2013 Fall Camp Thread

[cody1smith]

Yeah, I think it's just some truncated/misleading wording... people saying "return uncertain" actually mean "the date/timetable for his return is unclear".

Think about it. Why on earth would someone quit their career because a sibling died? Would make literally zero sense.

I agree 100% that it sounds crazy. Just getting someone else's opinion on it. I read it twice and they made it seem like not returning is a possibility

 

[Buster Bluth]

Whats the word on Alford? I know he is gone for the time being, but some reports say he may not return. Can this be true? He is the hammer in Florida. He would be greatly missed IMO

...no way in hell can that be true.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I agree 100% that it sounds crazy. Just getting someone else's opinion on it. I read it twice and they made it seem like not returning is a possibility

Alford is a grown man. Grown men don't quit their jobs because of a death in the family It's a horrible time in his life but it' take him about two seconds to realize that leaving would accomplish nothing and only make the pain worse. You don't want to be bored and grieving.

 

[pumpdog20]

Intense practice, love it.

 

[gkautz10]

A few things:
WR routes look very sharp in these videos, both upper classman and newbies. Russell looks awesome. I loved the kid last year, just the way he acted, he has tons of confidence. I am excited to see how many of these freshman play this year. I am saying a good majority, probably half?? in one role or another. Don't think you can sit that talent on the bench hoping they stick around for a 5th year. I think GB, Redfield, Jaylon are almost locks somewhere. Alot of the freshman will be 1 injury away from some playing time. Maybe half is too high.

 

[BobD]

Intense practice, love it.

I thought the same the first time I watched it, then I watched it with no sound and it just seemed average. After the National Championship game, I wanna see some people being leveled.

Maybe I'm just in a bad mood tonight?

 

[Irishman77]

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Lombard got B....slapped by Kona. Wow!

 

[Emcee77]

Martin was just maulin' TuTu.

Kei looks GOOD. Real good.

Maybe we are seeing why Kelly called ZMart the best OT in the country. I thought it was an outrageous thing to say at the time ... But Martin is literally making Tuitt look bad in these vids.

J walls will be having nightmares about KvR.

 

[peoriairish]

Just a couple thoughts as I'm now caught up on the videos and discussion.

First: Kona. Am I the only one who remembers this time last year when Kona was reportedly pushing Nix for the starting NT spot? He is a stud DL. Yes, there is a little drop off between #1 and the Hawaiian Terror, but it is a much smaller drop off than most think.

Second: KRuss. I'm not sure why so many are surprised by his great play in these highlight films. Last year, as a true freshman, he very rarely got beat. And when he did, it was on a misread, and that can be corrected. He was one of the most sure tacklers on the team, and that includes Manti. I can only remember 2-3 times that KR missed a tackle that came his direction. The kid is a freak of a CB.

Third: Sheldon. Big #91 was an upgrade on Kap LAST year. With another year of development and understanding of the playbook, he will be even more of a stud. Sheldon is going to have a phenomenal season for ND containing the edge.

Fourth: Reesus. I have been very impressed with him in the videos. I know there is the coach speak and reports of him impressing, but in the videos specifically, he is making great sideline throws he hasn't made in the past. I mean he actually his Breezy in stride on a 30 yard go. TR is going to have a great year.

There are some other thoughts, but I'll keep them until after Temple if they still ring true.

 

[Irishman77]

Just a couple thoughts as I'm now caught up on the videos and discussion.

First: Kona. Am I the only one who remembers this time last year when Kona was reportedly pushing Nix for the starting NT spot? He is a stud DL. Yes, there is a little drop off between #1 and the Hawaiian Terror, but it is a much smaller drop off than most think.

Second: KRuss. I'm not sure why so many are surprised by his great play in these highlight films. Last year, as a true freshman, he very rarely got beat. And when he did, it was on a misread, and that can be corrected. He was one of the most sure tacklers on the team, and that includes Manti. I can only remember 2-3 times that KR missed a tackle that came his direction. The kid is a freak of a CB.

Third: Sheldon. Big #91 was an upgrade on Kap LAST year. With another year of development and understanding of the playbook, he will be even more of a stud. Sheldon is going to have a phenomenal season for ND containing the edge.



Fourth: Reesus. I have been very impressed with him in the videos. I know there is the coach speak and reports of him impressing, but in the videos specifically, he is making great sideline throws he hasn't made in the past. I mean he actually his Breezy in stride on a 30 yard go. TR is going to have a great year.

There are some other thoughts, but I'll keep them until after Temple if they still ring true.

Yep I am with ou on Kona! See above...

I haven't tasted the Rees kool aid yet though. I see floaters and below average velocity.

 

[stlnd01]

Just a couple thoughts as I'm now caught up on the videos and discussion.

First: Kona. Am I the only one who remembers this time last year when Kona was reportedly pushing Nix for the starting NT spot? He is a stud DL. Yes, there is a little drop off between #1 and the Hawaiian Terror, but it is a much smaller drop off than most think.

Second: KRuss. I'm not sure why so many are surprised by his great play in these highlight films. Last year, as a true freshman, he very rarely got beat. And when he did, it was on a misread, and that can be corrected. He was one of the most sure tacklers on the team, and that includes Manti. I can only remember 2-3 times that KR missed a tackle that came his direction. The kid is a freak of a CB.

Third: Sheldon. Big #91 was an upgrade on Kap LAST year. With another year of development and understanding of the playbook, he will be even more of a stud. Sheldon is going to have a phenomenal season for ND containing the edge.

Fourth: Reesus. I have been very impressed with him in the videos. I know there is the coach speak and reports of him impressing, but in the videos specifically, he is making great sideline throws he hasn't made in the past. I mean he actually his Breezy in stride on a 30 yard go. TR is going to have a great year.

There are some other thoughts, but I'll keep them until after Temple if they still ring true.

Yes.
I've loved Schwenke's potential ever since that Utah game in '10. I can't remember, does he have another year left? That'd be huge.
Russell's a ballplayer. Dude can tackle. I'll even take a corner who gets beat now and then if he sticks the running back on contact on the edge. Russell does that, and he doesn't get beat very often.
And Day will eventually be an upgrade on KLM, probably this year.

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

I hate that Kona burned his redshirt after Tuitt missed a game a few years ago,

 

[stlnd01]

I hate that Kona burned his redshirt after Tuitt missed a game a few years ago,

He played in '11 and so is done after this year? That's a bummer.

 

[irishfan]

I hope everyone who says Tuitt is alright is correct, because I'm just not seeing it. If he weren't wearing #7, I'd wonder who this big, slow, out of shape d-lineman is and why the coaches are having Martin waste reps on him. He looks like he has d-tackle speed without the strength.

They are very short clips, and yes, Tuitt might not be the hardest practice player and I'm sure he will lose most of the excess weight by the end of camp, but he still looks pretty lousy right now.

I don't see him being in the shape for Temple than he was for the opener for last year (can anyone honestly say that the player in those videos would return a fumble 70+ yards for a TD like Tuitt did last year against Navy?), but watch him prove me wrong and get 3 sacks against Temple lol

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I hope everyone who says Tuitt is alright is correct, because I'm just not seeing it. If he weren't wearing #7, I'd wonder who this big, slow, out of shape d-lineman is and why the coaches are having Martin waste reps on him. He looks like he has d-tackle speed without the strength.

They are very short clips, and yes, Tuitt might not be the hardest practice player and I'm sure he will lose most of the excess weight by the end of camp, but he still looks pretty lousy right now.

I don't see him being in the shape for Temple than he was for the opener for last year (can anyone honestly say that the player in those videos would return a fumble 70+ yards for a TD like Tuitt did last year against Navy?), but watch him prove me wrong and get 3 sacks against Temple lol

I would absolutely love for him to prove you wrong and get 3 sacks against Temple! Maybe return one for an 80 yard TD!

 

[Crazy Balki]

I hope everyone who says Tuitt is alright is correct, because I'm just not seeing it. If he weren't wearing #7, I'd wonder who this big, slow, out of shape d-lineman is and why the coaches are having Martin waste reps on him. He looks like he has d-tackle speed without the strength.

They are very short clips, and yes, Tuitt might not be the hardest practice player and I'm sure he will lose most of the excess weight by the end of camp, but he still looks pretty lousy right now.

I don't see him being in the shape for Temple than he was for the opener for last year (can anyone honestly say that the player in those videos would return a fumble 70+ yards for a TD like Tuitt did last year against Navy?), but watch him prove me wrong and get 3 sacks against Temple lol

Yeah, I think you're overreacting. They are short clips, and the media has made no real noise about it to Kelly. I think it's just a) Tuitt getting re-acclimated to playing after being hurt. b) The MASSIVE upgrade of play from the offensive line. I mean, WOW. They all look a lot better than last season, and even Martin is looking as good or even better than Lewan.

 

[BeauBenken]

First off, Martin is one of the best tackles in the nation. Second, even in those clips where he "stones" Tuitt, Stephon has pushed him back into the cones that represent the QB by simply leaning on him.

 

[Emcee77]

First off, Martin is one of the best tackles in the nation. Second, even in those clips where he "stones" Tuitt, Stephon has pushed him back into the cones that represent the QB by simply leaning on him.

That's true ... that one rep in today's vid, the rep ends with Martin and Tuitt legitimately in the backfield. Maybe it doesn't matter if he doesn't blow by Z.

 

[ulukinatme]

I've got it...Tuitt plans to return for his Senior year. Since we haven't found a suitable NG replacement for Big Lou, Tuitt will slowly build up size and replace him next year. He's going to translate this into not just a 1st Round Draft, but a Top 5 spot /w his versatility and to net more $$$ long term. It all makes sense.

 

[NDWorld247]

Just a couple thoughts as I'm now caught up on the videos and discussion.

Third: Sheldon. Big #91 was an upgrade on Kap LAST year. With another year of development and understanding of the playbook, he will be even more of a stud. Sheldon is going to have a phenomenal season for ND containing the edge.

I just watched the full video of Kelly's presser today and the way he gushed about Day at the end of the video has me REALLY excited to watch him this year.

This is what BK said:

"I mean, I know all of the talk is about Nix and Tuitt, but, I tell ya, Sheldon Day is...I mean just watch the film. His first step quickness...he's an impressive football player. I wouldn't trade him for anybody on our football team. He's as impressive of a player as we have on defense. His motor....right now, if there's an 8-play drive, he does not come out of the game. He's the one that does not come out of the game. So, his work volume, his ability to go, his pass rush ability, he's an outstanding football player."

Those are some pretty strong words from our HC.

They are very short clips, and yes, Tuitt might not be the hardest practice player and I'm sure he will lose most of the excess weight by the end of camp, but he still looks pretty lousy right now.

Didn't Tuitt have some ridiculous off-season training regiment leading up to last year? I don't remember specifics, but I recall he worked his tail off to be in the shape he was for Navy. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to do that this year with the lingering effects of his injury holding him back. We may not see the same player we saw last year physically, but that does not mean he will be any less effective or disruptive. He's still one of the top 3-4 DE's in the country.

And, read the first part of my post. Sheldon Day is a freakin' STUD. I have zero concerns about our DL this season.

 

[dublinirish]

I hate that Kona burned his redshirt after Tuitt missed a game a few years ago,

aw man it makes me so mad when i think of that. if he had of kept that redshirt he would be ready next year to step in and fill the void at NT and be quite competent. Instead there is going to be an unknown quantity there. Sucks

 

[Buster Bluth]

I've got it...Tuitt plans to return for his Senior year. Since we haven't found a suitable NG replacement for Big Lou, Tuitt will slowly build up size and replace him next year. He's going to translate this into not just a 1st Round Draft, but a Top 5 spot /w his versatility and to net more $$$ long term. It all makes sense.

He'd probably be top five anyway.

 

[greyhammer90]

I just watched the full video of Kelly's presser today and the way he gushed about Day at the end of the video has me REALLY excited to watch him this year.

This is what BK said:

"I mean, I know all of the talk is about Nix and Tuitt, but, I tell ya, Sheldon Day is...I mean just watch the film. His first step quickness...he's an impressive football player. I wouldn't trade him for anybody on our football team. He's as impressive of a player as we have on defense. His motor....right now, if there's an 8-play drive, he does not come out of the game. He's the one that does not come out of the game. So, his work volume, his ability to go, his pass rush ability, he's an outstanding football player."

Those are some pretty strong words from our HC.

Especially from Kelly. I've never heard him make such a glowing statement about an individual player. (Except Manti during award season)

 

[ScooterIrish]

As for Tuitt, didn't Manti came in a little overweight his Jr year? I know he had an ankle injury but he was definitely faster last year than the year before....so I think there is some concern for Tuitt and how the weight will impact him.

At the same time, we should take nothing away from the practice videos. They are fun to watch but short clips don't really mean anything.

 

[rikkitikki08]

Our wide outs are going to better than expected this season, if i remember correctly Chris Brown in that video looked lightning fast. I'm talking faster than quick

 

[ulukinatme]

At the same time, we should take nothing away from the practice videos. They are fun to watch but short clips don't really mean anything.

3 minute highlights of practice mean everything

 

[aubeirish]

Tuitt does look a bit slower, but every time we see him in a clip he is going against Zach Martin. BK called him the best Tackle in the country. Like grey said, Kelly doesn't give compliment lightly...

 

[Ndaccountant]

Tuitt does look a bit slower, but every time we see him in a clip he is going against Zach Martin. BK called him the best Tackle in the country. Like grey said, Kelly doesn't give compliment lightly...

Brian Kelly on Gary Gray: "He is one of the best corners in the country". I know there are more like this, but I am short on time.

I have no doubt that BK believes Martin is one of the best, but let's not pretend he hasn't said something like this before about players. Sometimes it was justified, other times it wasn't.

As for Tuitt, I really don't see the downside to his "issue". What is the best that can happen? Tuitt plays like last year with some improvements against the run. Downside? Tuitt has a year that looks like a regression from 2012. Even in that scenario, it probably means he still outperforms 95% of DE's in the country but may not get the draft grade he wants and comes back for 2014. The worst case scenario is that he has a year below last year but still good enough and leaves for the NFL. That still implies a really good year. Win/win for ND.

 

[Patulski]

I hope everyone who says Tuitt is alright is correct, because I'm just not seeing it. If he weren't wearing #7, I'd wonder who this big, slow, out of shape d-lineman is and why the coaches are having Martin waste reps on him. He looks like he has d-tackle speed without the strength.

Do you even know where Tuitt is going to be playing this year?

Go watch the Alabama game. Notre Dame spent a lot of time in a 4 down linemen set with Tuitt on the outside, while Alabama ran inside right at the undersized 280 pound Day. This made Tuitt a total nonfactor, wasted on the outside.

So, what if Tuitt is now going to be inside when we go 4 down, in a 3 man rotation with Nix and Day? If that's the case, you want him bigger and stronger.

And would it make sense to make the middle of the defensive front even more formidable when you're losing Manti Teo in the middle?

All these questions should be asked when evaluating Tuitt.

As for Tuitt's strength: He's bull rushing Martin into the edge of the cones, which represent the edge of the pocket. He doesn't have Nix's strength, but he's strong.

I would be very surprised if Tuitt is not stronger than last year and believe that ND's off season weight program was specifically designed to get him bigger and stronger. I think ND knows exactly what they're doing with him.

We'll see.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Do you even know where Tuitt is going to be playing this year?

Go watch the Alabama game. Notre Dame spent a lot of time in a 4 down linemen set with Tuitt on the outside, while Alabama ran inside right at the undersized 280 pound Day. This made Tuitt a total nonfactor, wasted on the outside.

So, what if Tuitt is now going to be inside when we go 4 down, in a 3 man rotation with Nix and Day? If that's the case, you want him bigger and stronger.

And would it make sense to make the middle of the defensive front even more formidable when you're losing Manti Teo in the middle?

All these questions should be asked when evaluating Tuitt.

As for Tuitt's strength: He's bull rushing Martin into the edge of the cones, which represent the edge of the pocket. He doesn't have Nix's strength, but he's strong.

I would be very surprised if Tuitt is not stronger than last year and believe that ND's off season weight program was specifically designed to get him bigger and stronger. I think ND knows exactly what they're doing with him.

We'll see.

This is how I see it. Nix at a 0 and Tuitt inside with Day being the WDE and Shembo hanging outside over Tuitt. Hell get Ishaq in there too. It'll be outstanding. 322 makes him an immovable object and you typically place those in the interior.