2013 Fall Camp Thread

[koonja]

If you think about all of the top teams in the country, how many of them in the last year or 2 have had a freshman RB who had a major impact? I don't have time now to go check teams' websites for red shirt vs true freshmen but some that come to mind are TJ Yeldon (AL), Keith Marshall (GA), USC has had a couple, I believe Michigan's RB played as a freshman and did pretty well but not 100% sure on that, Duke Johnson (Mia), Deanthony Thomas (Ore), Todd Gurley (GA), Oregon State had one but can't remember his name, Pitts RB was a freshman, Jonathan Gray (TX), either Arizona or ASU had a freshman last year who played well. Chances are we willl get most of our production from GAIII, Amir, and Cam, but Greg Bryant is a rare talent that ND hasn't seen in a long time. I think the last player we recruited in his realm was Aldridge and sadly a knee injury his senior year kept him from ever reaching his true potential. If ND was ever in a position (both due to inexperience and depth) for a RB to have a breakout year, this is the year. And it could end up being Folston instead of Bryant or both like Georgia last year. Not saying it could happen but there is plenty of reason for Irish fans to be optimistic about Greg Bryant!

I agree that Bryant is a rate talent. But just because he's a rare talent doesn't mean he'll produce to the levels of Theo and Cierre of last year. He's still a freshman, and sure you found some exceptions as freshman RBs that made an impact, but with the exception of Yeldon and maybe Gurley, none of those backs were as good as Theo/Cierre as seniors.

I think we could have a great backfield, but it's no question a bigger uncertainty than it was 1 year ago today.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

Need MORE practice video!!!!

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I agree that Bryant is a rate talent. But just because he's a rare talent doesn't mean he'll produce to the levels of Theo and Cierre of last year.

I think we could have a great backfield, but it's no question a bigger uncertainty than it was 1 year ago today.

I agree that there is reason for concern but I think Kelly and Martin will have at least 2 of the RB ready to produce at a high level and I believe at least one of those 2 could be Bryant. It wouldn't surprise me if Bryant and Amir are the key contributors. I just don't have confidence in GAIII. I know we haven't seen Bryant, yet, but for whatever reason, I have more confidence in him having a breakout year than GAIII. And Amir is the real deal if he can stay healthy. It's all my opinion but I think this year will be the year we see a freshman RB get close to 1000 yards rushing. Just a hunch. And I think one of the freshman WR will have a great season, too. My bet is Redfield. He will be our Marquis Lee.

 

[Grahambo]

It's training camp for us too. It's a little challenge to be able to remember the new numbers and who is who! Lol.

It's an added bonus for someone of Nix's caliber to go up against guys like Martin and Watt because it simply just makes each other better.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Looks like William Mahone is out of the picture at RB, he looked great in HS.

I'm sure that Bryant and Folston are already the best RBs on the roster.

What are you talking about. Kelly said Mahone stood out after the first practice.

 

[Irish YJ]

I think we can all agree we have several unproven RBs. Even those with experience, only have just that, some experience. GA3's AYPC is nice, but still many questions remain about him being the total package. Talent wise (coming out of HS), we all know who leads the popularity contest.

IMO GA3 becomes the workhorse if he can hit the hole hard and block, GB compliments, and Amir compliments at RB and slot. If GA3 doesn't blossom, I can see GB overtaking him with heavier doses of Amir, and GA3 complimenting.

In any of the scenarios, we are pretty darn lucky to have to "worry" about the different scenarios.... Throw in Tarean (RB and Slot), Cam, and Will, and it just gets ridiculous.

 

[ulukinatme]

I think we can all agree we have several unproven RBs. Even those with experience, only have just that, some experience. GA3's AYPC is nice, but still many questions remain about him being the total package. Talent wise (coming out of HS), we all know who leads the popularity contest.

IMO GA3 becomes the workhorse if he can hit the hole hard and block, GB compliments, and Amir compliments at RB and slot. If GA3 doesn't blossom, I can see GB overtaking him with heavier doses of Amir, and GA3 complimenting.

In any of the scenarios, we are pretty darn lucky to have to "worry" about the different scenarios.... Throw in Tarean (RB and Slot), Cam, and Will, and it just gets ridiculous.

We're going to move to a new 4 back offense to utilize all our talent

 

[IrishLion]

If GB gets playbook/pass pro down and Amir can stay healthy, I could see GB and Amir being used the same way Cierre/Theo were last year, leaving GAIII with the exact same role he had last year.

Of course, I hope GAIII proves to have become a complete back. If he can learn to stay low, move through traffic, and be more than just a one-cut runner, he could be one of the best in the nation with his speed.

 

[aubeirish]

Can't wait to see what Procise can do. That kid could be something. Percy Harvin?

 

[Emcee77]

If GB gets playbook/pass pro down and Amir can stay healthy, I could see GB and Amir being used the same way Cierre/Theo were last year, leaving GAIII with the exact same role he had last year.

Of course, I hope GAIII proves to have become a complete back. If he can learn to stay low, move through traffic, and be more than just a one-cut runner, he could be one of the best in the nation with his speed.

That strikes me as a pretty likely scenario.

 

[kmoose]

From a guy who reports for ND and evaluates game tape for one of the ND sites and who played center for Kelly and Denbrock and co. at Grand Valley. Not 100% of course, but I trust what he says.

Good enough for me.

 

[IrishLion]

Can't wait to see what Procise can do. That kid could be something. Percy Harvin?

He should get plenty of opportunities. Even though I believe Troy/Koyack/Welch can get it done, they won't be used as much or as diversely as Eifert. Unless two of those guys step up immediately, the slot WR will see more action than they have the past season or two.

 

[kmoose]

We're going to move to a new 4 back offense to utilize all our talent

Well, the Power I has already been used.

As has the Full House.

Maybe the 2 Daddy/2 Mommy backfield?

 

[BobD]

Couple more short videos and pics posted on facebook from shiloh

 

[95NDAlumNM]

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[95NDAlumNM]

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[Irish Insanity]

I didn't approve of the use of my self portrait.

 

[NDWorld247]

Enjoy!

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[Wild Bill]

DD looks silky smooth running routes.

 

[NDWorld247]

DD looks silky smooth running routes.

He sure does. He's going to have a breakout season. The NCG was just a taste of what's to come.

Also, someone forgot to tell big Lou they weren't wearing shoulder pads today.

 

[Meacon Irish]

I think if, and it's a huuuuuuuuuuge if, Amir stays healthy, he's easily our #1 running back heading into the start of the season.

 

[Old Man Mike]

If I saw correctly, despite what was described by ZMart and Kelly as an intense practice, Prince Shembo and Sheldon Day were staying out practicing pass-rushing moves together. That's the kind of thing that shows how hungry the vets still are.

 

[ulukinatme]

I think if, and it's a huuuuuuuuuuge if, Amir stays healthy, he's easily our #1 running back heading into the start of the season.

To go along with Shembo and Day staying after practice working today, Amir and Zaire looked to be hooking up yesterday after practice...wonder if we'll get to see Zaire in some packages by mid season.

 

[Patulski]

If GB gets playbook/pass pro down and Amir can stay healthy, I could see GB and Amir being used the same way Cierre/Theo were last year, leaving GAIII with the exact same role he had last year.

I don't care how much of the playbook a freshman running back learns, being able to read and block all of the stunts and blitzes- not to mention the talent level of college DE's- that modern defenses bring is a huge hurdle.

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.

 

[arrowryan]

He sure does. He's going to have a breakout season. The NCG was just a taste of what's to come.

Also, someone forgot to tell big Lou they weren't wearing shoulder pads today.

He wasn't wearing shoulder pads

 

[ScooterIrish]

I don't care how much of the playbook a freshman running back learns, being able to read and block all of the stunts and blitzes- not to mention the talent level of college DE's- that modern defenses bring is a huge hurdle.

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.

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.

 

[NDWorld247]

He wasn't wearing shoulder pads

OMG! Are you serious??? He totally had me fooled...

 

[T Town Tommy]

DD looks silky smooth running routes.

Agree. His cuts were awesome. That is what really stood out in the video.

 

[kmoose]

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.

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.

 

[ulukinatme]

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.