2012 Secondary: Who Makes the Two-Deep?

[Sherm Sticky]

Am I the last one that thinks McCarthy could play if he could get/stay on the field? If they don't bring Crist back and they can afford the spot, I wouldn't mind seeing McCarthy get a shot to play.

I agree bro look at my projected depth chart.

 

[TerryTate]

Hope Badger will come back ready to play. Loved his HS video, thought he could be a real sleeper guy. If you haven't seen his "Big Hit" video, check it out:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cqUwfd6gp4Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: Jalen Brown, I thought the staff said earlier this year that he has a bit to go to get on the field. Came in a little out of shape IIRC.

I think Atkinson gets some PT this year, and he's got some wheels.

 

[irishog77]

FS- Heggie
SS- Heggie
CB- Heggie
CB- Heggie
NB- Heggie

 

[Buster Bluth]

FS- Heggie
SS- Heggie
CB- Heggie
CB- Heggie
NB- Heggie

Yes, but we're trying to get a two-deep here.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Hope Badger will come back ready to play. Loved his HS video, thought he could be a real sleeper guy. If you haven't seen his "Big Hit" video, check it out:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cqUwfd6gp4Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Re: Jalen Brown, I thought the staff said earlier this year that he has a bit to go to get on the field. Came in a little out of shape IIRC.

I think Atkinson gets some PT this year, and he's got some wheels.

Maybe he's out of shape physically, but I thought he was our fastest player (or near fastest) on our roster according to some reporters.

 

[anarin]

We're going to have Eliar Hardy back there (same class as Badger), maybe Shaq Evans (and if not, you can assume we'll get a stud in 2013). I think Badger will play, just never be a full-time starter. He is a hard hitter, like IM8 said, but this staff is recruiting speed at every position.

We're going to have a lot of youth, but a lot of talent. Thankfully, the guys up front should make for an easier transition, assuming Teo is back.

Huh!?!? Did shaq evans transfer back and move to defense while I was away from the wide world web.

 

[ThePiombino]

Huh!?!? Did shaq evans transfer back and move to defense while I was away from the wide world web.

Shaq Thompson

 

[koonja]

Shaq Thompson

What this guy said.

 

[Riddickulous]

We're going to have Eliar Hardy back there (same class as Badger), maybe Shaq Evans (and if not, you can assume we'll get a stud in 2013). I think Badger will play, just never be a full-time starter. He is a hard hitter, like IM8 said, but this staff is recruiting speed at every position.

We're going to have a lot of youth, but a lot of talent. Thankfully, the guys up front should make for an easier transition, assuming Teo is back.

Su'a Cravens?

Hope Badger will come back ready to play. Loved his HS video, thought he could be a real sleeper guy. If you haven't seen his "Big Hit" video, check it out:

Re: Jalen Brown, I thought the staff said earlier this year that he has a bit to go to get on the field. Came in a little out of shape IIRC.

I think Atkinson gets some PT this year, and he's got some wheels.

Brown has the potential to be the sleeper of the 2011 class. He has all the physical tools.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

FS: (1) Slaughter; (2) Hardy
SS: (1) Motta; (2) Collinsworth
FCB: (1) L. Wood; (2) Brown
BCB: (1) J. Atkinson; (2) Jackson
Nickelback: (1) Jackson; (2) Brown

The above represents a very conservative guess; if Smith, Blanton, and Gray all got injured tomorrow (knock on wood) then this would probably be our two-deep against Purdue.

Some notes:

• Slaughter and Motta are likely locks for the starting FS and SS respectively. They've both played a lot of football for ND, so while there may be more athleticism waiting behind Motta, his experience keeps him comfortably at the head of the pack.
• Hardy and Collinsworth are also likely locks for the #2 FS and SS respectively. Hardy's a very athletic 4 athlete who will have a year in the system over the incoming frosh, and Collinsworth is already seeing playtime in our Nickel and Dime packages.
• L. Wood seems very likely to be our #1 FCB, since he's really separated himself as the #3 CB this year.
• After that, it gets murky. I picked J. Atkinson as the #1 BCB simply because he's currently the #4 CB. Jackson is arguably more experienced and Brown is definitely faster, but Atkinson is apparently better than both right now.

Question Marks:

• We don't have much to go on for comparing Jackson, Brown, and J. Atkinson. Jackson should be the #4 CB based on his athleticism and experience, but it appears to be J. Atkinson currently. Does what bode negatively for the more athletic Jackson and Brown, or does that simpy mean J. Atkinson is a pleasant surprise?
• As an EE, I expect Shepard to force his way into the two-deep sooner than later in 2012. It would be shocking if Brown, J. Atkinson, and Jackson-- all consensus 3 recruits-- are able to hold off such a highly touted CB for the entire season. As for whether he jumps Jackson or Brown first... I have no idea. Thus, I left him off the depth chart.
• If Darby was going to EE, he'd be in the same boat as Shepard. But since he's not, he'll probably spend 2012 on ST and learning the system.
• Of Baratti, Badger, Prosise, and Turner, I expect Baratti and Prosise to play on ST. Badger and Turner likely RS.
• I don't think McCarthy gets a 5th year. Collinsworth has already jumped him on the depth chart (having played the position for less than year), and scholarships are at a premium.

 

[AlbuquerqueIrishFan]

We're going to have Eliar Hardy back there (same class as Badger), maybe Shaq Evans (and if not, you can assume we'll get a stud in 2013). I think Badger will play, just never be a full-time starter. He is a hard hitter, like IM8 said, but this staff is recruiting speed at every position.

We're going to have a lot of youth, but a lot of talent. Thankfully, the guys up front should make for an easier transition, assuming Teo is back.

Did you mean someone other than Shaq Evans? He transferred out and he played wr. Badger is a bit of a mystery and dam near forgotten.

 

[irishog77]

Isn't Shepard currently sitting out games while his transfer is investigated? If so, EE or not, I see it being difficult for him to get in while not playing much/at all his senior year of HS.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Isn't Shepard currently sitting out games while his transfer is investigated? If so, EE or not, I see it being difficult for him to get in while not playing much/at all his senior year of HS.

That ruling is currently being appealed. He may still be able to play.

But even if he doesn't, I'd bet Shepard will jump at least one of Brown, J. Atkinson, and Jackson with both a spring and fall camp under his belt.

 

[DuffHouse12]

I think Tee and Lo will start at CB. B-Jack will be the 3rd corner.

total guess, but i have a tremendous feeling about Tee.

 

[irishog77]

I just see that as a tall order on Tee's part if he doesn't play at all this year. Not saying it won't happen or that he can't do it. I hate to say it, but I don't think that bodes too well for our current DB's abilities if a true frosh that hasn't played since his junior year of HS can step in and be ahead of them on the depth chart.

Maybe after the disappointing start to this year, I'm purposefully unconsciously keeping my expectations low for next year!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I just see that as a tall order on Tee's part if he doesn't play at all this year. Not saying it won't happen or that he can't do it. I hate to say it, but I don't think that bodes too well for our current DB's abilities if a true frosh that hasn't played since his junior year of HS can step in and be ahead of them on the depth chart.

Tee's been all over the 7-on-7 scene, so it's not like he's just been sitting on his coach eating Doritos. As long as he EEs, I don't think missing his senior season will make a big difference.

Tee's one of the top-rated CBs in this class; Scout gave him a 5th . J. Atkinson and Brown were both consensus 3 recruits, and they'll only have about a 5-month head start on Tee once he EEs. I just don't see those guys being able to hold him off for long.

Were Hafis Williams and Schwenke able to hold off Lynch and Tuitt?

 

[TDHeysus]

[*]I don't think McCarthy gets a 5th year. Collinsworth has already jumped him on the depth chart (having played the position for less than year), and scholarships are at a premium.

I like Collinsworth alot, I think he has those infamous 'intangibles' that certain players have; I hope the coaching staff tries to get him on the field as much as possible. I'm not sure if he can be a full time starter, but he can defintely benefit the team by seeing more PT.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I like Collinsworth alot, I think he has those infamous 'intangibles' that certain players have; I hope the coaching staff tries to get him on the field as much as possible. I'm not sure if he can be a full time starter, but he can defintely benefit the team by seeing more PT.

I agree. Kelly describes him as "intelligent", which is always important in the secondary. He's already providing quality depth. Looks like a successful move thus far.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

You all are missing the boat. Slaughter is going to play CB next year, with Motta and McCarthy at safeties. McCarthy has to stay healthy of course, which he hasn't shown he can. Please note that McCarthy is not slow like he is brother, he is a far superior athlete than his borther is.

 

[koonja]

Tee's been all over the 7-on-7 scene, so it's not like he's just been sitting on his coach eating Doritos. As long as he EEs, I don't think missing his senior season will make a big difference.

Tee's one of the top-rated CBs in this class; Scout gave him a 5th . J. Atkinson and Brown were both consensus 3 recruits, and they'll only have about a 5-month head start on Tee once he EEs. I just don't see those guys being able to hold him off for long.

Were Hafis Williams and Schwenke able to hold off Lynch and Tuitt?

I know all too well how much you love those 7 on 7's (see DGB vs. Greenberry argument) lol.

 

[rikkitikki08]

Thanks for making the thread.

FS Slaughter. SS Motta
Hardy. Collinsworth

CB Jackson. CB Wood
Shepard. Brown

Nickel Brown

Boom, we have a winner. Agreed

 

[Whiskeyjack]

You all are missing the boat. Slaughter is going to play CB next year, with Motta and McCarthy at safeties. McCarthy has to stay healthy of course, which he hasn't shown he can. Please note that McCarthy is not slow like he is brother, he is a far superior athlete than his borther is.

Collinsworth has already jumped him on the depth chart. When we move into a Nickel or Dime defense, McCarthy still isn't on the field. I think he's only playing on our KO return team this season.

If the staff doesn't trust him enough to put him on the field as part of a Dime package, why would they blow a scholarship to bring him back as a starter?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Actually didn't know Collinsworth passed McCarthy. My bad whiskey

 

[jason_h537]

FS: Slaughter-Hardy
SS: Motta-Collinsworth? maybe?
CB: Lo-Wood-Josh Atkinson
CB: Tee Shepard-Bennett Jackson

Nickle: Not sure yet, If Hardy develops the Slaughter can still play it.

Motta is paying out of position and should do better at SS, Do not think Bennett will be ready to be a full time player yet but has lots of talent. Josh Atkinson is already dressing and could see PT soon if ND would stop turning the ball over.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Actually didn't know Collinsworth passed McCarthy. My bad whiskey

It's more an inference on my part than a commonly known fact. No need to apologize.

Collinsworth has seen the field in our Dime packages. McCarthy hasn't. That's gotta mean something, no?

 

[irishog77]

Well, like I said- if a guy that hasn't played a meaningful game in pads, versus 11 people no less, since his junior year of high school in 2010 steps in and gets ahead of guys that have been in a division 1 program for multiple years in 2012, then I think it speaks more to the quality of DB's that are presently on the roster.

Look, I hope Shepard steps in and does great (like I do for all ND players). I just think people may be in for a disappointment if they are counting on Tee to provide much...assuming he isn't allowed to play this year.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Well, like I said- if a guy that hasn't played a meaningful game in pads, versus 11 people no less, since his junior year of high school in 2010 steps in and gets ahead of guys that have been in a division 1 program for multiple years in 2012, then I think it speaks more to the quality of DB's that are presently on the roster.

Look, I hope Shepard steps in and does great (like I do for all ND players). I just think people may be in for a disappointment if they are counting on Tee to provide much...assuming he isn't allowed to play this year.

Both concerns are valid. As I mentioned before, (1) Tee will have both a spring and a fall camp to reacclimate to playing in pads; (2) two of the guys he'll be competing against will only have about a 6 month head start on him; and (3) there are indeed serious concerns about the quality of the DBs currently on our roster.

You'll notice I didn't actually put him on my two-deep. He may very well not be on it when we take the field against Navy next year. But I'd be surprised if the 2012 season passed without Shepard having jumped either Jackson, Brown, or J. Atkinson.

 

[irishog77]

Certainly as the season goes along, I could see Shepard creeping up the depth chart. Absolutely so if he actually gets to play games this year.

But then again, I had Heggie as my top guy in my prediction for all secondary spots next year. I'll go ahead and put Heggie as the backup for all the slots too!