Who are you most excited to see this season?

[BLUETHUNDER]

I was just wondering to see who you guys were most excited to see play this up coming year since we will have so many new starters.

Here are my top three guys I can not wait to see on the field
1.) Toryan Smith- ILB- I think this guy is going to be a beast for our Defense. He just seems like he is the type of guy that is going to not your head off when he hits you with such force. Now I mean this as a compliment, but he seems like one of those big time SEC type LB's. I really think he is going to be special for us.

2.) Mo Richardson- OLB- When we recruited him I thought he and Toryan would be a great tag team, but they moved him to DE so I was a little dissapointed but now that he is back to OLB and an even better OLB position because we are in a 3-4, I think he is going to be a big time sack master and run stuffer. These two are going to special for the next few years.

3.) Chris Stewart- NT- We did not have any size on our D-Line or a guy to just engulf people. Well Chris will be requiring at least 2 to block him. I stood next to him in person and he is literally the biggest man I have ever been around. I think he is going to be a Vince Wilfork type player for us. remember on those great Miami teams and defenses. Well DJ Williams and Vilma got the credit but BIG BOY wilfork freed those two up to create havoc. Well that is what Stewart is going to do for Richardson Toryan and company. This is the biggest move of the offseason and I cannot wait to see him in action because he is going to greatly improve this defense.

Those are my top three that I CAN NOT WAIT see. Interestingly they are all on the Defense side, but that is because I personally have that SEC mentality of play lights out defense and fly to the ball with wreckless abandon. I am so excited for the Defense this year, at least I think the front 7 is going to be lights out.

 

[notredomer23]

I cant wait to see J Clausen play but he might not so yea. If he does i cant wait to see how hard he throws, how accurate and if he is good at being mobile or not.

 

[CrimsonIrish]

I cant wait to see J Clausen play but he might not so yea. If he does i cant wait to see how hard he throws, how accurate and if he is good at being mobile or not.

I have to agree, there is something about a new QB and the anticipation

 

[Irishman10]

I'm most looking forward to seeing whoever is starting at QB, James Aldridge getting more carries and the entire defense now that we're using a new scheme.

 

[wheeler418]

I have to agree with Irishman10, but I need to add Darrin Walls to the list. At last's year B-G game, I met Walls and now I am a huge fan of his.

 

[Shark Attack]

I'm looking for
1) James Aldridge - Word from spring break is that he's pulling out all the stops after his knee injury last year. Weis said in the press conference that he's showing a second gear that not many rb's have, and described him as "sneaky". That description alone gives me chills!

2) George West - first freshman to score a TD since Stovall in '02, is showing a lot of moxy on the line. Weis said he's doing well off the line, catching the ball, and "a willing blocker". However, with the removal of Samardzija (6'5") and McKnight (6'2"), you're left with a very different passing game. Probably won't see those long balls that Shark and Stovall made those spectacular grabs. DJ Hord is only 6'1", Grimes is 6' if that, and West is a meager 5'8", so it'll probably be a lot more short passes and a lot more YAC.

3) Terrail Lambert - He has the potential to add a lot of depth to the secondary this year, depending on how much the rest of the defense is playing and where he finally ends up. Weis didn't mention names, but said that the secondary is the deepest it's been, playing 3 deep already!

 

[stevens04]

I am anxious to see Zibby (healthy) Laws (in his new "playmaking" position) and any kicker that doesn't make me twitch after a miss. As far as a fresh face I am curious to see if Konrad Reuland makes an impact this year.

 

[kjones]

In response to the first post, Toryan Smith may not see the field a whole lot. Crum and Brockington are pretty for sure starters at the ILB position. It's great to have Smith there to push them to do better and earn their job, but I wouldn't get my hopes up on him having a break-out season. Wait till next season for that, but look for him to make some solid contributions.

Of course, I could be wrong, he might surprise and earn a spot over Brockington, I just wouldn't get TOO excited about it just yet.

 

[tgolden]

I'm looking for
1) James Aldridge - Word from spring break is that he's pulling out all the stops after his knee injury last year. Weis said in the press conference that he's showing a second gear that not many rb's have, and described him as "sneaky". That description alone gives me chills!

2) George West - first freshman to score a TD since Stovall in '02, is showing a lot of moxy on the line. Weis said he's doing well off the line, catching the ball, and "a willing blocker". However, with the removal of Samardzija (6'5") and McKnight (6'2"), you're left with a very different passing game. Probably won't see those long balls that Shark and Stovall made those spectacular grabs. DJ Hord is only 6'1", Grimes is 6' if that, and West is a meager 5'8", so it'll probably be a lot more short passes and a lot more YAC.

3) Terrail Lambert - He has the potential to add a lot of depth to the secondary this year, depending on how much the rest of the defense is playing and where he finally ends up. Weis didn't mention names, but said that the secondary is the deepest it's been, playing 3 deep already!

I don't care what anyone says, Grimes is not 6'. Even he'll tell you he's 5'10", but I don't even believe that. while West and Grimes could be the shortest WR in recent ND history, if they both end up starting, it's for a reason. It means they're better than the taller guys, despite the height disadvantage. and plenty of short guys in the NFL catch long balls quite often, so I don't think we'll necessarily see less of that. maybe fewer jump balls, but not fewer long balls.

 

[kjones]

I seem to remember a smaller speedier Matt Sheldon catching more than his share of long balls during his tenure here. Height has nothing really to do with how deep a threat you are, it just means you can't just air it out if he's well covered and expect him to come down with it. But if you can avoid being "well-covered" it all becomes moot. These two are the best at running the offense and getting open to make a play, at least for the moment.

 

[seniorle]

I can't wait to see Armando Allen. He looks super quick and fast doing the drills and I believe he could be the perfect change of pace back for us.

 

[Irishknight1023]

Im interested to see Konrad also as someone said above ^, but i very much want to see my 2nd fav. recruit from last year (after Clausen) Harrison Smith try and make some noise if not in the beginning, later on during the season.

 

[gallup21]

Barry Gallup
Zach Frazer
Golden Tate
James Aldridge

 

[Irish Legend]

Barry Gallup
Zach Frazer
Golden Tate
James Aldridge

Exactly, I'm sick of nobody even giving Frazer a chance. All you hear is Clausen and Jones from everyone on here!

 

[tgolden]

ok, here's my list.

Travis Thomas
Morrice Richardson
Kallen Wade
whoever ends up being QB
Armando Allen
James Aldrigde (yes, I want them all to play)
all the receivers who play
Darrin Walls
pretty much I just want it to be football season, so I'm excited to see the whole team play.

 

[notredomer23]

I guess since everyone has a list, heres mine
J clausen
Aldredge
Crum
Lambert
Walls
Young
the defence in general
and the wide outs

 

[NDFan78]

Jimmy Clausen, if he doesn't start the first game he'll end up starting at some point during the year.

 

[Irishknight1023]

NDFAN truer words were never spoken.

 

[Newc]

With so many new faces, a new defense and DC, I really can't wait to see them all. Even though I get nervous, with all the new players and guys stepping up into starting roles or new positions, its why I love college football.

I really want to see Clausen (nothing against the other QBs) because of all the hype, and I liked what I saw from Aldridge last year and can't wait to see him in a more active role. Other than that, I am really just excited for a new season.

 

[benneboy]

it will be interesting to see the o-line with all the new players. more specifically who will be the left tackle. I'm assuming it will be duncan but whoever it is they must be pretty good for weis to feel comfortable leaving sam young at right tackle.