is dammed near irreplaceable. But that happens all the time. Stanley will be fine. If he's not, Elmer will move out there and kick ass. If McGlinchey's any sort of good, these guys will be REALLY good. ... and then there's Harry.

Back-ups: you only actually need three [sometimes just two] playing back-ups. I believe that ours are outstanding: Hegarty at center [really good for a second teamer], Bivin at either tackle [star to be], and Hanratty at either guard [solid sub]. The other two [McGovern as fourth tackle and Harrell or Montelus at fourth guard] are pretty high quality talents for guys who won't play. This allows the four frosh supermen to do what linemen should do: sit a year and get powerful and smart.

Even without ZMart, given Harry's skill, this bunch should be as good as any unit on the team except running back.

Tight Ends: Ben Koyack is going to be great. His productivity last season was limited only by the quality of our hoard of good receivers and the limited way we had to play offense. When I watched him, he was showing some pretty good "Eifert-like" basketball boxing out body catching.
I view Smythe and Heuerman as TE2 and TE2a. Both will play a lot and split duty depending upon how Kelly wants to hurt the opponent. Unlike some, I believe Heuerman to be an exceptionally talented receiving threat. Because of that, I expect him to be slotted somewhat and our mysterious "regular" slot position devolve into "second tight end play." Because I believe that Kelly will still line up two TEs a lot, there should be playing time for Weishaar or Luatua.

WR/Slot: I think that we're really good here, so good that if Davaris Daniels doesn't wake up and play every play, we'll roll anyway --- and spectacularly. I see very little productivity differences between what Daniels, Robinson [actually gives me the feeling of a freak at-the-point-of-ball-arrival talent], Fuller, Brown, and Brent. I have a feeling that the same is true of Hunter. I have much less confidence in what Prosise or Carlisle can do at slot, which is why I see a lot of two TE and/or moving one of the wides or even an RB in there some. Either of those latter gimmicks gives us powerful threats everywhere.

Running Back: Nothing at all should be said about this. We've seen all three guys. They're all good bordering on great. They will kick ass all season. This seems to be an opinion shared by Alford as well.

Quarterback: I wish that I knew. This is all that's holding us back. Potential? Sky high. Everett afterall looks a lot like the later-in-his-career Tyrod Taylor, but is he as tough and as street-savvy as Taylor? If he is, we'll score 45 points a game.

Defensive Backs: Corners will be Russell and Riggs. I don't even see a debate [legitimately] about that unless something about Riggs is a sham. Cole Luke is #3 and #2 when Riggs moves to nickel. It's hard to imagine Farley not getting a shot at #4 in the dime. If he can't hack it then Butler or one of the rooks. .... Safety: I'm unpopular here as always, but you can't run a defense without a deep brain getting it organized pre-snap. I have seen no demonstration of anyone being able to do that except Collinsworth yet [Riggs could but he will be a corner]. The other safety seems surely to go to the talent [Redfield]. Hardy and Baratti can back them up. I believe Shumate to be one of those sparkling talents who doesn't figure it out. We shouldn't need a #6 as the corners are handling the nickels and dimes. Kelly and Van Gorder seem to think this way too, as Turner and Onwualu have moved to linebacker. I believe that we will be the fastest defense that we've fielded for many years. If that is true, then we can easily have Collinsworth "managing" it [and he's pretty fast himself --- his dad was a Florida sprint champion in HS by the way.]

Defensive Line: Okwara/ Day/ Jones/ Williams --- Day is the only sure thing, and he will be an All-American type presence. Jones could be too... we'll see. I've been a fan of Okwara's physicality and toughness for a while --- I think he'll be solider than Williams. And Ishaq... Lord, get it together. If he does, our DLine should be between good and REALLY good. If he doesn't then look for Rochell or, my favorite, Trumbetti to take over the majority of the snaps. As to depth, Rabasa has been quietly grousing about not getting opportunity and I believe that there's something to that. I believe that he's plenty athletic and tough enough to be solid. For #6? one of the other rookies. Backing up DT we have a really fine reserve tackle, Tony Springmann, who would start for the majority of teams in the country. If Hounshell can go, he has demonstrated when healthy that he is one rough, mean, tough SOB, and would help. Utupo was surprisingly able to hold the fort in reserve roles last year, and it is the DT position which always seems to allow a rookie to step up. Jay Hayes leads three legitimate candidates to be as high as DT#4. We're loaded with talent here, so much so that you just have to believe that four of these DTs will comprise a fine unit. The DEs are another matter as it largely depends on Ishaq.

Linebackers: There will be two basic linebacker arrays --- "normal" and "nickel." All I've been hearing seems to point to a LOT of nickel. This seems logical: the game is mainly a passing and speed game with mobile quarterbacks, and nickels are how we get our best array of athletes on the field [given this season's roster.] When looked upon this way, one of the two arrays [nickel] looks not weak but perhaps very strong as concerns linebackers. In normal nickel we'll have Riggs at nickelback and two linebackers. What's wrong with Jaylon Smith and Ben Councell at those two spots? Both seem designed to play such a position. And if Ben can't go {I think he will} then John Turner seems to be impressing Van Gorder as this sort of linebacker. That leaves just one scenario of true concern: "normal" three linebacker defense. I can't shake the gut feeling that this is really a weakness, though I'm praying for one of several possibilities to prove the feeling wrong. 1). Jarrett Grace returns full go... Lord let it be; 2). Schmidt is Rudy on steroids [not literally] and actually can do this at what Coach calls "championship level", 3). Morgan is Manti Teo and quickly; 4). Councell can anchor the middle; --- none of those are impossible or even crazy of course, but none are a sure thing by a long shot.

In the end, the offense depends upon Everett being Tyrod Taylor, and the defense depends upon Ishaq becoming a significant problem for the opponents, and us figuring out a middle linebacker for the 50% of the time that we're in normal "first down" defense. Those don't sound like too bad a list of problems to me, and why I really look forward to a pretty good season for the home team.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Scheme can't but a dominant defensive line can, to an extent, conceal a weak Mike.

You would definitely know more than I on this topic but my impression is that BVG doesn't want to 2 gap very much, so the plan is to consistently leave a guard uncovered who the Mike will have to deal with in the interior run game.

 

[irishfan]

Can't wait to see how RB/WR and the secondary shake out. We have so much skill there, it's going to be fun seeing who emerges.

VERY concerned about DL. The best thing that you can say about our starting DEs is that they have potential. I like Jones/Day in the interior but our depth is a HUGE concern. You have absolutely no idea what you're going to get out of Springmann and Hounshell. Besides those two, we're looking at Cage and Utupo or sliding someone inside like Rochell or Blankenship if he's ready. If we slide Rochell inside then we're losing our #1 depth piece at DE. Too much of our depth hinges on players with injury issues and freshmen.

I'm a little concerned about LB, but not nearly to the extent. We'll probably have 5 DBs on the field about half the time anyway. Jaylon is obviously the man. Turner and JO seem like solid options. Schmidt is undersized but I feel fine with either he, Grace, or Morgan on the inside. Then Councell is the wild card (I would like to see him moved to DE personally).

 

[mriguy]

I think if Russell, Riggs, and Luke can lockdown and play on a island we will be able to bring help up from our safety and get after the QB. I think this will make or break us, as we know we don't have the depth yet to sit back and play a traditional 4-3.
It will be interesting to see what BVG draws up! I can't wait to see some of our young talent take the field this year. This team will be exciting to watch.
I'm sure this has been discussed already! Love the football minds on IE! Thanks for everyone's great insight on ND football.

 

[BostonND]

When I think about Collinsworth, it helps to remind myself that Motta wasn't exactly a speedster either, and that worked out fine. Plus, the staff has a track record of improving their safeties with time (H. Smith, Motta).

When I visited South Bend in April, I asked someone "in the know" about whether he was worried about the front seven. He said no, and when I asked why not, he just said "Sheldon Day". I think we have a beast on our hands, which we will all see unleashed in the fall.

 

[Black Irish]

Lots of good, in-depth stuff on here. Among the things the Irish need is a definite leader on the defensive side of things. I heard that a lot last season; we had talent but no leaders. I'm hoping someone will step up to be the field marshal for the defense.

 

[Domina Nostra]

QB: Good depth if we stay healthy
RB: Good depth if we stay healthy
WR: Very good depth
TE: Good depth, if we stay healthy
OT: Good depth, if we stay healthy
OG: Excellent depth
C: Great depth

On offense, I think we are a couple injuries away from being a very different team.

DT: Great starters (Day, Jones), need Springmann to stay healthy, and a freshman to get some minutes; Hounshell can take snaps here or at SDE
SDE: Great depth (Williams, Rochelle, … maybe Hounshell, Blankenship)
WDE: All question marks, but lots of bodies (Okwara, Trumbetti, Blankenship, one of the former CATS).
SAM: Good depth (Councell, Turner, freshman…), but not clear what we are going to get
ILB: Lots of depth, lack of speed… not sure what to expect
WILL: Excellent depth (Smith, Onwualu, Tranquill…)
CB: Excellent depth, but we'll see if the DLine doesn't put too much pressure on them
SS: too thin, but a lot of potential
FS: too think, but a lot of potential

On defense, who is going to get to the passer? Will the center hold? Will try starters emerge at safety?

 

[Bogtrotter07]

When I think about Collinsworth, it helps to remind myself that Motta wasn't exactly a speedster either, and that worked out fine. Plus, the staff has a track record of improving their safeties with time (H. Smith, Motta).

When I visited South Bend in April, I asked someone "in the know" about whether he was worried about the front seven. He said no, and when I asked why not, he just said "Sheldon Day". I think we have a beast on our hands, which we will all see unleashed in the fall.

Day playing laterally on the line of scrimmage is going to be a nightmare for opponents in BVG's defense, if he stays healthy. Also, I believe this is going to be Jones year, too. If they let him go against the quarterbacks from the middle. This guy has had the skills and just started putting things together. He could be a devastating force.

I want to know who the monster DE is going to be that BVG crashes to bring the disguised blitz off his outside flank. There are a couple of "roles" that if BVG gets the right player fit, that could solve a lot of our "perceived front seven weaknesses."

 

[NDohio]

Just because it's still the off-season dead time: [i.e. a contribution out of boredom].


Quarterback: I wish that I knew. This is all that's holding us back. Potential? Sky high. Everett afterall looks a lot like the later-in-his-career Tyrod Taylor, but is he as tough and as street-savvy as Taylor? If he is, we'll score 45 points a game.

Great breakdown OMM. This statement stood out. I agree with this from what we have seen of EG, what gives me great hope is that when folks here in South Carolina find out I am a ND fan, they all rave about how tough EG is. How he put his HS team on his back to win state championships and how tough he was when he went against Clowney. These stories give me great hope that he can be the player you are describing.

 

[Fbolt]

Can't wait to see how RB/WR and the secondary shake out. We have so much skill there, it's going to be fun seeing who emerges.

You have absolutely no idea what you're going to get out of Springmann

I believe Springmann has shown plenty of ability-he's not a question mark.

Lots of good, in-depth stuff on here. Among the things the Irish need is a definite leader on the defensive side of things. I heard that a lot last season; we had talent but no leaders. I'm hoping someone will step up to be the field marshal for the defense.

Leader on D? You have Sheldon Day on the line, Jaylon with the LB's, and KR in the secondary.

My concern is not finding leadership, but finding playmakers outside those three. ND has players but what they need are difference makers. Plenty of talent IMO to fill spots.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I believe Springmann has shown plenty of ability-he's not a question mark.

It's always a question mark when you take a year off for rehab.

 

[irishfan]

I believe Springmann has shown plenty of ability-he's not a question mark.

Skill-wise he is obviously not a question mark. He gave us valuable minutes in 2012. He's just coming off of a major knee surgery and is 300+. Any big guy with a knee issue is a question mark. He was held out of contact during spring ball unless I'm mistaken.

 

[Fbolt]

I'm tracking with you, but wasn't thinking about coming off the knee surgery.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

A small review of our positions:

• QB - Forecast "Bright days ahead"
  Three QBs who are mobile and have big arms. This is the best QB situation we've had since Kelly started here. We are thin, it'd be nice to have a third QB with some practice experience but it'll take some very bad bounces to lose #1 & #2 in such a short window that Kizer would be called upon. Let's hope that last year's injuries paid future debts and we can stay heatlhy this year.
  
• WR - Forecast "A storm's a brewin"
  Loaded with a great blend of size and speed. On the speedy side we have: Chris Brown, Will Fuller, Amir Carlisle, CJ Prosise and Tori Hunter Jr. With size, we have: Corey Robinson, Davaris Daniels, Justin Brent and we have hybrid Corey Holmes. Plenty of options to stock two full rotations to keep our players fresh and find our difference makers.
  
• TE - Forecast "Sunny with a chance of showers"
  Koyack has his time laid out for him. Our young TEs from 2013 class appear ready to step forward but there is a chance for a letdown. We haven't had a year without a dominant TE in quite a while. I hope Koyack, Smythe and Heuerman can keep that train running. There is a possibility of a letdown since we aren't certain but last year we said the same thing when Eifert was drafted.
  
• OL - Forecast "Tornado sighted"
  The most stocked OLine I've ever seen at ND. Replete with talent, size and athleticism. Stanley, Elmer, Martin, Lombard, McGlinchey, Hanratty, Hegarty, Bivin, Montelus, McGovern, Q. Nelson, Bars, Mustipher, Byrne. That is a huge collection of talent. We have two full lines before hitting true freshman, I have never seen a better collection of talent on paper.
  
• RB - Forecast "Lightning and Thunder...all. season. long"
  Arguably the most talented backfield, albeit thin. We have three backs who can get it done, some with greater upside, some with more experience and proven execution but each has something to offer. One injury and we start to get perilously thin, where an Amir Carlisle would likely have to crosstrain in preparation for the worst. I can not wait to see what Bryant and Folston are capable in a full year of receiving touches.
  
• DT - Forecast "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs"
  We finally have the numbers but we don't have the stats...yet. Day, Jones, Springman, Matuska, Utupo, Hayes, Cage, Mokwuah.
  
• DE - Forecast "Storms moving in"
  We have numbers but no proven pass rushers. Sounds like the beginning of our 2011/2012 years when we saw some young guys emerge. Hounshell, Ishaq, Rabasa, Okwara, Rochell, J Williams, Bonner, Trumbetti, Blankenship It's nice to have depth, hopefully some young guys can redshirt because our older guys produce but we certainly have enough bodies to keep a strong rotation going. If I were betting on most likely contributors: Ishaq, Okwara, Rochell, Hounshell, Rabasa, Trumbetti. Possibly Blankenship. I'd expect Williams and Bonner to redshirt/greyshirt.
  
• LB - Forecast "Hazy"
  This is the most dangerous position because of numbers, position switches and injuries. We have a star in Jaylon Smith and barring injury, he'll hold that side down for the season which is a huge relief. From there it's a toss-up, we have a ton of youth: Randolph, Onwualu, Deeb, Turner, Morgan, Hill, Martini.
  
  We have some older players who either through injury or lack of development/fit, have failed to lock down a position going into the fall: Councell, Grace, Moore, Schmidt.
  
  Hopefully at least two step up and control their positions to complement Jaylon Smith.
  
• Safety - Forecast "Brighter days ahead"
  
  Gone are the days where Matthias Farley is our most athletic option at either safety position. Redfield, Baratti, Shumate, Collinsworth, Hardy and Brown represent an upgrade in talent. It sounds like Redfield has locked down his position and the coaches will wait, hoping Shumate or Baratti can grab hold of the other. If not, it looks like Collinsworth will be our starter which is serviceable at least.
  
  I believe this group will be solid but the change in philosophy will lead to some big plays that we aren't accustomed to seeing. Momentum shifts will occur more often because of these.
  
• CB - "Great weather to be on an island"
  We believe we have the makings of a star and other emerging talent around him. K. Russell is confident, athletic, smart and disciplined. If he can continue his ascension to the top, then 1/4-1/5th of our opponents offensive weapons are neutralized are neutralized on every play. We need our young guys to step up to complement him. The talent is there: Riggs, Luke, Watson, Farley, Butler, J. Brown, Atkinson. Hopefully we can find 4 from this list to give us great effort and execution.

Taken all together, I believe this to be Kelly's most complete team he's fielded. There are question marks and new talent that need to step up but we have a deep roster at every position save one (MLB) and the most important position appears to have two young guns ready to roll.

This is an exciting time to be an Irish fan, GO IRISH!

 

[GoIrish41]

A small review of our positions:

• QB - Forecast "Bright days ahead"
  Three QBs who are mobile and have big arms. This is the best QB situation we've had since Kelly started here. We are thin, it'd be nice to have a third QB with some practice experience but it'll take some very bad bounces to lose #1 & #2 in such a short window that Kizer would be called upon. Let's hope that last year's injuries paid future debts and we can stay heatlhy this year.
  
• WR - Forecast "A storm's a brewin"
  Loaded with a great blend of size and speed. On the speedy side we have: Chris Brown, Will Fuller, Amir Carlisle, CJ Prosise and Tori Hunter Jr. With size, we have: Corey Robinson, Davaris Daniels, Justin Brent and we have hybrid Corey Holmes. Plenty of options to stock two full rotations to keep our players fresh and find our difference makers.
  
• TE - Forecast "Sunny with a chance of showers"
  Koyack has his time laid out for him. Our young TEs from 2013 class appear ready to step forward but there is a chance for a letdown. We haven't had a year without a dominant TE in quite a while. I hope Koyack, Smythe and Heuerman can keep that train running. There is a possibility of a letdown since we aren't certain but last year we said the same thing when Eifert was drafted.
  
• OL - Forecast "Tornado sighted"
  The most stocked OLine I've ever seen at ND. Replete with talent, size and athleticism. Stanley, Elmer, Martin, Lombard, McGlinchey, Hanratty, Hegarty, Bivin, Montelus, McGovern, Q. Nelson, Bars, Mustipher, Byrne. That is a huge collection of talent. We have two full lines before hitting true freshman, I have never seen a better collection of talent on paper.
  
• RB - Forecast "Lightning and Thunder...all. season. long"
  Arguably the most talented backfield, albeit thin. We have three backs who can get it done, some with greater upside, some with more experience and proven execution but each has something to offer. One injury and we start to get perilously thin, where an Amir Carlisle would likely have to crosstrain in preparation for the worst. I can not wait to see what Bryant and Folston are capable in a full year of receiving touches.
  
• DT - Forecast "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs"
  We finally have the numbers but we don't have the stats...yet. Day, Jones, Springman, Matuska, Utupo, Hayes, Cage, Mokwuah.
  
• DE - Forecast "Storms moving in"
  We have numbers but no proven pass rushers. Sounds like the beginning of our 2011/2012 years when we saw some young guys emerge. Hounshell, Ishaq, Rabasa, Okwara, Rochell, J Williams, Bonner, Trumbetti, Blankenship It's nice to have depth, hopefully some young guys can redshirt because our older guys produce but we certainly have enough bodies to keep a strong rotation going. If I were betting on most likely contributors: Ishaq, Okwara, Rochell, Hounshell, Rabasa, Trumbetti. Possibly Blankenship. I'd expect Williams and Bonner to redshirt/greyshirt.
  
• LB - Forecast "Hazy"
  This is the most dangerous position because of numbers, position switches and injuries. We have a star in Jaylon Smith and barring injury, he'll hold that side down for the season which is a huge relief. From there it's a toss-up, we have a ton of youth: Randolph, Onwualu, Deeb, Turner, Morgan, Hill, Martini.
  
  We have some older players who either through injury or lack of development/fit, have failed to lock down a position going into the fall: Councell, Grace, Moore, Schmidt.
  
  Hopefully at least two step up and control their positions to complement Jaylon Smith.
  
• Safety - Forecast "Brighter days ahead"
  
  Gone are the days where Matthias Farley is our most athletic option at either safety position. Redfield, Baratti, Shumate, Collinsworth, Hardy and Brown represent an upgrade in talent. It sounds like Redfield has locked down his position and the coaches will wait, hoping Shumate or Baratti can grab hold of the other. If not, it looks like Collinsworth will be our starter which is serviceable at least.
  
  I believe this group will be solid but the change in philosophy will lead to some big plays that we aren't accustomed to seeing. Momentum shifts will occur more often because of these.
  
• CB - "Great weather to be on an island"
  We believe we have the makings of a star and other emerging talent around him. K. Russell is confident, athletic, smart and disciplined. If he can continue his ascension to the top, then 1/4-1/5th of our opponents offensive weapons are neutralized are neutralized on every play. We need our young guys to step up to complement him. The talent is there: Riggs, Luke, Watson, Farley, Butler, J. Brown, Atkinson. Hopefully we can find 4 from this list to give us great effort and execution.

Taken all together, I believe this to be Kelly's most complete team he's fielded. There are question marks and new talent that need to step up but we have a deep roster at every position save one (MLB) and the most important position appears to have two young guns ready to roll.

This is an exciting time to be an Irish fan, GO IRISH!

Nice work. Love the optimism. Reps