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

[Emcee77]

Kelly said after practice today that the first thing they want Troy to do at TE is be a great in-line blocker that can help the running game. The coaches love that, at 6'7", he presents matchup problems as a receiver, but in-line blocking is his real value. I also thought it was interesting that yesterday Kelly said Diaco really didn't want Troy to switch to offense, but that Kelly really felt this move was best for the team (because the DOG is going to come off for the Star in a lot of situations, so no need for a ton of depth there)

That rationale makes me like Troy's move to TE even more. With a potentially great blocker like him on the line our offense becomes even more versatile.

 

[dublinirish]

Brian Kelly - Post Practice Interview - March 21, 2012 - YouTube

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Not only is Troy a monster physically; he has the attitude. He said he liked the idea of moving to TE and even if he didn't he would do it for the team, (as in what's best!)

 

[NYMIKE6]

Well by the video i'm seeing of him in practice he looks the part... if he can get the offense down we would have some really nice depth at the TE position.

 

[Irish YJ]

Liked BKs comparison to the Patriots scheme. I think this move allows Eifert to be more WRish which is critical until the young WRs catch up, or an existing WR steps up. EIfert, athletic, awesome hands. Troy huge, atheletic, phsyical. The match up problems will be incredible. Now throw in Neal, which nobody can cover... WOW. In my mind (as twisted as it is), even if you get only decent performance from TJ/DD/JG, the ball will MOVE. If one of the frosh blossom early and contribute by mid year, look out. To me, WR may be a big question mark, but WR/TE/Slot + RB will have enough power/speed/mismatch to move the ball on anyone..... new O coordiantor will have plenty of options.

 

[NDdomer2]

Notre Dame football: Niklas' versatility big plus at tight end - southbendtribune.com

He reminds me of Kyle Rudolph. He might be a little bit quicker."

Quote from Slaughter.

 

[BGIF]

ESPN WR Corey Robinson commits to Irish

He reminds me of Kyle Rudolph. He might be a little bit quicker."

Quote from Slaughter.

Was Slaughter talking about Niklas or Robinson?



Is there a connection between the Robinson article linked and Niklas (future conversion to TE, maybe) or just the wrong thread?

 

[NDdomer2]

Wrong article link for some reason. Phone copy and paste doesn't always work so well.

 

[BGIF]

Wrong article link for some reason. Phone copy and paste doesn't always work so well.

Well IF he continues growing and chows down with Longo, it could become the right thread.

 

[NDdomer2]

Well IF he continues growing and chows down with Longo, it could become the right thread.

Haha I don't think anyone would be complaining! Reps coming for catching my mistake when I get to laptop in am!

 

[GBdomer]

Do we think he has Koyack potential. Also you need to wonder if he has the chest to play TE in this offense.

 

[BGIF]

Do we think he has Koyack potential. Also you need to wonder if he has the chest to play TE in this offense.

He's got miles to go before he done but he'd have the chest, no doubt, if he followed the mbeckha plan. But then, no one would be talking to him.


Sorry Troy for hijacking your thread. I look forward to your first TD reception against Navy!

 

[Kak7304]

Liked BKs comparison to the Patriots scheme. I think this move allows Eifert to be more WRish which is critical until the young WRs catch up, or an existing WR steps up. EIfert, athletic, awesome hands. Troy huge, atheletic, phsyical. The match up problems will be incredible. Now throw in Neal, which nobody can cover... WOW. In my mind (as twisted as it is), even if you get only decent performance from TJ/DD/JG, the ball will MOVE. If one of the frosh blossom early and contribute by mid year, look out. To me, WR may be a big question mark, but WR/TE/Slot + RB will have enough power/speed/mismatch to move the ball on anyone..... new O coordiantor will have plenty of options.

I hope this ends up being the case, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. The kid is still in high school and whether he is able to be covered or not has yet to be seen at this level.

 

[RDU Irish]

I like Toma in the slot. One of the few WR to beat expectations and answer the bell when called upon. Kid deserves a solid cult following.

And Troy Niklas will be the best tight end in the country at some point in his college career (maybe pro too).

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Any news about Troy's health?

 

[FLDomer]

Any news about Troy's health?

OH NO YOU DIDN"T bump this thread!! You know any and all things are updated at all times!!

 

[IrishLax]

Any news about Troy's health?

Not really, supposedly has concussion like symptoms... dunno if he will play tomorrow.

 

[ChiRish]

Upsetting that he was injured and couldn't play, wanted to see his progression at the position. That being said, I think you have to see him in person to truly appreciate what a freak he is. Saw him leave the stadium before anyone and the kid is just MASSIVE. Very excited to see how he turns out.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I was talking to Luther Bradley at the time, so I was about ten feet away. I would second that CH because he moves like a little man, and has speed, too! I just hope it is not serious, or they are lying about it so they don't reveal a top secret weapon, part-time road grader that every ball thrown in his direction sticks to.

 

[Rhode Irish]

-- Kelly conceded there were lingering concerns after backup tight end Troy Niklas suffered a concussion during Notre Dame's spring practice sessions and missed the April 21 Blue-Gold Game because of it.

But the coach pushed away rumors that Niklas' sophomore season could be in jeopardy because of it.

"He feels great," Kelly said. "He's cleared for all football activities, but I think any time there is a concussion, certain players are going to react differently.

"Now there's a protocol that everybody has to go through. I think Troy wanted to look at some other things, and we were happy to get him to some other people -- like biofeedback. And he feels really good about it."

Niklas went through the biofeedback process in his native California in early June, delaying his arrival for summer school by a week.

"At the end of the day, when it comes to those things, I think you have to examine everything that's out there," Kelly said, "so a young man goes, 'Hey I'm good to go. I feel great.' And that's where Troy is at this point."

South Bend Tribune 6/25/12

 

[yankeeND]

South Bend Tribune 6/25/12

Very smart move by Troy! This makes a lot more sense now seeing that article, with all the ado about concussions these days you gotta protect yourself and your future. Great find brotha!

 

[Rhode Irish]

Very smart move by Troy! This makes a lot more sense now seeing that article, with all the ado about concussions these days you gotta protect yourself and your future. Great find brotha!

To be fair, GITF found it. I just posted the part relevant to Niklas here. Definitely good news, though.

 

[yankeeND]

To be fair, GITF found it. I just posted the part relevant to Niklas here. Definitely good news, though.

I should have known, the magic man strikes again! Either way that's by far the best news I've heard for the upcoming season to date. I don't want to count my chickens but he just has all the tools to be something special! I will give Golden his props too!

 

[Domina Nostra]

Stupid question time: do defenders get less concussions?

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

Stupid question time: do defenders get less concussions?

It is definitely hard to judge. I would guess the OL players would have a high risk rate.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Why? Not disagreeing, just currious, you can private message me or post to my wall if you think this is too off topic.

 

[BeauBenken]

You usually get concussions when you play in space and someone is able hit you at full velocity and you're unprepared for it.

 

[ab2cmiller]

Stupid question time: do defenders get less concussions?

I have no clue, but it seems like the retired defensive guys are the ones that have been in the news as it's related to brain injuries. Junior Seau, Dave Duerson, Corwin Brown.

One NFL study that was set to test 100 former NFL players said that the 100 players chosen must be offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers or defensive backs, because those positions involve the most repeated brain trauma.
New study on brain injuries to test 100 former NFL players - ESPN

It seems like you have a lot greater chance of having a concussion on the defensive side of the ball.

 

[IrishLax]

Defenders who are "big hitters" have the worst risk. Safeties and certain linebackers.... outside of that, RBs, WRs, QBs with bad pass protection... the OL/DL have so many micro-collisions..... really no one is safe except for lockdown CBs.

 

[woolybug25]

HOORAY!!