2013 Spring Practice Thread

[Fbolt]

Just recently caught up on practice film and it seems to me that the team looks bigger, stronger, faster, and more confident. I like-not that I didn't have a reason to not like before-but they are looking good.

I have to believe ("have to" because I'm a Domer fan for life!) that with the team in an established weight training schedule, a full team of Kelly's recruits, and the confidence of last year's season including Kelly & staff's genius of going undefeated during the regular season (remember that he also did this with Cincy a few years ago)-we are looking at a confident, strong team that I see great things from in 2013. I believe that this team will be winners and will not have those close game they had last year. BCS bound and ready to win it all. Psyched and Stoked in Singapore!

 

[rtrn2glory]

hopefully the boys can get outside the last few practices here...weather has been awful for this time of year

 

[arrowryan]

I think we're gonna see the offense take a big step forward this year. Everett Golson can do wonders now that he has 12 regular season games, 5 prime time games, and a BCS NCG under his belt. Add in weapons like TJ, Davaris, Chris, and hopefully Onwualu

I don't think we will be riding on the defense this year. The defense will still be very good, but the offense will be able to hold its own

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Just recently caught up on practice film and it seems to me that the team looks bigger, stronger, faster, and more confident. I like-not that I didn't have a reason to not like before-but they are looking good.

I have to believe ("have to" because I'm a Domer fan for life!) that with the team in an established weight training schedule, a full team of Kelly's recruits, and the confidence of last year's season including Kelly & staff's genius of going undefeated during the regular season (remember that he also did this with Cincy a few years ago)-we are looking at a confident, strong team that I see great things from in 2013. I believe that this team will be winners and will not have those close game they had last year. BCS bound and ready to win it all. Psyched and Stoked in Singapore!

Where is our old Fbolt, and what have you done with him!

Old Man Mike; the latest intel from Bogtrotters insidious network of spies: Stanley is not going full go yet. He is just easing back into it so don't necessarily put Elmer ahead of him. Also, it is far from time to put Hanratty out of the running for first team offensive right guard.

 

[irishff1014]

I think we're gonna see the offense take a big step forward this year. Everett Golson can do wonders now that he has 12 regular season games, 5 prime time games, and a BCS NCG under his belt. Add in weapons like TJ, Davaris, Chris, and hopefully Onwualu

I don't think we will be riding on the defense this year. The defense will still be very good, but the offense will be able to hold its own

Daniels needs to stay healthy. He is going to be a big part of this offense.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Denbrock shrugged off any questions pinning a receiver to the inside spot, a distinction this offense feels far less concerned about making.

“That’s because you guys are still stuck in, ‘You’re a Z, you’re an X, you’re a W,” Denbrock said with a smile Wednesday afternoon. “We really don’t run our program offensively that way any more. Guys can be a running back on one play and a Z on the next play. Or they could line up as one of the outside receivers.

“That’s the way we’re really going to try and do things. Try and get guys that do things. Get guys that do the job the best, at the right position to do those jobs, and then let them go.”

Old Man Mike and NDDomer. This makes both of your points at the same time.

I saw some of an interview with Harry Heistand, in which he spoke about the line, competition at center, the players, and how they were doing. And by the time he spoke of his deep and emotional respect for Matt Hegarty, I realized I was feeling something new. I have my first man crush on Harry Heistand.

 

[Luckylucci]

B&G did interviews with a handful of Olineman and Watt was one of those. A popular question to ask the vet Olineman is which defensive players do they think will surprise this year. Watt answered Jarrett grace. He referred to him as a "rabid dog". He's physical, faster than he looks and relentless.

 

[STLDomer]

On Amir Carlisle:

-- He's doing really well. He's anxious to get back in there. He's probably going to be a guy that's going to be able to do something right at that four weeks. He'll miss spring ball. The only thing he's going to miss is contact.
"This won't be a step back for him."

On Will Mahone:

-- He's used to being a downhill, 25-carry out of the "I" back, but he's got a lot more things going on and that's been a big learning curve for him. But he runs the ball well and he's physical. Coaches were looking for a bigger back and he's the one they were able to get. He can get things done between the tackles.

On Cam McDaniel:

-- Adds flexibility to the position and not someone who will be ruled out to find the player that can fit the position. It's about getting the best 11 on the field.

 

[STLDomer]

On Malik Zaire:

-- He's in the top group of guys that really understands the mental aspects of the position. He's at a high level there. Have to tighten him up a little bit, quicker release and work on his feet, but he's really got a good mind for the game.

 

[STLDomer]

On tight end:

-- It's not far fetched to see one of those guys spread out and another attached. Used quite a bit of two-tight end sets last year and have the personnel to do that again.

-- With Troy Niklas, not at a level where the coaches can move him around like Tyler Eifert, but he's making strides to that point.

-- Alex Welch had a lot of rust coming back, but he's had a lot of progress. He got a lot of work today in the scrimmage. Knowing he can go full go with contact is exciting for him.

On the linebacker corp:
-- Joe Schmidt (walk-on) has been very impressive and has gotten Bob Diaco's attention. He'll need to get bigger, but he's a technician.

 

[STLDomer]

On Jarron Jones:

-- There was no doubt that his mom would be an important part of his growth and development. There were some issues early on academically and discipline-wise, but one call home helped resolve those issues. Mike Elston has been an important figure in helping with the transition and the staff as a whole feels better about where he is now compared to where he was when he started.

 

[STLDomer]

On Danny Spond:

-- He's day-to-day. It's presented more of an opportunity for Ben Councell to get a lot of work there.

On DaVaris Daniels:

-- Bruised knee. He's been a little sore. Expected back on Wednesday - running routes, etc.

On Conor Hanratty:

-- It's about gaining continuity and he's been a beneficiary of that with how many reps he's been able to receive.

On Ishaq Williams:

-- The work at DE will continue to unfold and he'll continue to develop at the position.

On Romeo Okwara:

-- He'll stay at Cat, but he's also getting big enough because he can get his hand on the ground. He's a player that's under consideration to cross-train - 250 pounds and a freshman.

 

[STLDomer]

On being halfway through spring football:

-- The offense is progressing. Able to move with a better tempo. Everett Golson is a much better leader on the offense. Zack Martin continues to get better. TJ Jones has been outstanding. Troy Niklas has really picked up his play. The goal was to see the guys returning continue to up their game.
"We've seen growth..."

-- Defensively it's about guys looking for more opportunity ... Jarrett Grace and Ben Councell to name a couple.

-- Those are just pieces - don't have all 22 yet - but moving in the right direction.

 

[STLDomer]

On Louis Nix III:

-- He's his own personality in itself. He's a fierce competitor, but "we're not going to ask him to give any Knute Rockne speeches." He's trying to articulate himself as to the type of player he is, but the thing about him is he goes to practice ready to work hard and he's a fierce competitor. He's not the guy that his teammates look to for motivating words. He's the guy the players want on their team on Saturdays.

 

[STLDomer]

On finding a voice on the defense:

-- That's evolving. Bennett Jackson will be a more vocal voice, but he hasn't been in the action yet. But he's one of the more vocal guys overall. Carlo Calabrese and Dan Fox will speak up as well. Two guys that lead by the way they practice are Prince Shembo and Jarrett Grace. Matthias Farley acts like he's a junior or senior already.

"There's a blend on the defense."

That's it from Kelly's Post Practice Interview

 

[Luckylucci]

Just to expand on some of what he said about Cam. This will not be popular with the board but when asked about Cam he mentioned that him and Amir do a lot of the same things. Then he said that he wouldn't rule out having GAIII and Amir on the field at the same time. My take is when they ask about Cam and he mentions Amir twice and GAIII once and makes the reference that they could be similar to having Cierre and Theo on the field at the same time that doesn't sound like Cam has passed those guys up yet. With that said he did say the best 11 will play.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Just to expand on some of what he said about Cam. This will not be popular with the board but when asked about Cam he mentioned that him and Amir do a lot of the same things. Then he said that he wouldn't rule out having GAIII and Amir on the field at the same time. My take is when they ask about Cam and he mentions Amir twice and GAIII once and makes the reference that they could be similar to having Cierre and Theo on the field at the same time that doesn't sound like Cam has passed those guys up yet. With that said he did say the best 11 will play.

I just watched the video. I don't agree with most of what was stated about the interview. You have to watch Kelly's face. Last year I got sucked in to what he said about Okwara, this year we got a whole different story; numbers!

Cam will play. Kelly is not talking about what they are doing at runing back on purpose!

 

[Fbolt]

Just to expand on some of what he said about Cam. This will not be popular with the board but when asked about Cam he mentioned that him and Amir do a lot of the same things. Then he said that he wouldn't rule out having GAIII and Amir on the field at the same time. My take is when they ask about Cam and he mentions Amir twice and GAIII once and makes the reference that they could be similar to having Cierre and Theo on the field at the same time that doesn't sound like Cam has passed those guys up yet. With that said he did say the best 11 will play.

I just watched the video. I don't agree with most of what was stated about the interview. You have to watch Kelly's face. Last year I got sucked in to what he said about Okwara, this year we got a whole different story; numbers!

Cam will play. Kelly is not talking about what they are doing at runing back on purpose!

I'm with Lucky here-I heard the Q and when answering Kelly voiced Amir rather than Cam-telling choice of words.

Somewhat disappointed that Jarron did not get more "rah rah" from Kelly. I had/have high hopes for him this year.

The nice thing is that it seems ND has depth across the board. Further, after spring ball the team has summer workouts with the new class arriving-and there are always a few folks in the incoming class along with a few others on the team that surprise the staff.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

They're not going to bash anyone.. They lay out the vague positives to the media and save the truth and details for the war room.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I'm with Lucky here-I heard the Q and when answering Kelly voiced Amir rather than Cam-telling choice of words.

Somewhat disappointed that Jarron did not get more "rah rah" from Kelly. I had/have high hopes for him this year.

The nice thing is that it seems ND has depth across the board. Further, after spring ball the team has summer workouts with the new class arriving-and there are always a few folks in the incoming class along with a few others on the team that surprise the staff.

Yes it was telling. Amir and GAIII could be in the backfield at the same time. Amir could play slot. ND could line up with two running backs instead of one at a time, etc.

Maybe we will start to see different offensive configurations at the spring game which would let everyone off the hook.

And WildMan. JJones, is just starting to work himself out of the dog house. It is being emphasized how far he can and needs to go right now. Accolades are reserved for those who are a little more into the positives of the coaches good graces!

 

[Me2SouthBend]

SIAP. From ITI

Hunter Jr.’s recovery progressing ahead of schedule | Inside the Irish

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[JT_IRISH]

When is the spring game? This Saturday I'm assuming.

 

[KyfightingIrish36]

Next Saturday.

 

[JT_IRISH]

Next Saturday.

Thanks

 

[arrowryan]

When is the spring game? This Saturday I'm assuming.

The 20th

 

[Luckylucci]

Really glad to see hunter doing so well. I think he should red shirt anyways to get some muscle to his frame but glad he should be ready to go this summer.

 

[Redbar]

Really glad to see hunter doing so well. I think he should red shirt anyways to get some muscle to his frame but glad he should be ready to go this summer.

Yeah I'm inclined to agree with you but, really really excited to see him up and moving through his rehab like that. Very promising for him. This has been a really impressive recovery.

 

[LoveThee]

I am very high on Torii and hope he redshirts. It is great he is ahead of schedule in his rehab for a multitude of reasons, especially now that he can use his redshirt year (assuming he redshirts) for improvement rather than rehab

 

[IrishSpartan]

no clue if this has been posted yet

Spring Mid-Term (offense)
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[GoldenIsThyFame]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Starting receiver DaVaris Daniels held out of Monday's practice (media viewing portion) with a knee injury. Chris Brown absent.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/status/321250419605131265">April 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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