'21 MI OL Rocco Spindler (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ICYMI: Rocco Spindler (<a href="https://twitter.com/RoccoSpindler92?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoccoSpindler92</a>) from Clarkston High School named the 2020 winner of the third-annual STATE CHAMPS! Anvil Award presented by <a href="https://twitter.com/hungryhowies?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hungryhowies</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffKosin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeffKosin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CtownAthSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CtownAthSec</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheeJungle?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheeJungle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LearnAtCCS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LearnAtCCS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FightingIrish?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FightingIrish</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBrianKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBrianKelly</a> <a href="https://t.co/xX29MkUAuT">pic.twitter.com/xX29MkUAuT</a></p>— STATE CHAMPS! Michigan (@statechampsmich) <a href="https://twitter.com/statechampsmich/status/1355166382745387009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[arrowryan]

With Gibbons transferring, Spindler starting at LG is pretty much etched in stone at this point. I'm really excited to see what Fisher and Spindler can do on the left side of the o-line. I understand how some people could be nervous because they are true freshmen, but they're on their way to being the next Martin/Watt and McGlinchey/Nelson combo.

It is also kind of nice not having to worry about the LT and LG spots for at least 3 years.

 

[Dale]

I wouldn’t rule out LG - Patterson, RG - Kristofic. Rocco’s summer is going to be huge for him. Kristofic quietly has been a presence all Spring and we seemingly know BK plans to move one of Lugg/Patterson inside

 

[arrowryan]

I wouldn’t rule out LG - Patterson, RG - Kristofic. Rocco’s summer is going to be huge for him. Kristofic quietly has been a presence all Spring and we seemingly know BK plans to move one of Lugg/Patterson inside

Yeah, saying that it is etched in stone is an overreaction on my part. Rocco needs to get stronger this summer, but I hope he can secure a spot in August.

 

[NDBoiler]

With Gibbons transferring, Spindler starting at LG is pretty much etched in stone at this point. I'm really excited to see what Fisher and Spindler can do on the left side of the o-line. I understand how some people could be nervous because they are true freshmen, but they're on their way to being the next Martin/Watt and McGlinchey/Nelson combo.

It is also kind of nice not having to worry about the LT and LG spots for at least 3 years.

Part of me is excited too to see what they can do, but also a bit disappointing on the player development front if you’ve got guys that have been in the program 2-4 years and can’t beat out true freshmen. The OL has traditionally been a position group where you need a couple years to build up the strength and technique to compete at that level, so this must also speak loudly to the talent in the classes ahead of the young guys as well

 

[Luckylucci]

Yea, I don't know if I'd say it's etched in stone. I think it's a very real possibility that Patterson is LG, Baker is RT, and Kristofic or Lugg is RG. Or that Lugg is RT and Kristofic is RG while Patterson stays at LG.

 

[BobbyMac]

With Gibbons transferring, Spindler starting at LG is pretty much etched in stone at this point. I'm really excited to see what Fisher and Spindler can do on the left side of the o-line. I understand how some people could be nervous because they are true freshmen, but they're on their way to being the next Martin/Watt and McGlinchey/Nelson combo.

It is also kind of nice not having to worry about the LT and LG spots for at least 3 years.

Are there insiders saying that's what's coming from staffers?

If Rocco & Fisher are starting, doesn't putting each next to Patterson & Lugg make sense?

I don't know jack about what Quinn is planning. I haven't dove into the what if's because there are too may variables BUT the Vegas in me says lay heavy on the field vs Fish/Rocco starting on the left side in Tallahassee.

 

[arrowryan]

Yea, I don't know if I'd say it's etched in stone. I think it's a very real possibility that Patterson is LG, Baker is RT, and Kristofic or Lugg is RG. Or that Lugg is RT and Kristofic is RG while Patterson stays at LG.

I haven't heard much about Kristofic. But you and a few others said he had a good spring, so I'll take your word for it.

 

[dublinirish]

Fisher-Patterson-Correll-Somebody-Lugg is how i would say it shakes out. No way Fisher and Spindler are put on the same side together

 

[stpeteirish]

I haven't heard much about Kristofic. But you and a few others said he had a good spring, so I'll take your word for it.

Probably had a better spring than Gibbons. I think he's got a chance to start instead of Spindler if they put Patterson at guard.

 

[IrishLion]

I'd say LT- LG-C is set, at least based on what we saw with Fisher in the B&G game and based on what the talking heads are saying.

That leaves Kristofic vs Spindler at RG, and Lugg vs Baker at OT.

Or, if the staff feels Lugg is in the best 5 no matter what, then it could come down to whether Baker is better as a RT than Spindler/Kristofic are at RG, if that makes sense.

If one of Spindler/Kristofic really separates, then you put them in at RG.

If neither separates and Baker comes on at RT, you putt Lugg at RG.

 

[Dale]

I’m no expert but it just seems like Fisher really is going to take LT. Which means Patterson falling in line as LG seems most logical. Which means Lugg falling in line at RT is most logical. That as Lion said for his part would leave Kristofic v Spindler at RG. Now all of that assumes chemistry and important factors in the alignment but I can’t help but think that SEEMS ideal

 

[jspags10pg]

I'd say LT- LG-C is set, at least based on what we saw with Fisher in the B&G game and based on what the talking heads are saying.

That leaves Kristofic vs Spindler at RG, and Lugg vs Baker at OT.

Or, if the staff feels Lugg is in the best 5 no matter what, then it could come down to whether Baker is better as a RT than Spindler/Kristofic are at RG, if that makes sense.

If one of Spindler/Kristofic really separates, then you put them in at RG.

If neither separates and Baker comes on at RT, you putt Lugg at RG.

This is where I'm at as well. Summed up nicely, Lion.

Only question now is who is the backup Center?
Patterson and have someone like the loser of the RG battle fill the void at LG? Orrr maybe someone else like Quinn Carroll can take reps at Center?

 

[Trait Expectations]

Spindler needs to live with Balis the next 3 months. He got put on skates a few times by Hinish in the spring game. If he can shore that up, I thought he looked really good against everything else. But I'm not an expert so I'll defer to those who are.

 

[Irish#1]

I wouldn’t rule out LG - Patterson, RG - Kristofic. Rocco’s summer is going to be huge for him. Kristofic quietly has been a presence all Spring and we seemingly know BK plans to move one of Lugg/Patterson inside

This. Easy to forget about Patterson since everyone else is getting the reps this spring, but I just don't see freshman Rocco unseating him. Besides if Fisher has locked down LT like the tea leaves are saying, you want an experienced guy next to him for all of the obvious reasons.

 

[GUknights75]

I’m no expert but it just seems like Fisher really is going to take LT. Which means Patterson falling in line as LG seems most logical. Which means Lugg falling in line at RT is most logical. That as Lion said for his part would leave Kristofic v Spindler at RG. Now all of that assumes chemistry and important factors in the alignment but I can’t help but think that SEEMS ideal

This.

Fisher-Patterson-Zeke-Spindler/Kristofic-Lugg

Having experienced players next too the young guys is essential. I know from my own personal experience that having someone right next to you, who knows what they're doing, will go a long way. Patterson played center so he will be good communicating with Fisher and maybe even help Zeke with a few calls. Lugg has played every position so that will help Spindler a long the way.

I would be pretty confident with that O-line by mid-season.

 

[dublinirish]

 

[BobbyMac]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/NFLFootballOps/status/1403381590802133002[/TWEET]

 

[ulukinatme]

I think Steve Young just crapped his pants.

 

[IRISHMAN]

does rocco spindler over take zeke correll as the starting LG by end of the season?

 

[Dale]

does rocco spindler over take zeke correll as the starting LG by end of the season?

Hopefully not?

 

[Trait Expectations]

does rocco spindler over take zeke correll as the starting LG by end of the season?

I'm going to say yes. Zeke was the most abused lineman on my initial watch. I need to rewatch and give my focus to the OL entirely. Spindler has to be able to get more push than Zeke, Zeke looked like he was getting driven backward often. Am I the only one who saw this?

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I'm going to say yes. Zeke was the most abused lineman on my initial watch. I need to rewatch and give my focus to the OL entirely. Spindler has to be able to get more push than Zeke, Zeke looked like he was getting driven backward often. Am I the only one who saw this?

Correct, but, it's likely that Rocco is even less ready, atm anyway. Otherwise, the coaches would have had Rocco in there...they're clearly not afraid of playing the best player (ala Blake).

 

[Luckylucci]

My initial reaction was Correll was overwhelmed a fair amount as well. But, of course, PFF grades him as the best OL.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

My initial reaction was Correll was overwhelmed a fair amount as well. But, of course, PFF grades him as the best OL.

Does that factor for run, pass, or both?

Eye test told me Lugg looked the best by a mile.

 

[NDisme]

Does that factor for run, pass, or both?

Eye test told me Lugg looked the best by a mile.

Yea after watching the game a 2nd time I felt Lugg was our best OL, To me it looked like Zeke had a brutal day, didn't really like anything in the middle of our line.

 

[Luckylucci]

Does that factor for run, pass, or both?

Eye test told me Lugg looked the best by a mile.

I don't know, I didn't even see it. Jamie U posted it at ISD with the snap breakdown.

 

[Dale]

Pass block grade gave Correll one or the best in the country. His run block grade was essentially second on the team behind Fisher/Carmody

 

[Dale]

It has Madden really bad pass blocking and 3 hurries. Actually credited most the of the hurries to the right side of the OL, I’d have to see Johnson’s highlights because that doesn’t sound right unless he was twisting a lot

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

It has Madden really bad pass blocking and 3 hurries. Actually credited most the of the hurries to the right side of the OL, I’d have to see Johnson’s highlights because that doesn’t sound right unless he was twisting a lot

Prister said on his Pod today that upon rewatch the right side was the weak link. Cited Lugg in particularly has playing poorly. Maybe I had too many beers....