2024 Spring Practice Thread

[PutuporShutup]

Yep. The prototype for that position is more Foskey/Traore, but we have wound up with a couple of guys there who seem more physically suited to play inside. I think Traore could be our next great pass rusher, personally.

That said, when he's on, Botelho plays with a violence that can do a lot of damage. Word was he was quietly hurt a lot of last year, right? Hopefully he's in a better spot now.

Definitely had a shoulder issue that lingered all season

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Definitely had a shoulder issue that lingered all season

Shoulder, yes, but I still think it might be just a football IQ issue more so. When he reacts the correct way, it's beautiful, but it is still just too inconsistent for his age. Really hoping for a late career eureka moment from him.

 

[IA4irish]

There just aren't that many worth taking. I'd rather build our own OL, TBH. You get multi-year starters that way, too, which is so important at that position in particular. We've got sufficient talent on the roster, it's just a matter of developing it.

They thought they had the tackle on the roster in Fisher. That was a big disappointment and I believe a surprise to the staff.

Re: a tackle in the portal - irish illustrated has mentioned multiple times they thought some tackles would enter the portal and they just didn’t.

 

[Lberry]

Are we expecting him to get two inches taller and grow longer arms?

No, but to me he seemed overweight and slow. The twitch we saw in his early years wasn't there. I think he'd benefit by trimming up for his year.

 

[a mike]

1. WR Room - Can it actually be a weapon
2. LB - Can the high potential turn into better results or will the lack of experience and potentially discipline bite ND
3. Does Leonard become a difference maker at QB
4. Do we get more production out of WDE?
5. RT and Guard spots, talent, but TBD
6. If Evans isn't ready by fall is Eli ready to be the next great one (he wasn't fully himself last year after both surgeries)

100

Nailed it

 

[a mike]

No, but to me he seemed overweight and slow. The twitch we saw in his early years wasn't there. I think he'd benefit by trimming up for his year.

Its well documented thru various podcasts he played with an undisclosed lower body injury in 2023

Like most all non-linemen D1 football players he already has sub-20% body fat

And last I checked theres no direct collocation between visible abs and qb hurries

 

[PutuporShutup]

Shoulder, yes, but I still think it might be just a football IQ issue more so. When he reacts the correct way, it's beautiful, but it is still just too inconsistent for his age. Really hoping for a late career eureka moment from him.

Part of it was scheme. We were in Nickel 95% of the time, so it was only in true rush instances that our DEs were allowed to get up field.

We defended most teams run game with 6 in the box, and occasionally strategically blitzed a 7th. This helped us be extremely efficient in the pass game, but hurt our sack numbers a bit.

I don't think botelho is a DE with enough athleticism to just beat a tackle with pure speed, so he wasn't as dynamic in 3rd and longs.

 

[stlnd01]

Its well documented thru various podcasts he played with an undisclosed lower body injury in 2023

Like most all non-linemen D1 football players he already has sub-20% body fat

And last I checked theres no direct collocation between visible abs and qb hurries

Tell that to Palumbis there crumpled on the ground.

 

[Lberry]

Its well documented thru various podcasts he played with an undisclosed lower body injury in 2023

Like most all non-linemen D1 football players he already has sub-20% body fat

And last I checked theres no direct collocation between visible abs and qb hurries

So he can't be improved, physical? Can you link me to his body fat % report, to which you speak to confidently? Thanks,

 

[KPENN]

I’m curious how the offense looks. Mostly formations, personnel, etc.

 

[FWIrish4]

I am so ready to watch an offense with pre snap motions and intentionally designed play action!

 

[NumbersGuy0520]

I am so ready to watch an offense with pre snap motions and intentionally designed play action!

Now now, let’s not get hasty. We have it on good faith from last year’s OC that play action is totally ineffective against man coverage.

Hopefully Denbrock doesn’t do something stupid, like run it more than twice in a game where we’re up against man coverage.

 

[a mike]

So he can't be improved, physical?

I mean he could get fractionally better I suppose but he's pretty much maxed out at this point physically

Going from say 18% BF to 12% BF isn't going to make much of a difference for him. In fact, it may actually be a net hinderence as he's already undersized for the position

Like others mentioned--he'd need an entirely new/different bone structure e.g. longer limbs, broader shoulders, etc. And that's just not very realistic

I guess the overarching theme was that your comment was just kinda basic throw away word salad that could be said about any random athlete in any random sport except maybe say sumo wrestling i.e. board clutter

Can you link me to his body fat % report

Oh there's no specific report. Its just common knowledge. Kinda like it was common knowledge that he was ailed by an undisclosed lower body injury last year and not because he was some kinda fatty running around out there

Thanks,

You
are
welcome!

 

[Crazy Balki]

1. WR Room - Can it actually be a weapon
2. LB - Can the high potential turn into better results or will the lack of experience and potentially discipline bite ND
3. Does Leonard become a difference maker at QB
4. Do we get more production out of WDE?
5. RT and Guard spots, talent, but TBD
6. If Evans isn't ready by fall is Eli ready to be the next great one (he wasn't fully himself last year after both surgeries)

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the concern-o-meter:
1. WR Room - 2/10 (Very confident that ND has some serious speed at receiver with guys like Mitchell and Faison, plus some legit size in guys like Thomas, Greathouse, Collins and hopefully Colzie).
2. LB - 5/10 (I think Bowen is going to be a stud, but he's still young and it's not a given that he's ready to go. Pretty confident he is, but still. Good to hear that Sneed seems to have made strides in winter workouts, hope that translates on the field).
3. Leonard - 4/10 (Leonard is the most talented, presumed starting QB we've had since Kizer. It's also going to pay dividends for him having some legit receiving options and a good stable of backs to rely on.
4. WDE - 4/10 (I legit think Botelho and Traore are going to be a legit tandem at Vyper. Botelho disappointed last year, but it was very clear he was playing hurt for most of the season. Traore has ridiculous explosiveness and size).
5. RT/G - 7/10 (Talent is there, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how things unfold at the other guard opposite Schrauth and at RT. Baker has talent, but it's year 5 and he hasn't clicked yet. I hope Spindler beats out Coogan, because I think his upside is greater).
6. TE - 0/10 (Not at all concerned. For one, I think Evans will be ready. It's not like with Raridon last year, because that was his 2nd ACL tear, which extended his recovery time. Evans should be ready to go by fall camp, provided he doesn't experience a setback. Also Raridon is going to be an elite stud, and I also think Flanagan is extremely good).

 

[Lberry]

I mean he could get fractionally better I suppose but he's pretty much maxed out at this point physically

Going from say 18% BF to 12% BF isn't going to make much of a difference for him. In fact, it may actually be a net hinderence as he's already undersized for the position

Like others mentioned--he'd need an entirely new/different bone structure e.g. longer limbs, broader shoulders, etc. And that's just not very realistic

I guess the overarching theme was that your comment was just kinda basic throw away word salad that could be said about any random athlete in any random sport except maybe say sumo wrestling i.e. board clutter


Oh there's no specific report. Its just common knowledge. Kinda like it was common knowledge that he was ailed by an undisclosed lower body injury last year and not because he was some kinda fatty running around out there


You
are
welcome!

Another weird post, again with nothing to add just to try to discredit or pick a mild fight. Pattern remains 100%.

 

[PutuporShutup]

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the concern-o-meter:
1. WR Room - 2/10 (Very confident that ND has some serious speed at receiver with guys like Mitchell and Faison, plus some legit size in guys like Thomas, Greathouse, Collins and hopefully Colzie).
2. LB - 5/10 (I think Bowen is going to be a stud, but he's still young and it's not a given that he's ready to go. Pretty confident he is, but still. Good to hear that Sneed seems to have made strides in winter workouts, hope that translates on the field).
3. Leonard - 4/10 (Leonard is the most talented, presumed starting QB we've had since Kizer. It's also going to pay dividends for him having some legit receiving options and a good stable of backs to rely on.
4. WDE - 4/10 (I legit think Botelho and Traore are going to be a legit tandem at Vyper. Botelho disappointed last year, but it was very clear he was playing hurt for most of the season. Traore has ridiculous explosiveness and size).
5. RT/G - 7/10 (Talent is there, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how things unfold at the other guard opposite Schrauth and at RT. Baker has talent, but it's year 5 and he hasn't clicked yet. I hope Spindler beats out Coogan, because I think his upside is greater).
6. TE - 0/10 (Not at all concerned. For one, I think Evans will be ready. It's not like with Raridon last year, because that was his 2nd ACL tear, which extended his recovery time. Evans should be ready to go by fall camp, provided he doesn't experience a setback. Also Raridon is going to be an elite stud, and I also think Flanagan is extremely good).

You’re more confident in next years team on paper than I am, and I’m confident. I think the biggest area of improvement needed is freeman weekly prep and in game coaching. 12-0 prediction by you?

 

[stlnd01]

You’re more confident in next years team on paper than I am, and I’m confident. I think the biggest area of improvement needed is freeman weekly prep and in game coaching. 12-0 prediction by you?

16-0. Fuck yeah.

 

[Rizzophil]

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the concern-o-meter:
1. WR Room - 2/10 (Very confident that ND has some serious speed at receiver with guys like Mitchell and Faison, plus some legit size in guys like Thomas, Greathouse, Collins and hopefully Colzie).
2. LB - 5/10 (I think Bowen is going to be a stud, but he's still young and it's not a given that he's ready to go. Pretty confident he is, but still. Good to hear that Sneed seems to have made strides in winter workouts, hope that translates on the field).
3. Leonard - 4/10 (Leonard is the most talented, presumed starting QB we've had since Kizer. It's also going to pay dividends for him having some legit receiving options and a good stable of backs to rely on.
4. WDE - 4/10 (I legit think Botelho and Traore are going to be a legit tandem at Vyper. Botelho disappointed last year, but it was very clear he was playing hurt for most of the season. Traore has ridiculous explosiveness and size).
5. RT/G - 7/10 (Talent is there, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how things unfold at the other guard opposite Schrauth and at RT. Baker has talent, but it's year 5 and he hasn't clicked yet. I hope Spindler beats out Coogan, because I think his upside is greater).
6. TE - 0/10 (Not at all concerned. For one, I think Evans will be ready. It's not like with Raridon last year, because that was his 2nd ACL tear, which extended his recovery time. Evans should be ready to go by fall camp, provided he doesn't experience a setback. Also Raridon is going to be an elite stud, and I also think Flanagan is extremely good).

Sneed physically has never been an issue

 

[stpeteirish]

On a scale of 1 to 10 on the concern-o-meter:
1. WR Room - 2/10 (Very confident that ND has some serious speed at receiver with guys like Mitchell and Faison, plus some legit size in guys like Thomas, Greathouse, Collins and hopefully Colzie).
2. LB - 5/10 (I think Bowen is going to be a stud, but he's still young and it's not a given that he's ready to go. Pretty confident he is, but still. Good to hear that Sneed seems to have made strides in winter workouts, hope that translates on the field).
3. Leonard - 4/10 (Leonard is the most talented, presumed starting QB we've had since Kizer. It's also going to pay dividends for him having some legit receiving options and a good stable of backs to rely on.
4. WDE - 4/10 (I legit think Botelho and Traore are going to be a legit tandem at Vyper. Botelho disappointed last year, but it was very clear he was playing hurt for most of the season. Traore has ridiculous explosiveness and size).
5. RT/G - 7/10 (Talent is there, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how things unfold at the other guard opposite Schrauth and at RT. Baker has talent, but it's year 5 and he hasn't clicked yet. I hope Spindler beats out Coogan, because I think his upside is greater).
6. TE - 0/10 (Not at all concerned. For one, I think Evans will be ready. It's not like with Raridon last year, because that was his 2nd ACL tear, which extended his recovery time. Evans should be ready to go by fall camp, provided he doesn't experience a setback. Also Raridon is going to be an elite stud, and I also think Flanagan is extremely good).

I think you’re a little optimistic re Evans being ready by fall camp. That would be nine months from the injury. Twelve is more typical for a complete recovery and we are usually conservative in bringing guys back

 

[CIrishWin]

The O-Line is the biggest concern and lack of production of the Vyper position.

 

[Giddyup]

Im concerned with secondary play since we lost a great coach there and replaced him with biagi (?).

 

[PutuporShutup]

The O-Line is the biggest concern and lack of production of the Vyper position.

We'll obviously take a step back at the tackle spot but we absolutely should be better at the guard/center spots.

We did not have that great of play at the 2 guard spots and especially center. Guards occasionally played well.

My point, i could see the line being just as good as last year due to completely different reasons. Losing ALT absolutely hurts.

 

[fightingirish26]

Sneed physically has never been an issue

I mean, the athleticism has never been an issue. But pretty sure he showed up under 200 as a freshman.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I mean, the athleticism has never been an issue. But pretty sure he showed up under 200 as a freshman.

a 200 pound missile. Dude has never had an issue hitting or size. All about timing/right spot at the right time

 

[PutuporShutup]

a 200 pound missile. Dude has never had an issue hitting or size. All about timing/right spot at the right time

Unless you consider whiffing part of hitting, he has whiffed a lot.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

I am so ready to watch an offense with pre snap motions and intentionally designed play action!

I heard about this new wrinkle some teams are running called the "run-pass option" that sounds pretty neat.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Im concerned with secondary play since we lost a great coach there and replaced him with biagi (?).

I'm excited to see if Talich can play alongside Watts. Talich looks fast/rangy and X can play aggressive. If Talich can learn the position well enough, they could be a helluva safety duo. Plus, I really hope Minich and Adon can push for reps.

 

[dublinirish]

I'm excited to see if Talich can play alongside Watts. Talich looks fast/rangy and X can play aggressive. If Talich can learn the position well enough, they could be a helluva safety duo. Plus, I really hope Minich and Adon can push for reps.

Talich is out for spring ball i think?

 

[CanadalovesND]

Talich is out for spring ball i think?

The only injury I'm aware that he sustained was a broken clavicle at the end of October. It's usually just a couple months to recover.

Freeman has a presser in two days, I'm sure there will be updates on the injuries. But, I'd be surprised if he wasn't participating in spring practice.

 

[IrishSpartan]

One day I hope to see us getting a pass rush with 4