'20 MA WR Jay Brunelle (Notre Dame Signee)

[FightingIrishLover7]

Mike Young was a Chip thing - no?

 

[Luckylucci]

Mike Young was a Chip thing - no?

Well, it seems like it might not be completely. I believe Young left because Chip was an A-hole but also due to snaps. The fact that we haven't been able to get more guys involved since Chip left is puzzling. Is that a Del issue? Is it Rees and Kelly?

But, we need a depth chart that keeps these young guys engaged so that when the opportunity presents itself, they are ready. I mean, look at LB and DL. We have guys like Bo Bauer who's waited 4 years and still isn't a starting LB. But he's ready to go every time his number is called. Or Jayson A who was a stud national recruit that's waited 4 years for his standalone starting position this season. Del and the offense are just not fostering that type of environment right now. And it can't all be blamed on Chip.

Either that or we need to dedicate less scholarships to WR's, use them elsewhere, and just rely on a top heavy depth chart. Make that part of the pitch to get big time WR's. Maybe we recruit to less WR's, more TE's (kind of already are) and add more ATH's that can play DB. This way these scholarships aren't being wasted cycle after cycle. Because that's what is happening. 2019 and 2020 should have some player somewhere on the depth chart ready to step up this year or next. But instead we have space for next cycle. And if it's always space for next cycle, something needs to change because that doesn't provide much value for the program.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Well, it seems like it might not be completely. I believe Young left because Chip was an A-hole but also due to snaps. The fact that we haven't been able to get more guys involved since Chip left is puzzling. Is that a Del issue? Is it Rees and Kelly?

But, we need a depth chart that keeps these young guys engaged so that when the opportunity presents itself, they are ready. I mean, look at LB and DL. We have guys like Bo Bauer who's waited 4 years and still isn't a starting LB. But he's ready to go every time his number is called. Or Jayson A who was a stud national recruit that's waited 4 years for his standalone starting position this season. Del and the offense are just not fostering that type of environment right now. And it can't all be blamed on Chip.

Either that or we need to dedicate less scholarships to WR's, use them elsewhere, and just rely on a top heavy depth chart. Make that part of the pitch to get big time WR's. Maybe we recruit to less WR's, more TE's (kind of already are) and add more ATH's that can play DB. This way these scholarships aren't being wasted cycle after cycle. Because that's what is happening. 2019 and 2020 should have some player somewhere on the depth chart ready to step up this year or next. But instead we have space for next cycle. And if it's always space for next cycle, something needs to change because that doesn't provide much value for the program.

And trying to play catch up by taking 5 WR in one class or adding upperclassmen transfers will result in further attrition.

I don't think Del is to blame for everything. ND doesn't do enough to get some reps to offensive skill players down the depth chart (except the tight ends, I guess).

 

[Luckylucci]

And trying to play catch up by taking 5 WR in one class or adding upperclassmen transfers will result in further attrition.

I don't think Del is to blame for everything. ND doesn't do enough to get some reps to offensive skill players down the depth chart (except the tight ends, I guess).

Yep, which is why I'd like the 5th WR in this class to be someone who is open to playing DB. Is that Walker?

Though I do think a GT WR will be necessary next year. Just don't know what that pool of talent looks like.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Yep, which is why I'd like the 5th WR in this class to be someone who is open to playing DB. Is that Walker?

Though I do think a GT WR will be necessary next year. Just don't know what that pool of talent looks like.

Well, in '18 we took Austin, Keys and Jones, who were for-sure receivers, Lenzy, who was more of an athlete but leaning towards receiver, and Wilkins, who was initially recruited to be a DB. The issue with that class is the for-sure receivers have either transferred, been hurt or suspended for extended periods of time.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Well, it seems like it might not be completely. I believe Young left because Chip was an A-hole but also due to snaps. The fact that we haven't been able to get more guys involved since Chip left is puzzling. Is that a Del issue? Is it Rees and Kelly?

But, we need a depth chart that keeps these young guys engaged so that when the opportunity presents itself, they are ready. I mean, look at LB and DL. We have guys like Bo Bauer who's waited 4 years and still isn't a starting LB. But he's ready to go every time his number is called. Or Jayson A who was a stud national recruit that's waited 4 years for his standalone starting position this season. Del and the offense are just not fostering that type of environment right now. And it can't all be blamed on Chip.

Either that or we need to dedicate less scholarships to WR's, use them elsewhere, and just rely on a top heavy depth chart. Make that part of the pitch to get big time WR's. Maybe we recruit to less WR's, more TE's (kind of already are) and add more ATH's that can play DB. This way these scholarships aren't being wasted cycle after cycle. Because that's what is happening. 2019 and 2020 should have some player somewhere on the depth chart ready to step up this year or next. But instead we have space for next cycle. And if it's always space for next cycle, something needs to change because that doesn't provide much value for the program.

I mean, Chip only left about a year ago, so I don't think we can make a determination on that quite yet.

I will say that Chip probably made it more difficult for Del to get players invested. Not just because he was an A-hole, but on top of that, the QB play up to that point was....underwhelming to stay the least. It's not a good sign when you have Brandon Wimbush and Ian Book struggling for huge chunks of their career and hindering the production value of the receivers.

Hopefully we just keep landing more high quality receivers and we stop being so unlucky with them going down with injury or getting suspended or transferring.

If we follow up the class of Styles, Colzie, Thomas and JoJo, with Williams, Anderson, Merriweather and Walker (or even add Ayomanor on top of that), that's a huge cycle right there.

I give them a little slack for 2019, because it was not only a weak class overall at receiver, but seemed like all the best receivers were from areas that ND is not going to land guys from very often. Not to mention, ND still needed to shake off some bad QB play from '17 and early '18, which set them back with receivers.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Well, it seems like it might not be completely. I believe Young left because Chip was an A-hole but also due to snaps. The fact that we haven't been able to get more guys involved since Chip left is puzzling. Is that a Del issue? Is it Rees and Kelly?

But, we need a depth chart that keeps these young guys engaged so that when the opportunity presents itself, they are ready. I mean, look at LB and DL. We have guys like Bo Bauer who's waited 4 years and still isn't a starting LB. But he's ready to go every time his number is called. Or Jayson A who was a stud national recruit that's waited 4 years for his standalone starting position this season. Del and the offense are just not fostering that type of environment right now. And it can't all be blamed on Chip.

Either that or we need to dedicate less scholarships to WR's, use them elsewhere, and just rely on a top heavy depth chart. Make that part of the pitch to get big time WR's. Maybe we recruit to less WR's, more TE's (kind of already are) and add more ATH's that can play DB. This way these scholarships aren't being wasted cycle after cycle. Because that's what is happening. 2019 and 2020 should have some player somewhere on the depth chart ready to step up this year or next. But instead we have space for next cycle. And if it's always space for next cycle, something needs to change because that doesn't provide much value for the program.

careful with those comments on keeping players engaged. Some people in this forum didn't take kindly to that message after JJ's departure.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

Injured last year, injured during Spring this year...

Looking for greener pastures before his sophomore year has even really gotten a chance to move forward.

Bummer.

The Brunelle and Johnson transfers just make me appreciate Kevin Austin sticking around even more.

 

[T-Boone]

I continue to be baffled by the people who blame Del for this. What? Is he supposed to keep players from getting hurt?

He's supposed to make players fit into the program and culture? He's supposed to make players do the work off the field to stay eligible.

A lot of what's happened at receiver can't be controlled by better coaching. Personal accountability plays a hand and injuries are just bad luck.

But he has got one job.
You cant take that job and the pay packet then say the results are not due to me it is personal accountability and injuries.
If thats the case dont have coaches or pay them a lot less.

 

[nvirish]

Next up

 

[Irish#1]

Well, I didn't say he was just a depth guy forever. He added value by being part of the depth chart long term. There is a difference between a guy who expects to play as a Freshman/Sophomore and a guy that continues to develop so that when he's a Junior/Senior and a whole in the depth chart opens up, he grabs it. Usually guys as underrecruited as Brunelle get that. Especially ones that have been injured. Which makes this even more bizarre to me.

The whole point of him coming to II and working out, was to earn an offer. Even being worked as ST's by Polian was just that. Hey, listen, you got some really nice skills but it may take some time. What else can you do? Great, looks good. Here's the scholarship. It's not like Brunelle was swimming in top 25 college football offers. Usually those guys realize their place as Freshman and Sophomores. Clearly Brunelle did at one point but not anymore.

I get what you're saying, but it needs to be viewed from the perspective of a teenager. Back when I played (no leather helmets were long gone) I was competing against guys that were bigger. I busted my ass in practice and expected to play all the time. This could be that he sees playing time as a long shot and the injury this spring is just the straw that broke the camels back.

 

[IrishRazor82]

I'm not saying Alexander is bad, but I'm ready to play the field..

 

[NDisme]

I'm not saying Alexander is bad, but I'm ready to play the field..

If we can Land Merriweather, Williams, and another stud or 2 I will give him some more time but he's definitely on notice

 

[dad4aa]

I don't understand the frustration with losing Brunelle. JJ was a big loss, Brunelle is a 3* that did not have a lot of offers, was injured twice and is now getting passed by 4* freshman.

 

[317Irish]

I'm not saying Alexander is bad, but I'm ready to play the field..

Are you by chance a freshmen receiver at ND?

 

[NDisme]

I don't understand the frustration with losing Brunelle. JJ was a big loss, Brunelle is a 3* that did not have a lot of offers, was injured twice and is now getting passed by 4* freshman.

I agree, Losing Brunelle by itself is not that big a deal but it's just added to a long list of stuff that makes it look worse.

 

[fightingirish26]

I don't understand the frustration with losing Brunelle. JJ was a big loss, Brunelle is a 3* that did not have a lot of offers, was injured twice and is now getting passed by 4* freshman.

It's more that the 19 and 20 WR classes are now down to ONE player rather than specific angst about brunelle. Also arguably raises questions about WR scouting given he was a camp offer. Wr Recruiting, development, scouting and usage all can be questioned at the moment.

 

[IrishRazor82]

Are you by chance a freshmen receiver at ND?

39 year old dad bod but know how to win in tight spaces.

 

[irishandy]

If Lenzy and Austin have NFL aspirations after this year they both need to have a big year, otherwise STAY.

I am excited to see what our freshman WR's can do.

Was JJ a loss? We will see. We all liked getting Watts- step up.

Someone, anyone at the WR position needs to step up.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

It's more that the 19 and 20 WR classes are now down to ONE player rather than specific angst about brunelle. Also arguably raises questions about WR scouting given he was a camp offer. Wr Recruiting, development, scouting and usage all can be questioned at the moment.

And that "one player" has previously been rumored (more like speculated) to be a "transfer risk" lol

 

[Sherm Sticky]

39 year old dad bod but know how to win in tight spaces.

That's what she said

 

[Luckylucci]

If Lenzy and Austin have NFL aspirations after this year they both need to have a big year, otherwise STAY.

I am excited to see what our freshman WR's can do.

Was JJ a loss? We will see. We all liked getting Watts- step up.

Someone, anyone at the WR position needs to step up.

If Austin is healthy all season, he's going in the draft. Snowball chance in you know what he comes back if he plays all 12+ games.

 

[irishff1014]

If Austin is healthy all season, he's going in the draft. Snowball chance in you know what he comes back if he plays all 12+ games.

But he is going to need to have a booming year. He has proved anything.

 

[T-Boone]

But he is going to need to have a booming year. He has proved anything.

Exactly. He was healthy for the start of last year and he only had a few catches through until he was injured so they probably ease him in again this year the same way. No way he does enough to get drafted in 8 or so games of full go.

 

[IrishLax]

Unfortunately, this kind of thing is going to become more and more commonplace with the new rule where players can transfer and play immediately. If you're buried on the depth chart after your first year or having a tough time adjusting or face any adversity whatsoever there are going to be forces pushing these kids to transfer.

There is a LOT of talk behind the scenes about how the 25 signees per year rule is going to need to change. I also think Notre Dame is going to need to get into the habit of not just taking grad transfer but actively looking at poaching underclass transfer from other teams. It remains to be seen what kind of success they can have with that relative to other football factories due to admissions though.

 

[IrishLion]

Unfortunately, this kind of thing is going to become more and more commonplace with the new rule where players can transfer and play immediately. If you're buried on the depth chart after your first year or having a tough time adjusting or face any adversity whatsoever there are going to be forces pushing these kids to transfer.

There is a LOT of talk behind the scenes about how the 25 signees per year rule is going to need to change. I also think Notre Dame is going to need to get into the habit of not just taking grad transfer but actively looking at poaching underclass transfer from other teams. It remains to be seen what kind of success they can have with that relative to other football factories due to admissions though.

BK mentioned that they'd be looking at working with admissions on figuring out undergrad transfers... Jack, BK and Rev. Jenkins must all be working together in a give-and-take.

JS tells BK and Jenkins that they can be a playoff team every time they're 11-1, and most times they're 10-2, but they don't get a bye ever. BK says 'that's fine, but I need some help with undergrad transfers or else the portal is going to slowly drain our depth,' so Jenkins says 'if you keep winning and set us up to roll when your contract is up, I'll see what I can do.'

At least in a dream world...

 

[317Irish]

This stinks. The kid kind of reminds me of a cross between Danny Amendola and Jordy Nelson.

 

[Luckylucci]

Exactly. He was healthy for the start of last year and he only had a few catches through until he was injured so they probably ease him in again this year the same way. No way he does enough to get drafted in 8 or so games of full go.

No. He broke his foot during Fall Camp and missed the start of the season. He tried to come back without surgery and letting it heal. He appeared in 2 games (FSU and UL). Playing a total of 25 snaps and had 1 catch. It wasn’t like he was available for a lot of football and wasn’t producing.

If he plays in 12+ games which he’s expected to be healthy for the full season (will be 8 or 9 months removed from his surgery) he gone. Write it down and circle it.

The reason he re-injured the foot was because he and his family chose to not get surgery the first time. In an effort to get on the field faster. It was not a doctor recommendation. Now, why would they do that?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Exactly. He was healthy for the start of last year and he only had a few catches through until he was injured so they probably ease him in again this year the same way. No way he does enough to get drafted in 8 or so games of full go.

This is not correct at all. He broke his foot in Fall Camp, so no he was not healthy at the start of last season.

No. He broke his foot during Fall Camp and missed the start of the season. He tried to come back without surgery and letting it heal. He appeared in 2 games (FSU and UL). Playing a total of 25 snaps and had 1 catch. It wasn’t like he was available for a lot of football and wasn’t producing.

If he plays in 12+ games which he’s expected to be healthy for the full season (will be 8 or 9 months removed from his surgery) he gone. Write it down and circle it.

The reason he re-injured the foot was because he and his family chose to not get surgery the first time. In an effort to get on the field faster. It was not a doctor recommendation. Now, why would they do that?

100% correct Lucky. If Austin is healthy for the entire season and is able to put together a big year, ala Boykin and Claypool final season, he gone to the NFL.

 

[irishnd31]

This stinks. The kid kind of reminds me of a cross between Danny Amendola and Jordy Nelson.

Wonder why????