'11 CA DE/OT Troy Niklas (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

[Whiskeyjack]

Whiskey: I have a personal demon who requires me to consider almost every little thing that I "create", unfortunately, so I actually thought about Spond/Shembo at that position [or, by the way, "in the middle" at all]. My Diaco package defense was meant to be a "Diaco surprise" to the QB to see them [Spond&Councell] there and that's why the QB is puzzled. The reason that they are there is that this is a ferocious attack package and I wanted the two non-attacking LBs to be great in coverage. For that, Councell seems obvious with his speed and length, but I think Spond's athleticism, [he's great at "breaking down" in the open field] and "smell it out" smarts, put him in this line-up for me. Prince can watch his boys eat up the opponent for a play or two from the sideline.

I failed to comprehend the depth of analysis that went into that fantasy. Agree with you completely; Spond may be our best LB in coverage at the moment, and I could easily see Councell joining him in that regard.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

That is why Mike needs Professor and Doctor in his title. He puts more depth of thought into his fantacies that most people do their careers.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

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[BeauBenken]

Wow. Lyrics and all.

lol

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Wow. Lyrics and all.

lol

Nut anymore. My posts last on average 2 hours.

 

[BeauBenken]

Nut anymore. My posts last on average 2 hours. Catch me if you can.

You cocky c.ock. (Scott Pilgrim reference. Geez, if you have to explain...)

I have begun to realize that whenever I step onto a page all your messages are edited and people are talking about things that your current post has nothing to do with.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Gone.

 

[BeauBenken]

Nah buddy. Go touch some delicious boobies.

This post will be removed in 7 hours. I like the number 7.

I'll be surprised if not sooner. lol

 

[TheTurningPoint]

This is one of many steps into the hybrid defense you will see over the next few years if not this year. I think that Diaco has a hell of hand to throw at teams when they get this implemented.

 

[Rizzophil]

I still surprised how many outside linebacker types we brought in last recruiting class. I'm good with it though. The cream always rises to the top.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I'm tellin' you it aint all about OLB.

This is one of many steps into the hybrid defense you will see over the next few years if not this year. I think that Diaco has a hell of hand to throw at teams when they get this implemented.

With Romeo's comittment today, Boom Perkins, etc., are you talking about these amazing athletes that can crowd the line or fall off into coverage?

An outline or any time you want to take would be appreciated.

 

[Ironman8]

Supposedly being looked at for OLB according to mom.

Guess this makes it official, for now:

hansensouthbend Eric Hansen

#Troy Niklas, one of #NotreDame's glut of talented freshman defensive ends, has been moved to outside linebacker.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Diaco mentioned this in a press conference. He said that we have five or six guys who could get on the field at outside linebacker. He then mentioned Slaughter*, Shembo, Spond, Filer [claiming it was in no particular order, but I doubt it, and then included Ishaq, Niklas, and Councell.

By the way, that's seven names. Since in my fogged opinion, Filer will not see the field at OLB [but only on kick coverage], I read Diaco's Yoda-ish comment as meaning "all the other guys" or the three vets plus two of the rooks.

* error of course. Meant to be Fleming. I have one of those "first errors" in my head in which the first time that I began following these guys I got Slaughter and Fleming's names mixed up and it's still imprinted as a "first up" memory meme. Sorry to offend.

 

[BeauBenken]

Diaco mentioned this in a press conference. He said that we have five or six guys who could get on the field at outside linebacker. He then mentioned Slaughter, Shembo, Spond, Filer [claiming it was in no particular order, but I doubt it, and then included Ishaq, Niklas, and Councell.

By the way, that's seven names. Since in my fogged opinion, Filer will not see the field at OLB [but only on kick coverage], I read Diaco's Yoda-ish comment as meaning "all the other guys" or the three vets plus two of the rooks.

Slaughter is playing OLB? When did this move happen?

 

[Old Man Mike]

Pardon me, youngster: Fleming. ... obviously...

 

[BeauBenken]

Pardon me, youngster: Fleming. ... obviously...

You're not one to make a mistake so I was seriously thinking maybe I missed something. lol

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Slaughter is playing OLB? When did this move happen?

Yea dude, our OLB depth is sick right now! I heard Junkyard Dog and Mr Perfect just got offered too!

 

[Irish2015]

with OLB pretty crowded and Niklas having to learn the position is it unreasonable to think he'll redshirt this year?

 

[Rocket89]

Cat linebacker obviously, right?

He's very tall and already a skinny-*** 250. It would be nuts to see him as a 275-ish Dog linebacker!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

You're not one to make a mistake so I was seriously thinking maybe I missed something. lol

Beau, you did miss something. Diaco said Slaughter, and meant Flemming. Mike put an asterisk there, and explained it. But he wanted to quote it correctly. Mike maybe you could also use [sic]. No wait a minute, people will think you are talking about how good the whole defense is!

Cat linebacker obviously, right?

He's very tall and already a skinny-*** 250. It would be nuts to see him as a 275-ish Dog linebacker!

I don't know. I have been hearing he is fast and quick, just like his cousins. I think he could play DOG, too. Plus he knows all about routes. TN speed=sonic boom. That's what I have heard. I am waiting for someone to quantify.

 

[Rhode Irish]

Beau, you did miss something. Diaco said Slaughter, and meant Flemming. Mike put an asterisk there, and explained it. But he wanted to quote it correctly. Mike maybe you could also use [sic]. No wait a minute, people will think you are talking about how good the whole defense is!

Actually, I took it that Mike explained that he has long confused Slaughter and Fleming, and that in this case he was thinking Fleming and typed Slaughter. It appears that Mike only went back and added the correction after Beau pointed out the mistake. I think everyone can relate to that kind of a slip, so its obviously no big deal, but I think Beau was correct.

 

[Rocket89]

I can't say I should be surprised anymore by these position changes.

Kelly said Hegarty was the picture perfect right tackle, but now he's working at guard. We thought we needed a true nose guard in the '12 class, but that turns out not to be true.

6'7" Dog linebacker? Why not!!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Funny how Kelly went out of his way to say that the "big change moves" were done last year. Maybe he meant among existing players. I am finding one of the most success predicting traits that Kelly shares with the best coaches I have ever seen is imagination as it applies to best using his recruits for his team and developing these players for their future careers. Didn't Leahy say something like, Give me the best eleven over the eleven best, any day?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Niklas at Dog would be funny.

-Opposing coach: "So we're gonna have our big TE run a shallow hitch in order to generate a mismatch with a LB... wait, that guy's a LB!? Forget that, then."

Cat seems more likely, no? Dog has two sophomores that the staff likes a lot, and a highly touted freshman. Cat has a veteran, a highly touted freshman... and a super athletic senior who's never managed to translate his physical gifts into on-field production. All else being equal, I'd rather see Niklas at Cat since Filer doesn't inspire confidence.

Also, if you're going to have a freakishly large LB, shouldn't he be the one that plays with his hand on the ground more often than not?

 

[Rocket89]

^ I agree.

 

[Old Man Mike]

I believe that Diaco has two [more or less] "sets" of Cats and Dogs. He lines up Fleming, Williams, and Filer* on one side, and Shembo, Spond, and Councell on the other. The question, though not much, is Niklas, who seems destined for the #3 Cat on the depth chart with Filer as a kick coverage specialist [though I honestly hope that the "mental bell" rings and all his God-given talent goes roaring in the correct directions on the field --- it would be just fine by me to have Steven back up Darius and let Ishaq and Troy learn.]

Both Diaco and the D-Line coach talk like there are going to be a LOT of people playing on D though. The exception seems to be D-back, where the coaches seem to just be hoping for any dependable corner help at all [Lo Wood got a LOT higher praise recently though for his progress].

*I believe that we are seeing some more thought of Filer at Cat than Dog [although it seems counterintuitive] because Steven has difficulty figuring out [at speed] where to be on the field, and that may be slightly less important at Cat than Dog. [as always, I'm happy to admit being off on this assessment].



p.s. I make a LOT of errors, gentlemen; it's why I usually try to phrase things with a degree of tentativeness and, hopefully, humility. I always told my students NOT to just accept anything "deductive" that I said in the classroom, but to find out for themselves. It's no sin to be wrong as long as one's honestly trying. Nothing like having been a prof to teach you how often you ARE in fact wrong.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Niklas at Dog would be funny.

-Opposing coach: "So we're gonna have our big TE run a shallow hitch in order to generate a mismatch with a LB... wait, that guy's a LB!? Forget that, then."

Cat seems more likely, no? Dog has two sophomores that the staff likes a lot, and a highly touted freshman. Cat has a veteran, a highly touted freshman... and a super athletic senior who's never managed to translate his physical gifts into on-field production. All else being equal, I'd rather see Niklas at Cat since Filer doesn't inspire confidence.

Also, if you're going to have a freakishly large LB, shouldn't he be the one that plays with his hand on the ground more often than not?

So do I. But have you actually seen Niklas play, or his film? The kid has all of the ability of his cousins, uncle, grandpa, in a bigger frame. They all have speed for linebackers, but he may have more. Oh yeah, and he has hands! Good soft hands.

I am just saying.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

*I believe that we are seeing some more thought of Filer at Cat than Dog [although it seems counterintuitive] because Steven has difficulty figuring out [at speed] where to be on the field, and that may be slightly less important at Cat than Dog. [as always, I'm happy to admit being off on this assessment].

You may very well be right. If the staff needs to give Darius a blow, they can put in Filer on obvious passing downs and just have him be a one-gap pass-rushing WDE; one would hope that the simplicity of that limited role would allow his natural athleticism to shine through.

p.s. I make a LOT of errors, gentlemen; it's why I usually try to phrase things with a degree of tentativeness and, hopefully, humility. I always told my students NOT to just accept anything "deductive" that I said in the classroom, but to find out for themselves. It's no sin to be wrong as long as one's honestly trying. Nothing like having been a prof to teach you how often you ARE in fact wrong.

Beau's earlier assumption speaks highly of your quality as a poster, Mike. No need to qualify your posts this way after one minor error.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Concerning Kelly's comments about the "big change" moves being last year: I'm almost certain that he was talking about things which could affect the starting line-ups or the necessary major-playing-time guys. Theo Riddick was the most spectacular instance of that, but starting offensive line shifts were too, and later, Brian Smith to middle linebacker.

This year he said that the shifting will take place not at those levels, "but for depth reasons". What I think that he means here is prominently the O-Line. Kelly there has two things which are concerning him: 1). the structure of the BACK-UP O-line this year, and 2). the nature of the O-Line next year.

Concerning #1: Kelly has in his mind a three-guard rotation [Robinson, Watt, Nuss], which he sounds like he thinks will do all he needs there. He has Cave, who I bet he's praying makes it through the whole season unscathed, but has said that now he "trusts" Golic to be out there. He has his starting tackles, but what happens if one is hurt? Last year Dever went down and he had to juggle Martin over there and bring Romine in. This year he's putting Lombard behind Dever --- this is because I believe he sees Christian as the strongest upside of the guys who have been around [and maybe Zach wouldn't then have to move over] This leaves Nichols at LT back-up. Embedded in all that is a lot of "shifting" but for the exact reason that Kelly said: "depth".

Concerning #2: We're losing Robinson, Nuss, and, almost certainly [due to scholarship crush], Golic next year. Who's going to play right tackle? Who's going to play right guard? Lombard to right tackle may be telling us something about staff thinking. Because Zach Martin is such a stud, all our other potential spectacular left tackles either have to wait, or find something else to do. Hegarty is our best. Kelly is finding something else for him to do --- maybe be the best footed guard in the country --- something a spread-blocking-in-space team might like quite a bit.

We also saw other shifts more obvious like Farley and GAIII and Jackson and Collingsworth --- all "depth" issues. All this should make us feel very good: we are NOT desperately shifting "essentials", but shifting "supports" and future considerations. Pretty darn good position to be in. And, by the way: Kelly seems to be more "big picture holistic" in his team management than almost any "administrator" I've been a "student" of. I keep shaking my head in wonderment at the comprehensiveness of the man.

 

[PLACforever]

Beau, you did miss something. Diaco said Slaughter, and meant Flemming. Mike put an asterisk there, and explained it. But he wanted to quote it correctly. Mike maybe you could also use [sic]. No wait a minute, people will think you are talking about how good the whole defense is!

Bob Diaco said exactly what he meant and always means exactly what he says... Flemming is currently in the process of changing his name to Slaughter.

If he were to slap you in the face, you'd have the urge to thank him.