2010 depth chart

[Axl Rose]

OFFENE
QB-Dayne Crist-I think Jimmy's gone, hes a sure fire first rounder.

RB-Armando Allen

WR-Michael Floyd

WR-Golden Tate

TE-Kyle Rudolph

FB-Robert Hughes

LT-Matt Romine

LG-Chris Stewart

OC-Dan Wenger

RG-Trevor Robinson

RT-Andrew Nuss

DEFENSE
DE-Kapron Lewis-Moore

DT-Ethan Johnson

DT-Ian Williams

DE-Steve Filer

OLB-Darrius Fleming

MLB-Brian Smith

OLB-Manti Teo

CB-Gary Gray

SS-Robert Blanton

FS-Harrison Smith

CB-Darrin Walls

 

[Irish74]

Then expect another 9-3 season. I'd rather see some highly recruited freshman start cracking the defensive side of the ball next year then let the same guys play again next year. They just can't keep up with elite programs. Plus Forcier looked pretty good in his 2nd game ever against us. He'll be around for the next 3 years and it didn't look like any of these guys had an answer for him.

 

[irishfan]

Then expect another 9-3 season. I'd rather see some highly recruited freshman start cracking the defensive side of the ball next year then let the same guys play again next year. They just can't keep up with elite programs. Plus Forcier looked pretty good in his 2nd game ever against us. He'll be around for the next 3 years and it didn't look like any of these guys had an answer for him.

ya youre right...no way they will improve at all...just like our 07 offense had no chance

 

[Irish74]

ya youre right...no way they will improve at all...just like our 07 offense had no chance

This staff has not recruited defense well at all. Show me the defenses version of Clausen, Tate, Floyd & Rudolph. These guys all showed something in either their freshman or sophmore seasons. Our entire secondary is upperclassman with the exception of Blanton.

 

[Riddickulous]

QB: Jimmy Clausen
RB: Armando Allen
FB: Robert Hughes
WR: Golden Tate
WR: Michael Floyd
TE: Kyle Rudolph
LT: Matt Romine
LG: ?
C: Braxston Cave
RG: Trevor Robinson
RT: Seantrel Henderson (going out on a limb here, boys)
DE: Kapron Lewis-Moore
DE: Kerry Neal
DT: Ian Williams
DT: Ethan Johnson
OLB: Darius Fleming
MLB: Brian Smith
OLB: Manti Te'o
CB: Robert Blanton
CB: Gary Gray
FS: Jamoris Slaughter
SS: Dan McCarthy
K: Nick Tausch
P: Ben Turk
KR: Bennett Jackson, Theo Riddick
PR: Golden Tate

 

[RECON Daddy]

I am not sure Jimmy leaves. I think he wants to win a NC.

 

[irishfan]

This staff has not recruited defense well at all. Show me the defenses version of Clausen, Tate, Floyd & Rudolph. These guys all showed something in either their freshman or sophmore seasons. Our entire secondary is upperclassman with the exception of Blanton.

Gray and HaSmith are redshirt sophomores. Both were starters today. Lewis-Moore and Ethan Johnson have shown flashes. Te'o obviously is a stud. Fleming has been good. Filer has looked pretty good when he gets out there. Motta will probably take over for McCarthy. We have 2 freshman starting (Lewis-Moore a redshirt one and Te'o) 4 sophomores (Ethan Johnson, Fleming, Gray/Blanton, HaySmith). Clearly the skill is stronger in the freshman and sophomore classes. Weis struggled recruiting defensively his first couple years and I don't think our D will ever be a top 10 one under Weis but even a top 25 (or even 50 really) along with Weis' typical offense is good enough to make us a contender every year.

 

[Junkhead]

This staff has not recruited defense well at all. Show me the defenses version of Clausen, Tate, Floyd & Rudolph. These guys all showed something in either their freshman or sophmore seasons. Our entire secondary is upperclassman with the exception of Blanton.

They are mostly highly ranked recruits. We are weak on the DL, and young. Teo was the #1 D recruit and is starting as a freshman. I think the switch back to the 4-3, along with too many blitzes has weakened the D.

 

[Irish74]

I am not sure Jimmy leaves. I think he wants to win a NC.

Me neither. It just seems like ND players don't leave early. He promised 4 NC's at his press conference, how about delivering 1 of those before you leave. Hopefully Weis can convicne him to stick around for his senior year. If not then Crist will have to step up. He'll have 2 years in the system I think he'll be prepared.

 

[NDMontana]

If the logic is that CLausen is leaving b/c he's a sure fire first rounder than what makes you think that Tate isn't leaving as well? Keep in mind, also, that we're going to have rebuild the o-line w/ 4 seniors leaving.

 

[Riddickulous]

If the logic is that CLausen is leaving b/c he's a sure fire first rounder than what makes you think that Tate isn't leaving as well? Keep in mind, also, that we're going to have rebuild the o-line w/ 4 seniors leaving.

Unless Tate has a gigantic ego and believes he's the best human being since Jesus Christ, he'd notice his competition in the draft this year:

Dez Bryant
Dezmon Briscoe
Damian Williams
Mardy Gilyard
Demaryius Thomas

 

[Axl Rose]

If the logic is that CLausen is leaving b/c he's a sure fire first rounder than what makes you think that Tate isn't leaving as well? Keep in mind, also, that we're going to have rebuild the o-line w/ 4 seniors leaving.

Theres about 10 teams in the NFL in need of a QB, much bigger need than WR.

Plus only three OL's are leaving. We get Robinson and Stewart back, plus Wenger is coming back as well.

 

[Junkhead]

Crackheads...

Thanks for adding to the discussion.

 

[RECON Daddy]

Me neither. It just seems like ND players don't leave early. He promised 4 NC's at his press conference, how about delivering 1 of those before you leave. Hopefully Weis can convicne him to stick around for his senior year. If not then Crist will have to step up. He'll have 2 years in the system I think he'll be prepared.

I think the big three will be back (Clausen, Floyd, and Tate) for 2010. They have unfinshed biz. Can you picture how good Clausen's #s would be if Floyd was healthy? And honestly, I don't think Jimmy is quite ready for the NFL...but after next year he will be the #1 pick.

 

[jason_h537]

If the logic is that CLausen is leaving b/c he's a sure fire first rounder than what makes you think that Tate isn't leaving as well? Keep in mind, also, that we're going to have rebuild the o-line w/ 4 seniors leaving.

No we lose 3 starters and bring back and return 3 with starting experience. I believe the o-line will be more talented next year but losing a warrior like Eric Olsen is the biggest loss

 

[callmesir]

teo

teo

is anyone else worried about teo leaving for a mission??? and in theory... as soon as he's back from his mission he'd be eligible for the draft. Maybe he plays one more year just to prove he's still got it, then he bolts for the draft. It's possible we may only have him for two years.

 

[irishfan]

is anyone else worried about teo leaving for a mission??? and in theory... as soon as he's back from his mission he'd be eligible for the draft. Maybe he plays one more year just to prove he's still got it, then he bolts for the draft. It's possible we may only have him for two years.

te'o doesnt seem like the leave early for the draft kinda guy

 

[callmesir]

te'o doesnt seem like the leave early for the draft kinda guy

Anyone can be that guy when he sees the silly amount of money offered to him... either way.... a two year abscense could really put our D in a hole for those two years, plus the year it would take to get back into shape. there isn't a whole lot of free time for working out during a mormon mission....

hopefully his mission president can work out a deal like they worked out for steve young. They decided his national exposure on sunday was more important that him going on a mission or going to church on sundays.... they're a well run corporation

 

[Master Guns]

I am not sure Jimmy leaves. I think he wants to win a NC.

And a HT. He is not ready for the NFL. CW will be frank with him on that. He'll be a first round pick in 2011.

 

[Master Guns]

is anyone else worried about teo leaving for a mission??? and in theory... as soon as he's back from his mission he'd be eligible for the draft. Maybe he plays one more year just to prove he's still got it, then he bolts for the draft. It's possible we may only have him for two years.

Another guy who won't be ready for the NFL anytime soon. LB's are a dime a dozen. Way premature to even start to think about it. He will need all four years under his belt.

 

[wakeuptheechoes]

I don't think it is logical for Clausen to leave just yet. More than the Heisman he wants to play in the NFL. He wants to be succesful as an NFL quaterback, unlike his brothers. That was the whole reason for choosing ND to play under Weis for his experiance with Tom Brady. He currently would want to be a top 10 pick in the draft, with the "turf toe" I am not sure he would be. Yes, he has performed well with the injury, but would an NFL team take a chance on a top ten pick? The players are much faster and stronger, I think he needs to show there are no ill effects from the injury, since he has said it wont get better until after the season then he will need another season to prove that. He may decide to go the Peyton Manning way and come back for another year. Plus I think he wants to show what he can do throwing to Floyd and Tate all year.

 

[GoIrish41]

Unless Tate has a gigantic ego and believes he's the best human being since Jesus Christ, he'd notice his competition in the draft this year:

Dez Bryant
Dezmon Briscoe
Damian Williams
Mardy Gilyard
Demaryius Thomas

ego would have little to do with it. Tate is better than all of the above.

 

[Brown]

2010 depth chart:

QB:
1. Dayne Crist (RS-SO) or Jimmy Clausen (SR)
2. Nate Montana (RS-SO)
3. Andrew Hendrix (FR)
4. Tommy Rees (FR)

Graduating: Clausen

I wouldn't be surprised to see Clausen graduate to the NFL. The collective bargaining agreement has been a hot issue all year, and dramatic changes are expected to be made (post 2010) to the types of contracts rookies are getting in the draft (less favorable ones).

Although ND fans have never been 100% behind Clausen's raw skills and ability -- NFL scouts have been. Go to any NFL draft/pro scouting website, and Clausen is already at or near the top of most draft boards.

I don't know Clausen on a personal level, but I do know mans' innate desire for wealth and fame -- a top 10-15 draft selection certainly provides that.

Because ND has been cleaning up so well on the recruiting trail, I don't see much of a drop off when Clausen moves on. Crist is another blue-chip prospect, 5 star stud, who will be prepared to step right in with abunch of upper-class weapons around him--under a system that has developed the likes of Quinn and Clausen.

HB:
1A. Armando Allen (SR) / Theo Riddick (SO)
1B. Robert Hughes (SR) / Jonas Gray (SO)

Bench: Cierre Wood (RS-FR)

Graduating: James Aldridge

Allen has failed to show that he can be an everydown/feature back, although he's been very good in spurts.

During a Weis' press conference, he couldn't hold back his enthusiasm for Theo Riddick. The coaching staff seems to be uniquely impressed with Theo and his potential.

Cierre Wood has a lot of raw athleticism and ability but his lack of playing time this season indicate he's still a step behind his competition (more raw). Hopefully he takes a big step forward next year, and is ready to make significant contributions in '11 (the thunder to Riddick's lightning).

FB:
Robert Hughes (SR)
Steve Paskorz (SR)

This position is rarely used in the conventional sense in Weis' offense. But Hughes at FB gives the unit quite a bit of versatility -- he's big with speed and good hands.

WR:
1. Mike Floyd (JR)
2. Golden Tate (SR)
3. Shaq Evans (SO)
4. John Goodman (RS-SO)
5. Deion Walker (RS-SO)
6. Roby Toma (RS-FR)
7. Daniel Smith (FR)
8. Bennett Jackson (FR)

Graduating: Robby Parris, George West

Floyd might be the most explosive/best all around WR in the 100+ year history of the program, but he's also very injury prone. Expecting a full season out of him next year, given his injury history is naive.He's a game changer when healthy enough to play. Lets just hope, unlike his first two seasons, he's on the field for atleast the majority of the season.

All indication is that Tate will be returning for his SR season. Although he's very good/very athletic, he's not viewed as an elite NFL prospect. His size and the traffic at his position limits his draft stock quite a bit. An explosive senior season full of post-season accolades would do wonders for his draft stock in 2011.

Shaq Evans has impressed coaches all season long. After floyd, he's the next best combination of size, WR IQ, and raw speed at the position. Unless something crazy happens, he'll likely be Crist's favorite target in a year or two.

Deion Walker and John Goodman have failed to take any dramatic steps up on the depth chart. Goodman doesn't have as high a ceiling as Walker, but seems more polished of the two at the moment.

Roby Toma is another coaches favorite who is deceptively quick/fast with very good hands. He's a darkhorse to pass both Walker and Goodman, and be a go-to guy in the slot next season. He's also a uniquely gifted blocker for his size.

TE:
1. Rudolph (JR)
2. Ragone (RS-JR)
3. Eifert (RS-SO)
4. Welch (FR)

Graduating: Burger

Rudolph takes another huge step forward into stardom and cements his status as a first round draft pick in 2011.

Ragone, if his knee holds up, continues to provide quality depth at the position.

Eifert and Welch are on the outside looking in, with Welch likely "red-shirting". Eifert has been missed all season long due to injury, but impressed coaches enough as a rookie to earn some early playing time. Hopefully there's no lingering effects and he continues to show progress where he left off. He's a big/tall target with a bright future as a receiving-TE.

This is getting long, will try to finish the rest of the team in the upcomming days.

 

[notredomer23]

Guys I have seen the discussion about Clausen being a sure first rounder, yes, but so were Bradford and McCoy last year they came back. Also a huge thing is money. A lot of guys that play football(lets be honest now) do not always come from the best backrounds and rough neighborhoods and could use some money so they go to the draft. Clausen's family has all the money he needs

 

[RECON Daddy]

Guys I have seen the discussion about Clausen being a sure first rounder, yes, but so were Bradford and McCoy last year they came back. Also a huge thing is money. A lot of guys that play football(lets be honest now) do not always come from the best backrounds and rough neighborhoods and could use some money so they go to the draft. Clausen's family has all the money he needs

I think that is an excellent point...though Clausen wants to make his own money, he can wait. I think he will make more money in the long-ruun by staying @ ND one more year with CW.

 

[Brown]

How? By potentially injurying his shoulder like Bradford did? Who is nowhere near the elite NFL prospect he was simply because he's going to have major shoulder surgery?

By waiting until the NFL puts a salary cap on how much money teams can pay on their draft selections?

Clausen is ALREADY considered an elite NFL prospect. Most prognosticators have him going in the top 15 overall, and depending on the team, has an outside shot at being a #1 overall draft selection.

 

[NDMontana]

No we lose 3 starters and bring back and return 3 with starting experience. I believe the o-line will be more talented next year but losing a warrior like Eric Olsen is the biggest loss

Duncan, Young, Stewart and Olson are all seniors.

 

[NDMontana]

And a HT. He is not ready for the NFL. CW will be frank with him on that. He'll be a first round pick in 2011.

Jimmy also seems to be somebody with a sense of history. If he comes back next year and has another season like this year his name will be remembered at ND forever. We still talk about Montana, Rice, Mirer, Paulus, Quinn, Hornung, Latina. Hell we still talk about Lovecchio (sic) and Carlyle Holiday. Clausen knows that and probably also knows how fickle things get in the NFL. SHit, Ravens fans probably don't even remember that Trent Dilfer was their QB when they won the SB. Plus, with free agency, fans don't get attached. Hell, I could give a shit that Jay Cutler is gone from Denver. In three years I'll have forgotten that he was ever in Denver. That's the nature of the NFL and Jimmy knows that.

 

[patman1868]

Im hoping that Tyler Stockton can step up and fill in at the DT position. He has had a year to get better and stronger. Most were really high on him coming into the program. If he can become a good DT that would be a huge help and would benefit the D greatly, because honestly one of the big differences between ND and USC was USCs D-line ability to get pressure with out blitzing.

 

[Axl Rose]

Duncan, Young, Stewart and Olson are all seniors.

Stewart was red shirted his freshman year. Hes got 1 more year after this season.