2014 Depth Chart Predictions

[IrishLax]

Here's how I see people slotted heading into camp and will undoubtedly change:

QB - Golson, Zaire, Kizer
OL - ??? Stanley and Martin are the only true locks for OT and C respectively
TE - Koyack, Smythe, Luatua
Outside WR - Daniels, Brown/Fuller/Robinson, Hunter
Slot - Carlisle, Prosise, Brent
RB - Folston, McDaniel/Bryant

WDE - Okwara, Trumbetti, Rabasa
SDE - Ishaq, Rochell, ?
DT - Day, Hounshell, Matuska
NT - Jones, Cage, Utupo/Mokwuah
MIKE - Schmidt, Deeb, Morgan
WILL - Jaylon, Jaylon, Jaylon
SAM (running down/power team) - Councell, Randolph, Hill/Moore
SAM (passing down/spread team) - Turner, Onwualu, Tranquill
CB - KVR, Riggs/Luke, Butler/Watkins
SS - Shumate/Collinsworth, Baratti(?)
FS - Redfield, Hardy, Baratti(?)

You're going to see a ton of shuffling during camp, mostly at OLB and WR... and the rotation will continue all year. Most guys who can play SAM are also situational fits for WILL depending on down and distance. OL is also going to be interesting watch, as is DL. The coaches are going to find a way to get the best combination of players on the field that they can.

 

[koonja]

I think Hardy will be asked back if he's healthy. He's flashed signs of being a really good player IMO.

 

[GoIrish41]

Here's how I see people slotted heading into camp and will undoubtedly change:

QB - Golson, Zaire, Kizer
OL - ??? Stanley and Martin are the only true locks for OT and C respectively
TE - Koyack, Smythe, Luatua
Outside WR - Daniels, Brown/Fuller/Robinson, Hunter
Slot - Carlisle, Prosise, Brent
RB - Folston, McDaniel/Bryant

WDE - Okwara, Trumbetti, Rabasa
SDE - Ishaq, Rochell, ?
DT - Day, Hounshell, Matuska
NT - Jones, Cage, Utupo/Mokwuah
MIKE - Schmidt, Deeb, Morgan
WILL - Jaylon, Jaylon, Jaylon
SAM (running down/power team) - Councell, Randolph, Hill/Moore
SAM (passing down/spread team) - Turner, Onwualu, Tranquill
CB - KVR, Riggs/Luke, Butler/Watkins
SS - Shumate/Collinsworth, Baratti(?)
FS - Redfield, Hardy, Baratti(?)

You're going to see a ton of shuffling during camp, mostly at OLB and WR... and the rotation will continue all year. Most guys who can play SAM are also situational fits for WILL depending on down and distance. OL is also going to be interesting watch, as is DL. The coaches are going to find a way to get the best combination of players on the field that they can.

wasn't too many years ago that we couldn't have filled out a 3 deep depth chart projection. Heck, we couldn't even field a complete 2nd team depth chart on the OL in Weis' early years. Now, there appears to be talent across the board. Things are looking up. We might not be a championship contender this year (although it isn't out of the question IMO), but we will certainly field a team that can compete every week with anybody on our schedule. FSU is scary, but I think if the planets align right, we can give them a game.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

In 2013, Rochell was the only true frosh for us to get PT on the line.
In 2012, Day was the only true frosh for us to get PT on the line.
In 2011, we had Tuitt, Lynch, and Hounshell.

That's 5 in three years. 3 of those guys (Tuitt, Day, Lynch) were blue-chips. I don't see that status with any of our incoming freshmen.

6 frosh have been mentioned by Kelly or summer reports on the D-line: Cage, Mokwuah, Trumbetti, Bonner, Williams, Blankenship. Most were seen as 3-stars. Relying on 1-2 would be one thing. Needing an absolute minimum of 3 (but most likely 4-5) to be as productive as Rochell was last year is scary.

I understand your great points. And they are true. But I believe that the only true defensive tackles we landed are Schwenke and Nix. The lower rated of the two played as a freshman, the higher rated, Nix, wasn't ready to go or he would have.

That plagued Nix his whole time at ND. Potential was there. Actualization wasn't. That was clear from the NFL draft experience this year. Same with Tuitt. I don't know that his not being back in shape was all "everyone and everything else." Those guys were capable of great play. But they seemed to be a little light on the pedal, at times.

The new crop of freshman seem to have more true defensive tackles, more 4-3 tackles, more guys ready to go, and more guys that want to play, first and foremost. Even if their star rating isn't as high.

And finally if you look at the young players on campus, they seem to fit specific roles in the defense.

 

[Irishman77]

Here's how I see people slotted heading into camp and will undoubtedly change:

QB - Golson, Zaire, Kizer
OL - ??? Stanley and Martin are the only true locks for OT and C respectively
TE - Koyack, Smythe, Luatua
Outside WR - Daniels, Brown/Fuller/Robinson, Hunter
Slot - Carlisle, Prosise, Brent
RB - Folston, McDaniel/Bryant

WDE - Okwara, Trumbetti, Rabasa
SDE - Ishaq, Rochell, ?
DT - Day, Hounshell, Matuska
NT - Jones, Cage, Utupo/Mokwuah
MIKE - Schmidt, Deeb, Morgan
WILL - Jaylon, Jaylon, Jaylon
SAM (running down/power team) - Councell, Randolph, Hill/Moore
SAM (passing down/spread team) - Turner, Onwualu, Tranquill
CB - KVR, Riggs/Luke, Butler/Watkins
SS - Shumate/Collinsworth, Baratti(?)
FS - Redfield, Hardy, Baratti(?)

You're going to see a ton of shuffling during camp, mostly at OLB and WR... and the rotation will continue all year. Most guys who can play SAM are also situational fits for WILL depending on down and distance. OL is also going to be interesting watch, as is DL. The coaches are going to find a way to get the best combination of players on the field that they can.

Kelly said definitively we have 4 returning staters in Stanley, Elmer, Martin, Lombard. The fifth is tbd between McGlinchey, Hegarty, Hanratty, and then threw in Nelson.

 

[IrishLax]

Kelly said definitively we have 4 returning staters in Stanley, Elmer, Martin, Lombard. The fifth is tbd between McGlinchey, Hegarty, Hanratty, and then threw in Nelson.

Not what I was saying. Stanley is locked into OT, Martin is locked into C.

Elmer could play RG, LG, or RT. Lombard could play LG or RG or (unlikely) RT. Depending where those guys get slotted dictates what happens with McGlinchey, Hegarty and Hanratty. Hegarty can play C or OG but Martin is a C, and Hanratty is a OG. If either of those guys get the nod then Elmer likely moves to RT. McGlinchey can only play tackle, so if he gets the nod both Elmer and Lombard would slide inside.

So my point is that there are a lot of permutations for the OL and only two guys have locked in spots. Everyone else is up in the air as to where exactly they slot on the line... and accordingly how a 2-deep would look.

My GUESS is that it goes Stanley, Hegarty, Martin, Lombard, Elmer.

 

[Irish YJ]

Rivals made an update in the last few days.
Not that it's in any way final, but some adds and moves all over the place.

https://notredame.rivals.com/cdepthtext.asp

More changes, or should I say corrections.

They've left Rochelle as a DE and Blankenship is a DT? I would have thought those two would be swapped.

Blankenship back to DE

Who is Austin Larkin and why is he ahead of Nyles Morgan?

Morgan #2 now

People spending way too much time dissecting a creation of II that is obviously not "accurate"... wait until ND puts out a depth chart.

Lax,,,, have a little fun brother . Can't help being uber excited with the start of practice.

 

[Irish YJ]

Some interesting moves on Rivals depth chart.

Trumbetti now #1 (being discussed in his thread) at DE
Onwualu now #1 at LB
Riggs overtook Luke at CB
GB moved up to 2 from 3 at RB
Boner up to 2 from 4 at DT passing Utupo
Martini up to 2 from 3 passing Randolph

 

[Wild Bill]

Nice work boner!

 

[Irish YJ]

Nice work boner!

Figured Boner would pass Utopo at some point, but wow.
A bit surprised Riggs overtook Luke, but I think both will play a ton with Riggs getting a bit more time overall as both will be on the field.
A disappointed for Randolph, Turner, and Okwara, but happy for the young men moving up and showing the talent!
I think we all, or at least most figured GB would climb quickly.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Some interesting moves on Rivals depth chart.

Trumbetti now #1 (being discussed in his thread) at DE
Onwualu now #1 at LB
Riggs overtook Luke at CB
GB moved up to 2 from 3 at RB
Boner up to 2 from 4 at DT passing Utupo
Martini up to 2 from 3 passing Randolph

Who's 1 at RB right now? Cam or Folston.

 

[dublinirish]

Who's 1 at RB right now? Cam or Folston.

They are probably 1a and 1b.

 

[Irish YJ]

They are probably 1a and 1b.

Rivals Depth Chart doesn't do A/B etc..
Keep in mind this is not official. At this time of year it's just speculation from their guys based on what they think/hear. They are normally pretty accurate though, but it does move a bunch during fall camp/practice.
https://notredame.rivals.com/cdepthtext.asp

TF
GB
CM

 

[BleedBlueGold]

This brings me back to the discussion about recruiting and 5th years. These younger kids showing out and passing older guys makes it clear that it's time for some vets to put up or shut up.

I'm borderline just as psyched to see Trumbetti out there as I was Lynch in his first game. Kid's a boss.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

This brings me back to the discussion about recruiting and 5th years. These younger kids showing out and passing older guys makes it clear that it's time for some vets to put up or shut up.

I'm borderline just as psyched to see Trumbetti out there as I was Lynch in his first game. Kid's a boss.

I'm starting to come around and agree with this.

I often view our recruits in three categories:

1st - elite, expected to contribute and make plays right away: Jaylon Smith, Lynch, Ishaq, Tuitt, Vanderdoesn't commit, Redfield, Bryant

2nd - really good, possibility of surprising and making rotation as a freshman: Trumbetti, Watkins, Folston, Cole Luke, Nyles Morgan, Shumate etc.

3rd - good pick-up, developmental prospect. Could contribute after a year or two, may start near end of career: Turner, Robinson, Cam McDaniel, Onwualu, Collinsworth, Hill, Williams, Bonner, Cage, Mokwuah, etc.

Now, I'm being very transparent with how I viewed these players when they were signed but before we were able to see them practice in college, etc. It's obvious many of these players jump and fall to other groups after they step foot on campus but it is fairly accurate for being based on composite rankings.

I believe Trumbetti is already showing us he belongs in the first group. And many of the 3rd groupers I have listed belong in the 2nd group. It seems like this coaching staff really knows how to identify talent. Before Corey Robinson's and Will Fuller's freshman seasons, I would've bet all of my measly Vbucks they would've redshirted but they made plays for us as true freshman despite being 3 stars for the majority of their recruitment.

I really hope these next 2 weeks fly by because I'm anxious to see what type of team we put on the turf!

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I think a lot of the discussion surrounded around the "magic number" for this year's class and how it kept climbing. I believe it was BK who said something about vets needing to step up, insinuating that this is their last chance and 5th years are no longer a given. The depth chart is pretty much showing that the young guys came to play.

 

[arrowryan]

This brings me back to the discussion about recruiting and 5th years. These younger kids showing out and passing older guys makes it clear that it's time for some vets to put up or shut up.

I'm borderline just as psyched to see Trumbetti out there as I was Lynch in his first game. Kid's a boss.

We have some good players that are eligible for a 5th. I think these are the guys that will be under serious consideration to be asked back for 2015 (bold names are the obvious guys to be back).

Amir Carlisle
DaVaris Daniels
Nick Martin
Everett Golson
Joe Schmidt
Chase Hounshell
Jarrett Grace
Matt Hegarty
Conor Hanratty

That's a lot of talent and another reason to be excited about 2015. I would be shocked if Schmidt wasn't asked back.

 

[dublinirish]

you gotta ask Grace back IMO and both OL men, you don't simply let upperclassmen starting quality OL go no matter how much depth you got.

I think Farley is eligible for a 5th too right?

 

[arrowryan]

you gotta ask Grace back IMO and both OL men, you don't simply let upperclassmen starting quality OL go no matter how much depth you got.

I think Farley is eligible for a 5th too right?

Yeah, but no thanks

 

[Wingman Ray]

We have some good players that are eligible for a 5th. I think these are the guys that will be under serious consideration to be asked back for 2015 (bold names are the obvious guys to be back).

Amir Carlisle
DaVaris Daniels
Nick Martin
Everett Golson
Joe Schmidt
Chase Hounshell
Jarrett Grace
Matt Hegarty
Conor Hanratty

That's a lot of talent and another reason to be excited about 2015. I would be shocked if Schmidt wasn't asked back.

It is my understanding that to qualify for 5th year, you have to be in grad school? From what I remember, Everett has struggled academically quite often. It would be hard to imagine that he would be able to get into ND graduate school if that is the case.

 

[koonja]

It is my understanding that to qualify for 5th year, you have to be in grad school? From what I remember, Everett has struggled academically quite often. It would be hard to imagine that he would be able to get into ND graduate school if that is the case.

Damn, that's a good point. I'm not sure he'll be on pace to actually be graduated before the 5th year, considering he sat out.

My guess is that it's been resolved behind closed doors, or we would hear more about this.

Reps to anyone who can explain this.

 

[gkIrish]

It is my understanding that to qualify for 5th year, you have to be in grad school? From what I remember, Everett has struggled academically quite often. It would be hard to imagine that he would be able to get into ND graduate school if that is the case.

Damn, that's a good point. I'm not sure he'll be on pace to actually be graduated before the 5th year, considering he sat out.

My guess is that it's been resolved behind closed doors, or we would hear more about this.

Reps to anyone who can explain this.

Notre Dame gives you 5 years to complete your degree. So grad school won't even play into it I don't think. Not 100% sure though.

 

[Ironman8]

Yeah, but no thanks

I'd be shocked if Farley isn't back next year.

Bet all my vbucks on it..

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I'd be shocked if Farley isn't back next year.

Bet all my vbucks on it..

I think it all depends on the progression of development among the young bucks throughout the season. BK seemed pretty adamant that if you're not in the two-deep, you're probably not getting asked back (not a direct quote, simply my interpretation). I don't want to dwell on hypotheticals this early in the year, but I personally won't be shocked either way (keeping a bunch of 5Ys or keeping very few). I think there are too many variables at this point to really make a good prediction.

 

[dublinirish]

i think he will be offered alright, whether he decides to come back i don't know

 

[koonja]

Wish Hardy was available for a 5th year. I'd take him over Farley. He's my sleeper to end up starting for us at Safety this year.

 

[arrowryan]

Wish Hardy was available for a 5th year. I'd take him over Farley. He's my sleeper to end up starting for us at Safety this year.

He is available for one. And it seems a lot of injuries would have to happen for him to start

 

[arrowryan]

I'd be shocked if Farley isn't back next year.

Bet all my vbucks on it..

The staff seems to like guys with experience to at least be someone for the young guys to look up to. But after watching his HORRID tackling last year, I won't be mad if doesn't get a 5th

 

[NDWorld247]

This brings me back to the discussion about recruiting and 5th years. These younger kids showing out and passing older guys makes it clear that it's time for some vets to put up or shut up.

I'm borderline just as psyched to see Trumbetti out there as I was Lynch in his first game. Kid's a boss.

What's interesting about this is that it seems the competition angle applies more to the defensive side of the ball than the offense, which includes players that will almost certainly be asked back in Golson, Daniels, Amir and the three OL (Martin, Hegarty and Hanratty). Amir isn't really being pushed by a younger player and Hegarty and Hanratty have done enough IMO to make this an easy invitation to return despite the young talent we've brought in on the OL.

On defense however, everyone is feeling the heat from younger guys. Hounshell is intriguing because he's eligible for two years beyond this season, but I haven't heard much about him this month and there's a lot of young talent on the DL. Rabassa is competing with the incredible haul of pass rushers we signed last Febuary. Grace and Councell are coming back from injuries and are dealing with Morgan, Onwualu and others at the LB spots. We'll see how Tranquill and Shumate can push Hardy and Farley, but the competition might be more between themselves for one spot.

It will be intriguing to follow all season.

 

[koonja]

He is available for one. And it seems a lot of injuries would have to happen for him to start

IDK if they'll ask for Farley and Hardy back. I think if Hardy stays healthy, it might be him. I think he could be a player for us this year.