2015 Spring Practice Thread

[Luckylucci]

Like a few guys have already said, it's not because Mokwuah isn't doing well. Actually from what I've heard, he's actually coming along quite nicely. But there are just several guys right now that have stepped up and added to their arsenal. Cage has the experience and ruthless tenacity you like and is a little farther ahead technique wise, MDT has hit the ground running despite being overshadowed by Tillery (who of course is tearing sh*t up himself). Not to mention he's still quite raw both physically and technically. Brandon Tiassum will probably have to overcome similar hurdles to Mokwuah when he arrives.

Yes, well said, we have a complete roster of the best DL in the country! LOL

 

[GBdomer]

Lol Lucky I love you man. Keep doing your thing, let me know if you wanna hand off the baton

 

[dublinirish]

Mokwuah always seemed like a bit of a project. That's OK. Sometimes projects turn out to be major contributors. But given what's in front of him, it might take a little time before he cracks the rotation. He's got plenty of time.

i get the impression with Mokwuah that he needs/needed to lose some bad weight and build his body back up and improve his stamina (pretty much the norm for frosh project DT's)

 

[BleedBlueGold]

One name that doesn't seem to come up much in these DL discussions is Pete Mokwuah. Obviously he redshirted last year, but from the sound of it, it seems like he's not getting much attention for playing time next year from the coaches or the people on this board. Is this just a case of him being another year or two off in terms of conditioning, strength, etc., or is he at risk of getting lost in all the tremendous depth we've been talking about throughout his whole career? It sucks to think that a DT with the measurables he has might not see the field much, but on the other hand, I guess all the talent and depth ahead of him isn't exactly a bad problem to have.

Jacob Matuska is a name that needs to be popping up more often on Irish fans' radar. The kid was forced to play last year against UL and balled out. Yet he'll be a 3rd or 4th stringer at DT. That is what we call depth, ladies and gents.

 

[Irish YJ]

Jacob Matuska is a name that needs to be popping up more often on Irish fans' radar. The kid was forced to play last year against UL and balled out. Yet he'll be a 3rd or 4th stringer at DT. That is what we call depth, ladies and gents.

Are you trying to take CB's place LOL.
Kidding. I agree that we might see some good things from him this year.

 

[IrishLion]

Huge difference between potential and the current player. Glad we agree that my OP was right.

Maybe I'm just grumpy today, but when I read this post in reference to Day, I couldn't help but smirk a bit.

Is Day really as good, right now, as we all seem to believe? Or are we all actually just referencing his potential? You get on CB for talking about Jones in the same breath as Day based on potential, and yet, I feel the argument could be made that Day has come nowhere close to his own potential. I don't even think Day has really been the dominant force, even when healthy, that some make it sound.

Sure, he has shown flashes the past two seasons, when healthy, and he does command regular double-teams, when healthy... but he still hasn't come close to the player that everyone thought he would be after his national championship showing in 2012. He was supposed to be the next great DL... and instead, we've seen a guy with huge potential that has shown flashes of an elite first step, but has actually been banged up more than he's been healthy.

I in no way want to pile on Day, because even when he's not healthy he's still a quality defensive linemen, and he really *could* be one of the best in the country if he can stay healthy and do more than just show flashes. But I think it's crazy to blast Balki for his beliefs on how potential plays into an evaluation in reference to Jones, when 90% of Day's hype is about potential, as well.

Day has proven more on the field, yes. But he's not light-years ahead of the other guys, and it's not unreasonable to question if other d-linemen are closer to his level than we think.

 

[Irish YJ]

Agree, lots of angry cats on this topic. There is a ton of potential in the DL. All American, I don't know. I do think Day is the best, or has been the best, of our DL. That said, I don't see him as elite, or rock star level. Could he be, sure, maybe. Could other folks catch up or surpass, sure, maybe. Can't wait for the season to start.

 

[connor_in]

Maybe I'm just grumpy today, but when I read this post in reference to Day, I couldn't help but smirk a bit.

Is Day really as good, right now, as we all seem to believe? Or are we all actually just referencing his potential? You get on CB for talking about Jones in the same breath as Day based on potential, and yet, I feel the argument could be made that Day has come nowhere close to his own potential. I don't even think Day has really been the dominant force, even when healthy, that some make it sound.

Sure, he has shown flashes the past two seasons, when healthy, and he does command regular double-teams, when healthy... but he still hasn't come close to the player that everyone thought he would be after his national championship showing in 2012. He was supposed to be the next great DL... and instead, we've seen a guy with huge potential that has shown flashes of an elite first step, but has actually been banged up more than he's been healthy.

I in no way want to pile on Day, because even when he's not healthy he's still a quality defensive linemen, and he really *could* be one of the best in the country if he can stay healthy and do more than just show flashes. But I think it's crazy to blast Balki for his beliefs on how potential plays into an evaluation in reference to Jones, when 90% of Day's hype is about potential, as well.

Day has proven more on the field, yes. But he's not light-years ahead of the other guys, and it's not unreasonable to question if other d-linemen are closer to his level than we think.

Grumpy Lion

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

Maybe I'm just grumpy today, but when I read this post in reference to Day, I couldn't help but smirk a bit.

Is Day really as good, right now, as we all seem to believe? Or are we all actually just referencing his potential? You get on CB for talking about Jones in the same breath as Day based on potential, and yet, I feel the argument could be made that Day has come nowhere close to his own potential. I don't even think Day has really been the dominant force, even when healthy, that some make it sound.

Sure, he has shown flashes the past two seasons, when healthy, and he does command regular double-teams, when healthy... but he still hasn't come close to the player that everyone thought he would be after his national championship showing in 2012. He was supposed to be the next great DL... and instead, we've seen a guy with huge potential that has shown flashes of an elite first step, but has actually been banged up more than he's been healthy.

I in no way want to pile on Day, because even when he's not healthy he's still a quality defensive linemen, and he really *could* be one of the best in the country if he can stay healthy and do more than just show flashes. But I think it's crazy to blast Balki for his beliefs on how potential plays into an evaluation in reference to Jones, when 90% of Day's hype is about potential, as well.

Day has proven more on the field, yes. But he's not light-years ahead of the other guys, and it's not unreasonable to question if other d-linemen are closer to his level than we think.

I completely agree. I think Day is good, don't get me wrong, but I don't think he is SOOOOO much better than Jones.

 

[woolybug25]

Honestly, I think the bashing of Balki has gone too far at this point. The guy has said some off the wall stuff, but who here hasn't. Hell, his biggest crime is being too positive... think about that...

I have gave him a hard time just like the rest of you. But give it a rest, if his post bother you that much, just put him on ignore. I'm personally sick of reading three pages of Balki-Bashing in every thread he ever posts in.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Are you trying to take CB's place LOL.
Kidding. I agree that we might see some good things from him this year.

I know you were kidding, but I want to add that I'm not suggesting he'll crack the normal rotation. I'm simply saying that with all the DL names being talked about, not one person has mentioned Jacob. I just didn't want him to get lost in the shuffle. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn't. But it'll be his third year and when he did play last year, he wasn't bad. Drop off from the starters? Of course. But all I'm saying is that the depth at DT is crazy right now at ND and he deserves to at least be mentioned when the topic is being discussed.

 

[jerboski]

There really is no speculation in what I'm saying. Day is the best Dlineman we currently have. Fact and convo over.

Lucky you are a great poster and more times than not I agree with you however in this case I don't think it is "fact and convo over".... Day has consistently been injury prone and yes we hear about his greatness in practice for three years now however gameplay has been quite different. It is certainly debatable that jones played as well or maybe even better than day last year. I recall jones pushing the pile numerous times last year and Crazy has a point, Coach D absolutely feels jones is a big time player when his motor is going. I also recall Rochelle handing the AA Peate his ass last year, I guess what I'm getting at is day is solid however I haven't seen him dominate in a way to say he is so much better than jones or Rochelle. I keep waiting to see these comparasions of day and darnold to hold true so far they haven't

 

[ulukinatme]

Honestly, I think the bashing of Balki has gone too far at this point. The guy has said some off the wall stuff, but who here hasn't. Hell, his biggest crime is being too positive... think about that...

I have gave him a hard time just like the rest of you. But give it a rest, if his post bother you that much, just put him on ignore. I'm personally sick of reading three pages of Balki-Bashing in every thread he ever posts in.

Maybe YOU should just put everyone on ignore that does Balki-Bashing.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Golson was a point guard too. It really is surprising that a guy who played that position can't run read option.

Or lead his team

 

[Old Man Mike]

This comment has nothing to do with other IE members' opinions --- if they take it that way then that is simply their choice to read things through personal lenses: My comments are simply about Mighty Day and are not my own. They have been extracted from those of the coaching staff and the commentators from the past two seasons. In Lou Nix' final year, every such person said that Sheldon was our best DLineman [above Big Lou and Tuitt]. Did injury plagues and overweightness have anything to do with that? Sure. But the coaching and commentator praise was still very high. Last season those sorts of comments about Sheldon's play continued, despite the nuisance injuries and continual double-teams. A typical introductory set of comments about Notre Dame's defense by the game commentators would always feature Sheldon as the primary DLine force that the opponent would have to deal with.

I view my comment above as positive to Sheldon and not negative to any other player. To my mind, thinking that we have a hard-working talented superwarrior to begin to build a DLine around is just speaking good vibes, and vibes that I continue hearing from the coaching staff.

 

[Wild Bill]

Sorry, that's my opinion and I stick by it. Jones is inconsistent, wildly inconsistent, but has shown flashes of being our best DL. Coach D feels the same way, so I'm not alone in this thinking. Whether or not he does reach the level of consistency to be on Day's level is yet to be seen, because we need to see how he returns from his injury. He could fall into the same trap Tuitt fell into as a junior and gain a bunch of bad weight, and Jones wouldn't be able to get by as well as Tuitt did with it either. Rochell isn't anywhere near as big of a pass rusher as Day is, but he is definitely better in terms of stuffing the runner. It doesn't help that he isn't really in his preferred position. He's more of a 3T than a SDE. As for Trumbetti, if he makes the strides in the offseason that I and others believe he'll make, he's going to be dominant for us. In terms of consistency (assuming he's healthy) Day is our best, but there are guys who, given they can make strides in improving certain things (Jones consistency, Rochell and Trumbetti pass rushing technique) that could put them up there.

I agree with you that Jones has shown flashes of being great. I think he could play at an all american level if Tillery and Cage can give him a break a few times a game. I thought Jones played great last year and his inconsistent play was due to physical fatigue, not mental breakdowns. Merely debating who will have a better year, Day or Jones, is a really good sign for the interior of the defense. I'm still taking Day for now, though.

I wouldn't go as far as saying Rochelle is a better run defender. They both play the run well and the difference between the two is negligible. I'd probably take Rochelle over Day if he's defending two gaps but I'd take Day to defend one gap. Day is much better at generating a pass rush and disrupting the offense b/c of his ability to beat O-lineman off the ball and penetrate into backfield. This really disrupts an offense even if he's not loading up the stat sheet with sacks and TFLs. I just don't believe Rochelle has the same type of ability to disrupt an offense. Best way to think about it is through the eyes of an opposing offensive coordinator. Are you more concerned with Rochelle's ability to hold the point of attack, maintain gap control and get his five tackles a game or are you going to be more concerned about Day ripping past your guards and setting up shop two yards deep in your backfield for sixty minutes?

 

[arahop]

Honestly, I think the bashing of Balki has gone too far at this point. The guy has said some off the wall stuff, but who here hasn't. Hell, his biggest crime is being too positive... think about that...

I have gave him a hard time just like the rest of you. But give it a rest, if his post bother you that much, just put him on ignore. I'm personally sick of reading three pages of Balki-Bashing in every thread he ever posts in.

I'm with you 100 percent! It has become an angry mob of bullies.

 

[Luckylucci]

Maybe I'm just grumpy today, but when I read this post in reference to Day, I couldn't help but smirk a bit.

Is Day really as good, right now, as we all seem to believe? Or are we all actually just referencing his potential? You get on CB for talking about Jones in the same breath as Day based on potential, and yet, I feel the argument could be made that Day has come nowhere close to his own potential. I don't even think Day has really been the dominant force, even when healthy, that some make it sound.

Sure, he has shown flashes the past two seasons, when healthy, and he does command regular double-teams, when healthy... but he still hasn't come close to the player that everyone thought he would be after his national championship showing in 2012. He was supposed to be the next great DL... and instead, we've seen a guy with huge potential that has shown flashes of an elite first step, but has actually been banged up more than he's been healthy.

I in no way want to pile on Day, because even when he's not healthy he's still a quality defensive linemen, and he really *could* be one of the best in the country if he can stay healthy and do more than just show flashes. But I think it's crazy to blast Balki for his beliefs on how potential plays into an evaluation in reference to Jones, when 90% of Day's hype is about potential, as well.

Day has proven more on the field, yes. But he's not light-years ahead of the other guys, and it's not unreasonable to question if other d-linemen are closer to his level than we think.

Yes, I agree that Day has not reached his potential, which I think could be elite, based on injuries. However, nobody is on Day's level. Sports are based on consistency of playing at a high level. Day was a day 1 player on arguably the best Dline in CFB his freshman year. He's exceptionally consistent in everything he does and that deserves a lot of respect. Keep in mind that all this stuff they say about Tillery, they said about Day.

 

[IrishLion]

Yes, I agree that Day has not reached his potential, which I think could be elite, based on injuries. However, nobody is on Day's level. Sports are based on consistency of playing at a high level. Day was a day 1 player on arguably the best Dline in CFB his freshman year. He's exceptionally consistent in everything he does and that deserves a lot of respect. Keep in mind that all this stuff they say about Tillery, they said about Day.

I agree with you... but my point is that you can't blast Balki for lauding Jones' based on potential, when you yourself say that Day hasn't reached his own elite potential. If he hasn't reached his own elite potential, then he isn't so far ahead of the group as to merit the reaction you gave Balki.

The whole "I'm right, you're wrong, end of story" was not cool, especially when your stance leaves plenty of room for argument from the other side.

 

[connor_in]

Guys...

It's Good Friday on a site dedicated to a catholic school. Can we try to get along a bit?

 

[Luckylucci]

I agree with you... but my point is that you can't blast Balki for lauding Jones' based on potential, when you yourself say that Day hasn't reached his own elite potential. If he hasn't reached his own elite potential, then he isn't so far ahead of the group as to merit the reaction you gave Balki.

The whole "I'm right, you're wrong, end of story" was not cool, especially when your stance leaves plenty of room for argument from the other side.

My apologies if you didn't find it cool. Analogy time, basketball players aren't good because sometimes they hit shots. Then they'd all be good. Consistency is what makes the good ones. He's by far the most consistent and good DL we have.

 

[IrishLion]

My apologies if you didn't find it cool. Analogy time, basketball players aren't good because sometimes they hit shots. Then they'd all be good. Consistency is what makes the good ones. He's by far the most consistent and good DL we have.

It's all good, and for the record, I agree with you about Day.

I just don't think this was an instance where Balki was as far off as some made it seem. I know he spouts plenty of over-the-top positivity, but this was a debate where he actually had some room, but wasn't given any.

 

[ulukinatme]

Guys...

It's Good Friday on a site dedicated to a catholic school. Can we try to get along a bit?

I ate meat today, and it was delicious.

To be fair though, I never refrain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, I usually just give something else up. If I'm damned for eating meat, so be it!

 

[connor_in]

I ate meat today, and it was delicious.

To be fair though, I never refrain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, I usually just give something else up. If I'm damned for eating meat, so be it!

 

[PANDFAN]

Anyone see Jaron Jones mom post an espn article about Tillery on Jaron's Facebook wall and said you better be ready..,,that's what I'm talking about

 

[Irish YJ]

Anyone see Jaron Jones mom post an espn article about Tillery on Jaron's Facebook wall and said you better be ready..,,that's what I'm talking about

hats off to momma!

 

[NDokie13]

Anyone see Jaron Jones mom post an espn article about Tillery on Jaron's Facebook wall and said you better be ready..,,that's what I'm talking about

Hahaha, I saw that. His response on it was, "Are we serious rn?"

 

[stlnd01]

Didn't Jarron's mom publicly call him out when there were rumors he was going pro, too? I dig that lady.

 

[BeauBenken]

Didn't Jarron's mom publicly call him out when there were rumors he was going pro, too? I dig that lady.

We came to ND for the degree! STRAIGHT NO CHASER!

She was more salty about Jay Hayes saying Jarron was going pro, but a great, great tweet nonetheless.

 

[Irish YJ]

Some parent get it right.
Momma Jones fixin to get in a car and make that drive from NY lol.