2013 Fall Camp Thread

[Bogtrotter07]

If I can keep it all straight I have heard since he has been up here; Greg Bryant has been turning heads, pushing everyone in the gym. He showed well in seven on's and in all the running, too. Kelly brought his name up with a group that is "pushing the pile." That and a whole bunch of money gets you a cup of coffee, but he seems to be flat out highly motivated, which makes him a more than successful teammate in my opinion. Even if he doesn't pile up the yards, his contribution has great value.

 

[ScooterIrish]

Many more FR RBs make NO impact at all. It CAN happen, but the odds are stacked against it. Especially with three experienced guys(Carlisle, Atkinson, McDaniel) in front of him.

Duh. But the point is you can't dismiss GB playing a huge role just because he's a FR. If he's the best RB he will win the job.

 

[dwshade]

Greg Bryant will play a lot. I don't think there is any doubt about that. Think Amir will play as much slot as he does RB.

 

[NDokie13]

Tuitt was rocking the shredder facemask. He looks downright scary.

 

[woolybug25]

Carlisle has a much better chance than Bryant to contribute imo, due to his time spent with USC and ND in game and practice situations.

This is a good point. People forget that Amir is in his third season of college football. Sure, we haven't seen anything here at ND yet, but that doesn't mean that he wasn't at the practices, learning the plays, maturing as an athlete. Let's us not forget...

RANKING
Rivals:, #4 RB, Rating 5.8, National #93, State #9
Scouts:, #15 RB
ESPN:, #17 RB, Grade 81

 

[Patulski]

But FR RB's make an impact at huge programs each year. See Georgia last year. No reason to not think it can't happen at ND.

Georgia does a lot of play action passing, which explains their whopping 15.63 yards per completion, which was the best in the nation. Georgia had the most passing plays of over 40 yards in the SEC (they had 20 with their closest competition having 15) and they were second in the Nation in this metric behind only Baylor. Not exactly what we do, because Rees doesn't have a big arm for an extended play action passing game..

Our offense will click if Rees reads defenses correctly and distributes the ball, hitting players with a run-after-the-catch, short passing game. That will require versatile running backs who are adept at on-the-fly reads. Bryant's got a lot of talent, I just don't see him contributing a lot this year in this offense.

We'll see.

 

[kmoose]

Duh. But the point is you can't dismiss GB playing a huge role just because he's a FR. If he's the best RB he will win the job.

Based on the odds, you can. THAT is the point. I'd love to see the guy buck the odds. But, if you forced me to bet my life savings on it; I would say he has a minimal impact, this year.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Tuitt looks like he's got a bit more "blubber" on him this season. I know I know, he had off season hernia surgery, but I can't help but wonder if this extra weight he has on him will effect his quickness.

The biggest part of his game in his quickness and explosion off the LOS. I sure hope he didn't loose some of it.

 

[pkt77242]

But FR RB's make an impact at huge programs each year. See Georgia last year. No reason to not think it can't happen at ND.

While I agree that some FR running backs make an impact at large programs, I would not use Georgia as your "rule" team. Did you look at the depth chart besides Gurley and Marshall?

 

[woolybug25]

Tuitt looks like he's got a bit more "blubber" on him this season. I know I know, he had off season hernia surgery, but I can't help but wonder if this extra weight he has on him will effect his quickness.

The biggest part of his game in his quickness and explosion off the LOS. I sure hope he didn't loose some of it.

Tuitt is literally the last person that I have any worries about on this team.

 

[Kak7304]

Tuitt looks like he's got a bit more "blubber" on him this season. I know I know, he had off season hernia surgery, but I can't help but wonder if this extra weight he has on him will effect his quickness.

The biggest part of his game in his quickness and explosion off the LOS. I sure hope he didn't loose some of it.

I wouldn't be surprised if he lost 5-10 lbs during camp. He's still working on getting into shape.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

More often than not freshmen do not make a huge impact on a team, especially on a team returning a good number of players from a national championship squad. I'm sure our freshmen will contribute a bit this year, but I don't expect anyone on this awesome class to be starting this year, just sharing reps.

This is true but the difference here is that not only do we not return a RB on the roster with more than 300 yards rushing last year, we have 2 highly rated RB coming in and one of them from all reports I read did have to do quite a bit of pass blocking in high school so that gives him an edge. I'm talking about Bryant. Bryant was easily just as highly rated as TJ Yeldon, Keith Marshall, and Todd Gurley. All 3 of those guys made huge contributions to their respective teams last year. And I looked it up earlier and at least 20 teams in college had frosh RB that contributed early. I don't have as much faith in GAIII as some do. I actually have more faith in Tommy than GAIII. I don't usually anticipate a freshman contributing much their 1st season but I would be shocked if Bryant doesn't get some meaningful carries this season. Not saying he will be the #1 back but top 3 wouldn't surprise me.

 

[ulukinatme]

This is true but the difference here is that not only do we not return a RB on the roster with more than 300 yards rushing last year, we have 2 highly rated RB coming in and one of them from all reports I read did have to do quite a bit of pass blocking in high school so that gives him an edge. I'm talking about Bryant. Bryant was easily just as highly rated as TJ Yeldon, Keith Marshall, and Todd Gurley. All 3 of those guys made huge contributions to their respective teams last year. And I looked it up earlier and at least 20 teams in college had frosh RB that contributed early. I don't have as much faith in GAIII as some do. I actually have more faith in Tommy than GAIII. I don't usually anticipate a freshman contributing much their 1st season but I would be shocked if Bryant doesn't get some meaningful carries this season. Not saying he will be the #1 back but top 3 wouldn't surprise me.

I think he'll be #3, so yeah in the top 3. I think he'll be brought in like GAIII and get some snaps to get his feet wet, but nothing more than that I think. It's debatable if that many carries would be considered a huge impact, but certainly good experience for next year. One thing is for sure...it's gonna be really hard to get the ball around to everyone next year especially with the addition of Hood.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

While I agree that some FR running backs make an impact at large programs, I would not use Georgia as your "rule" team. Did you look at the depth chart besides Gurley and Marshall?

It wasn't just Georgia last year. Off the top of my head, the following programs had a freshman RB as either their #1 back or he contributed a whole lot: Georgia, Alabama, Miami, Pitt, Oregon State, Arizona State, Texas, one of the Virginia teams I think VTech, North Carolina, I believe Byron Marshall got some time in at Oregon.

There may be more but these are the ones I could remember. If you look at our depth chart at RB compared to other teams, I would imagine it doesn't look too daunting for a freshman to break through. We have a lot of unknowns and a couple unprovens. I will go on record saying I think Bryant will play a lot this season. He doesn't have to beat out any current starters and he has as much potential as anyone on the roster.

 

[Irishcop]

I think he'll be #3, so yeah in the top 3. I think he'll be brought in like GAIII and get some snaps to get his feet wet, but nothing more than that I think. It's debatable if that many carries would be considered a huge impact, but certainly good experience for next year. ]One thing is for sure...it's gonna be really hard to get the ball around to everyone next year especially with the addition of Hood.

Yeah but what a great problem to have.

 

[Booslum31]

I think he'll be #3, so yeah in the top 3. I think he'll be brought in like GAIII and get some snaps to get his feet wet, but nothing more than that I think. It's debatable if that many carries would be considered a huge impact, but certainly good experience for next year. One thing is for sure...it's gonna be really hard to get the ball around to everyone next year especially with the addition of Hood.

Off the field he certainly doesn't look like a Freshman...Let's see what happens at Camp. Kelly mentioned him after day one. I say if he can throw a block (Tommy will need a few of those) he has a really chance of making a big impact. Hate making a call like this solely on what he did on his HS Film and his all-star game. That's all I've seen.

 

[rocket66]

Off the field he certainly doesn't look like a Freshman...Let's see what happens at Camp. Kelly mentioned him after day one. I say if he can throw a block (Tommy will need a few of those) he has a really chance of making a big impact. Hate making a call like this solely on what he did on his HS Film and his all-star game. That's all I've seen.

Exactly. When is the last time a freshman RB came to ND in this type of physical shape? The door is wide open for him to have a great season.

 

[Luckylucci]

Good place for this. TJ at II called Procise one of the best all around athletes on the team. Also said that once he gets down some fundamentals at slot he's going to be very good. "I mean very good."

 

[NDWorld247]

Just saw this article on si.com naming 15 freshmen ready to make an impact this season: Robert Nkemdiche, Christian Hackenberg top 2013 impact freshman - College Football - Gabriel Baumgaertner - SI.com

ND landed two on the list.

• LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame: Outside of Nkemdiche, Smith may be the most college-ready defender to emerge from the class of 2013. A superstar at Bishop Luers (Ind.) High, Smith should compete with several other inexperienced candidates for a starting spot on a Notre Dame unit that lost several key guys, including Manti Te'o, Zeke Motta and Kapron Lewis-Moore. The high school Butkus Award winner and Indiana's Mr. Football shined at the U.S. Army All-American Game and should see plenty of snaps at outside linebacker. He may be one of the players on this list who starts the first snap of the season and doesn't surrender his spot the rest of the way.

• RB Greg Bryant, Notre Dame: Even though the Irish lost both Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood after last season, their backfield isn't depleted heading into 2013. Junior George Atkinson III is set to slide into the starting role, and Bryant seems likely to see some action as a true freshman. Brian Kelly may phase in Bryant much like he did Atkinson last fall, on selected carries designed for big gains. In the wake quarterback Everett Golson's suspension, the pressure is on Notre Dame's ground game to produce. Bryant is capable of providing a jolt of momentum.

 

[STLDomer]

Just saw this article on si.com naming 15 freshmen ready to make an impact this season: Robert Nkemdiche, Christian Hackenberg top 2013 impact freshman - College Football - Gabriel Baumgaertner - SI.com

ND landed two on the list.

• LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame: Outside of Nkemdiche, Smith may be the most college-ready defender to emerge from the class of 2013. A superstar at Bishop Luers (Ind.) High, Smith should compete with several other inexperienced candidates for a starting spot on a Notre Dame unit that lost several key guys, including Manti Te'o, Zeke Motta and Kapron Lewis-Moore. The high school Butkus Award winner and Indiana's Mr. Football shined at the U.S. Army All-American Game and should see plenty of snaps at outside linebacker. He may be one of the players on this list who starts the first snap of the season and doesn't surrender his spot the rest of the way.

• RB Greg Bryant, Notre Dame: Even though the Irish lost both Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood after last season, their backfield isn't depleted heading into 2013. Junior George Atkinson III is set to slide into the starting role, and Bryant seems likely to see some action as a true freshman. Brian Kelly may phase in Bryant much like he did Atkinson last fall, on selected carries designed for big gains. In the wake quarterback Everett Golson's suspension, the pressure is on Notre Dame's ground game to produce. Bryant is capable of providing a jolt of momentum.

I think Jaylon will play plenty but don't think he will ever be named the starter, much less for the first game.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Just saw this article on si.com naming 15 freshmen ready to make an impact this season: Robert Nkemdiche, Christian Hackenberg top 2013 impact freshman - College Football - Gabriel Baumgaertner - SI.com

ND landed two on the list.

• LB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame: Outside of Nkemdiche, Smith may be the most college-ready defender to emerge from the class of 2013. A superstar at Bishop Luers (Ind.) High, Smith should compete with several other inexperienced candidates for a starting spot on a Notre Dame unit that lost several key guys, including Manti Te'o, Zeke Motta and Kapron Lewis-Moore. The high school Butkus Award winner and Indiana's Mr. Football shined at the U.S. Army All-American Game and should see plenty of snaps at outside linebacker. He may be one of the players on this list who starts the first snap of the season and doesn't surrender his spot the rest of the way.

• RB Greg Bryant, Notre Dame: Even though the Irish lost both Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood after last season, their backfield isn't depleted heading into 2013. Junior George Atkinson III is set to slide into the starting role, and Bryant seems likely to see some action as a true freshman. Brian Kelly may phase in Bryant much like he did Atkinson last fall, on selected carries designed for big gains. In the wake quarterback Everett Golson's suspension, the pressure is on Notre Dame's ground game to produce. Bryant is capable of providing a jolt of momentum.

I predict Smith will have a greater impact than Bryant this season. What that impact is for each remains to be seen. Both should get their chances to compete and play some. Asking true freshmen to do a lot is tough. But both these guys can contribute if they get after it in camp and learn their responsibilities. The same conversation will take place next season when Hood arrives.

 

[NDWorld247]

Good place for this. TJ at II called Procise one of the best all around athletes on the team. Also said that once he gets down some fundamentals at slot he's going to be very good. "I mean very good."

Prosise never gets talked about when discussing offensive weapons this year. It will be interesting to see how big of a role he plays in the offense this season.

I think Jaylon will play plenty but don't think he will ever be named the starter, much less for the first game.

Barring injury, no chance he starts week one.

 

[mgriff]

We have a so many running backs.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

i think this can be a similar story to Jaylon this year.

2009 (FRESHMAN): Linebacker appeared in all 12 games as rookie, while starting 10 ... finished season with 63 total tackles, ranking fourth on team and third most for any freshman in program history ... became full-time starter in fifth game of season against Washington and recorded 57 tackles over last eight games, second most on team ... added five and a half tackles for loss, one sack and one pass breakup in first season ... recorded two solo tackles in his Irish debut against Nevada including tackle on first career play in Irish uniform ... recorded only sack of season against Purdue with 16 seconds left in contest to help secure Notre Dame's 24-21 win over Boilermakers ... totaled 10 tackles in first game as full-time starter against Washington ... tied for team-high honors with eight tackles against USC ... paced Irish with nine tackles against Boston College including season-best two and a half tackles for loss and one pass breakup ... recorded season-high seven solo tackles in final home game against Connecticut ... matched season high with 10 tackles in season finale against Stanford ... totaled 238:28 of playing time and made 63 special-teams appearances.

 

[IrishLax]

Good place for this. TJ at II called Procise one of the best all around athletes on the team. Also said that once he gets down some fundamentals at slot he's going to be very good. "I mean very good."

One funny anecdote is that a local HS coach told me during CJ's recruitment that he thought he was definitely best suited for S... because, despite his awesome ball skills and obvious athleticism, he wasn't sure if he would have the "shake" or route running ability to be an impact WR. I posted said sage analysis in his recruiting thread years ago...

...now he is a 220 pound slot WR. Just crazy. I'm interested to see how this experiment turns out. Personally, I think Fuller (or Hunter) is destined for that spot eventually... but if it turns out CJ's a baller then we can all thank God for the log jam at safety that allowed this to happen. Kelly has sure been perfect with position swaps so far... Russel from RB to CB and Farley to S worked like charms and neither had any experience with those positions. And Niklas to TE seems like it has a lot of potential. So count me as excited to see what CJ can do.

 

[NDPhilly]

Good place for this. TJ at II called Procise one of the best all around athletes on the team. Also said that once he gets down some fundamentals at slot he's going to be very good. "I mean very good."

I just needed to use this gif somewhere haha

 

[Irishman77]

Those guys could buy a lot of canned paint and nerf balls if they took that watch to a pawn shop.

 

[NDPhilly]

Those guys could buy a lot of canned paint and nerf balls if they took that watch to a pawn shop.

"Those Guys" are Peyton and Eli Manning.

 

[irishfan]

Kelly has sure been perfect with position swaps so far... Russel from RB to CB and Farley to S worked like charms and neither had any experience with those positions. And Niklas to TE seems like it has a lot of potential. So count me as excited to see what CJ can do.

Can't forget Jackson to CB! Another great move.

 

[irish1958]

Of all the positions in football a true freshman has the greatest chance of making a large impact at running back provided that he is not expected to do anything else. If he has a strong line, can count to three and his only job is to take the ball and hit the left or right hole, what is there to learn?
Kelly expects a whole lot more from his running backs which makes it much less likely that a freshman will be a significant cog in the offensive machine.