2016 Roster Breakdown

[Domina Nostra]

Apologies if someone has already posted this, and please let me know if I need to make any corrections, but this is where I think we stand on numbers going into spring:

I really had no idea how thin we are at LB. Safety is crazy. Slot is thin. And we don't have quite as much OL depth as I thought. But overall, we look great. There are so few people on the roster I'd be afriad to play.

QB
1) Malik Zaire, Sr. '17
2) Deshone Kizer, Jr. '18
3) Brandon Wimbush, So. ‘18

RB
4) Tarean Folston, Sr. '16
5) Justin Brent, Jr. '18
6) Josh Adams, So. '18
7) Dexter Williams, So. '18

WR-slot
8) Torii Hunter, Sr. '17
9) CJ Sanders, So. ‘18

WR-boundary
10) Corey Robinson, Sr. '16
11) Corey Holmes, Jr. '18
12) Equanimeous St. Brown, So. ‘18
13) Miles Boykin, So. ‘19
14) Kevin Stepherson, EE

TE
15) Durham Smythe, Sr. '17
16) Nic Weishar, Jr. '18
17) Aliz’e Jones, So. ‘18

OT
18) Mike McGlinchey, Sr. '17
19) Hunter Biven, Sr. '17
20) Alex Bars, Jr. '18

OT/OG
21) Colin McGovern, Sr. '17
22) Jimmy Byrne, Jr. '18

OG/C
23) Steven Elmer, Sr. '16
24) Quentin Nelson, Jr. '18
25) John Montelus, Sr. '17
26) Sam Mustipher, Jr. '18
27) Tristen Hoge, So. '19
28) Trevor Ruhland, , So. '19

DT
29) Jarron Jones, RSS. '16
30) Jacob Matuska, Sr. '17
31) Daniel Cage, Jr. '17
32) Peter Mokwuah, Jr. '18
33) Jerry Tillery, So. '18
34) Brandon Tiassum, So. '19
35) Elijah Taylor, So. '19

SDE
36) Isaac Rochell, Sr. '16
37) Jay Hayes, Jr. '18
38) Micah Dew-Treadway, So. '19
39) Jonathan Bonner, Jr. '17
40) Khalid Kareem, EE

WDE
41) Grant Blankenship, Jr. '17
42) Andrew Trumbetti, Jr. '17
43) Dough Randolph, Sr. '17

Rush End/OLB
44) Daelin Hayes, EE

LB
45) James Onwualu, Sr. '16
46) Greer Martini, Jr. '17
47) Tevon Coney, So. '18
48) Josh Barajas, So. '19
49) Asmar Bilal, So. '19

MIKE LB
50) Nyles Morgan, Jr. '17

CB
51) Cole Luke, Sr. '16
52) Nick Watkins, Jr. '18
53) Nick Coleman, So. '18
54) Shaun Crawford, So. '19

DB
55) Devin Butler, Sr. '16
56) Nicco Fertitta, So. '18
57) Ashton White, So. 19

SS
58) Dru Tranquil, Jr. '17
59) Spencer Perrry, EE

FS
60) Max Redfield, Sr. '16
61) Mykelti Williams, So. '19
62) Devin Studstill, EE

ST
63) Scot Daly, RSS '16
64) Tyler Newsome, Jr. '18
65) K- Justin Yoon, So. '18

Likely transfers
66) Jalen Guyton , So. ‘19

Fall Commits
67) QB- Ian Book
68) RB- Tony Jones Jr.
69) RB2- Deon McIntosh
70) WR2- Chase Claypool
71) WR3- Javon McKinnley
72) OT1- Liam Eichenberg
73) OT2- Tommy Kraemer
74) OG- Parker Boudreaux
75) SDE2- Adetokunbo Ogundejino
76) WDE- Julian Okwara
77) WDE/LB2- Jamir Jones
78) DB1- Donte Vaughn
79) DB2- DJ Morgan
80) DB3- Jalen Elliot
81) CB1- Julian Love
82) CB2- Tony Pride Jr.
83) LS- John Shannon

84) LB1
85) WR4
86) Best available???
87) Best available???

Other Potential Redshirts
88) Avery Sebastian
89) John Turner
90) Nicky Barratti
91) Mark Harrell

 

[Johannes]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mark Harrell is another fifth year option.

 

[stlnd01]

Gotta think we see a couple of those corners move over to safety. And either a boundary WR or an RB shift to the slot.
Also figure on Prosise, probably Fuller and hopefully Russell back next year, which will affect the math.

 

[GoIrish41]

Doubt we see Fuller back!

 

[Domina Nostra]

Gotta think we see a couple of those corners move over to safety. And either a boundary WR or an RB shift to the slot.
Also figure on Prosise, probably Fuller and hopefully Russell back next year, which will affect the math.

Ashton White looks like he could hold up at safety, but I'd be tempted to put Butler out there too.

Corey Holmes sounds like he's fluid enough to play slot, and I guess Brent or Williams could also be interesting options.

I think Procise and Fuller should come back, and probably will, but Russell won't.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Gotta think we see a couple of those corners move over to safety. And either a boundary WR or an RB shift to the slot.
Also figure on Prosise, probably Fuller and hopefully Russell back next year, which will affect the math.

It's extremely doubtful that Russell comes back and if Fuller and CJ get decent draft scores, they may bounce as well, eventhough I think a lot of us agree there's still room to improve their game. Bottom line, all three of those guys could be gone so I wouldn't figure on them returning, just yet.

Ashton White looks like he could hold up at safety, but I'd be tempted to put Butler out there too.

Corey Holmes sounds like he's fluid enough to play slot, and I guess Brent or Williams could also be interesting options.

I think Procise and Fuller should come back, and probably will, but Russell won't.

I thought the same thing about White and Butler. Both need to be at Safety.

 

[dales5050]

It's extremely doubtful that Russell comes back and if Fuller and CJ get decent draft scores, they may bounce as well, eventhough I think a lot of us agree there's still room to improve their game. Bottom line, all three of those guys could be gone so I wouldn't figure on them returning, just yet.

I don't think either Fuller or CJ are going to get decent (Rounds 1-3) draft grades. I think at best both are looking at the 4th round.

The decision, I think, for both of these players is where do they want to work on being a complete player. Fuller needs to work on his hands and CJ needs to work on how to get short yards. Do they do that at ND making another run or on practice fields of a NFL team is the question.

 

[beryirish]

Jaylon Smith - NFL prospect?

 

[NDdomer2]

Gotta think we see a couple of those corners move over to safety.

Ashton White looks like he could hold up at safety, but I'd be tempted to put Butler out there too.

I thought the same thing about White and Butler. Both need to be at Safety.

I think we will see some cross training during spring ball but we look poised to bring in a ton of DB's for the fall so who knows where guys land positionally.

Committed:

1 true safety, 1 true CB. Then you have 2 sets of 2 "tweeners".

Julian Love - CB

Devin Studstill - S

Donte Vaughn - CB/S (tall, long could potentially play FS)
Jalen Elliott - CB/S

DJ Morgan - S/LB
Spencer Perry - S/LB

We are still recruiting 4 more DBs (taking up to 3???).

Hamlin
Pride
Long
Fuller

I like the fact that a lot of these kids early have gotten/will get chances to play multiple positions. gives the coaches room to play around and just get the best 4-5 guys in situations they can excel in.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I don't think either Fuller or CJ are going to get decent (Rounds 1-3) draft grades. I think at best both are looking at the 4th round.

The decision, I think, for both of these players is where do they want to work on being a complete player. Fuller needs to work on his hands and CJ needs to work on how to get short yards. Do they do that at ND making another run or on practice fields of a NFL team is the question.

Both have a ton of speed, though, and you can't teach that.

But this is a case where I think another year benefits them greatly, unlike Stanley or Smith.

 

[kmoose]

Other Potential Redshirts
Avery Sebastian
John Turner
Nicky Barratti
Mark Harrell

I don't think Sebastian would be eligible for a RS. He played at Cal in 2011. So that means that 2016 would already be his 6th year to complete 4 years of participation.

 

[NDRock]

I don't think Sebastian would be eligible for a RS. He played at Cal in 2011. So that means that 2016 would already be his 6th year to complete 4 years of participation.

I think there was talk about him getting a medical 6th year as his redshirt season was a medical redshirt. He would have to appeal to the NCAA, not sure how often they are granted though.

 

[NDRock]

It's extremely doubtful that Russell comes back and if Fuller and CJ get decent draft scores, they may bounce as well, eventhough I think a lot of us agree there's still room to improve their game. Bottom line, all three of those guys could be gone so I wouldn't figure on them returning, just yet.

I thought the same thing about White and Butler. Both need to be at Safety.

Did I hear correctly that KVR would need to appeal to the NCAA for another year? If so, I think he's gone. Also, between Fuller and CJ, I would prefer Fuller come back. Not to take away from what CJ did this year but he's replaceable with guys on the roster, I've not seen anyone do what Fuller can do in stretching the D.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I think we will see some cross training during spring ball but we look poised to bring in a ton of DB's for the fall so who knows where guys land positionally.

Committed:

1 true safety, 1 true CB. Then you have 2 sets of 2 "tweeners".

Julian Love - CB

Devin Studstill - S

Donte Vaughn - CB/S (tall, long could potentially play FS)
Jalen Elliott - CB/S

DJ Morgan - S/LB
Spencer Perry - S/LB

We are still recruiting 4 more DBs (taking up to 3???).

Hamlin
Pride
Long
Fuller

I like the fact that a lot of these kids early have gotten/will get chances to play multiple positions. gives the coaches room to play around and just get the best 4-5 guys in situations they can excel in.

I also like how this should theoretically help on special teams. Having more fast twitch athletes on the roster should only help in that regard and give a number of these guys a chance to play under the bright lights before being left on an island with only a vague idea of who they should be covering after doing all of the calculations in this complex defense.

 

[kmoose]

I think there was talk about him getting a medical 6th year as his redshirt season was a medical redshirt. He would have to appeal to the NCAA, not sure how often they are granted though.

But 2016 would be that 6th year. If he sat it out, then they could not redshirt him again. As far as I know, there is no provision for extending it out to 7 years to play 4, which is what you would have to do.

 

[NDRock]

But 2016 would be that 6th year. If he sat it out, then they could not redshirt him again. As far as I know, there is no provision for extending it out to 7 years to play 4, which is what you would have to do.

I'm confused. Next year would be his 6th year. I believe his career would break down like this:

2011 (Freshman) - played in twelve games.

2012 (Sophomore) - played in eleven games.

2013 (Junior) - was hurt in first game of the year was granted a medical redshirt.

2014 (Senior) - played in seven games

2015 (5th Year) - hurt in first game of the year and could be granted another medical redshirt.

If the NCAA gives him another medical redshirt for last year that would mean he has only played 3 seasons of action (2011, 2012, 2014) while getting two redshirt years (2013, 2015). At least this is how I understand how it works, I could be wrong though.

 

[dales5050]

Both have a ton of speed, though, and you can't teach that.

But this is a case where I think another year benefits them greatly, unlike Stanley or Smith.

Are you Al Davis?

I think another year for both is also the better option. CJ does not need to carry the load for the entire season...and he won't have to. So he can just focus on good quality carries.

Will, beyond working on his hands, can also work on going down as statistically the best WR in history for ND.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

If we were guessing positions for these players, where would you put them?

Love - CB?
Vaughn - CB?
Studstill - S
Perry - S
Elliot - CB or S
Pride Jr - CB

I've heard the numbers before but that has to be the most secondary we've ever signed if we get Long or Hamlin or Pride Jr or Fuller. It's just hard for me to imagine how it'll shake out. I guess the best will vie for playing time and others will take the RS/GS. Perhaps some will fight for nickel snaps and others may switch positions? WR?

 

[kmoose]

I'm confused. Next year would be his 6th year. I believe his career would break down like this:

2011 (Freshman) - played in twelve games.

2012 (Sophomore) - played in eleven games.

2013 (Junior) - was hurt in first game of the year was granted a medical redshirt.

2014 (Senior) - played in seven games

2015 (5th Year) - hurt in first game of the year and could be granted another medical redshirt.

If the NCAA gives him another medical redshirt for last year that would mean he has only played 3 seasons of action (2011, 2012, 2014) while getting two redshirt years (2013, 2015). At least this is how I understand how it works, I could be wrong though.

Ah, ok. I completely misunderstood the original post. I thought that someone was suggesting that he could sit out 2016 and be redshirted for that year.

 

[Domina Nostra]

If we were guessing positions for these players, where would you put them?

Love - CB?
Vaughn - CB?
Studstill - S
Perry - S
Elliot - CB or S
Pride Jr - CB

I've heard the numbers before but that has to be the most secondary we've ever signed if we get Long or Hamlin or Pride Jr or Fuller. It's just hard for me to imagine how it'll shake out. I guess the best will vie for playing time and others will take the RS/GS. Perhaps some will fight for nickel snaps and others may switch positions? WR?

Excluding nickle and dime:

Pride Jr.: CB
Love: CB
Elliot: CB/FS
Studstill: FS/SS
Vaughn: SS
Perry: SS/Sam

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Excluding nickle and dime:

Pride Jr.: CB
Love: CB
Elliot: CB/FS
Studstill: FS/SS
Vaughn: SS
Perry: SS/Sam

Then let's add Morgan as well since Perry got the SS/Sam tag, which is where I think Morgan will find himself.

Going to be a lot of good competition this spring/summer/fall.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Updated

 

[Domina Nostra]

Updated

 

[NDWorld247]

WR is very thin with Fuller declaring and Guyton likely transferring. We have to find a way to get Alize involved in the passing game.

 

[dublinirish]

WR is very thin with Fuller declaring and Guyton likely transferring. We have to find a way to get Alize involved in the passing game.

any grad transfer slot receivers out there? a richard mullaney type perhaps

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A lot of football left in me. Excited to see where 2016 takes me✈️</p>— Avery Sebastian (@JimThqrpe4) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimThqrpe4/status/684027635056394240">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel">@mikevorel</a> yeah</p>— Avery Sebastian (@JimThqrpe4) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimThqrpe4/status/684038423867469824">January 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sounds like Sebastian will be back

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

WR is very thin with Fuller declaring and Guyton likely transferring. We have to find a way to get Alize involved in the passing game.

Thin but incredibly talented. ESB and Boykin were praised all off season and THJr and CJ Sanders have already shown they can play. I wonder if THJr will go out wide to allow CJS to work the slot.

Corey Robinson had a decent year although we all keep waiting for that giant leap to the next level. Holmes is a question mark but I remember many people excited about his tracking ability and route running.

A lot of open competition with Brown and Fuller gone.

Alize/Smythe/Weishar should help keep defenses honest next year. I think the TEs will be utilized much more next year.

 

[irish o'phile]

Looking at that list, I have no idea who the team leaders/captains will be. Obviously, that could be a real issue.

 

[NDWorld247]

Thin but incredibly talented. ESB and Boykin were praised all off season and THJr and CJ Sanders have already shown they can play. I wonder if THJr will go out wide to allow CJS to work the slot.

Corey Robinson had a decent year although we all keep waiting for that giant leap to the next level. Holmes is a question mark but I remember many people excited about his tracking ability and route running.

A lot of open competition with Brown and Fuller gone.

Alize/Smythe/Weishar should help keep defenses honest next year. I think the TEs will be utilized much more next year.

Yes, very talented but also extremely inexperienced. Only two WRs return with any meaningful game reps (Hunter and Robinson). Of course that's the nature of CFB so I'm not overly concerned about it. Someone will step up.

What I am concerned about is depth. We have 6 players + 3 coming in (counting McKinley) for a total of 9. That's 3 short of "ideal" depth. No injuries and we'll be okay, but that's wishful thinking given how the past two seasons have gone for us (albeit at positions other than receiver).

 

[NDWorld247]

Looking at that list, I have no idea who the team leaders/captains will be. Obviously, that could be a real issue.

I was thinking about that yesterday. A lot of leadership leaving campus this offseason.