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

Irishnuke

Irishnuke

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Domina Nostra said:
This is the team's mystery man, IMO.

He is one of the best athletes on the team, but he is stuck behind Ishaq Williams, one of the few athletes with more potential as well as the very solid Prince Shembo. Personally, I would still not be surprised if he ended up starting at CAT. I think he is going to emerge as a dominant player a little faster than Ishaq.

He could also probably play DOG, but seems a touch bi. If we ever have a lin-up with Ishaq on one side and Niklas on the other, ND is going to scare some offenses.

Realistically, he could also play TE or DE with a little weight.

In any event, seems a shame to have him on the sideline.

How do we think Diaco (or Martin) will use him this year?
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As long as he is productive I don't really care.
 
woolybug25

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BeauBenken said:
You know...I don't know if I've said this before, but Troy sorta reminds me of Ryan Kerrigan.
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haha. it's because they are both white. lol

It would be sweet to see a 4-3 front with Lynch and Niklas at the DE's, then have Tuitt and Nix at DT. You are talking about some serious pass rushing right there.
 
BeauBenken

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woolybug25 said:
haha. it's because they are both white. lol

It would be sweet to see a 4-3 front with Lynch and Niklas at the DE's, then have Tuitt and Nix at DT. You are talking about some serious pass rushing right there.
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It's actually more that they are both about 6-5, highly athletic, and have a great motor.

Ryan also played lots of TE in high school just like Troy.

Oh! And Ryan was rocking the long locks for quite some time too. I'm not sure if he still is though. Haven't seen him in a while.
 
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FLDomer

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I think this kid is one of or best "under the radar" young players on our team! I see him being and absolute stud and him being a future star! HERCULES!!!!
 
I

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I am just excited to see this young talent coming along and gaining experience plus learning the system.
 
military_irish

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Not doubting you but that seems hard to believe with Eifert, Welch, Koyack, and even Golic at TE. Niklas would probably be behind all of them except maybe Golic.
 
BeauBenken

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If he is at TE now, what does this say about how we feel recruiting-wise?
 
military_irish

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Either way, if he does become a TE. I like how who ever is the most talented they make their way on to the field regardless of position.
 
returnofthemack

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I don't really understand this move. I thought he played quite well last year when he came in as an OLB. Also, as someone else mentioned, Eifert is here this year, and Welch and Koyack, both of whom have a few years of eligibility remaining, were very highly-recruited. I understand you need depth at TE, but do you pull someone who has spent a year learning how to play defense just to sit on the bench as a backup TE?
 
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returnofthemack said:
I don't really understand this move. I thought he played quite well last year when he came in as an OLB. Also, as someone else mentioned, Eifert is here this year, and Welch and Koyack, both of whom have a few years of eligibility remaining, were very highly-recruited. I understand you need depth at TE, but do you pull someone who has spent a year learning how to play defense just to sit on the bench as a backup TE?
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Councell is ideal for Niklas spot. How you going to stop a 6 7 TE either?
 
Irishnuke

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Don't get it. After Theo Riddick's disappointing swap, I'm mot a fan of swapping players positions after they've already played a season at their original position. Seems like last year was a wasted year for Troy. I think he showed a lot of promise and now, instead of perfecting his craft, he's learning an entirely new one. Hope it works out for Troy. Don't dig the move myself but BK and company know what they're doing.
 
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GBdomer

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Irishnuke said:
Don't get it. After Theo Riddick's disappointing swap, I'm mot a fan of swapping players positions after they've already played a season at their original position. Seems like last year was a wasted year for Troy. I think he showed a lot of promise and now, instead of perfecting his craft, he's learning an entirely new one. Hope it works out for Troy. Don't dig the move myself but BK and company know what they're doing.
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Couldn't of said it better myself. Staff knows whats best of there team. Plus Niklas has played all over the field. And he has played TE before also so he wont be clueless.
 
Rhode Irish

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I would imagine that they moved him because they wanted to make sure they got him on the field, and so I would assume he had guys ahead of him on defense. He was recruited by some schools as a tackle, so in addition to his freakish athleticism he could potentially be a better blocker than the other two guys at TE. If you recruit classes filled with talented guys, some of them aren't going to get on the field - that's just math. So moving guys around to get the most talented football players on the field is welcome in my book.
 
irishbird

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Rhode Irish said:
I would imagine that they moved him because they wanted to make sure they got him on the field, and so I would assume he had guys ahead of him on defense. He was recruited by some schools as a tackle, so in addition to his freakish athleticism he could potentially be a better blocker than the other two guys at TE. If you recruit classes filled with talented guys, some of them aren't going to get on the field - that's just math. So moving guys around to get the most talented football players on the field is welcome in my book.
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Have this been confirm?
 
returnofthemack

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I have no doubt he has the skills to be a good TE. It's just that I thought he played very well when he came in last year, and thought he would make a great backup while Ishaq is getting a breather. Also, I am a tiny bit disturbed that two 5-star TE recruits didn't show enough promise to keep Kelly comfortable regarding the position.
 
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GBdomer

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Heard from someone it was happening than SJ broke the news. So take it for what its worth.
 
Andy in Sactown

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109 posts deep and SJ has finally crept out of the red. Not saying he is flat out trolling us, just that I for one would like a credible source before we start the position change riot machine.

Edit: Beat me GB. If anything can be gained in a constructive fashion, I would recommend to SJ, that he list where he got his information from so we can gauge it's authenticity and give him/her the thanks he/she deserves for keeping us apprised as so many "in the know" posters do in the future.
 
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Whiskeyjack

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Niklas is too talented to keep off the field, but his most natural positions-- OT, ROLB, and TE-- are already stocked with talent.

Though he performed admirably last year, DOLB was clearly not a good long-term fit for him. I thought he'd end up on the DL since he did some interior rushing in 2011, but it seems the staff feels his ceiling is highest at TE.

It's frustrating because Niklas is an athletic freak who should at least be in the 2-deep, but there's no easy path to play time for him at one of his natural positions.
 
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