A couple of other notes:
- Weis was adament about moving forward and refused to answer any questions regarding our 2007 season.
- The team has matured both physically and mentally, as both the first team and second team offensive linemen weigh in at over 300 pounds each; Armando, Aldridge, and Hughes have increased their bench press by 100 pounds each; David Bruton, who Weis described as a 'freak of nature' increased his squat by 95 pounds; and all the interior linemen can squat 600 pounds.
- Concerning the Beer Olympics-gate pseudo-scandal, if any players have been reprimanded it all, it has not been disclosed to the media, and Weis clearly wishes to move forward from the non-incident.
- In addition to Mo Crum's reliability at linebacker, Brian Smith has shown the ability to move around and make plays putting him in the versatile position of competing for both the inside and outside linebacker positions.
- The loss of Walls is a loss of quality game experience, says Weis, but it also opens up the opportunity for the other cornerbacks to display their talent. Weis said he has a lot of confidence in Raeshon McNeil to step up and compete for the position, and thinks very highly of Gary Gray as well.
- The incoming freshman will no longer be subject to the pressure of winning a position on a depleted depth chart as the class of 2008 recruits were forced to last season. With a largely filled in depth chart, Charlie says the incoming freshman will start at 3rd team at best and those who wish to play will have to prove themselves against experienced and highly regarded players at every position.
- When asked about a comment from Lee Corso that Weis would not be able to relinquish play calling duties for more than a few games, Weis responded by saying that 'the statement is erroneous.' Weis says he has put in a lot of time and thought into the decision and has confidence in his staff to do their jobs and run their portion of the team. Weis also seemed very eager to take a step back and have the opportunity to macro-manage and be more involved in the development of players, defense, and special teams in addition to his offensive expertise.
- Ragone has made himself a very strong candidate on the first team at tight end with whom Yeatman, who pulled a hamstring muscle recently and may be unable to practice at full speed, must compete against the earn playing time. In addition, Luke Schmidt has also been getting reps at tight end.
- Though all three quarterbacks will initially receive equal repetitions in practice in order to show where they each stand, the starting quarterback position, Weis says, is clearly Clausen's to lose. Clausen, as a product of his increased weight and strength, has matured mentally and as a leader and will be expected to absorb a larger portion of the Notre Dame playbook.
- Pat Kuntz has the versatility to play both on the inside and the outside of the defensive line while Ian Williams plays with a naturally low center of gravity and is thus well suited for the Nose Tackle position.
I'll have more notes as I remember them. But considering I just came home from a root canal and I'm all hopped up on vicodin, I think I've hit all the major points.
Go Irish !
