2014 Fall Camp Thread

[RDU Irish]

Is it possible coaches want to see WRs fight through PIs for the catch? Maybe they don't want WRs relying on the penalty and focus on fighting for the damn ball.

 

[Luckylucci]

Per TJ, Okwara needs to get it going. Trumbetti not to far behind and Williams as a pass rush specialist.

I'm assuming some of this is carry over from spring and the time the staff got with the players over the summer

 

[woolybug25]

KeiV is a boss. And I know this has been a hot topic and some have given their explanation, but I'm seriously concerned with the amount of potential holding and def. PI calls this season. Those two loops above will almost certainly get called every time. And if the defense can't get off the field because of it, it'll drive me bananas.

Agreed. I'm worried about the 3rd downs, I expect to see many more flags. We must've been one of the least penalized teams the last few years and I took it for granted.

I'm not worried because its the third practice of camp in August.

This defensive backfield is filled with veterans, do you guys really think that they don't have a gauge on what PI looks like? They are just at the beginning of fall ball and getting in the groove of a new defense that demands physicality from all secondary positions. You dudes are nitpicking something that is simply some random plays on 2 minute clips of practice. Its really not that big of a deal, imo.

 

[pkt77242]

I'm not worried because its the third practice of camp in August.

This defensive backfield is filled with veterans, do you guys really think that they don't have a gauge on what PI looks like? They are just at the beginning of fall ball and getting in the groove of a new defense that demands physicality from all secondary positions. You dudes are nitpicking something that is simply some random plays on 2 minute clips of practice. Its really not that big of a deal, imo.

I agree that it is a small sample but at least 50% of pass plays that they show have some form of PI. Also the fact that we have veteran DBs makes it more concerning, they should know what the Hell PI is and stay away from it. Also I would be less worried if the DB tried to jump a route and picked the wrong one and then held but it seems that the DB's are holding all the way down the field which is more concerning. Hopefully they clean it up over fall camp but to say that mauling WRs most plays is nitpicking is somewhat strange.

 

[koonja]

I'm just happy to see the DBs close enough to the WRs to be grabbing.

I do understand and agree with the 'practice like you play' regarding PI. But seeing them all over the WR is a welcomed change.

 

[PANDFAN]

I'm just happy to see the DBs close enough to the WRs to be grabbing.

I do understand and agree with the 'practice like you play' regarding PI. But seeing them all over the WR is a welcomed change.

ok when you put it like that i agree...this is forever etched into my mind

 

[woolybug25]

I agree that it is a small sample but at least 50% of pass plays that they show have some form of PI. Also the fact that we have veteran DBs makes it more concerning, they should know what the Hell PI is and stay away from it. Also I would be less worried if the DB tried to jump a route and picked the wrong one and then held but it seems that the DB's are holding all the way down the field which is more concerning. Hopefully they clean it up over fall camp but to say that mauling WRs most plays is nitpicking is somewhat strange.

I don't think it's strange. They are transitioning into a more physical role and how do we not know the staff isn't asking them to do so? They didn't just become unaware of PI after all of the experience they have. This isn't their first rodeo.

Plus, we have literally seen less than 1% of the practices in these clips. The plays they put in them are plays that show some type of bigger play. Either a) a big catch in traffic (higher probability of PI) b) big pass breakup (higher probability of PI). They aren't showing a ton of plays where all of the receivers are covered and nothing really comes of the play.

I don't "get concerned" about really anything in these clips. Its too small of a sample and far too early to worry about. I certainly am not going to worry about players grabbing eachother in 11 on 11 in August.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Diaco virtually never put our DBs in press/ man coverage. As wooly suggested, Cooks may be having them focus on positioning and physicality at this point, with an eye toward cleaning up technique later in camp once the DBs are used to the more aggressive scheme.

 

[IrishLion]

I think in the one-on-one matchups we see on the clips, which are where the grabbing is the most prevalent, it's simply a matter of the drill being designed that way.

I doubt the coaches would let the defenders run through drills like that if they thought it would be a detriment come game time.

 

[PANDFAN]

Joe Schmidt went into the offseason intent on keeping things the same.

But so much had changed for the former walk-on linebacker. Schmidt played his way into a scholarship and significant contributions on the field last season, including a crucial pass breakup against USC. He played in all 13 games and registered 15 total tackles.

During spring practice Schmidt emerged as a starter with the loss inside linebackers Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese to graduation, a spot he’s maintained at the beginning of fall camp.

Schmidt could lead Notre Dame’s defense onto the field as a starter against Rice later this month. Yet the Orange, Calif., native wouldn’t dare dream of taking much stock in that possibility. At least not yet.

“I really just try to approach every day the same way,” Schmidt said. “Really give my best effort. That’s kind what I was taught as a kid and what I was taught earlier in my career. Nothing is ever given to you. I’m really just trying to earn my spot every play because no one’s spot is guaranteed.

“I really just wanna do everything I can to be the best player for this team, whatever that means. I’m trying to bring along the young guys and do everything I can for the guys that are my age.”

Over the last few months Schmidt has forged ahead with the work of improvement.

After spring ball ended Schmidt started to organize film sessions with the other linebackers. He hit the weight room in hopes of adding the necessary muscle to hold up over a season during which the demands could become rigorous.

Schmidt is up about five pounds to 235, same as linebacking partner Jaylon Smith.

“I don’t like to talk about it but obviously I’m in the film room every day trying to get a better understanding for the defense,” Schmidt said. “I was in with some of the younger guys, we would do our own meetings and kinda talk through some things. Also, I really did everything I could in the weight room to get bigger. I think I did all those things and I’m really happy about where we are right now.”

Offseason film and training sessions helped foster a competitive environment not only among the linebackers but across the board, Schmidt believes.

“We’re always pushing each other,” he said. “This is an incredibly competitive game. I think we harbor a really competitive atmosphere here. We do everything we can to really focus on being the best. I really wanna win. I wanna beat our offense tomorrow. Whatever it takes for that to happen, I’m gonna do. It’s all about making this team better.”

Schmidt started fall camp with a deeper understanding of the defense as well. Having become more comfortable with what new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder demands has helped Schmidt pass things on to other players.

Vocalizing what needs to happen is natural for Schmidt.

“Sometimes you have to say something,” Schmidt said. “Sometimes it’s about being a verbal leader. I’m not afraid to say something. If you watch practice, I’m always talking. It’s one of my goals and things I do as a player. But at the same time it’s really important for the guys on the team that are older and have been here before to lead by example and that’s what I’m trying to do every day. Busting my butt, doing everything I can, recovering, when the ball is thrown getting out and running after the play.

“I’m really just trying to show some of these young guys what it is to be a Notre Dame football player. You just kinda do everything you can to be the best for the team.

https://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1666818

 

[NCND]

I think in the one-on-one matchups we see on the clips, which are where the grabbing is the most prevalent, it's simply a matter of the drill being designed that way.

I doubt the coaches would let the defenders run through drills like that if they thought it would be a detriment come game time.

Yep.

 

[Wild Bill]

Legs start burning in your back pedal and you start grabbing jerseys. It's the first couple days of practice, they're not even close to game shape, they're getting a huge volume of reps and bodies are sore. As soon as a receiver starts to get separation, they're grabbing jersey - it's the easy way out.

They'll be in better shape in a week or two and volume will be much less in a game. It'll work itself out.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Schmidt is up about five pounds to 235, same as linebacking partner Jaylon Smith.

Whoa. I haven't had time to look over all the new heights and weights, but I'm surprised no one has brought this one up. The primary knock on Schmidt has always been his small size, no? If he's up to 235, and playing with the same intelligence, leadership and drive that got him on the field in the first place, he might not get passed as quickly as some of us were hoping.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I read that as 325 first...quite a bit different haha. 235 might still be a bit light, but I think that with the added weight Schmidt will be a good Mike for BVG's D. Especially since he already has the mental aspect down apparently.

 

[STLDomer]

Whoa. I haven't had time to look over all the new heights and weights, but I'm surprised no one has brought this one up. The primary knock on Schmidt has always been his small size, no? If he's up to 235, and playing with the same intelligence, leadership and drive that got him on the field in the first place, he might not get passed as quickly as some of us were hoping.

Yes there was a whole thread on 247 by one of the mods how everyone's calling for Nyles Morgan because Schmidt is too small yet Morgan is 6'0 230 and Schmidt is 6'0 235.

 

[koonja]

I read that as 325 first...quite a bit different haha. 235 might still be a bit light, but I think that with the added weight Schmidt will be a good Mike for BVG's D. Especially since he already has the mental aspect down apparently.

He's in Longo's system. The 325 is more believable than the 235.

 

[Emcee77]

Whoa. I haven't had time to look over all the new heights and weights, but I'm surprised no one has brought this one up. The primary knock on Schmidt has always been his small size, no? If he's up to 235, and playing with the same intelligence, leadership and drive that got him on the field in the first place, he might not get passed as quickly as some of us were hoping.

Nobody benefited more from the Diaco/BVG switch than Joe Schmidt. Under Diaco, Schmidt was just too small to be an every-down player. Under BVG, he seems to have the inside track to being, if not an every-down player, certainly a regular.

In our base defense, he seems likely to be a first-stringer.

In the nickel, it looks like Schmidt and Jaylon, right?

In the dime, probably Jaylon, NOT Schmidt (no fault of Schmidt's).

May give way to Councell or Grace (when healthy) or another bigger player on goal line plays or pure rushing downs though.

Open to discussion/correction on all that though.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I read that as 325 first...quite a bit different haha. 235 might still be a bit light, but I think that with the added weight Schmidt will be a good Mike for BVG's D. Especially since he already has the mental aspect down apparently.

I'm not sure it is, at least not in a 4-3. In Diaco's 3-4, our MLBs were huge, but the ideal weight was still 245-255. I'd think 235-240 would be perfect for a 4-3.

I'm becoming less worried about our LB corps with each passing day.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'm not sure it is, at least not in a 4-3. In Diaco's 3-4, our MLBs were huge, but the ideal weight was still 245-255. I'd think 235-240 would be perfect for a 4-3.

I'm becoming less worried about our LB corps with each passing day.

I'm just worried about watching him get trucked by a bigger back. Certainly at 235 he will be better vs say, Stanford than at 230, but I'm still a little concerned. There's not a better option though, and I think that he will be fine. I'd just be more reassured if he had some more weight.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I'm just worried about watching him get trucked by a bigger back. Certainly at 235 he will be better vs say, Stanford than at 230, but I'm still a little concerned. There's not a better option though, and I think that he will be fine. I'd just be more reassured if he had some more weight.

That's a legitimate concern, but we've still got Grace and Councell when we need to "go big". I'm sure we'll see strong doses of those two against our Power Rushing opponents.

 

[Irish#1]

I'm not worried because its the third practice of camp in August.

This defensive backfield is filled with veterans, do you guys really think that they don't have a gauge on what PI looks like? They are just at the beginning of fall ball and getting in the groove of a new defense that demands physicality from all secondary positions. You dudes are nitpicking something that is simply some random plays on 2 minute clips of practice. Its really not that big of a deal, imo.

I don't think it's strange. They are transitioning into a more physical role and how do we not know the staff isn't asking them to do so? They didn't just become unaware of PI after all of the experience they have. This isn't their first rodeo.

Plus, we have literally seen less than 1% of the practices in these clips. The plays they put in them are plays that show some type of bigger play. Either a) a big catch in traffic (higher probability of PI) b) big pass breakup (higher probability of PI). They aren't showing a ton of plays where all of the receivers are covered and nothing really comes of the play.

I don't "get concerned" about really anything in these clips. Its too small of a sample and far too early to worry about. I certainly am not going to worry about players grabbing eachother in 11 on 11 in August.

How many times have I told you not to be bringing logic and common sense into this debate?

I guess that's why I don't get too worked up about camp. I'm excited that the season is rolling around, but we have no clue what instructions are being given. It can change from play to play.

 

[pkt77242]

How many times have I told you not to be bringing logic and common sense into this debate?

I guess that's why I don't get too worked up about camp. I'm excited that the season is rolling around, but we have no clue what instructions are being given. It can change from play to play.

I am pretty sure that the instructions aren't molest the WR.

 

[STLDomer]

I really don't get this whole PI debate. I've seen nothing out of the usual from the videos.

 

[pkt77242]

Diaco virtually never put our DBs in press/ man coverage. As wooly suggested, Cooks may be having them focus on positioning and physicality at this point, with an eye toward cleaning up technique later in camp once the DBs are used to the more aggressive scheme.

While what you say might be true, it doesn't change the fact that A) They are in horrible position which is leading to many of the PI, B) Some of the PI is going on for 15-20 yards (Farley and Collinsworth both had plays where I thought they were trying to grope the WR) C) even KR had some plays where he was grabbing a fair amount.

I am not freaked out by it, as Wooly points out that there is time to fix it, but I would also point out that it is slightly concerning because this isn't ticky tack stuff, this is full on getting roasted and molesting the WR on many plays. I guess on the positive side maybe our WRs are just that good.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

In today's practice report, two things : Kelly is really hoarse; and, Jhonny Williams is working in the background the whole time. Man he has some big legs, too!

http://www.watchnd.tv/#!/videos/hmaXZnbzrQi6WbB44n_uXYQlFj9mh1W1

<script height="572px" width="1008px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=5e83fc845d86487e88b6953600eaff54&ec=hmaXZnbzrQi6WbB44n_uXYQlFj9mh1W1"></script>

Who is that working with Jhonney? Springman. If it is, Jhonney Williams is HUGE!

 

[Wild Bill]

You're looking for so many things when it comes to a Mike - size, instincts, quickness, speed, power, balance, intelligence, leadership etc. If a Mike is undersized but has elite quickness, instincts and power, he's probably still the man for the job. It's hard to rank Schmidt in these categories. I think it's fair to say he may have elite intangibles but he does not have elite physical ability. Is he talented enough to compensate for his lack of size? Who the hell knows? I hope so but I have my doubts.

 

[Voltaire]

While what you say might be true, it doesn't change the fact that A) They are in horrible position which is leading to many of the PI, B) Some of the PI is going on for 15-20 yards (Farley and Collinsworth both had plays where I thought they were trying to grope the WR) C) even KR had some plays where he was grabbing a fair amount.

I am not freaked out by it, as Wooly points out that there is time to fix it, but I would also point out that it is slightly concerning because this isn't ticky tack stuff, this is full on getting roasted and molesting the WR on many plays. I guess on the positive side maybe our WRs are just that good.

This is verbatim what folks were saying last year to ease concerns about Bennett Jackson getting consistently beat by freshmen in every fall camp practice video... and then he just kept on getting beat when the regular season rolled around.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

While what you say might be true, it doesn't change the fact that A) They are in horrible position which is leading to many of the PI, B) Some of the PI is going on for 15-20 yards (Farley and Collinsworth both had plays where I thought they were trying to grope the WR) C) even KR had some plays where he was grabbing a fair amount.

As far as those two are concerned, they may simply have been technically (in Farley's case) or athletically (in Collinsworth's case) outmatched by our freakish WR corps.

I am not freaked out by it, as Wooly points out that there is time to fix it, but I would also point out that it is slightly concerning because this isn't ticky tack stuff, this is full on getting roasted and molesting the WR on many plays. I guess on the positive side maybe our WRs are just that good.

Our WRs aren't having to adapt to a brand new scheme, so we should expert them to have a significant advantage this early in fall camp.

 

[Luckylucci]

Bogs, its Tony Springmann. He's going to be with the team all year.

 

[STLDomer]

Jhonny Williams is working in the background the whole time. Man he has some big legs, too!

Who is that working with Jhonney? Springman. If it is, Jhonney Williams is HUGE!

Yes that's Springmann with Williams. I knew Williams would be a steal but did not expect him to he ready this year like it appears. At 6'4 252, he put on 22 pounds this summer.