Ask Merckxe525 aka Dear Abby

[NDFAN2008]

Merck what is the budget for NIL set aside for highschool, transfers and current players.

 

[BuaConstrictor]

I agree the NIL thing will take time, which I hope is by June to see tangible results.

ND's upfront NIL has been producing results for the last two seasons. Very specifically with transfers, and with some HS recruits who care about it.

This is something fans constantly do and immediately assume every recruit or every 5* is chasing money. Some are. Some aren't. Some recruits don't care about NIL at all. Some it's all they care about. Some are everywhere on that spectrum between the two extremes.

If ND loses a recruit it may or may not have to do with NIL. ND has one of the most robust NIL programs in CFB. They can bid with anyone but they also aren't unlimited there is a "salary cap" and they need to budget. Every program does. If ND starts over[aying in NIL at one position it hurts another.

IMO, based on players ND has lost at WR, it has less to do with NIL and more to do with recent success of WRs, QB's, system, and WR Coaching recruiting ability. No one was really bemoaning Stuckey's recruiting ability, and that was 15 months ago. Did ND all of a sudden stop offering up front NIL when they hired Brown? Of course not. There are other things at play here and it's dependent on the player.

A recent 5* player(by ND's grading) didn't even take a meeting on expanded NIL because he and his family didn't care about it at all. The base level FUND stuff was good enough and they'd figure out the rest when they hit campus.

Not sure why you are so stuck on the "June" thing either. NIL, when the player cares about it, is covered constantly. The more formal presentations will happen during OV's, not even necessarily in June during Irish Invasion camps/visit weekends...but those OV presos are simply more formal presentations of information that is covered from the moment ND starts recruiting a player.

 

[Dale]

Sure, but you specifically, continue to question me about things that have been confirmed numerous times.

Like what? I’d love to know what I’ve questioned you directly on besides asking for more specificity. And what then what did I question you on that was later confirmed. I’m pretty lost what you’re referring to at all here.

I rub some folks the wrong way and I’ll own that. But I think the do not dare question me thing is lame. You’re dealing in “insider” stuff that’s the cross to bare that maybe not every single poster is gonna kiss the ring.

 

[Dale]

ND's upfront NIL has been producing results for the last two seasons. Very specifically with transfers, and with some HS recruits who care about it.

This is something fans constantly do and immediately assume every recruit or every 5* is chasing money. Some are. Some aren't. Some recruits don't care about NIL at all. Some it's all they care about. Some are everywhere on that spectrum between the two extremes.

If ND loses a recruit it may or may not have to do with NIL. ND has one of the most robust NIL programs in CFB. They can bid with anyone but they also aren't unlimited there is a "salary cap" and they need to budget. Every program does. If ND starts over[aying in NIL at one position it hurts another.

IMO, based on players ND has lost at WR, it has less to do with NIL and more to do with recent success of WRs, QB's, system, and WR Coaching recruiting ability. No one was really bemoaning Stuckey's recruiting ability, and that was 15 months ago. Did ND all of a sudden stop offering up front NIL when they hired Brown? Of course not. There are other things at play here and it's dependent on the player.

A recent 5* player(by ND's grading) didn't even take a meeting on expanded NIL because he and his family didn't care about it at all. The base level FUND stuff was good enough and they'd figure out the rest when they hit campus.

Not sure why you are so stuck on the "June" thing either. NIL, when the player cares about it, is covered constantly. The more formal presentations will happen during OV's, not even necessarily in June during Irish Invasion camps/visit weekends...but those OV presos are simply more formal presentations of information that is covered from the moment ND starts recruiting a player.

To be clear, I agree with most of this and the general premise of Merck’s post. All I hinted at in the question was he repeatedly says the plan is to do this and so was curious about maybe narrowing that scope. If you look at most of my posts on NIL we are generally in alignment.

 

[BuaConstrictor]

so was curious narrowing that scope

Define that?..bc with respect..the "scope" you are narrowing it to (June) doesn't really make a ton of sense.

EDIT: Also, I think you are confusing "this is the plan" as though it's something that isn't yet being done or acted on. "The plan" is active. ND isn't dragging their feet.

 

[Dale]

You’ve continue to ask me questions about NIL, which I’ve already answered. You also keep saying that I’ve been saying for some time that NIL for high would kick in/be more aggressive.

Since I originally made those statements, Loy, Brice, O’Malley, Prister, Singer, and more, have all confirmed that’s the case.

So, you come off as if you’re questioning what I’m saying, and that I’m inaccurate.

Also, I’ve yet to share anything factual that hasn’t been true; so, no, I haven’t been wrong.

When I was asked to speculate on the chances of a transfer qb, I gave the likelihood at the time.

When I was asked if Blanchard was coming, I confirmed it because he’d directly agreed in principle to a contract.

When asked to provide names considered for different jobs in the program, I have, and all the names were accurate.

So, I don’t appreciate being called out as being “wrong” when I haven’t been.

If you haven’t intended to come off that way, that’s fine, but that’s certainly the way you’ve come off numerous times.

I don’t expect anyone to kiss my ass, but at this point, if my track record hasn’t shown I’m accurate, I’m not sure what I can offer you.

I think you are completely misreading the core of my question on NIL. If we’re bearing all, I think you like to deal in generalities at times when it comes to the future, not past. So since, per yourself, you are never wrong I was attempting to extract more specific information. I wasn’t at all doubting NDs NIL plan or your information on it. As I said above, you’ll find largely alignment from me on it. I think it is very easy to say something like that though, every coach in America says they are gonna do XYZ. Great. When? How? I’ve followed ND behind a pay wall since Sapp. Many paid reporters and board insiders have come and gone during that time. You don’t like to deal in names in recruiting and that’s fine but i personally don’t care about old stories or staffer gossip so any type of specifics I can extract that I find useful, I’m gonna try even if that comes off as poking or prodding at a response.

I have no problem with your posting or information. I do have a problem with the don’t question me ever thing and I don’t feel bad saying that. I’ll bow out of your thread now if the above seems so disrespectful to your status.

 

[BuaConstrictor]

Notre Dame was well over $15 million.

BUT JOHN BRICE SAID IT WAS ONLY $8 MILLION!

 

[BuaConstrictor]

I’m still confused where he got that number, especially considering he has decent sources.

I'm convinced he was told by the university to use it..why..I don't know..or he's just confusing it with the portal number....

the confusion option seems to be Occam's Razor.

 

[NDpendent]

This is an online message board, there isn't a board out there where an anonymous poster is going to be given complete trust of what he says with 100% of the posters. You can't get to offended if a few people push back against what say on an online board.

 

[IrishBoognish]

Dale, if you ruin this for us I swear to god...

You will reach Koon levels of infamy round here

 

[NDdomer2]

Gentlemen your response about Brown not being a skilled recruiter has me wondering...... What is important in your opinion to be a "skilled" recruiter and what is it that's holding him back?

Considering we've also been told the recruiting dept was assisting last year and is heavily involved with assisting this year I'd say being a skilled recruiter might not matter as much as we think or the whole dept isn't skilled.

This has to do with on field product/system not being attractive to wr recruits.

 

[Dale]

Dale, if you ruin this for us I swear to god...

You will reach Koon levels of infamy round here

Before Koon was infamous. Kuehnja was.

 

[NDdomer2]

Brown is the type of man who takes time to get to know. He doesn’t come across impressively, immediately. He’s not the type of person to own the room; or, have people gravitating toward him.

Unfortunately, all of the above often doesn’t translate well with teenagers - especially teenagers who’ve often had their asses kissed for several years.

Skilled recruiter:

- Needs to make an immediate impression.

- Needs to be able to build trust immediately.

- Needs to be in constant contact with recruits, but also needs to be able to time that constant contact properly. (Consistent, frequent communication, that continues to show interest, and builds trust, without sounding inauthentic, or allowing communication to drag on)

- The best recruiters will constantly create a sense of urgency.

- A quality recruiter always shows a recruit that he/she always has that recruits back, and he/she is willing to always make that recruit a priority.

- An excellent recruiter knows when to discuss football; when to discuss academics; when to shoot the shit; and, when to simply be a friend a recruit can tell anything to.

- Quality recruiters are part psychiatrists; part psychologists; part friend; part parent; part grandparent; and, occasionally, a babysitter.

- The best recruiters quickly create a picture of what a recruit’s potential fit is within the program, and why that fit is superior to the fit of any other program.

- At the same time, if the recruiter is a coach, that coach had better be able to quickly demonstrate to any recruit why his/her coaching style is best for that recruit, and superior to any other coach at any other program.

Of the above, Brown is skilled at no more than 40%.

We writing prescriptions drugs or what?

 

[IrishBoognish]

We writing prescriptions drugs or what?

That could potentially land us a few big time recruits... not sure if they'd be RKGs or not

 

[Fbolt]

Dale - who btw isn't or hasn't been a D!ck - came off that way a few posts ago when he stated, you (M), who said you're never wrong,...

D!ck move. I suppose he has now. All good though.

Review board and what has and has not been asked, answered.
Have Qs, ask.
Read replies.
Repeat.

This does not seem hard to do. Apparently....

 

[Irish#1]

I’m really puzzled by the pushback. If it’s not intended, then learn to write. It’s obvious Merck can’t always provide additional detail that some would like. You need to learn to accept that. Time will eventually provide the answer. Keep in mind one thing. Whether you have all the inside scoop or none, it will not alter things one way or another. Accept the additional info we have not been privy to in the past and don’t press. After all, no one on this board has been right 100% of the time.

 

[INLaw]

Merck: please continue apace. IE is incapable, as a whole, to phrase responses in "pleasant" and collegial discussion-oriented ways.

I know it's hard (Lord knows I know) but just read your group responses and you'll know that all of this is appreciated.

I've also noticed that it's helpful to picture one's crazier critics in Bozo-The-Clown make-up. (occasionally works anyway.)

Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Green Jeans is more South Bend appropriate lol

 

[irishandy]

Hey Merck- thanks for all of your insight. Has the football program shared any of their earnings from the post season with any other ND programs? Coach Shrews has a great incoming class for next season, hopefully he can continue to bring in those types of classes.

Based off what I've read with the recruiting hiccups last July it seems like Bowden dropped the ball, I think as long as Freeman is here he is going to make it more of a priority that some of our past coaches.

 

[NDFAN2008]

Considering we've also been told the recruiting dept was assisting last year and is heavily involved with assisting this year I'd say being a skilled recruiter might not matter as much as we think or the whole dept isn't skilled.

This has to do with on field product/system not being attractive to wr recruits.

This is where I’m at we are a run heavy offense and expect our guys to block until we show we can throw a little more the WR recruiting may struggle

 

[SDIrishFan]

This is an accurate take.

Many of the highest end receivers simply don’t want to play in run heavy offenses, particularly ones where they’ll be expected to be very physical blockers.

It’s crucial for Notre Dame to open up the offense a bit more this year, to help attract high end receivers.

To me, for many years, it’s felt like ND had been terrified of turnovers, especially interceptions. I get it, it’s the most important stats in wins and losses, but it feels like as a result we’re terrified of taking deep shots and having higher octane offenses that attract big time WRs.

Stat lines help illustrate this. ND is more comfortable with 16/24, 210 yards, 2 TD and 0 Ints rather than 20/30, 315 yards, 4 TDs and 2 ints.

Maybe it’s all a wash in the end, who knows…

 

[allenm5333]

@Merckxe525 in what ways do you see the offense changing/evolving with a new qb next year? I am sure 13’s legs kept teams honest on the backside of runs. Do you think the hope is that Carr, i mean next year’s qb, can keep safeties deeper and less guys in the box?

 

[jprue24]

- A quality recruiter always shows a recruit that he/she always has that recruits back, and he/she is willing to always make that recruit a priority.

- An excellent recruiter knows when to discuss football; when to discuss academics; when to shoot the shit; and, when to simply be a friend a recruit can tell anything to.

- Quality recruiters are part psychiatrists; part psychologists; part friend; part parent; part grandparent; and, occasionally, a babysitter.

Does...whoever(s) would make this decision, provide leadership/mentorship training for coaches/staff?

 

[PNW Irishman]

Thanks for all the great info Merck! You definitely have not come across sensitive or in a don’t question me manner. I found Dales post rude and out of line. He has treated Bua pretty shitty as well. He has always come across as a know it all with zero information (unless he was taking it from you on 247) that loves to tell people how wrong they are. And now that there are a couple insiders with actual information he is upset that nobody cares about his useless opinions anymore.

 

[arrowryan]

When would you expect recruiting to pick up momentum?

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Thanks for all the great info Merck! You definitely have not come across sensitive or in a don’t question me manner. I found Dales post rude and out of line. He has treated Bua pretty shitty as well. He has always come across as a know it all with zero information (unless he was taking it from you on 247) that loves to tell people how wrong they are. And now that there are a couple insiders with actual information he is upset that nobody cares about his useless opinions anymore.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Thanks for all the great info Merck! You definitely have not come across sensitive or in a don’t question me manner. I found Dales post rude and out of line. He has treated Bua pretty shitty as well. He has always come across as a know it all with zero information (unless he was taking it from you on 247) that loves to tell people how wrong they are. And now that there are a couple insiders with actual information he is upset that nobody cares about his useless opinions anymore.

Dang! Tell me what you really think, lol!

I enjoy reading Dale and Bobby Mac. Two of my favor posters here. You're both more to me than just a couple dudes with recruiting tidbits. No need to feel threaten by the new members.
I'm hesitant to call out anyone because I bring absolutely nothing to this site, but anyone who disagrees with Merk and Bua should avoid this thread. The more the merrier and I don't care if the information isn't 100% accurate or at times, just speculation. That's what makes it fun!


Besides, I love my free info!

GO IRISH!

 

[Dale]

Thanks for all the great info Merck! You definitely have not come across sensitive or in a don’t question me manner. I found Dales post rude and out of line. He has treated Bua pretty shitty as well. He has always come across as a know it all with zero information (unless he was taking it from you on 247) that loves to tell people how wrong they are. And now that there are a couple insiders with actual information he is upset that nobody cares about his useless opinions anymore.

Yeah. I was the rude one.

Kiss his toes a little more brother I feel extremely secure I was not out of line with my response.

Hope you can say the same today. Feel free to use the ignore feature on me.

 

[PNW Irishman]

Dang! Tell me what you really think, lol!

I enjoy reading Dale and Bobby Mac. Two of my favor posters here. You're both more to me than just a couple dudes with recruiting tidbits. No need to feel threaten by the new members.
I'm hesitant to call out anyone because I bring absolutely nothing to this site, but anyone who disagrees with Merk and Bua should avoid this thread. The more the merrier and I don't care if the information isn't 100% accurate or at times, just speculation. That's what makes it fun!


Besides, I love my free info!

GO IRISH!

Yeah a bit harsh and honestly opinions definitely aren’t “useless”. For that statement, I apologize. I agree with many of dales opinions. But stand by that he does come across rude and tells people they are wrong often. I noticed him being instantly rude to bua and then now to merck in a thread dedicated to asking him questions because he is so knowledgeable about something we are all very passionate about.

I also want to acknowledge that I know I bring nothing to the board, hence my less than 70 posts ever. And I’ve been following the board since Aaron lynch days. So my opinion really matters zero and I am very aware dale is very active and well liked on here.

 

[Dale]

Yeah a bit harsh and honestly opinions definitely aren’t “useless”. For that statement, I apologize. I agree with many of dales opinions. But stand by that he does come across rude and tells people they are wrong often. I noticed him being instantly rude to bua and then now to merck in a thread dedicated to asking him questions because he is so knowledgeable about something we are all very passionate about.

I also want to acknowledge that I know I bring nothing to the board, hence my less than 70 posts ever. And I’ve been following the board since Aaron lynch days. So my opinion really matters zero and I am very aware dale is very active and well liked on here.

Please tell me what I said that was instantly rude to Mercke. Between this and his responses I’m getting a lot of he did this and never once are those posts are quoted. Here is my question that began this that Mercke took offense to:

“Notre Dame has selectively engaged with up front high school NIL, that will now be enhanced moving forward, and Notre Dame plans to be more aggressive”

“If this is the plan, when in your opinion would this be enacted? Official visits in June would likely need these type of numbers prepared to be offered ahead of those dates. In other-words, you’ve said this is the plan many times, by June do you foresee yourself saying they are, not planning to, doing this?”

Please someone tell me how this is rude and out of line. All this was was me taking a general response and trying to pin down a sliver of more info and it’s becomes hilariously more

I come off as rude. Probably am rude to many (sorry 2008) but I wasn’t yesterday until I had to return fire. Well liked I don’t know. Active yes been here since 2013 (with some breaks). Gimme a break with this he’s so mean BS this barely registers on the Richter scale until your post.

 

[irishu]

Holy shit guys. 99% of this board does not care about this drama. Move it to DMs. I’m talking to all of you involved