'14 CA TE Tyler Luatua (Back in Blue)

[Irish#1]

Understandable to say the least. If you told him he would be a fullback used sparingly he would have never came here in the first place. Good for him

Yep

 

[PANDFAN]

A BYU reporter tweeted yesterday that he has requested a transfer and sent in transfer paperwork to BYU. Also said that he hasn't made up his mind and BK is trying to talk him out of it. I'm not sure how he could know the second part.

is this the guy? Terrell Williams
Tyler Luatua, current ND TE, considering transferring to BYU • BYU Football • CougarCorner

 

[woolybug25]

A BYU reporter tweeted yesterday that he has requested a transfer and sent in transfer paperwork to BYU. Also said that he hasn't made up his mind and BK is trying to talk him out of it. I'm not sure how he could know the second part.

While unfortunate for us, I totally get it. We never really figured out how to use him and now the TE cupboard is getting full (especially by his senior year, when Brock and Cole get to town). Alize has clearly taken the #1 job and we just haven't seen the preference of 2-TE sets. He's a great blocker and could really help our team. But I get it if he wants to go be "the guy" somewhere.

 

[IrishLax]

While unfortunate for us, I totally get it. We never really figured out how to use him and now the TE cupboard is getting full (especially by his senior year, when Brock and Cole get to town). Alize has clearly taken the #1 job and we just haven't seen the preference of 2-TE sets. He's a great blocker and could really help our team. But I get it if he wants to go be "the guy" somewhere.

And to add on, I think one of the bigger problems is that he hasn't produced in his limited amount of targets over two years, and that he isn't all that great as an in-line or split out TE. He seems like the kind of guy that would work best in a system that uses an H-back and gives him 100% of the reps at that position. I don't know if BYU fits that bill, but just watching Luatua over the past few seasons he seems like a bit of a square-peg-round-hole... I just think he would be most successful if used like a Chris Cooley.

 

[BobbyMac]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame TE, Tyler Luatua is interested in transferring to BYU per <a href="https://twitter.com/4hill2015">@4hill2015</a>. Here is who offered him out of HS: <a href="https://t.co/CF0C06piFc">pic.twitter.com/CF0C06piFc</a></p>— The Blue Brethren (@BlueBrethren) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueBrethren/status/683828041026408450">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

And to add on, I think one of the bigger problems is that he hasn't produced in his limited amount of targets over two years, and that he isn't all that great as an in-line or split out TE. He seems like the kind of guy that would work best in a system that uses an H-back and gives him 100% of the reps at that position. I don't know if BYU fits that bill, but just watching Luatua over the past few seasons he seems like a bit of a square-peg-round-hole... I just think he would be most successful if used like a Chris Cooley.

plus he has had at least 2 concussions since being here

 

[TheTurningPoint]

While unfortunate for us, I totally get it. We never really figured out how to use him and now the TE cupboard is getting full (especially by his senior year, when Brock and Cole get to town). Alize has clearly taken the #1 job and we just haven't seen the preference of 2-TE sets. He's a great blocker and could really help our team. But I get it if he wants to go be "the guy" somewhere.

I think Durham Smythe will have something to say about the #1 spot, but I agree it should be Alize's. I also believe Luatua knew he would be utilized more as a 6th OL more than a receiving TE when he chose Notre Dame, but he has just battled a depth and bad timing on injuries.

 

[koonja]

I think Durham Smythe will have something to say about the #1 spot, but I agree it should be Alize's. I also believe Luatua knew he would be utilized more as a 6th OL more than a receiving TE when he chose Notre Dame, but he has just battled a depth and bad timing on injuries.

I was going to say, I thought he tweeted something out about enjoying blocking more than receiving. Something along those lines while at a camp. Obviously feelings can change.

 

[BobbyMac]

Here's the BYU message board guy's tweet:

Original tweet Jan. 3:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former highly touted 4&#55356;&#57119; recruit Tyler Luatua, current ND TE, considering transferring to BYU. Has expressed strong interest to his family.</p>— Terrell Williams (@4hill2015) <a href="https://twitter.com/4hill2015/status/683811118528073728">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Follow up on the 20th:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former BYU 4&#55356;&#57119; Recruit, current ND TE, Tyler Luatua has reportedly requested transfer from ND. Brian Kelly trying to talk him into staying.</p>— Terrell Williams (@4hill2015) <a href="https://twitter.com/4hill2015/status/689877345566531588">January 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[NDVirginia19]

I guess if he leaves, worst case scenario is that Aliz'e becomes the undisputed #1 receiving threat from the TE position, and Durham Smythe maybe bulks up and moves into Luatua's spot? Probably nowhere near as good as a blocker, but I would argue that Smythe maybe makes those formations a little more versatile with his ability to go out into pass patterns

 

[Emcee77]

And to add on, I think one of the bigger problems is that he hasn't produced in his limited amount of targets over two years, and that he isn't all that great as an in-line or split out TE. He seems like the kind of guy that would work best in a system that uses an H-back and gives him 100% of the reps at that position. I don't know if BYU fits that bill, but just watching Luatua over the past few seasons he seems like a bit of a square-peg-round-hole... I just think he would be most successful if used like a Chris Cooley.

I think that pretty much nails it, or at least I sign on to that. He's more of an H-back and we haven't shown much of a commitment to using a guy like that prominently. I hope he stays, but I'd get it if he left.

 

[BobbyMac]

If Luatua leaves it doesn't open up a spot does it? They'd have to bring Hounshell back for his 5th I'd imagine. Smythe is the only guy known for his blocking and it would leave only 3 scholarship guys at the position.

 

[woolybug25]

If Luatua leaves it doesn't open up a spot does it? They'd have to bring Hounshell back for his 5th I'd imagine. Smythe is the only guy known for his blocking and it would leave only 3 scholarship guys at the position.

They don't "have" to bring anyone back for a 5th year. I could see them doing so with Hounshell though.

 

[mtnd15]

This was Hounshell's fifth

 

[ResLife Hero]

This was Hounshell's fifth

Think I saw that he was eligible for a 6th as well.

 

[Denny]

They don't "have" to bring anyone back for a 5th year. I could see them doing so with Hounshell though.

Hounshell was a 5th year guy in 2015. Can he get a 6th year in 2016 because of his injuries? Not sure.

 

[stlnd01]

They don't "have" to bring anyone back for a 5th year. I could see them doing so with Hounshell though.

Would make sense. There's value in having a blocking tight end we can line up in the backfield, and no one else really fits that bill. Hounshell seems like a good locker room guy, too.

 

[#1rish]

What's Smythe's remaining eligibility? 1 or 2 years?

 

[BobbyMac]

They don't "have" to bring anyone back for a 5th year. I could see them doing so with Hounshell though.

Not talking about policy... talking about need.

Nevermind... completely spaced he was a 5th year already. He would definitely be a candidate for a 6th.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can’t vouch for credibility of this report, but Luatua’s prep coach was unaware of any movement as of Thursday a.m. <a href="https://t.co/zE0Pg5qL3y">https://t.co/zE0Pg5qL3y</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/690251936675815425">January 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[FightingIrishLover7]

 

[PANDFAN]

per loy-spoke with sources inside the gug and people on la mirada staff and have heard NOTHING on this

 

[Big23Head]

Anna spoke with a friend or family member of Tyler's and they indicate he has the paperwork filled out but hasn't spoke to BK yet. BK has talked him out of it in the past.

 

[Wingman Ray]

Would make sense. There's value in having a blocking tight end we can line up in the backfield, and no one else really fits that bill. Hounshell seems like a good locker room guy, too.

Dumb question but cant you use a fleeter footed guard in place of the blocking tight end for endzone plays? I would think a 300 lb guard would hit a heck of a lot harder than a 260 TE.

 

[Booslum31]

Dumb question but cant you use a fleeter footed guard in place of the blocking tight end for endzone plays? I would think a 300 lb guard would hit a heck of a lot harder than a 260 TE.

Show me one....they are kind of scarce

 

[irishff1014]

Anna spoke with a friend or family member of Tyler's and they indicate he has the paperwork filled out but hasn't spoke to BK yet. BK has talked him out of it in the past.

I like Tyler but he obviously isn't comfortable here.

 

[Wingman Ray]

Show me one....they are kind of scarce

Most pulling guards can move decently short bursts. I know it takes out any chance of a pass catch but dont have that threat really with Luatuna anyway much.

 

[ND NYC]

well if u never throw it to, or attempt to throw it to an inline TE...he's just a lightweight tackle.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Apparently this Tyler Luatua rumor has been around for a while. Tweet from Jan. 3. <a href="https://t.co/CIM4UkDUrK">https://t.co/CIM4UkDUrK</a></p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/690274090268127233">January 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Edit: just saw someone else had this earlier, my bad.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Damn would suck if he left. But I understand if he did.

Would leave a whole in TE depth for the upcoming year.

Smythe
Jones
Weiser

Would really need Chase to be eligible for a 6th year to relieve depth concerns.