'18 PA OLB Matthew "Bo" Bauer (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Sherm Sticky]

It's off to a good start, but let's not kid ourselves, the class doesn't have elite talent outside of Jurkovec.



Stepp is a good RB with a high ceiling, but he already has nagging injuries and similar to Tony Jones Jr.



The twins are nice, but neither do anything elite. Yes, I realize it's based off sophomore film, but at the same time there wasn't buzz at The Opening Regional, but as of right now, they aren't guys that will contribute in their first two seasons.



Oghoufo is a huge project and a risk Notre Dame has to take. If he reaches his potential, then you have a Daelin Hayes type player, but if not, then you have a guy without a true position.



I am definitely pleased with the start and the class so far. It's not saying it's a bad class, but it's far from being Notre Dame's best class muchless not on pace to finish as a Top 5 class if Notre Dame keeps taking every kid that wants to commit.





On the flipside, Bauer is a good prospect, but I think Notre Dame should and can wait him out a bit. He has no elite traits and there are similar players on the roster like him already.



If he wasnt a white kid from the Midwest, then no one would be thinking anything of it.



It's funny how Luke Kuechly is the name that's brought up, but do you realize you could make the same argument about tons of LBs Notre Dame chose to go after other options or passed on?



Ryan Kerrigan was a kind from Muncie Central in Indiana and is now in the upper tier of the NFL at DE. Notre Dame didn't offer him, but there is no outcry when Notre Dame passes on white defensive ends from the Midwest like their is when there is a white linebacker passed over.



Not trying to make a huge point on the race, but its a fact if you go through any white LB thread on there, Kuechly's name is always in it.

Thank you Mr. Negative.


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[Irish Man3]

I love where the 2018 class stands. Having it built up on the defensive side of the ball early is a welcomed change.

I'd also take Bauer in a heartbeat and not think twice about it. We're debating on whether we should take a Top100 player on defense? The kid obviously has some flaws in his game but he's a sophomore with a great frame and good instincts. Take him and then go "bigger" game hunting as the season moves forward. Obviously just my opinion, but I think he's better than every 2017 LB in our class, including Adams.

 

[STLDomer]

Once again, I think Bauer is a good prospect, but at the same time if he can't gain weight and/or loses his athleticism with weight, then he quickly becomes a player that is going to struggle right off the bat.

How ironic. People had the same criticism of Kuechly out of high school.

 

[BobbyMac]

Thank you Mr. Negative.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amen. I couldn't even touch it after the race comment.

But on the positive side, I learned Pennsylvania's in the Midwest. Silly Crusader and his worthless BA in Geography.

 

[EddytoNow]

I was just in Nashville during the SEC media days and I heard multiple players now in NFL from Bama say that Alabama's defense was the most difficult defense they ever had to learn.

I would like to think they guys enrolling at ND have the same mental capacity or greater than those playing FB in Tuscaloosa.

So why does Saban get praised for his NFL defensive schemes and how difficult it is why BVG's gets ridiculed for his being too difficult and NFL like?

I'll take your question. Saban's defenses are among the best in the country. BVG's have been mediocre at best and downright awful at times.

 

[calvegas04]

I am just saying no one is bitching about Kerrigan not getting a Notre Dame offer or even bringing his name up like they do with Kuechly. It's not like Notre Dame passed on Kuechly for a scrub or missed out on numbers that class.

Also, i did state twice that I like the class and/or it's a good class, but I don't agree with it having the potential of being "the best class ever" as some stated.

I personally think Bauer is a good prospect, but he really isn't different than what Notre Dame currently has, so being in the minority, I think they might want to see where they stand with some other LBs, as they know he is committing when offered. You don't ideally want guys to have the same physical traits and then the same skill sets at the same position and that's essentially what Bauer would be if the joined the class.

Once again, I think Bauer is a good prospect, but at the same time if he can't gain weight and/or loses his athleticism with weight, then he quickly becomes a player that is going to struggle right off the bat. Terdja Mitchell has talked about visiting this fall, so there is no harm in seeing where the goes first, as Bauer will have Notre Dame in high regard throughout the process. It's a year and a half till these kids sign, no reason to rush into taking every kid that wants to come when you don't know where you stand with others. If Bauer was a 2017 prospect, I'd say snatch him up, but there is plenty of time to feel out some kids.

If the class started off with Tyreke Johnson, Brendan Radley-Hiles, Jalen Hall and say Terdja Mitchell, then I would definitely agree.

As I said, these kids are solid prospects with high ceilings, but at the same time none outside of Jurkovec is an elite prospect, which is what it takes to have a Top 5 class and "the best class ever".

We ban the trolls who post porn on game days, but this guy gets to stick around

 

[ThePiombino]

How ironic. People had the same criticism of Kuechly out of high school.

Are we just going to pretend that he's the rule and not the exception?

 

[arrowryan]

He's going back to ND with his family. I thought I read on Tuesday but arrow says tomorrow... regardless I'd guess he's coming for the offer/commitment, 2 for 1 daily special.

I read last week that he is supposed to call the staff on Monday when they are in the office and then visit Tuesday

 

[Luckylucci]

Visiting Wednesday. Commitment expected.

 

[GBdomer]

We ban the trolls who post porn on game days, but this guy gets to stick around

I don't think what he said was trolling at all, it wasn't like his statement was sooo out there. Like everyone can't agree on this site and I respected his opinion. I disagree with some of it but I also agree with some of it. It wasn't totally out there and I am glad to see other people who don't always pump out sunshine and rainbows and speak their mind.

Please show me what he said that was ban worthy?

 

[ACamp1900]

Porn pics comparison?

 

[GBdomer]

Who doesn't enjoy porn?

 

[ACamp1900]

Who doesn't enjoy porn?

Wives?

 

[Henges24]

I'm really confused how that post is ban worthy? Do we just ban people now because we don't agree with what they say?

 

[Luckylucci]

I'm really confused how that post is ban worthy? Do we just ban people now because we don't agree with what they say?

No and that's why the poster wasn't banned.

 

[Henges24]

No and that's why the poster wasn't banned.

Clearly.

 

[GBdomer]

I'm really confused how that post is ban worthy? Do we just ban people now because we don't agree with what they say?

Agree with you 100, and I am glad none of the mods told him to chill or say his post was crazy. Kudos

 

[GreyWorm]

How ironic. People had the same criticism of Kuechly out of high school.

You could make the argument for a lot of linebackers at Bauer's age and in the 2017 class. It wasn't a negative shot at Bauer, but it's kind of the risk of his situation as he is a player that needs to gain 20-30 pounds.

Let me ask you this.

Do you feel confident in the ability of Mike Elston to develop linebackers into Luke Kuechly's?

Do you feel there is a difference between a guy like Bauer and Teradja Mitchell or Alston Orji?

Once again I never said anything about Bauer being a bad prospect. I just think Notre Dame is in a position to wait and see where they stand with some kids that have talked about visiting Notre Dame this fall before they eliminate those kids by taking a commitment so far in advance.

If you read Athlon Sports, one of the more respected sports magazines, they had an anonymous coach comment on Notre Dame's recruiting and this is the point I have been trying to make.

"They have talent, but I don’t think they’re on the same level as the Ohio States and Alabamas. With the truly marquee players, kids just aren’t as fired up about Notre Dame, and he’s taken guys who are just a notch below what I feel like are the truly elite kids in the country.”

If you believe I made this quote up, here is the link: Coaches Talk Anonymously About Notre Dame for 2016 | AthlonSports.com

Like I said, I think Notre Dame is bringing in talent classes and guys that want to play football, but they aren't bringing in elite talent that will get you the playoffs or win games on talent alone like an Ezekiel Elliott, Adoree Jackson, Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey etc.

Notre Dame took three projects at linebacker in 2017 and one big project in 2018 already. Bauer is a project. Asmar Bilal, Josh Barajas and Jonathan Jones are guys that are going to need time. It's a lot of faith in Mike Elston to develop these kids and a lot of faith at least 2 of them will play over their target potential.

 

[GreyWorm]

[/QUOTE]It's off to a good start, but let's not kid ourselves, the class doesn't have elite talent outside of Jurkovec.

Stepp is a good RB with a high ceiling, but he already has nagging injuries and similar to Tony Jones Jr.

The twins are nice, but neither do anything elite. Yes, I realize it's based off sophomore film, but at the same time there wasn't buzz at The Opening Regional, but as of right now, they aren't guys that will contribute in their first two seasons.

Oghoufo is a huge project and a risk Notre Dame has to take. If he reaches his potential, then you have a Daelin Hayes type player, but if not, then you have a guy without a true position.

I am definitely pleased with the start and the class so far. It's not saying it's a bad class, but it's far from being Notre Dame's best class muchless not on pace to finish as a Top 5 class if Notre Dame keeps taking every kid that wants to commit.

On the flipside, Bauer is a good prospect, but I think Notre Dame should and can wait him out a bit. He has no elite traits and there are similar players on the roster like him already.

If he wasnt a white kid from the Midwest, then no one would be thinking anything of it.

It's funny how Luke Kuechly is the name that's brought up, but do you realize you could make the same argument about tons of LBs Notre Dame chose to go after other options or passed on?

Ryan Kerrigan was a kind from Muncie Central in Indiana and is now in the upper tier of the NFL at DE. Notre Dame didn't offer him, but there is no outcry when Notre Dame passes on white defensive ends from the Midwest like their is when there is a white linebacker passed over.

Not trying to make a huge point on the race, but its a fact if you go through any white LB thread on there, Kuechly's name is always in it.[/QUOTE]

Thank you Mr. Negative.


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Sooo negative.

I guess Stepp not competing in any camps this summer because of an injury means he was lying all summer and he is fine to not be negative.

I guess the twins needing to take a step forward in their games since they added extra weight is negative.

I also suppose Ovie needing to find a position so he can master it is also negative and there isn't a concern that he won't get to Notre Dame without a set position so they will have to move him around, which isn't ideal.

I get how it might sound "negative" but those are valid concerns that you don't have with Zamir White/Lorenzo Lingard at RB, Xavier Thomas/KJ Henry at DE or Dallas Gant/JJ Peterson at LB.

 

[koonja]

He's got all inclusive ratings with a time share offer list. I'd slow play him since we're doing so well with LBs in 2018. If Urban or Harbaugh offer him then we can get excited.

 

[Luckylucci]

You could make the argument for a lot of linebackers at Bauer's age and in the 2017 class. It wasn't a negative shot at Bauer, but it's kind of the risk of his situation as he is a player that needs to gain 20-30 pounds.

Let me ask you this.

Do you feel confident in the ability of Mike Elston to develop linebackers into Luke Kuechly's?

Do you feel there is a difference between a guy like Bauer and Teradja Mitchell or Alston Orji?

Once again I never said anything about Bauer being a bad prospect. I just think Notre Dame is in a position to wait and see where they stand with some kids that have talked about visiting Notre Dame this fall before they eliminate those kids by taking a commitment so far in advance.

If you read Athlon Sports, one of the more respected sports magazines, they had an anonymous coach comment on Notre Dame's recruiting and this is the point I have been trying to make.

"They have talent, but I don’t think they’re on the same level as the Ohio States and Alabamas. With the truly marquee players, kids just aren’t as fired up about Notre Dame, and he’s taken guys who are just a notch below what I feel like are the truly elite kids in the country.”

If you believe I made this quote up, here is the link: Coaches Talk Anonymously About Notre Dame for 2016 | AthlonSports.com

I said, I think Notre Dame is bringing in talent classes and guys that want to play football, but they aren't bringing in elite talent that will get you the playoffs or win games on talent alone like an Ezekiel Elliott, Adoree Jackson, Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey etc.

Notre Dame took three projects at linebacker in 2017 and one big project in 2018 already. Bauer is a project. Asmar Bilal, Josh Barajas and Jonathan Jones are guys that are going to need time. It's a lot of faith in Mike Elston to develop these kids and a lot of faith at least 2 of them will play over their target potential.

I realize the point but it's fairly useless to make. Those kids don't want to come to Notre Dame. It's just that simple. So we can sit here and bitch/moan until we're blue in the face but the fact remains. We have to recruit the best players that can succeed at ND and want to be there. It's not like Kelly and company aren't recruiting those guys or are turning them away, lol. It's just a different place that requires different personalities from prospects.

 

[Calabrese's People]

I'd take him for sure. He's the #2 rated ILB by 247 in the country.

Commit the framework of the class now. If Teradja wants to come then i'd take him as well.

Im of the belief that you take the quality 4's all the time and add any 5-star that wants to come, regardless of position, regardless of numbers. If we wait for the 5's to make their decisions we'll lose both more often than hit a home run. I'd take one less OL for another LB, it just means we can up quality and utilise more 5-yr seniors. When we have the inevitable transfer due to numbers, we can accommodate in the following class etc.

If i remember correctly the staff was telling the current class that the LB positions were full, but we're still going after a couple of recruits. Same-ish on the edge-rusher/DE front.

The system-fit and numbers shouldnt be that rigid. College football is about playmakers.

 

[GBdomer]

I realize the point but it's fairly useless to make. Those kids don't want to come to Notre Dame. It's just that simple. So we can sit here and bitch/moan until we're blue in the face but the fact remains. We have to recruit the best players that can succeed at ND and want to be there. It's not like Kelly and company aren't recruiting those guys or are turning them away, lol. It's just a different place that requires different personalities from prospects.

You both make great points and both are correct IMO. But I've said this for about two years now and you and I have gone back and forth on it but ND will continue to be what ND has been until they start adding elite prospects. IMO it all starts with QB's and unfront. ND has brought in two elite QB's IMO with Jurkovec and Wimbush. Have we brought in any difference makers upfront? No, Dalein Hayes can be a difference maker if he stays healthy but that is a major question mark. I would even argue ND has brought in more projects along the D line then they have in difference makers or guys ready to play. ND honestly hasn't brought in a difference maker along the D line or a guy at LB who can step in and play right away. Nyles Morgan was one of them but he wasn't given the opportunity to play right away because the D is to complicated and not set on being able to play right away.

ND has been winning lately but it's more of getting difference makers along the defense. I mean even in the secondary I think Troy Pride and Studstill with be great players for us but will they be elite or are they? I doubt it, I will never be worried about OL and WR recruiting because Heistand can do that and Kelly can just plug guys in and play whoever we want too at WR. I think Worm and you both make great points about being able to get elite recruits. I get the staff goes after the top guys but they aren't coming here along the front 7. Yes, the LB recruiting has been nice this class but can any of them step onto campus next year and make a difference? No IMO, and the Dline recruiting is just a mess but I understand the staff is doing whatever they can with what they have. But it has to get better IMO and I don't know if we will ever see a class where we land Isaq,

Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt those were ELITE guys who were ready to roll right away. Ishaq obviously wasn't but that dude looked like a million bucks and who knows what he could have been. But the staff has to start landing more difference makers along the front 7. I know we won't land another player like Jaylon Smith for another 10 years or a guy like Lynch or Tuitt for probably a while but the staff every once in a while has to bring in a guy like that. Heck I know everyone is excited about Terry Jillery but even he was a major project along the D line even if he looks like a million bucks. We need to land a guy like Max Redfield, Stephon Tuitt etc etc every once in a couple classes. Difference makers along the front 7 who are ready to roll right when they step foot on campus and IMO we aren't landing those type of players. Doesn't take away from the staff recruiting because they have been recruiting well but is it enough to take the next step? The staff does a wonderful job developing talent and maximizing what they have to work with. I mean just look at the NFL draft this year. Kudos to the staff with how we are recruiting and what they have to work with but IMO it's not enough difference makers to take us over the top.

Sorry for my spelling and grammar errors I typed this all on my phone and gave 0 facks for my mini rant.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

IMHO, this is a great get if we land him. We're talking about a high end four star recruit who can only make our team better. I personally am very excited of the very real possibility that we land him this week. That would mean in terms of star rankings at least that our class so far would consist of a five star recruit surrounded by four star recruits. Of course stars aren't the absolute here, but it can lend one to believe that so far it's an extremely talented class. I'm very happy with where we stand, love this recruiting class and truly think it will be special. Add in some other top ranked kids to this class and then we can all gush about it. We're doing really doing good here fellas and should be ecstatic.

 

[GBdomer]

IMHO, this is a great get if we land him. We're talking about a high end four star recruit who can only make our team better. I personally am very excited of the very real possibility that we land him this week. That would mean in terms of star rankings at least that our class so far would consist of a five star recruit surrounded by four star recruits. Of course stars aren't the absolute here, but it can lend one to believe that so far it's an extremely talented class. I'm very happy with where we stand, love this recruiting class and truly think it will be special. Add in some other top ranked kids to this class and then we can all gush about it. We're doing really doing good here fellas and should be ecstatic.

It's off to a good start but IMO it's not "special" We seem to have a lot of great kids committed to ND these days .

 

[STLDomer]

Are we just going to pretend that he's the rule and not the exception?

I said it was ironic because Worm was laughing at the thought of a Kuechly comparison but at the same time his criticism of Bauer was a common one of Kuechly. Therefore making a comparison of sort himself accidently. Ironic.

My post was not comparing the two at all. Just pointing out the irony in Worm's post.

 

[BobbyMac]

What makes '18 special is momentum and their networking. 5 guys in, another on the way this week. And you're crazy as bat sh!t if you think they're all projects besides PJ.

Compare this to last year... On 8-1-15 the Class of '17 had two guys. And Brock Wright and Dillan Gibbons aren't going to win any Socail Media recruiting awards like the kids of '18 or P-Money.

The key to a successful sales campaign is momentum. Keep the closes coming early and often. Your new acquisitions then start selling for you too. Let the buzz on the street drum up more business for you. This is what ND is doing this cycle.

If you think Bo Bauer should be slow played for any reason, you should find a new hobby because you have NO idea what you are talking about. That's not my opinion, that's a P5 defensive coordinator's opinion.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

It's off to a good start but IMO it's not "special" We seem to have a lot of great kids committed to ND these days .

I hear you brother. It's a good problem to have. We got very good talent coming in. That was my point. So far we're looking good.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

It's off to a good start but IMO it's not "special" We seem to have a lot of great kids committed to ND these days .

BTW, Really love you're opinion and insight. Much appreciated!!!!! Thank you.

 

[NDdomer2]

Could have swore this staff brought in Jaylon Smith. Guess he just wasn't an elite LB to some