2014 Spring Practice Thread

[Luckylucci]

A couple other things from II. Defense

-KR might have been the best player overall from Saturdays practice. They think KR could be good enough this year that the NFL conversation will be had.
-With the addition of Riggs this might be our best collection of DB's during Kelly's regime. Luke isn't on par with KR but still good and young.
-John Turner is getting a lot of work and did so with the first unit. He seems to have found his spot. Pressure heavy play call from the D had Turner in the backfield regularly. Took those reps from Moore.
-Until the freshman get on campus Schmidt has seemed to lock up the middle of the D. Based on the amount of reps he seems to getting a stronger hold on that position. MLB.
-They said Jaylon Smith has generational athleticism. Now he just needs a cape
-Good things about Jarron Jones. Body language and demeanor noticeably different and Elston isn't yelling at him as much during practice which means he's doing things right, haha.
-Nyles Morgan was at practice.
-They think Sheldon is going to thrive as a 3tech in the new scheme, I completely agree. He dominated Steve Elmer for stretches during the friday practice. Prediction that Sheldon has the most TFL's of all Dlineman this year.
-Farley seems to be playing much better and very physical. Is getting confidence back. Dominated CJ in the Oklahoma drill on Saturday.
-Nobody seems to be unseating Collinsworth at S opposite Redfield. They call him reliable, around the ball, and consistent. Redfield is struggling at times but the staff is devoted to coaching him and playing him.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

He needs a at least 10-15lbs. He doesnt look a lot bigger than he did last year. He has almost zero explosive when he accelerates. He has figured out how to get beat off press coverage, but I wouldnt say he does it consistently. He fell a few times over air so his legs do need to get stronger as well.

Good player just a lot of room to improve, which isnt a bad or uncommon thing for a freshman. Itll be interesting to see what his work ethic is like over the next few years.

A, charade,

For any of you, I have heard rumblings, but since I haven't been up this year, is CRob taller than he was last fall? I thought someone in the media said that he may be as much as an inch and a half taller. And someone on campus that I talked to seemed to think the same. Any truth to that?


GK, a chara,
As far as Miller. I have seen a couple of OSU practices, and I know two other people, one may or may not be a team medical specialist, and one is a former coach. I also know a former player. Miller is a good player. Miller is a great player. Urban and the Buckeyes are lucky to have him. But he cannot read progressions and he cannot fit the ball. Let alone throw with any finesse.

People keep bringing up a quarterback comparison. NOBODY, not TP, nor anyone else made one. All they talked about were a few attributes. So the numb arguing and slop-slung insults masked the true point. ND may have the type of quarterbacks that can power the offense if they ever synch up! And not one, it is looking good that ND may have two! And as some wise unnamed poster said, 2 may push 1 just right to his best game possible! These are the points. The rest is ego. Or lack of communication skills.

Beir bua agus beannacht,

Bogs

 

[Emcee77]

A couple other things from II.

-John Turner is getting a lot of work and did so with the first unit. He seems to have found his spot. Pressure heavy play call from the D had Turner in the backfield regularly. Took those reps from Moore.
-Until the freshman get on campus Schmidt has seemed to lock up the middle of the D. Based on the amount of reps he seems to getting a stronger hold on that position. MLB.

-Farley seems to be playing much better and very physical. Is getting confidence back. Dominated CJ in the Oklahoma drill on Saturday.

Thanks Lucc. Great stuff.

Regarding Turner (and Onwualu, apparently, according to Kelly's presser) taking reps from Moore ... that likely has something to do with the fact that we've been doing mostly nickel and 4-3 3rd down work so far this spring, right?

As for Farley, if he stays healthy I think we see a much different player in the fall. That shoulder was really limiting him last season, IMO.

 

[Luckylucci]

Offense:

-Zaire is executing the read option better than Golson. Deciphering the DE on read option plays, specifically. However, Golson holds a clear advantage in the passing game.
-Bryant is in straight beast mode right now. Got a lot of work. Every rep he takes he's giving maximum effort. Sounds like he's been fun to watch. He's also been very effective in the passing game. Made some defenders look bad.
-First group of WR's was Crob (W), Koyack (Y), CJ (Z), and Chris Brown at (X). Second group was Fuller, Heuerman/Smythe, Amir, and Hunter.
-Nic Weishar was in attendance.
-They believe Koyack could be primed for a big senior season.
-McGlinchey is seemingly locking up the RT spot. Been there for 5 straight practices with the first unit.
-With Lombard out Hanratty is getting a lot of work.
-Second unit was (from right to left) McGovern, Montelus, Harrell, Hanratty/Elmer, and Hunter Bivin.

 

[tko]

A couple other things from II. Defense

-KR might have been the best player overall from Saturdays practice. They think KR could be good enough this year that the NFL conversation will be had.
-With the addition of Riggs this might be our best collection of DB's during Kelly's regime. Luke isn't on par with KR but still good and young.
-John Turner is getting a lot of work and did so with the first unit. He seems to have found his spot. Pressure heavy play call from the D had Turner in the backfield regularly. Took those reps from Moore.
-Until the freshman get on campus Schmidt has seemed to lock up the middle of the D. Based on the amount of reps he seems to getting a stronger hold on that position. MLB.
-They said Jaylon Smith has generational athleticism. Now he just needs a cape
-Good things about Jarron Jones. Body language and demeanor noticeably different and Elston isn't yelling at him as much during practice which means he's doing things right, haha.
-Nyles Morgan was at practice.
-They think Sheldon is going to thrive as a 3tech in the new scheme, I completely agree. He dominated Steve Elmer for stretches during the friday practice. Prediction that Sheldon has the most TFL's of all Dlineman this year.
-Farley seems to be playing much better and very physical. Is getting confidence back. Dominated CJ in the Oklahoma drill on Saturday.
-Nobody seems to be unseating Collinsworth at S opposite Redfield. They call him reliable, around the ball, and consistent. Redfield is struggling at times but the staff is devoted to coaching him and playing him.

ASU game in Dallas, "reliable"

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Offense:

-Zaire is executing the read option better than Golson. Deciphering the DE on read option plays, specifically. However, Golson holds a clear advantage in the passing game.
-Bryant is in straight beast mode right now. Got a lot of work. Every rep he takes he's giving maximum effort. Sounds like he's been fun to watch. He's also been very effective in the passing game. Made some defenders look bad.
-First group of WR's was Crob (W), Koyack (Y), CJ (Z), and Chris Brown at (X). Second group was Fuller, Heuerman/Smythe, Amir, and Hunter.
-Nic Weishar was in attendance.
-They believe Koyack could be primed for a big senior season.
-McGlinchey is seemingly locking up the RT spot. Been there for 5 straight practices with the first unit.
-With Lombard out Hanratty is getting a lot of work.
-Second unit was (from right to left) McGovern, Montelus, Harrell, Hanratty/Elmer, and Hunter Bivin.

It is all good, what you report. But the offensive line stuff is really important and outstanding!

 

[ryno 24]

I'm kind of dissapointed for torii hunter as I think he may be getting recruited over. Also, our defense sounds interesting, but I want to see what our 1st and 2nd down defense looks like. I think if Nyles Morgan doesnt seize that spot, Kendal Moore may find a home on those downs.

 

[Luckylucci]

Thanks Lucc. Great stuff.

Regarding Turner (and Onwualu, apparently, according to Kelly's presser) taking reps from Moore ... that likely has something to do with the fact that we've been doing mostly nickel and 4-3 3rd down work so far this spring, right?

As for Farley, if he stays healthy I think we see a much different player in the fall. That shoulder was really limiting him last season, IMO.

Yes, I would agree with that. Kelly specifically said this. So, some of these groupings may not be the way we start game 1 on first down versus Rice. We are trying to find who our pass rushers and groupings will be in these sub packages. Kelly and BVG have scripted these practices that way. Pressure, pressure, pressure is what I'm hearing.

 

[koonja]

Offense:

-Zaire is executing the read option better than Golson. Deciphering the DE on read option plays, specifically. However, Golson holds a clear advantage in the passing game.
-Bryant is in straight beast mode right now. Got a lot of work. Every rep he takes he's giving maximum effort. Sounds like he's been fun to watch. He's also been very effective in the passing game. Made some defenders look bad.
-First group of WR's was Crob (W), Koyack (Y), CJ (Z), and Chris Brown at (X). Second group was Fuller, Heuerman/Smythe, Amir, and Hunter.
-Nic Weishar was in attendance.
-They believe Koyack could be primed for a big senior season.
-McGlinchey is seemingly locking up the RT spot. Been there for 5 straight practices with the first unit.
-With Lombard out Hanratty is getting a lot of work.
-Second unit was (from right to left) McGovern, Montelus, Harrell, Hanratty/Elmer, and Hunter Bivin.

With how good we know Folston will be, the fact that Bryant is getting all of the praise makes me incredibly optimisitc about our running game and confident that we could have a top 5 type of backfield this year. If Bryant is as good as advertised, we have two legit BCS level RBs, and Cam is no slough either.

 

[Luckylucci]

It is all good, what you report. But the offensive line stuff is really important and outstanding!

It sounds like we may have a slew of very high draft pick type OL coming through the program right now. Stanley, Elmer, and now McGlinchey. From everything that I've read McGlinchey sounds like a first round type OT potential.

 

[Luckylucci]

With how good we know Folston will be, the fact that Bryant is getting all of the praise makes me incredibly optimisitc about our running game and confident that we could have a top 5 type of backfield this year. If Bryant is as good as advertised, we have two legit BCS level RBs, and Cam is no slough either.

On II's podcast last week somebody asked the question who leads the team in rushing and how many yards do they have. Sampson said that was an extremely tough question to answer so he wasn't going to make a prediction but he say that he thinks Folston and Bryant will be better than Theo and Cierre. 1600+ yards between the two with as much as 15 tds.

 

[koonja]

On II's podcast last week somebody asked the question who leads the team in rushing and how many yards do they have. Sampson said that was an extremely tough question to answer so he wasn't going to make a prediction but he say that he thinks Folston and Bryant will be better than Theo and Cierre. 1600+ yards between the two with as much as 15 tds.

I'd take Folston over Cierre I think. I think Folston falls forward better and I love how compact he is.

And (ready for a wild kuenja comparison?) I actually think Bryant runs like a 'rich mans' version of Theo. Compact, extremely good cuts, and runs stronger than his size. I'd be happy to see a carry distribution that's something like 14-14-7.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I'm kind of dissapointed for torii hunter as I think he may be getting recruited over. Also, our defense sounds interesting, but I want to see what our 1st and 2nd down defense looks like. I think if Nyles Morgan doesnt seize that spot, Kendal Moore may find a home on those downs.

Keep in mind Tori is coming back from a serious injury.

 

[tko]

Keep in mind Tori is coming back from a serious injury.

Agree, I think Kelly is pacing Tori.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

This has likely been discussed but is Amir still set to return kickoffs with Cam?

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Does anyone else think that Kelly talking about 3rd down personnel is merely coach speak? It seems like we are going to be a 4-3 primary defense 60%+ given our personnel and position changes that have allowed guys to excel.

I'm sure our nickel/dime packages won't be our first down defense but it sounds like Kelly wants to at least keep opposing offenses honest in the offseason and keep the illusion that we are a 3-4 team. (I don't know how much that helps but coaches are all about creating doubt for the opposition).

Any takers for this?

 

[Luckylucci]

I'd take Folston over Cierre I think. I think Folston falls forward better and I love how compact he is.

And (ready for a wild kuenja comparison?) I actually think Bryant runs like a 'rich mans' version of Theo. Compact, extremely good cuts, and runs stronger than his size. I'd be happy to see a carry distribution that's something like 14-14-7.

That comparison I actually agree with, haha. I think like you said he's a rich mans theo, better top end speed, IMO.

 

[koonja]

That comparison I actually agree with, haha. I think like you said he's a rich mans theo, better top end speed, IMO.

On top end speed, ironically Theo was deemed one of (maybe THE?) fastest guys on the team by Weis when he came in, and he ended up running what, a 4.6-something at the combine?

I can't even blame Longo for that one.

 

[GoldenToTheGrave]

I'd take Folston over Cierre I think. I think Folston falls forward better and I love how compact he is.

And (ready for a wild kuenja comparison?) I actually think Bryant runs like a 'rich mans' version of Theo. Compact, extremely good cuts, and runs stronger than his size. I'd be happy to see a carry distribution that's something like 14-14-7.

Cierre had a very good season in 2011, I think a lot of people forget that. But at this point in his development I agree, Folston is going to be a beast.

 

[GoIrish41]

Cierre had a very good season in 2011, I think a lot of people forget that. But at this point in his development I agree, Folston is going to be a beast.

I thought Cierre had more natural ability than any back at ND in a long, long time. I don't think he was focused at times, and may not have had the work ethic that some (Theo). If he would have put it all together, he could have been an exceptional back. Even lacking as he did, he managed to put together a couple of good seasons for the Irish. As with a lot of guys, I wonder what might have been. Folston is going to be a good one and so is Bryant. If they work hard and keep their heads about them, they could be the best running back combo that ND has had in decades.

 

[PANDFAN]

The guys at II have been raving about Jaylon. I agree that its kind of stating the obvious but they think he'll be a national player people talk about if we have a good season. And as a sophomore that would be pretty impressive.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jaylon Smith has moved from the dog outside LB to a spot he describes as "Sam LB-slash-Mike" <a href="http://t.co/FkLbjFbCql">http://t.co/FkLbjFbCql</a> <a href="http://t.co/SUUTU37W3N">pic.twitter.com/SUUTU37W3N</a></p>— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/statuses/448142974250008576">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irishokie]

Just no heisman campaign and I will be happy.

I'll be happy if he keeps his dating life private!

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Jaylon Smith has moved from the dog outside LB to a spot he describes as "Sam LB-slash-Mike" <a href="http://t.co/FkLbjFbCql">http://t.co/FkLbjFbCql</a> <a href="http://t.co/SUUTU37W3N">pic.twitter.com/SUUTU37W3N</a></p>— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/statuses/448142974250008576">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The former five-star recruit has moved from the dog outside linebacker spot to a position he describes as "Sam linebacker-slash-Mike," an integral piece to a defense that he says is now "definitely a 4-3."

LOL.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

-They said Jaylon Smith has generational athleticism. Now he just needs a cape.

I need a pic of superhero Jaylon for my avi

 

[PANDFAN]

Jaylon Smith jokes that he's 19-going-on-30, the whirlwind of a rapid rise up the depth chart and standout rookie campaign giving way now to the burden of being a bedrock on a Notre Dame defense short on upperclassmen but not potential.

Then the realization that Smith has upward of three more years in an Irish uniform washes over him, and the 6-foot-2.5, 230-pounder can't help but sound as eager as all who anointed him a can't-miss talent upon his pledge not even two years ago.

[+] EnlargeJaylon Smith
AP Photo/Scott Boehm
Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith showcased his potential as a freshman and should only get better this fall.
"Taking it day by day, trying to get better," Smith said of balancing the conflicting emotions. "That's really just the motto, not only for me but for us as a unit. We have to count on each other and hold each other accountable. I feel like the way we all approach the game, and improve, we're going to do anything [we can] to make us better."

Change is upon the Notre Dame defense, which has a new coordinator and, as of right now, significantly different strengths from its last time around.

Brian VanGorder is in for Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator, the secondary has replaced the defensive line as the known quantity and Smith, last seen tallying 67 tackles in the months following his arrival to campus, is now being relied upon more than ever, ready to show that the promise displayed last season was just a sliver of what's to come.

The former five-star recruit has moved from the dog outside linebacker spot to a position he describes as "Sam linebacker-slash-Mike," an integral piece to a defense that he says is now "definitely a 4-3."

"We don't want offenses to know where he is," head coach Brian Kelly said. "We're going to play him in a number of different positions. He could be inside, outside -- but we're moving him all over the place."

One of just two defensive returnees to start all 13 games last season (along with KeiVarae Russell), Smith's biggest challenge is expanding his football IQ, mastering not only his new position but also developing a better awareness of the responsibilities of the 10 others around him.

"That's always been a goal, that's how I view things," he said. "I'm wanting to potentially be the best and to be able to lead, and I think this year I'm going to get that chance, to take the next step up, of being more vocal in the locker room and being around the defense and learning the defense."

More on Notre Dame
Notre Dame For full coverage of the Irish, check out the Notre Dame blog, part of ESPN's College Football Nation. Blog
More:
• Notre Dame's clubhouse page
• ESPN Chicago's college blog

For all of his talent, Smith never forgets that his opportunity last summer to ascend from third to first on the depth chart came at the misfortune of Danny Spond, whose hemiplegic migraines forced the incumbent into early retirement during camp.

Smith was sure to make mention of his newest mentor at every turn last season, and the absence of Spond around the team this spring has not let Smith off the hook so easily.

From Spond to Smith, from Carlo Calabrese to Joe Schmidt, linebackers old and new have made sure to keep the conversation going through a group text message they started at the break of camp last August, back in Marion, Ind.

"Basically all the linebackers from last year," Smith said. "We speak almost every day, to be honest. Everyone's just seeing new information and those guys are old and moving on and actually getting ready to live life, and a couple of us are still here, grinding, just trying to have success for Notre Dame."

Still here -- sounding like anything but a guy going through his first college spring, and hoping to play like that's the case, too.

"I feel like I'm more experienced, I feel like I've been here forever," Smith said. "Time goes by so fast. I'm cherishing every moment of it."

 

[NDohio]

Jaylon Smith jokes that he's 19-going-on-30, the whirlwind of a rapid rise up the depth chart and standout rookie campaign giving way now to the burden of being a bedrock on a Notre Dame defense short on upperclassmen but not potential.

Then the realization that Smith has upward of three more years in an Irish uniform washes over him, and the 6-foot-2.5, 230-pounder can't help but sound as eager as all who anointed him a can't-miss talent upon his pledge not even two years ago.

[+] EnlargeJaylon Smith
AP Photo/Scott Boehm
Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith showcased his potential as a freshman and should only get better this fall.
"Taking it day by day, trying to get better," Smith said of balancing the conflicting emotions. "That's really just the motto, not only for me but for us as a unit. We have to count on each other and hold each other accountable. I feel like the way we all approach the game, and improve, we're going to do anything [we can] to make us better."

Change is upon the Notre Dame defense, which has a new coordinator and, as of right now, significantly different strengths from its last time around.

Brian VanGorder is in for Bob Diaco as defensive coordinator, the secondary has replaced the defensive line as the known quantity and Smith, last seen tallying 67 tackles in the months following his arrival to campus, is now being relied upon more than ever, ready to show that the promise displayed last season was just a sliver of what's to come.

The former five-star recruit has moved from the dog outside linebacker spot to a position he describes as "Sam linebacker-slash-Mike," an integral piece to a defense that he says is now "definitely a 4-3."

"We don't want offenses to know where he is," head coach Brian Kelly said. "We're going to play him in a number of different positions. He could be inside, outside -- but we're moving him all over the place."

One of just two defensive returnees to start all 13 games last season (along with KeiVarae Russell), Smith's biggest challenge is expanding his football IQ, mastering not only his new position but also developing a better awareness of the responsibilities of the 10 others around him.

"That's always been a goal, that's how I view things," he said. "I'm wanting to potentially be the best and to be able to lead, and I think this year I'm going to get that chance, to take the next step up, of being more vocal in the locker room and being around the defense and learning the defense."

More on Notre Dame
Notre Dame For full coverage of the Irish, check out the Notre Dame blog, part of ESPN's College Football Nation. Blog
More:
• Notre Dame's clubhouse page
• ESPN Chicago's college blog

For all of his talent, Smith never forgets that his opportunity last summer to ascend from third to first on the depth chart came at the misfortune of Danny Spond, whose hemiplegic migraines forced the incumbent into early retirement during camp.

Smith was sure to make mention of his newest mentor at every turn last season, and the absence of Spond around the team this spring has not let Smith off the hook so easily.

From Spond to Smith, from Carlo Calabrese to Joe Schmidt, linebackers old and new have made sure to keep the conversation going through a group text message they started at the break of camp last August, back in Marion, Ind.

"Basically all the linebackers from last year," Smith said. "We speak almost every day, to be honest. Everyone's just seeing new information and those guys are old and moving on and actually getting ready to live life, and a couple of us are still here, grinding, just trying to have success for Notre Dame."

Still here -- sounding like anything but a guy going through his first college spring, and hoping to play like that's the case, too.

"I feel like I'm more experienced, I feel like I've been here forever," Smith said. "Time goes by so fast. I'm cherishing every moment of it."

LOL

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I'm kind of dissapointed for torii hunter as I think he may be getting recruited over. Also, our defense sounds interesting, but I want to see what our 1st and 2nd down defense looks like. I think if Nyles Morgan doesnt seize that spot, Kendal Moore may find a home on those downs.

He's coming off a broken femur and didn't play last year but is in the 2 deep. I haven't checked the depth chart to see how deep our WR depth is right now but I think that's pretty good to be in the 2 deep after such a bad injury and not playing at all his freshman year.

 

[Emcee77]

Yeah and the buzz going back to late last fall has been that Torii has been impressive in practice. I'm not worried about him. He just has to keep showing out and he will get his game reps.

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I thought Cierre had more natural ability than any back at ND in a long, long time. I don't think he was focused at times, and may not have had the work ethic that some (Theo). If he would have put it all together, he could have been an exceptional back. Even lacking as he did, he managed to put together a couple of good seasons for the Irish. As with a lot of guys, I wonder what might have been. Folston is going to be a good one and so is Bryant. If they work hard and keep their heads about them, they could be the best running back combo that ND has had in decades.

If Folston can be better than the 1st half of 2011 Cierre then I will be a really happy ND fan. And I know they compared him to Theo but if Bryant can be as good as the 2011 Jonas Gray then I will be doing backflips and I've never done a backflip in my life.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

I'm kind of dissapointed for torii hunter as I think he may be getting recruited over. Also, our defense sounds interesting, but I want to see what our 1st and 2nd down defense looks like. I think if Nyles Morgan doesnt seize that spot, Kendal Moore may find a home on those downs.

This take is on fire! Disappointed in a redshirt freshman, who you've never seen take a snap, who is in the two deep, and you think he is never going to hack it and will be recruited over? This is an afternoon-ESPN2 hot take.