2014 Spring Practice Thread

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - a great leader is consistent and that will be interesting to see with Jaylon Smith in his second year.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439425955556118531">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly on EEs Andrew Trumbetti and Justin Brent: "Really like both those guys the way things are going for them as mid-years."</p>— Blue and Gold News (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/statuses/439426186322538496">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - Trumbetti has a great motor and athleticism. Really like Brent too - he's a physical specimen. Like both of them a lot.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439426328706555904">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly on Justin Brent: "He has a problem with right and left right now." Went the wrong way in drills yesterday.</p>— Blue and Gold News (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/statuses/439426384801177600">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Luke Massa won't be back for a fifth year because of a good internship opportunity.</p>— Dan Murphy (@BGI_DanMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_DanMurphy/statuses/439426542922244098">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[Irish#1]

Kinda surprised with Onwualu move. Was looking like he could be pretty good at WR. But what was wrong with Butler? I dont remember what injury he had

I think it means that Kelly is comfortable with he current batch of WR's, but Onwualu is showing so much athleticism and aggressiveness that he needs to be on the filed somewhere.

I know I've said it before, but Kelly really reminds me of Ara. It was the norm for Ara to move guys around all the time to get the best athletes on the field. I think this is what you're seeing rather than trying to fill a weakness.

 

[Emcee77]

Interesting, Massa not coming back for 5Y after all ... got approved for a 5Y, then got an internship (with the possibility of a full-time job offer) he couldn't turn down, and left with Kelly's blessing.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Luke Massa will not be coming back for a fifth season because of an internship/job he got. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> is at 84 scholarships.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/439426421316808704">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - Randolph will be playing inside linebacker this spring.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439426775676768257">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Doug Randolph will start out at will linebacker this spring. Unclear if he’ll stay there.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/statuses/439427026684887042">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - Amir Carlisle and Will Mahone will be playing slot receiver as opposed to running back.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439427099103723521">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly on possibility of adding fifth years from other schools in the future: “It’s case by case. It has to be the right situation.”</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/439427181001719808">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly on addition of Florida CB Cody Riggs: "There was a scholarship. There was a need. There was a connection."</p>— Blue and Gold News (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/statuses/439427318679732224">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - we may take another 5th year transfer next year, or maybe not for another 10 years. it just depends on the situation.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439427514797023232">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Cody Riggs will play cornerback but could see time at safety as well. “Cody is an extremely valuable asset,” Kelly says. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/439427651325816832">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said Jarrett Grace’s injury (broken leg) will require extreme patience for “healing time” and “we’re think we’re gonna be fine."</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/statuses/439428178667245568">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>“Huge. Huge spring for Malik Zaire. Huge.” Kelly on Malik Zaire’s spring. Obviously.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@NDatRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDatRivals/statuses/439428311450525697">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly on Malik Zaire: "He's gotta practice as if he's the starter."</p>— Blue and Gold News (@BGInews) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews/statuses/439428391838560256">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - we are so fortunate to have a kid like Matt Hegarty on the o-line.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439428598382858241">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[irishog77]

I like the move of Mahone to WR. Kid looked really good and comfortable during the spring game and during the 3 minute practice videos from last spring and summer. Lol.

I'm surprised he didn't win the Biletnikoff award after what he showed in practice highlight videos.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Brian Kelly said DaVaris Daniels is on track to return this summer. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/439428822845231104">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly says DaVaris Daniels is not ineligible by NCAA standards. "As long as he takes care of classes this summer he'll be back."</p>— Dan Murphy (@BGI_DanMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_DanMurphy/statuses/439428884065296384">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK - Lombard has been cleared for the spring after back surgery.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/statuses/439429014164234240">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>That’s it from the opening press conference of spring ball. Practice begins at 7:30 a.m. Monday. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a></p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/statuses/439429014935982080">February 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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[TheSunIsRising]

During your reign as a mod, you have been effective in reining in wayward conversations although sometimes raining on someone's parade in the process.

Rein on, your modness!

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I approve of this post

 

[Emcee77]

Massa leaving means we have a schollie to give. It didn't sound like there is a transfer on the horizon, and Kelly thinks a Riggs-like transfer might be pretty rare in the future. I wonder if a walk-on like Cavalaris gets a schollie.

Speaking of walk-ons, with Massa gone, we need an emergency/scout team QB. Monty VG or the kid from Iowa can make big contributions.

 

[#1rish]

Massa leaving means we have a schollie to give. It didn't sound like there is a transfer on the horizon, and Kelly thinks a Riggs-like transfer might be pretty rare in the future. I wonder if a walk-on like Cavalaris gets a schollie.

Speaking of walk-ons, with Massa gone, we need an emergency/scout team QB. Monty VG or the kid from Iowa can make big contributions.

Didn't Kinlaw serve as a scout team QB at one point last season? I have to assume he's our guy.

 

[Emcee77]

Didn't Kinlaw serve as a scout team QB at one point last season? I have to assume he's our guy.

He did, at least when we played teams with running QBs, and no doubt he'd be fine in an emergency, but I certainly hope he isn't on scout team this year. I sure don't expect him to be.

 

[koonja]

Safe to say Kinlaw is the most unknown recruit in the BK era? Literally don't expect anything from him in his career but wouldn't be surprised at all if he became a really good player (although don't know where!).

 

[Emcee77]

Safe to say Kinlaw is the most unknown recruit in the BK era?

Absolutely. Basically no senior film due to injury, no HS tape of him playing anything but QB at all, and he redshirted last year so there's no tape of him playing in college at all. We know basically nothing about him as a defensive player.

 

[TheSunIsRising]

Like the move of John Turner; agree that seems to be the most suitable spot for him

Not sure on Onwualu; I think he could excel at S, but guess I worry about his ability to 'wrap' on tackles. I can't recall; did he play much on defense in HS? Trust the staff in their evals, but always worry about primarily offensive guys demonstrating the ability to take a guy to the ground if they move to defense

Again, will trust the staff, but not sure I see Farley as a strong fit at corner. Doesn't excel in coverage, and worry he'll miss tackles on the edge that can give-up yardage on bubble screens/etc. Maybe that shoulder (?) injury was the root of his missed tackles

Would have thought that with GAIII leaving early, that Mahone would be back at RB fulltime


Thanks for all the updates (as usual) PANDFAN

 

[ResLife Hero]

Didn't Kinlaw serve as a scout team QB at one point last season? I have to assume he's our guy.

He's definitely an unknown, but I really want to see what he has at CB. I mean, he put up a mind-blowing statistic his sophomore year:

What Kinlaw will bring to campus should be interesting. With a highlight reel that consists mostly of quarterback scrambles, Kinlaw has only a sophomore season that gives you a clue he has some aptitude for the cornerback position — his six interceptions that year came on just 32 defensive snaps.

Freshman Focus: Rashad Kinlaw | Inside the Irish

 

[koonja]

Like the move of John Turner; agree that seems to be the most suitable spot for him

Not sure on Onwualu; I think he could excel at S, but guess I worry about his ability to 'wrap' on tackles. I can't recall; did he play much on defense in HS? Trust the staff in their evals, but always worry about primarily offensive guys demonstrating the ability to take a guy to the ground if they move to defense

Again, will trust the staff, but not sure I see Farley as a strong fit at corner. Doesn't excel in coverage, and worry he'll miss tackles on the edge that can give-up yardage on bubble screens/etc. Maybe that shoulder (?) injury was the root of his missed tackles

Would have thought that with GAIII leaving early, that Mahone would be back at RB fulltime

Thanks for all the updates (as usual) PANDFAN

I really like the move for Onawala to safety.

He never looked like a natural WR to me. Too strong; athletic, but not exactly a stop on a dime/route running feen. More of a RB at WR. But you could always tell he liked contact from watching him block. I actually think he could be a star at safety, and might have eventually been passed over at WR by Holmes/Brent/Hunter.

I see him being similiar to Elijah Shummate's build to be honest.

 

[IrishLion]

Not sure on Onwualu; I think he could excel at S, but guess I worry about his ability to 'wrap' on tackles. I can't recall; did he play much on defense in HS? Trust the staff in their evals, but always worry about primarily offensive guys demonstrating the ability to take a guy to the ground if they move to defense

Again, will trust the staff, but not sure I see Farley as a strong fit at corner. Doesn't excel in coverage, and worry he'll miss tackles on the edge that can give-up yardage on bubble screens/etc. Maybe that shoulder (?) injury was the root of his missed tackles

Would have thought that with GAIII leaving early, that Mahone would be back at RB fulltime.

1. I think Onwualu laid a few good shots on kick/punt coverage this year and displayed solid tackling form. They are isolated examples, but I would expect that to be a preview of what he could do full-time as a tackler.

2. I'm with you on Farley... He's not great in coverage, and he seemed to regress as a tackler. Hopefully it was just the shoulder injury, as you mentioned, but I'm thinking it might have been a move to clear some room at safety, while providing a veteran backup at corner in case of an injury to someome higher on the depth chart.

3. Hopefully Mahone sticking at WR has something to do with the coaches having full faith in Bryant to get in the mix with Folston/McDaniel.

 

[Emcee77]

1. I think Onwualu laid a few good shots on kick/punt coverage this year and displayed solid tackling form. They are isolated examples, but I would expect that to be a preview of what he could do full-time as a tackler.

2. I'm with you on Farley... He's not great in coverage, and he seemed to regress as a tackler. Hopefully it was just the shoulder injury, as you mentioned, but I'm thinking it might have been a move to clear some room at safety, while providing a veteran backup at corner in case of an injury to someome higher on the depth chart.

3. Hopefully Mahone sticking at WR has something to do with the coaches having full faith in Bryant to get in the mix with Folston/McDaniel.

I really think it was just the shoulder injury. In 2012 Farley was lost in coverage occasionally but he could really hit and tackle. I recall him making some nice plays, even on slippery running backs behind the line of scrimmage.

 

[Luckylucci]

Regarding the moves, we just made space for Bryant and Redfield to get a lot of reps this spring.

 

[ryno 24]

I think the moves are real interesting, the 3-4 package will still be in place but we will have people to play a 3 technique and right now I think Day will slide in to do that. I think the team will blitz much more often. I think Randolph will be the will we are expecting who can come up and hit, but will also have excellent cover skills. I dont think Farley really fits as a corner, but we will see. He could be a good nickel corner. James Onwualu at safety is interesting. He definitely has the body for it and many asked if he could do that last year. I wonder what we will do at slot receiver this year, they will no longer be having them working with runningbacks yet we have two former runningbacks working as slot receivers. These are all very interesting questions and I wonder how they will work themselves out throughout spring ball.

 

[ulukinatme]

Reps to PANDFAN, great job as always