NewEnglandGuy
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This is just a little something I've been messing with on iSpreadsheet. After the Troy Pride Jr commit, our roster resembles the above picture.
The document will be updated as changes occur. Please post thoughts and corrections. It is not meant to be redundant, instead it is another tool to show the balance of roster management required to close the 2016 recruiting class with attrition of roster depth expected and unexpected.
For more specifics on 2016 recruiting options, IrishLax has done a great job in the "Upshot" thread here: http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/not...ng/279354-upshot-rest-class-2016-edition.html
The road to 85:
*First, some liberties were taken to assume the current 87 roster spots listed. With that being said; the status of the five players ND submitted draft evaluations for is uncertain.
Ronnie Stanley
Has declared for NFL draft. Not included on 2016 roster.
Jaylon Smith
Conventional wisdom says he will forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.
KeiVarae Russell
It is likewise thought he will forgo the 2016 season with ND as his path to return has major pitfalls in accordance to the NFL draft timeline of events.
Will Fuller
Despite his November 11th, 2015 definitive statement on returning for his senior year, it has since been reported he is considering all options. His decision will likely hinge on the upcoming grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board.
CJ Prosise
The 1,000 yard rusher battled multiple injuries in 2015 after taking the bulk of the carries at a thin position for ND once Tarean Folston went down. More time to develop as a running back may be beneficial after an offseason position change from slot receiver. He will likely weigh this against NFL RB shelf life and obtaining his degree from ND this spring.
*Assuming Smith and Russell do not return, the total scholarships are at 85.
2016 Recruiting
It has been reported ND may have multiple "silent" commits. As the "Upshot" thread describes, we lead for Javon McKinley and Jonathan Jones. With likely only 6 scholarship LBs remaining from the 2015 roster, and our heavy involvement in multiple highly recruited LB prospects, another remaining recruit for the class is probably one of: Jeffrey McCulloch, Caleb Kelly, Jonah Morris, Ben Davis, or Brendan Ferns.
*Assuming 3 more 2016 recruits, the total scholarships are at 88.
Additional number crunching to be at 85
5th year senior Jarron Jones has been confirmed. 6th year senior Avery Sebastian has been assumed due to safety depth concerns, the absence of returning in 2015 after he was cleared from injury, and comments by Brian Kelly of his "to win a championship only" availability late in the season. Does ND hold two scholarship long snappers on the roster by returning Scott Daly? Other players with 5th year eligibility include: Mark Harrell, John Turner, and Nicky Baratti.
What about documented malcontent players during the 2015 season such as Jay Hayes and Grant Blankenship?
Medical scholarships for current or off season injuries, players buried on the depth chart looking for playing time, and unfortunate troubles with academics, the law, or res life will likely trim the roster further as it has every year.
Whatever the case, if ND adds three more 2016 recruits without any decommits for a total of 24 incoming freshmen, there will be a number crunch resulting in attrition of underclassmen, upperclassmen, or post grads unless all NFL prospects declare to leave. I'm sure additional room will be made if other elite recruits are impressed after a bowl win over Ohio State, but in the words of Mike Frank at ISD: "it will be interesting."
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