2014 Spring Practice Thread

[Emcee77]

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?

Oh, I think this is the majority view on this site. I personally don't subscribe to this view yet, but there is certainly evidence for it.

 

[IrishLion]

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.

I don't think he's disappointed IN Hunter, more FOR Hunter, and I can see where he's coming from.

The staff is trying to take 3 WRs this cycle.

WR outlook 2014:
D. Daniels, RS JR
A. Carlisle, RS JR
C. Brown, JR
CJ Prosise, RS SO
C. Robinson, SO
W. Fuller, SO
T. Hunter, RS FR
J. Brent, FR
C. Holmes, FR

That's 9 WRs for 2014. That also means the staff is comfortable with 11, possibly 12 WR's on the roster in 2015 since they are trying to add 3, and 9 in 2016 (excluding FR WR's in the '16 class that may be added).

I don't necessarily agree that this means Hunter is being recruited over, but I could see where the high numbers at the position could bring up some questions.

(But maybe this just means BK wants to throw the ball every play of every game).

 

[PANDFAN]

The sophomore wide receiver has garnered a lot of positive praise this spring from head coach Brian Kelly, but isn’t immune to a tongue-lashing yet. Robinson is currently battling for a starting job in a suddenly young group or Irish pass-catchers. He make his share of youthful mistakes. Unlike a year ago, though, he’s not afraid of them.

“Last year I didn’t think you could mess up,” said Robinson, who enrolled early last spring. “I felt like I had to perform every single practice at the highest level. That’s really hard to maintain. It puts a lot of pressure on yourself, unnecessary pressure.”

Robinson watched veterans like TJ Jones and DaVaris Daniels roll through practices last spring and assumed that even the smallest of mistakes was unacceptable as he tried to adjust to major college football. He said the biggest thing he learned in his first 12 months in South Bend was that messing up was OK, as long as you don’t do it again.

Head coach Brian Kelly has noticed.

“He does exactly what I ask him to do all the time. And he does it right,” Kelly said. “He may screw it up the first time, but you coach him and he does it right the second time. I love that kid.”

Robinson’s fly-paper hands earned him playing time as a rookie. He caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, the best numbers for a true freshman at Notre Dame since Jones in 2010. His size became a weapon for Notre Dame on third downs near the sidelines.

This year — with Jones graduating, tight end Troy Niklas headed to the NFL and Daniels absent for spring practice — Robinson is trying to carve himself a bigger role in the offense by finding ways to do more. He asked the Irish defensive backs to break down his “tells” that giveaway the routes he is going to run. He worked on getting stronger during the winter. And he’s working toward being a player his teammates can turn to with their questions.

Juniors Chris Brown and C.J. Prosise have been on campus for a semester longer than Robinson and are reliable sources of knowledge. Robinson said he’s still very much in the process of answering those questions himself, but his experience on the field last year puts him in a position where he has to help his classmates.

“The mantle of leadership has passed, and it’s been kind of thrown,” he said. “It has not been passed gently, especially with DaVaris gone.”

The return of quarterback Everett Golson, who completed only two passes to receivers currently in South Bend during his 2012 debut season, has added to the confusion for the young receivers. Robinson said it took a little longer than expected to work out some of this timing with the presumed Irish starter.

Golson knows the offense well and leaves less room for errors, according to Robinson. His passes also reach receivers faster than the sophomore is used to.
Robinson said he has been more in sync with classmate Malik Zaire on his routes so far this spring, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

“Malik is like me. He’s very talented, but he’s still trying to figure it out. Me and him, we’re often on the same page because we’re on the wrong page,” Robinson said. “With Everett there’s not as much room for mistakes because he knows it in and out. …Everett throws a lot harder [that former starter Tommy Rees]. That’s an adjustment to make. Malik has a cannon too. With both those guys you have to be ready coming out of your break.”

When Golson is under center it’s less likely that one of Robinson’s mistakes will go unnoticed. That’s no longer a scary prospect for Robinson, who said it hasn’t kept him from experimenting in the first five practices of spring ball.

“I’m open to try things,” he said. “I’ve been trying ways to get off the line for instance during the 7-on-7s or team. I’ll try different things. If it doesn’t work I’ll get yelled at. If it does work then I’ll keep rolling with it.”

 

[IrishFaninTX]

The sophomore wide receiver has garnered a lot of positive praise this spring from head coach Brian Kelly, but isn’t immune to a tongue-lashing yet. Robinson is currently battling for a starting job in a suddenly young group or Irish pass-catchers. He make his share of youthful mistakes. Unlike a year ago, though, he’s not afraid of them.

“Last year I didn’t think you could mess up,” said Robinson, who enrolled early last spring. “I felt like I had to perform every single practice at the highest level. That’s really hard to maintain. It puts a lot of pressure on yourself, unnecessary pressure.”

Robinson watched veterans like TJ Jones and DaVaris Daniels roll through practices last spring and assumed that even the smallest of mistakes was unacceptable as he tried to adjust to major college football. He said the biggest thing he learned in his first 12 months in South Bend was that messing up was OK, as long as you don’t do it again.

Head coach Brian Kelly has noticed.

“He does exactly what I ask him to do all the time. And he does it right,” Kelly said. “He may screw it up the first time, but you coach him and he does it right the second time. I love that kid.”

Robinson’s fly-paper hands earned him playing time as a rookie. He caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, the best numbers for a true freshman at Notre Dame since Jones in 2010. His size became a weapon for Notre Dame on third downs near the sidelines.

This year — with Jones graduating, tight end Troy Niklas headed to the NFL and Daniels absent for spring practice — Robinson is trying to carve himself a bigger role in the offense by finding ways to do more. He asked the Irish defensive backs to break down his “tells” that giveaway the routes he is going to run. He worked on getting stronger during the winter. And he’s working toward being a player his teammates can turn to with their questions.

Juniors Chris Brown and C.J. Prosise have been on campus for a semester longer than Robinson and are reliable sources of knowledge. Robinson said he’s still very much in the process of answering those questions himself, but his experience on the field last year puts him in a position where he has to help his classmates.

“The mantle of leadership has passed, and it’s been kind of thrown,” he said. “It has not been passed gently, especially with DaVaris gone.”

The return of quarterback Everett Golson, who completed only two passes to receivers currently in South Bend during his 2012 debut season, has added to the confusion for the young receivers. Robinson said it took a little longer than expected to work out some of this timing with the presumed Irish starter.

Golson knows the offense well and leaves less room for errors, according to Robinson. His passes also reach receivers faster than the sophomore is used to.
Robinson said he has been more in sync with classmate Malik Zaire on his routes so far this spring, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

“Malik is like me. He’s very talented, but he’s still trying to figure it out. Me and him, we’re often on the same page because we’re on the wrong page,” Robinson said. “With Everett there’s not as much room for mistakes because he knows it in and out. …Everett throws a lot harder [that former starter Tommy Rees]. That’s an adjustment to make. Malik has a cannon too. With both those guys you have to be ready coming out of your break.”

When Golson is under center it’s less likely that one of Robinson’s mistakes will go unnoticed. That’s no longer a scary prospect for Robinson, who said it hasn’t kept him from experimenting in the first five practices of spring ball.

“I’m open to try things,” he said. “I’ve been trying ways to get off the line for instance during the 7-on-7s or team. I’ll try different things. If it doesn’t work I’ll get yelled at. If it does work then I’ll keep rolling with it.”

Well he didn't call Tommy out at all there, did he?

 

[#1rish]

Haven't heard anything on Shumate, anyone know how's he has looked so far?

 

[NDinL.A.]

Well he didn't call Tommy out at all there, did he?

Ben Koyack said that on the first day of practice, guys were coming back to the huddle saying how much faster the ball was on them out of their breaks and how much harder it was hitting your hands lol. He didn't want to sound like he was ripping Rees but the reporters all got a chuckle out of it.

 

[Irishman77]

I was wondering if all of the SUPER SENSITIVE Rees fans would get offended by the wr comments.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

I was wondering if all of the SUPER SENSITIVE Rees fans would get offended by the wr comments.

Something something Reesus.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Quick Review on the offense from this weekend


Offensive Recap | Irish Turning Point

 

[IrishFaninTX]

I was wondering if all of the SUPER SENSITIVE Rees fans would get offended by the wr comments.

I hope my comment wasn't taken as being sensitive. I grew to respect Rees the last couple years but I am far from a Rees fan. I am very excited that Golson is back and really thought . CRob's comments were funny.

 

[IrishHokie22]

Just test posting in this thread as I'm trying to make my pick in the IE draft thread but am getting an internal service error.

Edit: Annnnnnd I can post in this thread but not the draft thread. Weird.

 

[jspags10pg]

Quick Review on the offense from this weekend


Offensive Recap | Irish Turning Point

Great write up. Thank you.

 

[ulukinatme]

I was wondering if all of the SUPER SENSITIVE Rees fans would get offended by the wr comments.

 

[GoIrish41]

Quick Review on the offense from this weekend


Offensive Recap | Irish Turning Point

Nice write-up. Thanks TP.

 

[PANDFAN]

man, listening to power hour isn't making me feel so good about the line and pass rush unless blitzing.....sounds like Trumbetti taking reps from romeo

 

[GoIrish41]

man, listening to power hour isn't making me feel so good about the line and pass rush unless blitzing.....sounds like Trumbetti taking reps from romeo

didn't hear it. what are they saying about the line?

 

[#1rish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Takeaways from watching Irish spring practice, starting with the defense (Free) <a href="http://t.co/s9bvxQab71">http://t.co/s9bvxQab71</a></p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/statuses/448454890285592577">March 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

1. There’s no doubt the defense has a taken on a new persona. And, that’s not just due to the technicality of moving from a 3-4 base to 4-3. To me, Diaco’s defense was very compartmentalized; the line, backers and secondary acted as very separate units. On Friday and Saturday, observing Jaylon Smith playing inside, close to line of scrimmage, nipping at the heels of the defensive line in front of him was something new we haven’t seen. That coupled with the safety playing high made for a fluid, unified look from the defense. The defense’s new personality really hit home when John Turner rushed the edge, forcing Malik Zaire to release the ball early, which was greeted by a swat from Jarron Jones.
At the risk of sounding cliché, when interviewing members of the offense about the new look they were seeing from the defense, their eyes lit up, signaling, oh yeah, the pressure we’re seeing is something we’ve never seen before. From press man the wide receivers are facing to the disguised blitzes on third down, the entire defense seemed on the same page, working as one unit.

2. I touched on Cam McDaniel receiving first team reps and how he’ll receive his fair share of carries in Saturday’s practice report. My opinion here, and it’s nothing original, but Folston and Bryant need to by and large have the most carries this season. McDaniel prides himself on being a competitor who makes the most out of every run, but the best players need to run the show.

3. I believe I wrote detailed features about both Amir Carlisle and C.J. Prosise last year and their potential of being x-facotrs offense. We all know how that panned out. But, with Prosise having a year under his belt playing the position (and looking bigger, stronger) and Carlisle having the luxury of concentrating on just slot wide receiver and not dabbling at running back, those two could really pack a powerful punch as slot. It wasn’t Carlisle’s shiftiness that stood out this weekend, but rather his improved catching ability.

4. Though my eyes were mostly upon the offense, Matthias Farley didn’t stand out to me, good or bad. A bleak projection, I know, but Farley is likely keeping the nickel (which doesn’t equal ‘backup’ in VanGorder’s defense so to say) warm for Florida incomer Cody Riggs. Despite Farley’s decreased playing role, he’ll still provide a valuable voice in a somewhat inexperienced secondary and linebacker corp.

5. Think about the firepower potential of this lineup on offense. Golson at quarterback. Bryant in the slot. Robinson, Daniels at wide receiver. Folston in the backfield. Koyack detached from the line. Every one of those guys has the ability to make something special happen when the ball’s in their hands.

6. Jaylon Smith is poised to be the leader of the front seven. VanGorder has no problem barking orders at Smith or jumping on his case, but that’s because he knows Smith can handle it. And, not only that, but it was obvious during interviews that Smith embraces that instruction. He touched on the fact that both Diaco and VanGorder’s concentrations are with the linebackers, and that’s a fact that he loves. He still has a learning curve of his own, but he’ll be a great leader to Nyles Morgan, John Turner, Joe Schmidt and Kendall Moore.

7. That was my first true look at what Malik Zaire brought to the table. Such a gifted runner, he can bring value to the offense. Kelly seemed open to the idea of a two-quarterback system when asked about it on Friday, but more likely than that in my opinion is Kelly possessing a comfort level with keeping Golson out for a play or even a series if he’s slightly banged up, knowing Zaire can lead the offense.

8. I’ll touch some on VanGorder’s general philosophy, though I can’t go into specifics of what we heard from the coaches’ clinic. I know the message we’ve heard from recruits and the incoming freshman class is that VanGorder’s system is anything but simple, but I get the sense the way he prepares his players to compete will be concise and specific. During the season, early in the week, he’ll go over a tendency overview with his players, observing the norm from the opposing offense, and that will be the theme for most of the week

 

[PANDFAN]

from anna

from anna

already posted

 

[Bogtrotter07]

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.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F47F5jvr4gw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FU8rxNjA7x0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[PANDFAN]

didn't hear it. what are they saying about the line?

this was the general jist
mike just saying he didn't see the line get one pressure w/ out the use of a blitz which was very disappointing....he said he was kind of surprised to see trumbetti getting 1st team reps but it showed that romeo isn't there yet and bvg is going to play whoever is ready

 

[koonja]

Interesting to hear an offense with both Folston and Bryant on the field at the same time.

Dead horse, but with the early praise of BVG and what's being reported, I miss Diaco about as much as I miss in-laws.

Really hope Riggs can pick up that nickel position in a hurry. Having him as our slot corner adds a lot of athleticism.

 

[IrishLax]

this was the general jist
mike just saying he didn't see the line get one pressure w/ out the use of a blitz which was very disappointing....he said he was kind of surprised to see trumbetti getting 1st team reps but it showed that romeo isn't there yet and bvg is going to play whoever is ready

This is one time where I think Frank is missing the forest for the trees. In the coach's clinic practices everyone from PWO Eric Lee to Cam McDaniel to Trumbetti to John Turner got 1st team reps. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Romeo "not being ready" and is a product of them just wanting to give everyone reps and see what they can do.

 

[Luckylucci]

this was the general jist
mike just saying he didn't see the line get one pressure w/ out the use of a blitz which was very disappointing....he said he was kind of surprised to see trumbetti getting 1st team reps but it showed that romeo isn't there yet and bvg is going to play whoever is ready

FWIW, the guys at II haven't been too optimistic on Okwara. Nothing overly negative but he hasn't been making many plays while they've been watching. There just isn't much skill to his game. I still think he can get there but I'd like to see more before spring is over.

 

[Cackalacky]

Interesting to hear an offense with both Folston and Bryant on the field at the same time.

Last year I posted several times I thought that we might/would/could/should go to more 2 RB sets but that was before the mysterious issues regarding Bryant, which later turned out to be a lingering injury. I hope they stay healthy for that to be the case.

 

[woolybug25]

How much time have the guys at II even seen of spring practice? They are putting in new scheme and getting everybody reps. Seems foolish to start making broad generalizations because a guy hasn't had some breakout play in the limited time they have watched.

Romeo has already been on the field... in actual games. So I think he has shown more than what they are giving him credit for. These recruitniks are self serving sensationalists that are an ant's dick away from being the TMZ of football recruiting. Snapping at any story they can attach themselves to. I don't buy that Romeo is struggling nor do I buy that these guys have enough information to make these generalizations.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

This is one time where I think Frank is missing the forest for the trees. In the coach's clinic practices everyone from PWO Eric Lee to Cam McDaniel to Trumbetti to John Turner got 1st team reps. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Romeo "not being ready" and is a product of them just wanting to give everyone reps and see what they can do.

A couple of points with yours :

This spring is about teaching everyone a new defense. BVG already says you learn by doing, (and having him yell at you.) (Kidding about the last.)

What is most important is that in three practices, the defense has gone from no one being on the same page to, "fluid operation." This was reported time and time again by witnesses from Saturday's practice.

The offense is pleased and impressed with the defenses progress.

Have these people seen a BVG defense, and how it operates?

FWIW, the guys at II haven't been too optimistic on Okwara. Nothing overly negative but he hasn't been making many plays while they've been watching. There just isn't much skill to his game. I still think he can get there but I'd like to see more before spring is over.

Have they ever watched the Jets?

 

[PANDFAN]

more on amir

more on amir

In 2011, he began his college career at rival USC. 2012 marked his first year at Notre Dame. In 2013, he worked his way into the rotation for the first time at running back. In 2014, his fourth year on a college campus, he’s transitioning from running back to slot receiver.

“New change, new scenery, but it’s been going well,” he said. “It’s been fun. I’ve been liking it.”

Last season, Carlisle entered the fall as one of five running backs vying for the starting position. He led the Irish in rushing yards against Temple and Michigan before one play under the lights in West Lafayette, Ind., changed the course of his season — and career.

Last September, Carlisle fumbled midway through the fourth quarter with Notre Dame protecting a 31-24 lead. The Boilermakers recovered at the Irish 41-yard line. Notre Dame forced a three-and-out and held on for the seven-point win, but Carlisle never got past that crisp fall evening: He carried the ball only 17 times in Notre Dame’s final 10 games after recording 30 in the first three contests.

“It’s just growing pains,” Carlisle said. “It was my first season back in a while. Sometimes it’s going to go well for you, sometimes it’s not. You have to know how to handle adversity. I came up against some adversity and I’m a team guy, so as long as we were winning I was happy.

“For me individually, there were some things I had to note to really work on this offseason to better myself for the upcoming season.”

When Carlisle returned to campus following winter break, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock called him into his office in the Guglielmino Athletics Complex with some news: Notre Dame planned on moving him to slot receiver. For a player whose role diminished during the course of the 2013 season, he’s embracing the change as an opportunity to see the field at a position where the Irish lack experience.

“It started in the offseason during one of the workouts just really getting chemistry with [senior quarterback Everett Golson] and [sophomore quarterback Malik Zaire] and working at the craft of route-running and catching a lot of different passes and getting repetitions,” Carlisle said. “Since spring started it’s been great. … Just really for me the change has been focusing on some of the finer details of the game with releasing, route running. It comes with experience, but it’s going well.”

Amir Carlisle
Carlisle caught seven passes a year ago.

So far this spring, it has shown. During a March 19 practice open to the media, Carlisle reeled in a Golson pass on a corner route that would have been difficult to envision a year ago.

“He's doing well,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “Barring any setbacks there, if he continues to move forward, it would be him and [junior receiver] C.J. Prosise in a lot of the inside receiver positions. [Sophomore] Torii Hunter will get some work there as well. Those guys have worked a lot and are doing a very nice job of it.”

Carlisle wouldn’t go as far as to call the move from running back bittersweet. In some ways, it’s as if nothing has changed.

“They motion me in the backfield a few times during practices and I’m still taking handoffs, so for me it’s all positives,” said Carlisle, who caught seven passes for 30 yards last season. “Any way I can help contribute and glorify God, I’m willing to [do it].

“I felt comfortable [catching in 2013]. Last year was the first year I’ve been lined up wide. I’ve had my growing pains, but it’s definitely been a nice transition for me. It’s different, but I really like it.”

Last fall marked the first time Carlisle had played since 2011. During that time, he transferred and suffered a broken ankle (spring 2012) and collarbone (spring 2013). For Carlisle, those two years felt more like 10.

“It was definitely an interesting experience not being on the field for a while,” he said. “It was definitely an acclimation type period where I had to feel how it felt how to have pads on again and get hit again. I felt as though I transitioned well from that and now going into the 2014 season, that experience is helping me that much more.”

 

[#1rish]

FYI, II updated their depth chart yesterday:

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

 

[Irish Houstonian]

I'm a little surprised by the implied negativity toward Diaco. It just seems a little...forced. Like sour grapes-y. (Probably not the right idiom, you know what I mean).

I mean, the 2012 defense was one of the best scoring and red-zone defenses in recent college football history. And suddenly his defenses didn't play as "a unit"? And couldn't get pressure? I get that they want to support the new guy, but c'mon man.

 

[Luckylucci]

How much time have the guys at II even seen of spring practice? They are putting in new scheme and getting everybody reps. Seems foolish to start making broad generalizations because a guy hasn't had some breakout play in the limited time they have watched.

Romeo has already been on the field... in actual games. So I think he has shown more than what they are giving him credit for. These recruitniks are self serving sensationalists that are an ant's dick away from being the TMZ of football recruiting. Snapping at any story they can attach themselves to. I don't buy that Romeo is struggling nor do I buy that these guys have enough information to make these generalizations.

Your entitled to that opinion and its no skin of my back. I'll just point out they have had positive things to say about 3 of the 4 starting Dlineman and not Okwara. Also, Okwara's game experience means something but he is our starting WDE now, he needs to be more than a body on the field. His production needs to drastically increase and right now they're just saying they don't see indication of that. They have by no means said that Trumbetti is taking his spot nor did my post insinuate that. I'm on board with Lax that its just giving reps to guys that may need to be called on at some point.