'14 IL DT Enoch Smith (Michigan State Verbal)

[Buster Bluth]

how is diaco doing at UConn recruiting wise? has he flipped any kids yet or lost some etc?

Class is ranked 109th right now. It's not good.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Class is ranked 109th right now. It's not good.

That's bad. He is going to make my alma matter even less relevant.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Several folks including myself were more realistic about Diaco. Outside of his hair, I did not see his god-like resemblance. NOT saying he was bad, horrible, or even average,,,, just never thought he was a rock star, and believe our D's successes were a product of a rock star front 7, not of a rock star coach....

Of course a few voices of realism typically aren't noticed in a sea of optimism and worship. Also, any attempt of realism typically ended in a public flogging by the cult of Diaco.

Anyway, not really important to be honest.

Cult of the Personality. For coaches. Step aside!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Nor you.

Nor are you.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I don't think it's revisionist at all to sit back and look at the facts. The facts are that the 3-4, which is HEAVILY dependent on the middle of the front 7 is seriously lacking in that department over the past few years. Now I've always assumed the entire staff evaluated kids, or at least their respective side of the ball. So either A) it was Diaco all along or B) there has been a serious change in recruiting philosophy conveniently coinciding with a chance of DC and with, at the time, about a month left in the recruiting cycle. Which do you think is more likely?

And for the record, I never thought he was as good as last year's team made him look. Call me a revisionist too if you want, but he's been in my doghouse ever since the Navy game in 2010.

Anybody ever ask the questions, what do recruits say when you tell them they'll need to play a two gap over fifty per cent of the time? Because that meant they will not be making plays. They will be occupying space.

I remember people even saying, "How could LNix be so good because he has no statistics!" A) People don't understand; B) Good defensive linemen want to hit someone with the ball. #HARDTOGETTOPPROSPECTSTHATDONOTHINGBUTTWOGAP

 

[Old Man Mike]

Ode to an old coach:

Bob Diaco was an extremely hard worker and a fine man.
Bob Diaco was a conservative DC, almost to the point of being a rigid Clock Designer.
Bob Diaco was a good public representative of Notre Dame.
Bob Diaco had a defense which could be figured out, and depended upon being just physically better than the opponent.
Bob Diaco required defensive captains with exceptional leadership and inherited them in Teo, KLM, and Smith/Motta. No new leaders emerged.
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not solve problems at his own position [linebacking].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not see a problem before it actually happened to him and he had weeks to out-think it [USN triple-option].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not foresee offenses sensing his blitzing, and have his defense ready to shift after the offense had shifted. This seems NEVER to have been solved.
Coach Kelly often appeared to be resigned and dissatisfied with the extreme bend-don't-break philosophy in press conference comments, saying "that's who we are".
Bob Diaco [and Bobby Elliot] never could solve the full safety problems with other than inherited talent [Smith/Motta].
The Legend of Coach Diaco occurred due to the Tuitt/Lynch/Williams avalanche and the 4am folkloric tale. IE ran with it because it was fun. Over-the-top commentary about our DC was mainly spoofing by the knowledgeable, hopeful-thinking by the thoughtful fan, and naive belief by the less so.

Only the most brutish of us would suggest that Diaco is a "bad" coach or wish anything less than solid success for him ... he is one of the good guys. But there were many signs that he was still in growing up mode and many of us said so on IE last year when his name was coming up for jobs then. Connecticut has itself a fine young man who may or may not be head coaching material.

 

[Rack Em]

^ Very good analysis

 

[connor_in]

Ode to an old coach:

Bob Diaco was an extremely hard worker and a fine man.
Bob Diaco was a conservative DC, almost to the point of being a rigid Clock Designer.
Bob Diaco was a good public representative of Notre Dame.
Bob Diaco had a defense which could be figured out, and depended upon being just physically better than the opponent.
Bob Diaco required defensive captains with exceptional leadership and inherited them in Teo, KLM, and Smith/Motta. No new leaders emerged.
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not solve problems at his own position [linebacking].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not see a problem before it actually happened to him and he had weeks to out-think it [USN triple-option].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not foresee offenses sensing his blitzing, and have his defense ready to shift after the offense had shifted. This seems NEVER to have been solved.
Coach Kelly often appeared to be resigned and dissatisfied with the extreme bend-don't-break philosophy in press conference comments, saying "that's who we are".
Bob Diaco [and Bobby Elliot] never could solve the full safety problems with other than inherited talent [Smith/Motta].
The Legend of Coach Diaco occurred due to the Tuitt/Lynch/Williams avalanche and the 4am folkloric tale. IE ran with it because it was fun. Over-the-top commentary about our DC was mainly spoofing by the knowledgeable, hopeful-thinking by the thoughtful fan, and naive belief by the less so.

Only the most brutish of us would suggest that Diaco is a "bad" coach or wish anything less than solid success for him ... he is one of the good guys. But there were many signs that he was still in growing up mode and many of us said so on IE last year when his name was coming up for jobs then. Connecticut has itself a fine young man who may or may not be head coaching material.

Kinda reminded me of the old SNL bits about Bob Dole, where he always referred to himself as Bob Dole instead of using me or I.

 

[Wild Bill]

Anybody ever ask the questions, what do recruits say when you tell them they'll need to play a two gap over fifty per cent of the time? Because that meant they will not be making plays. They will be occupying space.

I remember people even saying, "How could LNix be so good because he has no statistics!" A) People don't understand; B) Good defensive linemen want to hit someone with the ball. #HARDTOGETTOPPROSPECTSTHATDONOTHINGBUTTWOGAP

I know what you mean but I doubt that was an issue with Enoch Smith. He played for Mount Carmel, a football powerhouse in Chicago, and was coached by Frank Lenti. Lenti pisses state titles and, to my understanding, is a no nonsense coach. His players are generally unselfish and understand the mental and physical aspects of the game. I doubt Enoch gave a shit whether he was playing a one gap or two gap. A friend of mine who spent some time with the staff and coached Smith (very limited amount of time) told me he was an unselfish player and very coachable.

FWIW, I think he would have been Irish if they wanted him.

 

[phork]

Ode to an old coach:

Bob Diaco was an extremely hard worker and a fine man.
Bob Diaco was a conservative DC, almost to the point of being a rigid Clock Designer.
Bob Diaco was a good public representative of Notre Dame.
Bob Diaco had a defense which could be figured out, and depended upon being just physically better than the opponent.
Bob Diaco required defensive captains with exceptional leadership and inherited them in Teo, KLM, and Smith/Motta. No new leaders emerged.
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not solve problems at his own position [linebacking].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not see a problem before it actually happened to him and he had weeks to out-think it [USN triple-option].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not foresee offenses sensing his blitzing, and have his defense ready to shift after the offense had shifted. This seems NEVER to have been solved.
Coach Kelly often appeared to be resigned and dissatisfied with the extreme bend-don't-break philosophy in press conference comments, saying "that's who we are".
Bob Diaco [and Bobby Elliot] never could solve the full safety problems with other than inherited talent [Smith/Motta].
The Legend of Coach Diaco occurred due to the Tuitt/Lynch/Williams avalanche and the 4am folkloric tale. IE ran with it because it was fun. Over-the-top commentary about our DC was mainly spoofing by the knowledgeable, hopeful-thinking by the thoughtful fan, and naive belief by the less so.

Only the most brutish of us would suggest that Diaco is a "bad" coach or wish anything less than solid success for him ... he is one of the good guys. But there were many signs that he was still in growing up mode and many of us said so on IE last year when his name was coming up for jobs then. Connecticut has itself a fine young man who may or may not be head coaching material.

You forgot to mention the hair or piercing gaze.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I know what you mean but I doubt that was an issue with Enoch Smith. He played for Mount Carmel, a football powerhouse in Chicago, and was coached by Frank Lenti. Lenti pisses state titles and, to my understanding, is a no nonsense coach. His players are generally unselfish and understand the mental and physical aspects of the game. I doubt Enoch gave a shit whether he was playing a one gap or two gap. A friend of mine who spent some time with the staff and coached Smith (very limited amount of time) told me he was an unselfish player and very coachable.

FWIW, I think he would have been Irish if they wanted him.

I agree with you. I don't know if I believe any recruit was anti-two gap except maybe Holley. I heard that he didn't like the idea.

My point is recruiting is sales. And sales is a numbers game. If you reduce your prospects, you reduce your potential sales. Depends on how many sales you need. Off the bat ND has several things it has to overcome to keep the prospect pool up at DT. Having to overcome a predominantly two-gap defense, isn't necessarily a productive one.

 

[Redbar]

Ode to an old coach:

Bob Diaco was an extremely hard worker and a fine man.
Bob Diaco was a conservative DC, almost to the point of being a rigid Clock Designer.
Bob Diaco was a good public representative of Notre Dame.
Bob Diaco had a defense which could be figured out, and depended upon being just physically better than the opponent.
Bob Diaco required defensive captains with exceptional leadership and inherited them in Teo, KLM, and Smith/Motta. No new leaders emerged.
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not solve problems at his own position [linebacking].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not see a problem before it actually happened to him and he had weeks to out-think it [USN triple-option].
Bob Diaco mysteriously could not foresee offenses sensing his blitzing, and have his defense ready to shift after the offense had shifted. This seems NEVER to have been solved.
Coach Kelly often appeared to be resigned and dissatisfied with the extreme bend-don't-break philosophy in press conference comments, saying "that's who we are".
Bob Diaco [and Bobby Elliot] never could solve the full safety problems with other than inherited talent [Smith/Motta].
The Legend of Coach Diaco occurred due to the Tuitt/Lynch/Williams avalanche and the 4am folkloric tale. IE ran with it because it was fun. Over-the-top commentary about our DC was mainly spoofing by the knowledgeable, hopeful-thinking by the thoughtful fan, and naive belief by the less so.

Only the most brutish of us would suggest that Diaco is a "bad" coach or wish anything less than solid success for him ... he is one of the good guys. But there were many signs that he was still in growing up mode and many of us said so on IE last year when his name was coming up for jobs then. Connecticut has itself a fine young man who may or may not be head coaching material.

As usual, fair and accurate. But if we are passing out honest criticism...largely incomplete.

His biggest issues in my opinion were in his failure to cast a wide enough net in recruiting. I have heard about his inexperience with regard to his game day execution and preparation. While I don't disagree, I also do not think our defense has been holding us back from taking the next step. Our offense has done that. Inconsistency in the running game and at the quarterback position, turnovers, atrocious red zone execution, play clock management, etc... Also special teams has been AWFUL. I am not quick to point out what Coach Diaco never figured out, just like I am not quick to point out:
- that we have yet to figure out what kind of spread team we want to be
- the quarterback position, (I am beyond excited to see if EG can provide consistency)
- red zone offense
- consistent running attack behind a stout o-line
- getting a play in and off within the play clock
- and the mystery wrapped in an enigma that seems to be special teams.

I cannot express how excited I am about Coach BVG, I think his experience does provide us with an opportunity to improve dramatically on defense, but let's not pretend Coach Diaco and his defense has been the "weak link" in the Coach Kelly era. I am happy with where things are right now, wish Coach Diaco the best, and appreciate his honest efforts.

This is certainly not meant as a swipe at OMM, who I actually agree with like almost all of the time, this time too. I have nothing but respect for Mike and his opinions. I just don't like the practice of laying more on someone's shoulders than is due or kicking people as they walk out the door. Not that I have seen anyone go that far.

 

[rtrn2glory]

As usual, fair and accurate. But if we are passing out honest criticism...largely incomplete.

His biggest issues in my opinion were in his failure to cast a wide enough net in recruiting. I have heard about his inexperience with regard to his game day execution and preparation. While I don't disagree, I also do not think our defense has been holding us back from taking the next step. Our offense has done that. Inconsistency in the running game and at the quarterback position, turnovers, atrocious red zone execution, play clock management, etc... Also special teams has been AWFUL. I am not quick to point out what Coach Diaco never figured out, just like I am not quick to point out:
- that we have yet to figure out what kind of spread team we want to be
- the quarterback position, (I am beyond excited to see if EG can provide consistency)
- red zone offense
- consistent running attack behind a stout o-line
- getting a play in and off within the play clock
- and the mystery wrapped in an enigma that seems to be special teams.

I cannot express how excited I am about Coach BVG, I think his experience does provide us with an opportunity to improve dramatically on defense, but let's not pretend Coach Diaco and his defense has been the "weak link" in the Coach Kelly era. I am happy with where things are right now, wish Coach Diaco the best, and appreciate his honest efforts.

VERY good....reps

 

[Irish#1]

As usual, fair and accurate. But if we are passing out honest criticism...largely incomplete.

His biggest issues in my opinion were in his failure to cast a wide enough net in recruiting. I have heard about his inexperience with regard to his game day execution and preparation. While I don't disagree, I also do not think our defense has been holding us back from taking the next step. Our offense has done that. Inconsistency in the running game and at the quarterback position, turnovers, atrocious red zone execution, play clock management, etc... Also special teams has been AWFUL. I am not quick to point out what Coach Diaco never figured out, just like I am not quick to point out:
- that we have yet to figure out what kind of spread team we want to be
- the quarterback position, (I am beyond excited to see if EG can provide consistency)
- red zone offense
- consistent running attack behind a stout o-line
- getting a play in and off within the play clock
- and the mystery wrapped in an enigma that seems to be special teams.

I cannot express how excited I am about Coach BVG, I think his experience does provide us with an opportunity to improve dramatically on defense, but let's not pretend Coach Diaco and his defense has been the "weak link" in the Coach Kelly era. I am happy with where things are right now, wish Coach Diaco the best, and appreciate his honest efforts.

This is certainly not meant as a swipe at OMM, who I actually agree with like almost all of the time, this time too. I have nothing but respect for Mike and his opinions. I just don't like the practice of laying more on someone's shoulders than is due or kicking people as they walk out the door. Not that I have seen anyone go that far.

I think both you and OMM have very good points. I don't think OMM was putting everything on BD's shoulders. Before BD left, there were plenty of posts on here questioning his ability to make adjustments. That in itself is one reason I didn't think he was ready for a HC position. As OMM stated, he was a great representative of ND and I hope he succeeds at UConn.

 

[Redbar]

I think both you and OMM have very good points. I don't think OMM was putting everything on BD's shoulders. Before BD left, there were plenty of posts on here questioning his ability to make adjustments. That in itself is one reason I didn't think he was ready for a HC position. As OMM stated, he was a great representative of ND and I hope he succeeds at UConn.

I totally agree. I don't think OMM was doing that either, there were some posts trending that way in various threads. I wanted to offer some perspective and as usual, OMM's post simply provided some inspiration.

 

[Old Man Mike]

yep, guys... I was just responding in the context of the Diaco discussion taking place, not a full critique of ND football. Lord, what an essay THAT would be.

And Redbar: you are one of the few guys I read every post of, and expect to get something out of them, so, I took not an iota of stress out of your solid remarks.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

yep, guys... I was just responding in the context of the Diaco discussion taking place, not a full critique of ND football. Lord, what an essay THAT would be.

And Redbar: you are one of the few guys I read every post of, and expect to get something out of them, so, I took not an iota of stress out of your solid remarks.

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

 

[GBdomer]

=(

 

[Whiskeyjack]

=(

Why the frowny face? 2/3 DTs we signed last cycle were rated significantly higher than Smith.

The kid looks solid, and given Narduzzi's eye for DL talent, he'll probably turn out to be a solid player. But we did just fine.

 

[yankeeND]

=(

Even though I agree with what Whiskey is saying, I hear ya. That's what a mean DT looks like. Time will tell with this one though, so no need dwelling on it just yet.

 

[GBdomer]

Guy just looks like a badass and we could have easily got him. Thrilled with the guys we got last cycle and this cycle. Just wanted to show Smith

 

[Johannes]

Looks the opposite of Elam. Good luck to him with Sparty!! May his cleats be painted with the yellow blood of Skunkbears.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Guy just looks like a badass and we could have easily got him.

Diaco refused to recruit DL shorter than 6'4''. That's why we missed out on Smith, and it almost cost us Cage as well.

 

[connect the dots]

Diaco refused to recruit DL shorter than 6'4''. That's why we missed out on Smith, and it almost cost us Cage as well.

How tall was Chris Zorich? 5'11"? Talk about a tackle who could hold his ground!

 

[Buster Bluth]

Diaco refused to recruit DL shorter than 6'4''. That's why we missed out on Smith, and it almost cost us Cage as well.

Sheldon Day?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Sheldon Day?

Day was the exception to the rule, because he was just so good.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Love ND but Michigan State's defense last year was flat out fun to watch. Hope Dantonio and Narduzzi don't stay too much longer!

 

[Riddickulous]

Did he get a Michigan State offer? Was that ever confirmed?

 

[johnnycando]

Let's offer him.

 

[Wild Bill]

Mora just offered him.