'22 WI OG Billy Schrauth (Notre Dame Signee)

[IAIrish]

Sadly, we'd face that uncertainty of "can he stay healthy?" whether Billy leaves or not. Back to back seasons he missed half the season.

I felt Absher did well this year. He wasn't as good as Billy at his peak, but you also have other options. You can move one of Craig or Otting to guard.

Unfortunately, our season may once again hinge on Jagusah not succumbing to bizarre injuries. I firmly believe ND beats both Miami and A&M if he plays.

We quickly forget Schrauth hasn't finished the last two seasons either...

 

[T-Boone]

2008 was/is very high on the oline in coming freshmen. He thinks they will push for spots. He mentioned 3 of them. Very interesting.

 

[stlnd01]

We quickly forget Schrauth hasn't finished the last two seasons either...

No matter what, if we intend to win 16 games next year, we’re likely going to need more than five OLs.

 

[ColinKSU]

It sucks but might be the catalyst to move Knapp inside with Jagusah and we have some freaks at OT to battle it out. The best 2 men win.

Every time a Notre Dame fan says they should move Knapp to guard, it just makes me more invested in the career of “Most Hated Four-Year Starter Who Never Moved Positions and Got Taken Within the First Handful of Rounds in the NFL Draft in Notre Dame History,” LT Anthonie Knapp.

 

[NDPhilly]

Everything in regards to 2026 needs to be put in the context that we should roll everyone until November. Maybe SMU puts up a fight, but that games at home.

Ultimately, you are building toward the November Miami game, unlike this year. You have room due to our talent level to experiment to get the highest upside group.

 

[benneboy]

Every time a Notre Dame fan says they should move Knapp to guard, it just makes me more invested in the career of “Most Hated Four-Year Starter Who Never Moved Positions and Got Taken Within the First Handful of Rounds in the NFL Draft in Notre Dame History,” LT Anthonie Knapp.

I think Knapp has been a solid tackle this year and last. But when the below is the standard, it's kinda hard not to acknowledge hes likely the worst starting left tackle at Notre Dame in the last 15 years and not all that close:

 

[Dale]

I think Knapp has been a solid tackle this year and last. But when the below is the standard, it's kinda hard not to acknowledge hes likely the worst starting left tackle at Notre Dame in the last 15 years and not all that close:

Knapp and Eichenberg are in the same ballpark

 

[benneboy]

Knapp and Eichenberg are in the same ballpark

Eichenberg was an early 2nd round pick and has started in the NFL for 4 years. If Knapp goes in the 2nd round or even 3rd I'd be surprised.

 

[Dale]

Eichenberg was an early 2nd round pick and has started in the NFL for 4 years. If Knapp goes in the 2nd round or even 3rd I'd be surprised.

Eichenberg consistently stunk against better teams prior to 2020 which Knapp hasn’t reached his senior year yet. It was also COVID. Knapp has been largely good at a year younger age than Eichenberg was. NFL prospects don’t change performance at ND.

 

[T-Boone]

Nobody has got it in for knapp it is more if he is the LT in 26 it means at least one guy has not lived up to even fuckin close to expectations

 

[TorontoGold]

Knapp was taking LT reps when Jagusah was healthy.

 

[allenm5333]

Knapp was taking LT reps when Jagusah was healthy.

and Knapp only played LT because Baker couldn't step up when Jadusah got hurt 2 years ago. Jagusah clearly has the higher upside of any OL right now. Maybe last year having Jagusah as a guard got our top 5 ol in. This year it may or may not be the case (have to weigh in losing two starters, potentially)

 

[stlnd01]

Knapp was taking LT reps when Jagusah was healthy.

Jags was always a guard, wasn't he?

I thought the idea going into last spring was that Lambert would be the one challenging for time at tackle (some here even talked up Black). Then he got hurt in spring ball, and Knapp stayed put. When Jags then got hurt over the summer and Lambert was back healthy, they slotted Lambert in at guard, which makes sense as they'd only have one guy changing positions, not two, and Miami and A&M were fast approaching. But long term Lambert seems like a tackle. He's so long.

This offseason, with (hopefully) a healthy Jags, Lambert, Black and Augustine, you've got time to experiment. Maybe Knapp is indeed the best of those players to play left tackle, but physically he's got the least tools. I'm not an OL guru but my sense is that he has been solid against your typical ACC pass rusher, but struggled some against the elite guys from Miami and elsewhere (as did Wagner).

If we're aiming for a national championship, we're going to need to stop elite pass rushers at some point, and we have guys on our roster with the potential to be elite tackles.

 

[ViewsFromTheDome]

Cam Herron (can he add some lbs and develop at center?

He's going to be a stud probably not next year tho

 

[irishff1014]

Losing Billy sucks but we have been playing without and doing good.

Freeman and Rudolph have got to figure out how to get this line to come out of fall camp paying like a unit unlike this year.

Yes, I am aware the Wisconsin isn’t Miami.

 

[allenm5333]

Jags was always a guard, wasn't he?

I thought the idea going into last spring was that Lambert would be the one challenging for time at tackle (some here even talked up Black). Then he got hurt in spring ball, and Knapp stayed put. When Jags then got hurt over the summer and Lambert was back healthy, they slotted Lambert in at guard, which makes sense as they'd only have one guy changing positions, not two, and Miami and A&M were fast approaching. But long term Lambert seems like a tackle. He's so long.

This offseason, with (hopefully) a healthy Jags, Lambert, Black and Augustine, you've got time to experiment. Maybe Knapp is indeed the best of those players to play left tackle, but physically he's got the least tools. I'm not an OL guru but my sense is that he has been solid against your typical ACC pass rusher, but struggled some against the elite guys from Miami and elsewhere (as did Wagner).

If we're aiming for a national championship, we're going to need to stop elite pass rushers at some point, and we have guys on our roster with the potential to be elite tackles.

Jags was originally the LT. Played it against Oregon state. Got hurt like 2 weeks before we played at Texas A&M. Baker v Knapp battle. Knapp won as a freshman. Played LT v Ohio State too

 

[IrishLax]

This is the one guy I think is making a mistake. I think he's at best a mid-round pick right now but could easily play his way into being a 1st or 2nd round pick. We should be able to find the NIL money to keep him.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Losing Billy sucks but we have been playing without and doing good.

Freeman and Rudolph have got to figure out how to get this line to come out of fall camp paying like a unit unlike this year.

Yes, I am aware the Wisconsin isn’t Miami.

What does this mean, exactly? Because over the years I've seen this mentioned over and over with regards to OL play and it continues to make less and less sense as more years go by. You don't hear it about D Line or really any of the other position groups. Why is it that the OL is perceived to have to have "chemistry" and must "play together."

You have five guys and each one of them has a specific assignment when the play is called. If one out of five misses his assignment, what should the other four guys have done?

Know your assignment, hit the dude you're supposed to hit, do your job. Next play, same thing.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

This is the one guy I think is making a mistake. I think he's at best a mid-round pick right now but could easily play his way into being a 1st or 2nd round pick. We should be able to find the NIL money to keep him.

He’s been injury prone though & he’s probably thinking another season of playing hurt or missing time due to season ending injury kills any shot at the NFL. He’s an OL & in ND’s case lately, they’ve either been very durable (both tackle positions) or very injury prone (guards & center). Schrauth has been part of the latter. Between his parents, his agent & his experience; they likely thought NFL was the most sensible route. In other words, it’s now or never. Comes from a good two-parent home so probably isn’t desperate for money & hopefully got his ND degree.

 

[allenm5333]

What does this mean, exactly? Because over the years I've seen this mentioned over and over with regards to OL play and it continues to make less and less sense as more years go by. You don't hear it about D Line or really any of the other position groups. Why is it that the OL is perceived to have to have "chemistry" and must "play together."

You have five guys and each one of them has a specific assignment when the play is called. If one out of five misses his assignment, what should the other four guys have done?

Know your assignment, hit the dude you're supposed to hit, do your job. Next play, same thing.

Chemistry/play together = being synced up on combos and doubles, being able to pick up stunts and line games. 1 can absolutely mess up and f it up. Also, if u do mess up, do it 1000 mph and dent the mofo’s face in. A lot of good can happen playing fast and aggressive. Some is coaching, some is up to the player

 

[TorontoGold]

and Knapp only played LT because Baker couldn't step up when Jadusah got hurt 2 years ago. Jagusah clearly has the higher upside of any OL right now. Maybe last year having Jagusah as a guard got our top 5 ol in. This year it may or may not be the case (have to weigh in losing two starters, potentially)

Yep, I think the power of being the incumbent is what keeps him in that spot.

Jags was always a guard, wasn't he?

I thought the idea going into last spring was that Lambert would be the one challenging for time at tackle (some here even talked up Black). Then he got hurt in spring ball, and Knapp stayed put. When Jags then got hurt over the summer and Lambert was back healthy, they slotted Lambert in at guard, which makes sense as they'd only have one guy changing positions, not two, and Miami and A&M were fast approaching. But long term Lambert seems like a tackle. He's so long.

This offseason, with (hopefully) a healthy Jags, Lambert, Black and Augustine, you've got time to experiment. Maybe Knapp is indeed the best of those players to play left tackle, but physically he's got the least tools. I'm not an OL guru but my sense is that he has been solid against your typical ACC pass rusher, but struggled some against the elite guys from Miami and elsewhere (as did Wagner).

If we're aiming for a national championship, we're going to need to stop elite pass rushers at some point, and we have guys on our roster with the potential to be elite tackles.

He started the sun bowl at LT and against OSU last year, which accounts for like 33% of his overall game reps lol.

I agree with all your points - I just think that the incumbent factor of Knapp taking all the LT reps gives him a leg up and it's possible that Jags gets run on the inside in 2026 replacing Scrauth. Maybe Black goes crazy and overtakes Knapp? Augustine pops off?

 

[allenm5333]

Yep, I think the power of being the incumbent is what keeps him in that spot.



He started the sun bowl at LT and against OSU last year, which accounts for like 33% of his overall game reps lol.

I agree with all your points - I just think that the incumbent factor of Knapp taking all the LT reps gives him a leg up and it's possible that Jags gets run on the inside in 2026 replacing Scrauth. Maybe Black goes crazy and overtakes Knapp? Augustine pops off?

Bingo on this. Even Hansen said there was talk about moving Knapp inside. But Lambert spring injury and Jags injuries caused too much concern. I think at some point they said “we know what we got at lt with Knapp. Let’s move as little pieces as possible now that we know Jagusah is out”. If lambert had a healthy spring, a lot could be different

 

[TorontoGold]

Bingo on this. Even Hansen said there was talk about moving Knapp inside. But Lambert spring injury and Jags injuries caused too much concern. I think at some point they said “we know what we got at lt with Knapp. Let’s move as little pieces as possible now that we know Jagusah is out”. If lambert had a healthy spring, a lot could be different

*If* the talent on the line is as good as we hope, Knapp maybe gets Pendleton'd midseason? Something after the Purde/UNC game where they've had 4/5 games to see where Jags/Lambert are at and if Black has taken a big step forward?

All this to say, if there's an injury it's moot because of the versatility of Jags/Lambert to play guard which could keep Knapp at LT.

Basically, it's not the end of the world to have Knapp at LT with high leverage experience and the line can still be good.

 

[NDMD]

Everything in regards to 2026 needs to be put in the context that we should roll everyone until November. Maybe SMU puts up a fight, but that games at home.

Ultimately, you are building toward the November Miami game, unlike this year. You have room due to our talent level to experiment to get the highest upside group.

This is where I'm at re: Knapp & Jagusah. Knapp has been a good LT not counting Miami when the heat got to him.

IMO the question is not can he be a good LT - It's what group of 5 gives us the highest ceiling to compete at the end of the year. If Schrauth leaves, would Knapp have higher value at G over the others? If Black is the real deal, I hope they'd give him as many reps as possible early in the season.

 

[allenm5333]

This is where I'm at re: Knapp & Jagusah. Knapp has been a good LT not counting Miami when the heat got to him.

IMO the question is not can he be a good LT - It's what group of 5 gives us the highest ceiling to compete at the end of the year. If Schrauth leaves, would Knapp have higher value at G over the others? If Black is the real deal, I hope they'd give him as many reps as possible early in the season.

Black is the wildcard. If he is ready to play LT, everything opens up. Assuming billy leaves, our best ol could be: Black, Knap, Craig, Lambert/Jagusah, Jagusah/Lambert

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

I feel confident the o-line will be really good.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Chemistry/play together = being synced up on combos and doubles, being able to pick up stunts and line games. 1 can absolutely mess up and f it up. Also, if u do mess up, do it 1000 mph and dent the mofo’s face in. A lot of good can happen playing fast and aggressive. Some is coaching, some is up to the player

So each individual guy knowing what he's supposed to do. Same as every position group. Never hear about chemistry among linebackers, receivers, secondary.

IDK. Never understood it. Still don't. Bottom line, this position group is the one I'm least likely to worry about as a fan. There has been perseverance due to injuries and other adversity. They have managed to still have success running the ball and pass pro despite the rotations.

 

[allenm5333]

So each individual guy knowing what he's supposed to do. Same as every position group. Never hear about chemistry among linebackers, receivers, secondary.

IDK. Never understood it. Still don't. Bottom line, this position group is the one I'm least likely to worry about as a fan. There has been perseverance due to injuries and other adversity. They have managed to still have success running the ball and pass pro despite the rotations.

Ehh you aren’t getting it. And if you don’t see why chemistry in the secondary matters, you missed the first two games of the season. Even front 7 on defense it matters. Some stunts are fluid based on OL keys.

 

[Wild Bill]

So each individual guy knowing what he's supposed to do. Same as every position group. Never hear about chemistry among linebackers, receivers, secondary.

IDK. Never understood it. Still don't. Bottom line, this position group is the one I'm least likely to worry about as a fan. There has been perseverance due to injuries and other adversity. They have managed to still have success running the ball and pass pro despite the rotations.

If everyone can do their job it should be enough but there are subtle chemistry-ish things that make a real difference on the oline.

I played tight end so I kinda know how the fat guys work. Like someone else noted, it plays a role with double teams. Even when two tackles were equally capable getting movement, I preferred working with a guy who would get a little lift on the DE, even if that meant there was less movement b/c I could get into the defender better and drive. Some guys wanted the opposite, and would bitch if there was lift and little movement, but the lift fit my skill set. Maybe that's more of a preference than chemistry, but little preferences like this get accommodated over time within a the starting unit, and that's probably something that falls under the chemistry thing everyone talks about

Knowing when you can leave the double and get to the second level. A better lineman lets you come off faster, but even between comparable players, you often have a better feel with one. You both know when you need a second more or when it’s time to go.

Pass protection works the same way. If I stayed in to protect and had outside responsibility with a 7-tech inside, I’d get into my drop with my insdie arm extended to the DE's outside shoulder to slow him down a tad or change his path a bit. It allowed the tackle to play more straight up rather than overset which could expose him inside if the DE crossed his face. Presnap understanding of how I played allowed him to adjust and increase the odds of getting a good rep.

Presnap communication is easier some some guys, sometimes you know to widen or tighten splits based on what needs to get done and who is next to you, etc. Just a bunch of minor shit that adds up.

Other position groups depend more on chemistry across positions than within their own. QB to receiver is obvious, but linebacker with DL may be a bit less obvious or important. A blitzing LBer knows which linemen will sacrifice his own stats to make sure he clears the gap, and that may play a role in the LBers timing or path to QB.

 

[Dale]

So each individual guy knowing what he's supposed to do. Same as every position group. Never hear about chemistry among linebackers, receivers, secondary.

IDK. Never understood it. Still don't. Bottom line, this position group is the one I'm least likely to worry about as a fan. There has been perseverance due to injuries and other adversity. They have managed to still have success running the ball and pass pro despite the rotations.

2 WRs on opposite sides of the field aren’t running a zone blocking scheme together. On defense, chemistry isn’t typically cited, but communication is. It’s two sides of the same coin.