2014 Master List

[frankygoes69]

Great point. But these athletes are here to play football. Are they not?

 

[Bluto]

Great point. But these athletes are here to play football. Are they not?

Sure, but again once they get in whether or not they live up to expectations on the field is irrelevant because they get a four year scholarship. So they have to be much more self motivated compared to players at many other schools where poor performance can get you axed.

 

[frankygoes69]

Are talking about ND exclusively?

 

[Bluto]

Are talking about ND exclusively?

Yes.

 

[frankygoes69]

It wouldn't seem so since ND has players with medical issues and cannot play. If it comes down to off field trouble, grades, and other non-football issues that may be the case.

 

[IrishLax]

weishar is a core 6 i believe

He is and they were singing his praises the other day.

 

[stlnd01]

Sure, but again once they get in whether or not they live up to expectations on the field is irrelevant because they get a four year scholarship. So they have to be much more self motivated compared to players at many other schools where poor performance can get you axed.

It's not just about losing their scholarship. It's where they come from. Many (not all) of our kids come from more comfortable backgrounds than many (not all) of the kids at some other schools, particularly in the SEC.
It's one of the reasons they're academically qualified to attend Notre Dame. It's also one of the reasons they choose Notre Dame. It's not that our kids don't want to win and go play in the NFL. Of course they do. But most also know that they'll have something besides football to fall back on if that doesn't work out. Like Bluto said: To a lot of our players, football isn't everything. That's actually a good thing.

P.S. I realize this argument says nothing about why Stanford has done so well of late. But I think it's a valid point of comparison between Notre Dame and, say, LSU or Auburn.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

GB, Ironman8, Tp, Luckylucci. STLDomer

I can understand that in Kelly's first recruiting to that he had to fill spots late in the game. How come it is Still late in the race and we are offering much less talent later in the cycle? I understand that some offers just won't happen dud to academics. But now we are going to end up short again for ILB.

I wouldnt say its lesser talent, its just late blooming talent. Hence why all the offers/visits/etc are coming after the season. The staff has had the time to evaluate a kid over the course of his senior year.

Couple of examples: the Jhonathon Williams kid looked like a MAC player last year as a junior, but his senior year he did a complete 180 and looks like a BCS contender can plug into a system with a role in 2-3 years. Niles Sykes, a kid that typically played DE, was moved to inside linebacker and ND will assess if he is something that warrants an offer at insider backer. Kids bodies need time to mature and coordinate. Williams is kinda in a KAP mold, where he is athletic and skinny now, but in a college program can easily put on 40-50lbs if need be or put on a 20-30lbs and be a pass rusher.

Kelly doesnt take kids to fill a class (ala Michigan, osu, sec), they obviously have to be picky on who they offer and cant offer some kids and others just have no interest in ND bc of the academics. So that narrows the list of recruits right off the bat without even really getting into recruitments.

ND could easily windup with a class of Luatua, Tranquill, JuJu, Elam, Hendrix, McKenzie, so why not offer a few kids that could have dividends down the road like Williams. And if they have class with Luatua, Tranquill, Hendrix, then you have kids that can fill the extra schollies.

Middlelinebacker seems to be the concern but if you really look at it....Deeb, Moore, Grace, Randolph are there. Then you add Martini, Bonner, Trumbetti, Yeargin who all have the potential to play inside backer. Theres depth there but its young. The last 2 classes of having weak inside backer classes and not being to get a Masterogivanni has hurt but there just hasnt been a ton of inside backer talent to come out. Thats why you see ND recruiting guys like Blankenship, Trumbetti, Bonner, that can grow into either DE position, or play OLB/ILB if need be. Bama does the samething, get athletes and plug them in.




And to answer LAX's question about the record impacting recruiting. I talked to a guy you all know today and we were talking about that very question. We both agreed that last year 12-0 had really no impact on the class whatsoever. 3/4 the class was committed before the season, Redfield essentially flipped on his Stanford visit, Smythe's recruitment wasnt based on NDs season, Folstons recruitment had been over the course of pretty much the entire cycle, Luke committed during the season after taking officials and doing his due research, so the only one that you could truly make somewhat of a point for would be Greg Bryant, but ND was in his Top 3 when he committed to Oklahoma and PT was more of a selling point than record. You can possibly through Vanderdoes in there, but he still committed after the Bama beat down and Bama was in his top 3 as well.

This year is kind of the samething. 3/4 the class is done. And the kids we are 'waiting' on, are kids that everyone knew would drag out the process due to All-Star games/program rules/official visits/NSD commitments bc they are 5 stars. ND could finish 10-3 or 7-6 and it really doesnt have an impact on where kids are going to sign on NSD. It def feels better going 10-3 but you dont see any of our current commitments taking officials anywhere right now. Quick has Oklahoma out infront, JuJu is waiting on usc's head coach, Elam/Holley arent real good shots to begin with, McKenzies situation is clear, Lazard has made his intentions clear from the first visit to ND, Morgan has established his timeline from the start and is keeping to it by setting his final officials late, Luatua is going to end up Irish, Hendrix has ND #1 and will just finish taking his officials, Tranquill said after his season he will make his final decision and its not based off program records clearly. The only one in this class it would possibly be about record would be Bo Scarbrough, but he is excited about the gradation rates and opportunities presented after football. And the kids that are getting offers after evaluations of their Senior year, record isnt going to matter bc ND is ND. Most of them dont have the big offers bc school wanted to see their senior year.

ND is more than fine where they are in recruiting reguardless if they win out or not. The staff and the recruits realize that Golson isnt there, and its kind of like the pitch to the 2013 kids where the staff was telling them about Golson and his potential, but they have the 2012 season with Golson to back that up.

 

[frankygoes69]

Realistically its motivation. Break them down, work on them, and build them up! If we can in still this into them....

"Anything worth doing in life is worth OVERDOING! Moderation's for COWARDS!"
(Someone in the SOF Community, n.d.).

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Can someone answer me this, teams like Ball St., NIU, and other universities with less talent play like every down is for the win and ND plays like there's a whole lifetime of football to be played?

My guess is you dont watch every MAC game. Remember these games on Weds/Thurs/Fri nights are their time to shine bc they are the only teams on National TV that night. Watch a Western Michigan-Ball St game on Saturday and its totally different.

 

[frankygoes69]

I am fortunate enough to be able to watch said teams. My guess is that you don't watch those team and have not experienced the excitement?

 

[TheTurningPoint]

I am fortunate enough to be able to watch said teams. My guess is that you don't watch those team and have not experienced the excitement?

One of my friends brothers plays for OU, so sadly i do watch the MAC every week. Theres a huge difference between a atmosphere on Thurs Night and Saturday afternoon. Kids get jacked up to be on espn plain and simple. NIU is diff bc they are playing for a little more than a MAC champ though

 

[frankygoes69]

I understand that and am very aware of how kids get excited for games. I have been to NMSU, UNM, CU, CSU, LBSU, USC, AF, and yes Notre Dame games this year and several years past. It just seems to me that ND is not as pumped during games.

Not in every game and not in every case. I've to my share of ND games and have very seldom
witnessed an energized team, yet I still believe that they will win.

 

[NDdomer2]

frankygoescrazy after midnight

 

[frankygoes69]

Easy 5,000 plus poster! As the song goes, I've just begun! Are you ready?

 

[NDdomer2]

Easy 5,000 plus poster! As the song goes, I've just begun! Are you ready?

not tonight. i missed the free five hour energy handouts. thought i would give ie one last looksy before sleep. wasnt ready for the energy you brought at this hour.

only 500 posts in 6 years and ~10 tonight. you on a bender?

 

[frankygoes69]

Were I was we had Rip It's and no ability to post on IE. Now I can do as I wish. Watching, evaluating, critiquing..... I will say this, I will try to be positive but honest! Within and before the witching hours!

 

[irishff1014]

I wouldnt say its lesser talent, its just late blooming talent. Hence why all the offers/visits/etc are coming after the season. The staff has had the time to evaluate a kid over the course of his senior year.

Couple of examples: the Jhonathon Williams kid looked like a MAC player last year as a junior, but his senior year he did a complete 180 and looks like a BCS contender can plug into a system with a role in 2-3 years. Niles Sykes, a kid that typically played DE, was moved to inside linebacker and ND will assess if he is something that warrants an offer at insider backer. Kids bodies need time to mature and coordinate. Williams is kinda in a KAP mold, where he is athletic and skinny now, but in a college program can easily put on 40-50lbs if need be or put on a 20-30lbs and be a pass rusher.

Kelly doesnt take kids to fill a class (ala Michigan, osu, sec), they obviously have to be picky on who they offer and cant offer some kids and others just have no interest in ND bc of the academics. So that narrows the list of recruits right off the bat without even really getting into recruitments.

ND could easily windup with a class of Luatua, Tranquill, JuJu, Elam, Hendrix, McKenzie, so why not offer a few kids that could have dividends down the road like Williams. And if they have class with Luatua, Tranquill, Hendrix, then you have kids that can fill the extra schollies.

Middlelinebacker seems to be the concern but if you really look at it....Deeb, Moore, Grace, Randolph are there. Then you add Martini, Bonner, Trumbetti, Yeargin who all have the potential to play inside backer. Theres depth there but its young. The last 2 classes of having weak inside backer classes and not being to get a Masterogivanni has hurt but there just hasnt been a ton of inside backer talent to come out. Thats why you see ND recruiting guys like Blankenship, Trumbetti, Bonner, that can grow into either DE position, or play OLB/ILB if need be. Bama does the samething, get athletes and plug them in.




And to answer LAX's question about the record impacting recruiting. I talked to a guy you all know today and we were talking about that very question. We both agreed that last year 12-0 had really no impact on the class whatsoever. 3/4 the class was committed before the season, Redfield essentially flipped on his Stanford visit, Smythe's recruitment wasnt based on NDs season, Folstons recruitment had been over the course of pretty much the entire cycle, Luke committed during the season after taking officials and doing his due research, so the only one that you could truly make somewhat of a point for would be Greg Bryant, but ND was in his Top 3 when he committed to Oklahoma and PT was more of a selling point than record. You can possibly through Vanderdoes in there, but he still committed after the Bama beat down and Bama was in his top 3 as well.

This year is kind of the samething. 3/4 the class is done. And the kids we are 'waiting' on, are kids that everyone knew would drag out the process due to All-Star games/program rules/official visits/NSD commitments bc they are 5 stars. ND could finish 10-3 or 7-6 and it really doesnt have an impact on where kids are going to sign on NSD. It def feels better going 10-3 but you dont see any of our current commitments taking officials anywhere right now. Quick has Oklahoma out infront, JuJu is waiting on usc's head coach, Elam/Holley arent real good shots to begin with, McKenzies situation is clear, Lazard has made his intentions clear from the first visit to ND, Morgan has established his timeline from the start and is keeping to it by setting his final officials late, Luatua is going to end up Irish, Hendrix has ND #1 and will just finish taking his officials, Tranquill said after his season he will make his final decision and its not based off program records clearly. The only one in this class it would possibly be about record would be Bo Scarbrough, but he is excited about the gradation rates and opportunities presented after football. And the kids that are getting offers after evaluations of their Senior year, record isnt going to matter bc ND is ND. Most of them dont have the big offers bc school wanted to see their senior year.

ND is more than fine where they are in recruiting reguardless if they win out or not. The staff and the recruits realize that Golson isnt there, and its kind of like the pitch to the 2013 kids where the staff was telling them about Golson and his potential, but they have the 2012 season with Golson to back that up.

Thanks for your answer.

 

[ThePiombino]

not tonight. i missed the free five hour energy handouts. thought i would give ie one last looksy before sleep. wasnt ready for the energy you brought at this hour.

only 500 posts in 6 years and ~10 tonight. you on a bender?

He's just bringing that MAC-level posting energy. As'all.

 

[BGIF]

Can someone answer me this, teams like Ball St., NIU, and other universities with less talent play like every down is for the win and ND plays like there's a whole lifetime of football to be played?

It probably appears that way to you because Ball St plays Sagarin's 140th Toughest Schedule and NIU plays the 145th toughest schedule while Notre Dame plays the 35th Toughest Schedule.

 

[Luckylucci]

'14 IL LB Nile Sykes

'14 IL LB Nile Sykes

Its official, Wiltfong just posted that the LB is indeed Nile Sykes. Coach Martin will be in to see him today. Wiltfong switched his CB to ND assuming we offer. If we don't he'll switch it back to Illini.

 

[BeauBenken]

My guess is you dont watch every MAC game. Remember these games on Weds/Thurs/Fri nights are their time to shine bc they are the only teams on National TV that night. Watch a Western Michigan-Ball St game on Saturday and its totally different.

Ball State balls out. I don't know what you're talking about...

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Ball State balls out. I don't know what you're talking about...

Nate Davis was before your time Beau.

 

[BeauBenken]

Nate Davis was before your time Beau.

Psh. I know more about Nate Davis than you'd care to know.

And Lembo balls out right now. First time I met that man, he was coming out of a storage room and was ultra friendly...I thought he was the freaking janitor or something. Next thing I know, just ten minutes later, he is welcoming us to the BSU Coaches' Clinic.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

So down the stretch...
Luatua
Quick
Smith
Mama
Hill
Williams
Sykes
Hendrix
??? Morgan?

Is this a realistic finish? Would be special.

 

[PANDFAN]

"You have to give Notre Dame credit for finding these guys,” Lemming said. “These guys are guys that hedge your bets if the southern Cal guys (tight end Tyler Luatua, wide receiver Michiah Quick, athlete JuJu Smith) may not come. They're still hoping those guys are coming, but you have to have a backup plan. It looks like Notre Dame's operational staff is doing a good job of having backup guys this early.”

While worried recruitniks who have been following the names of Notre Dame’s elite targets for months may look at new offers as desperate moves, in reality the coaching staff has formed a logical plan to maximize the scholarships available for the 2014 recruiting class.

"I don't think Notre Dame is going to take a player to just to take a warm body,” Wiltfong said. “They'd rather pass and save those scholarships for next year if they didn't think the guys they offered late were good enough to play at Notre Dame.

 

[ThePiombino]

"You have to give Notre Dame credit for finding these guys,” Lemming said. “These guys are guys that hedge your bets if the southern Cal guys (tight end Tyler Luatua, wide receiver Michiah Quick, athlete JuJu Smith) may not come. They're still hoping those guys are coming, but you have to have a backup plan. It looks like Notre Dame's operational staff is doing a good job of having backup guys this early.”

While worried recruitniks who have been following the names of Notre Dame’s elite targets for months may look at new offers as desperate moves, in reality the coaching staff has formed a logical plan to maximize the scholarships available for the 2014 recruiting class.

"I don't think Notre Dame is going to take a player to just to take a warm body,” Wiltfong said. “They'd rather pass and save those scholarships for next year if they didn't think the guys they offered late were good enough to play at Notre Dame.

He went on to say, "It doesn't really matter because Notre Dame will perennially take the field with 70-something scholarships regardless of how this class shapes up."

 

[Emcee77]

So down the stretch...
Luatua
Quick
Smith
Mama
Hill
Williams
Sykes
Hendrix
??? Morgan?

Is this a realistic finish? Would be special.

I think we are out of it with Mama.

If we leave him out, I suppose it's not an unrealistic finish. It would only leave us room for 2 5Ys though, which would likely be bare minimum.

 

[IrishLax]

Realistic final stretch:
Williams
Hendrix
Sykes
Hill
Luatua
Quick
Nelson

Optimistic:
Williams
Hendrix
Morgan
Hill
Luatua
Quick
McKenzie

Dream:
Williams
Hendrix
Holley
Morgan
Hill
Luatua
Quick
McKenzie
Juju

 

[Crazy Balki]

Realistic final stretch:
Williams
Hendrix
Sykes
Hill
Luatua
Quick
Nelson

Optimistic:
Williams
Hendrix
Morgan
Hill
Luatua
Quick
McKenzie

Dream:
Williams
Hendrix
Holley
Morgan
Hill
Luatua
Quick
McKenzie
Juju

Realistic:

Williams
Hendrix
Holley/Elam (They've made up a TON of ground on both and they are in the top 2 for each of them. I doubt they whiff on both.)
Morgan
Quick
McKenzie (already "committed", but let's make it official)
Luatua
Hill

Dream:

Mama
JuJu
Holley
Elam
Morgan
Quick
McKenzie
Luatua
Hill