2015 Spring Practice Thread

[Irish YJ]

I think he'll do well recruiting but I don't see RB recruiting getting much better than it already has been. We've done well recruiting top 10ish RB's over the recent years.

Since 2008 we've brought in 6 top 15 rb's

-Jonas Gray
-Theo Riddick
-Cierre Wood
-Greg Bryant
-Tarean Folston
-Dexter Williams

And thats not including other top 250 players that we've brought in like GAIII and Josh Adams for RB.

Agree, but it seems we were bridesmaids a few times too many. Not saying the new crew can, or will do better, but it would not shock me to see our average improve a bit. Personally I'll be more than happy with the same so long as the development and utilization improve.

 

[NDokie13]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK on Denson: I really didn't think I was going to hire him -- until he interviewed. He blew me away in the interview.</p>— Tim O'Malley (@timomalleyND) <a href="https://twitter.com/timomalleyND/status/572431368262688768">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I really like the sound of this. I don't think it's too big of a stretch to say that interviewing skills should correlate to recruiting ability in at least some form or another. If Denson can sell himself that easily to the head coach of Notre Dame for a position he wasn't even the frontrunner for, he ought to be a natural at selling his own alma mater to a bunch of 18 year old kids.

 

[Luckylucci]

Agree, but it seems we were bridesmaids a few times too many. Not saying the new crew can, or will do better, but it would not shock me to see our average improve a bit. Personally I'll be more than happy with the same so long as the development and utilization improve.

Well, for the 2015 class we finished 6th for our avg. ranking according to 247. I don't see this staff significantly increasing that ranking. Could we get to 4th or 5th, sure. We did in 2013, when we finished 4th but I don't see us all of a sudden signing the #1 or #2 class this year or next. However, what I'm hoping this staff can do a better job at or the program as a whole is not having anymore big misses. We can't keep having rather large eligibility gaps at different positions.

Also, to elaborate a little further on my initial post. ND has always done a good job at recruiting offensive talent. What we've lacked is recruiting enough talent on D. DB's and DL's especially. I'm optimistic that the biggest difference in recruiting will come from the DL and Keith Gilmore. Going from 6th overall to 4th or 5th best isn't a significant difference thats where coaching and development come into play. However, if we can consistently bring in quality Dlineman that could have a huge impact.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Fantastic decision having Sanford responsible for recruiting in TX in addition to CA...he will be our best recruiter. I could honestly see this staff taking recruiting to a whole different level. We potentially have 3 or 4 Tony Alfords now.

Definitely will do a better job that Alford. Alford was a great asset and ambassador to Notre Dame, but I fully expect Denson/Sanford to be easily better than Alford.

 

[Luckylucci]

Definitely will do a better job that Alford. Alford was a great asset and ambassador to Notre Dame, but I fully expect Denson/Sanford to be easily better than Alford.

So my question then would be, how do you quantify them definitely doing a better job or easily being better?

 

[dublinirish]

people don't get too attached to sanford, if he is here longer than 1/2 years i would be surprized. Guy is gonna be a prime candidate for a HC gig sooner rather than later

 

[GoIrish41]

Fantastic decision having Sanford responsible for recruiting in TX in addition to CA...he will be our best recruiter. I could honestly see this staff taking recruiting to a whole different level. We potentially have 3 or 4 Tony Alfords now.

That is a tremendous amount of real estate to cover for one coach ... given the geographic size and the amount of talent that resides in those states.

 

[ulukinatme]

people don't get too attached to sanford, if he is here longer than 1/2 years i would be surprized. Guy is gonna be a prime candidate for a HC gig sooner rather than later

If Sanford is leaving for another position in 1-2 years because he did a phenomenal job on offense and got us a national championship, I will pack his bags for him and help him move. Otherwise, if we don't win a big one I would guess he'll be here closer to 3-4 years if everything goes well still and then takes a HC gig. I don't want to speculate on if we do poorly.

That is a tremendous amount of real estate to cover for one coach ... given the geographic size and the amount of talent that resides in those states.

To be honest, with the way a lot of Cali prospects have turned out, I would be fine if we didn't focus there as much. It looks like we have two guys covering Texas, and I'm all for that.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

That is a tremendous amount of real estate to cover for one coach ... given the geographic size and the amount of talent that resides in those states.

Also, easily 2 of the top 3 most talent rich states in the country where you want your best recruiter farming. He will have Lyght's assistance in TX and Denbrock in CA. I love the decision and it truly shows how highly Coach Kelly regards Sanford.

I would have no complaints at all if we were able to hold onto Sanford just long enough to make him the next HC at ND if/when Brian Kelly moves on. Really believe this guy is going to be Urban Meyer big time. Whether it ends up at ND or somewhere else remains to be seen.

How this all relates back to the team and what we will see starting to take shape this spring is very intriguing. It will for many reasons be a different team offensively, and with more growth and experience in the new system on the defensive side of the ball, I'm cautiously optimistic and shamelessly excited!

 

[Irish_I_HadHair]

I'm curious who the special assistant for special teams will be. These new College quality control gigs seem to go to 3 types: 1. The coach in his prime who's holding out for a good job, but just needs keep his iron in the fire. (Quinn/Lupoi) 2. The old coach who's either not in demand anymore or just wants to scale back his workload. (Elliott). 3. The novice looking to break-in (Lyght at Oregon).

I hope there's a dynamic ST mind in need of a job right now. Preferably with the experience.

 

[Fbolt]

^absolutely great handle - reps

 

[kmoose]

ND has always done a good job at recruiting offensive talent. What we've lacked is recruiting enough talent on D. DB's and DL's especially.

I'm not sure that is true:

Darrin Walls
Harrison Smith
Zeke Motta
Bennett Jackson
David Bruton
Sergio Brown
Robert Blanton

are all former ND DBs that are playing in the NFL now.

Kapron Lewis-Moore
Louis Nix III
Kona Schwenke
Justin Tuck
Stephon Tuitt
Ian Williams

are all former ND DL who are currently playing in the NFL.

 

[PANDFAN]

I'm not sure that is true:

Darrin Walls- barely a starter
Harrison Smith-boss
Zeke Motta-injured 24/7
Bennett Jackson-did he even play
David Bruton-sp teams ace
Sergio Brown- obviously not a colts fan
Robert Blanton-much improved

are all former ND DBs that are playing in the NFL now.

Kapron Lewis-Moore-too injured to know
Louis Nix III-injured hasn't played
Kona Schwenke-how many teams has he been on?? 3 already
Justin Tuck-our 1 that you can hang your hat on
Stephon Tuitt-decent
Ian Williams-decent when not injured

are all former ND DL who are currently playing in the NFL.

very few people have even heard of a lot of these guys unless you're an ND fan...

 

[kmoose]

very few people have even heard of a lot of these guys unless you're an ND fan...

The question is not whether or not they are stars. If these guys are talented enough to make it in the NFL, then you can hardly assert that we have had problems bringing talent in at their position(s).

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>We continue to get better one day at a time! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/4For40?src=hash">#4For40</a> <a href="https://t.co/muLMW2nAsO">https://t.co/muLMW2nAsO</a></p>— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/572756330177536001">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[NDdomer2]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kelly said the structure of the offense will not change, “but we’re always looking for improvements.” Centered around personnel, then plays.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/572435575610994688">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BK: Always looking for ways to run the offense more efficiently. Needs to fit the plays first and the players second....amen</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/572435629994336256">March 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I just listened to the press conference. Kelly clear says fit the players first then the plays. I think this tweet is backwards.

 

[Luckylucci]

I'm not sure that is true:

Darrin Walls
Harrison Smith
Zeke Motta


are all former ND DBs that are playing in the NFL now.

Kapron Lewis-Moore
Louis Nix III
Justin Tuck
Stephon Tuitt


are all former ND DL who are currently playing in the NFL.

First things first. My original post on this was to address recruiting not development or maturation. The comment was made about us being able to recruit a top 10 RB going forward and I pointed out that we've done a really good job at recruiting RB's so I don't really see that getting much better (margin of improvement). However, we can improve on our DB and DL recruiting by a fair margin. That statement didn't have to do with whether they panned out, developed or progressed throughout their careers. Simply addressing his statement about recruiting highly rated players. FWIW, I don't use this as a good measure normally but it was the measure that he chose for what would be successful.

Secondly, the example above was a very poor effort in proving your point. I pointed out that we've brought in 6 top 15 RB's since 2008 and you put together a list of with very few top 15 players at their respective positions and went much further back in order to so. Again this has nothing to do with development but a statement on recruiting. I'll put together a list below.

This list is of players we've recruited since 2008 that were top 15 at their respective position.

2008
DB: Dan McCarthy, Jamoris Slaughter
DE: Ethan Johnson, KLM
DT: Sean Cwynar

2009
DB: Zeke Motta

2010
DT: Louis Nix

2011
DB: Eilar Hardy
DE: Councell, Tuitt, Lynch, Williams

2012
DB: Elijah Shumate
DT: Sheldon Day. Jarron Jones

2013
DB: Redfield, Cole Luke
DE: Isaac Rochelle

2014
DB: Watkings
DE: Trumbetti
DT: Jay Hayes

2015
DB: Shaun Crawford

So that is 9 DB's, 8 DE's, and 4 DT's over 7 years. Considering that you play 3-4x times (2CB and 2S; 2DE and 2DT to 1RB) the number of DB's and DL to RB's I wouldn't say that they are even remotely close to the same level of recruiting. Now has it been bad? Nope, never said that. What I said was that is was the place for the most improvement, IMO. I think this clearly illustrates that.

 

[Johannes]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There is no off-season. Building Champions! More to come. <a href="http://t.co/kcncXpFJyi">pic.twitter.com/kcncXpFJyi</a></p>— Notre Dame Strength (@NDFBStrength) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFBStrength/status/572907761819910144">March 3, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

When do we get our first practice video?

 

[ClausentoTate]

In about two weeks when practice starts

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

In about two weeks when practice starts

Ha ha, thanks. I haven't been plugged in lately.

 

[arrowryan]

A pretty good question was brought up on Scout. With Hegarty gone, who is the next man in if Elmer/Nelson go down? Is it McGovern? Does Martin slide over to guard and let the back up (Harrell or Hoge) play center? Maybe Montelus will finally be ready?

 

[Wild Bill]

A pretty good question was brought up on Scout. With Hegarty gone, who is the next man in if Elmer/Nelson go down? Is it McGovern? Does Martin slide over to guard and let the back up (Harrell or Hoge) play center? Maybe Montelus will finally be ready?

Can Bars play guard? It seems like he may be considered the best non-starter by the staff (just a guess) and they seem to like the best five play approach. I'm just not sure he can play inside.

Bivin could be another guy that can slide in and play center or guard.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Can Bars play guard? It seems like he may be considered the best non-starter by the staff (just a guess) and they seem to like the best five play approach. I'm just not sure he can play inside.

Bivin could be another guy that can slide in and play center or guard.

They may be a little gun-shy about playing someone at guard with the idea they can transition to tackle a year later after Elmer's difficulties with changing footwork. Even if Bars is potentially 5% better at guard than the next guy they might wish to protect his future by keeping him working at tackle.

 

[arrowryan]

Can Bars play guard? It seems like he may be considered the best non-starter by the staff (just a guess) and they seem to like the best five play approach. I'm just not sure he can play inside.

Bivin could be another guy that can slide in and play center or guard.

I thought I heard Bivin has been having injury problems. I know that Bars is the next man at tackle, not sure about guard though

 

[PANDFAN]

mcgovern

 

[clashmore_mike]

Looks like Camp Kelly starts today

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Looks like Camp Kelly starts today

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Interesting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> DBs coach Todd Lyght indicated GA Mo Crum would be assisting him on back end of the defense. BVG/Elston work w/ LBs.</p>— Tim Prister (@timprister) <a href="https://twitter.com/timprister/status/573809697075171328">March 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

Pics or it didn't happen.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Rise and grind. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/campkelly?src=hash">#campkelly</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/strength?src=hash">#strength</a> <a href="http://t.co/ot4IF2bfs6">pic.twitter.com/ot4IF2bfs6</a></p>— Notre Dame Strength (@NDFBStrength) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFBStrength/status/573794850727985152">March 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>