2016 Spring Practice Thread

[Bogtrotter07]

No, he didn't. He graded out horribly by people who do that sort of thing, and got supplanted by Martini (another true frosh who had gotten effectively zero practice reps at the position before Schmidt went down) because of his bad play. Him being named an "all-american" by a few ignorant people doesn't change that.

The problem Morgan had was not with a lack of athletic ability, or a lack of brains. It was with a lack of discipline. He was a loose cannon; was he going to play assignment correct; or just take off after the ball, lucky dog style? All this speculation about Morgan not being smart, or not being able to get it is just that speculation. And it happens to be unfounded. It was always about executing the assignment. That is why there was such an absence of him before and after his shot when Schmidt was injured. Now that Morgan realizes that he won't play, unless he plays the way that the coaches want, he has a new attitude. I believe there is more than just a glimmer of hope that he will play beastly, and he will show some real leadership.​

That's effectively the same lineup as last year, minus a reliable veteran DE and subbing a great/versatile DT for one that is coming off injury and has never shown to be as good. So how is that better? I agree that the wrinkle that could lead to better production would be getting a more reliable lineup for passing downs that features maybe Rochelle slid inside + Jones, and Hayes (who is a mystery bag with potential) and Trumbetti on the outside.

You cannot compare Jarron Jones to Sheldon Day in any way. One is a 1tech the other a three. Jarron Jones proved what he had the season before last, when he wasn't hurt. (That is the only thing that concerns me about Jarron.) Twice broadcasters noted that he was pushing the blocker attempting to take him on back into the ball carrier. Twice I heard his play described as demoralizing to the opponent. I am not sure I have ever heard that term used before. And, the big thing last year's defense missed, and this years defense may have, is JJ collapsing pockets at will. He is capable of it, that is why a healthy JJ is irreplaceable for this team!​

I don't really know what this means. He was a multi-year starter, and is an NFL caliber player that made a number of VERY big, tone-setting plays. Extremely athletic and physical. We don't know if Drue Tranquill has any ability to stay healthy. Same for Sebastian. So it's clearly a drop off in reliability, production, and experience. I've always been VERY high on Tranquill but you simply can't count on him right now.

The KeiVarae of last year, with the rust and the season long injuries, was not the KR of his potential. He was far short of it. Watch his tapes again. He got regularly beat on a double move to the inside. Crawford, is effectively faster and has better ball skills. A healthy Crawford, is better than the KR the Irish had last year.​

And that's an extremely questionable analysis of KVR. Yes, he wasn't as good in the off-man concepts as he was in Diaco's zone schemes, but it goes deeper than that. The problem is that what the scheme asked him to do at times was borderline impossible, not that he was playing bad or that he was a bad player. So if the scheme is the same and the coverage being asked of the CB is extremely difficult, why are we to think a 1st year player (or a vet that couldn't beat out KVR) is going to be better? In general, our pass defense last year was much better than most realize and the biggest issue was not play from either of our CBs.

I get why people want to be optimistic, but taking 4-5 NFL players off the defense and pretending like it's going to be decidedly better seems to be expecting a lot.

You don't think there are as many coming up as we lost? I think there are more!

For example, I believe we have three quarterbacks that will find a home in the NFL.

 

[Domina Nostra]

so 247 evan sharpley spoke to some sources . . .
and stanley could go #1 to titans as their staff is close w/ HH

Maybe the Titans do love Stanley and think they can get him at 15?

 

[longliveautrydenson]

Maybe the Titans do love Stanley and think they can get him at 15?

I wonder if they try to trade back into the Top 10 now that they have 11 picks in the first three rounds between this year and next. Although if they get Stanley at 15 their GM is going to have the exec of the year award wrapped up by April.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I wonder if they try to trade back into the Top 10 now that they have 11 picks in the first three rounds between this year and next. Although if they get Stanley at 15 their GM is going to have the exec of the year award wrapped up by April.

Right, if they do intend to get Stanley, they might trade 15 and a second rounder to get back up.

 

[woolybug25]

I wonder if they try to trade back into the Top 10 now that they have 11 picks in the first three rounds between this year and next. Although if they get Stanley at 15 their GM is going to have the exec of the year award wrapped up by April.

I think they would have to trade up, as the Bears and Giants both could take him, but weirder things have happened.

 

[Shamrock Theories]

If you are talking about the top six, I do.

• After Martini, it fell off a precipice last year; this year there are guys that can play, even after the first six.
• The freshman class is overall better than we have had in a while, remember DH is still listed as an OLB.
  [

1. Who???
Barajas and Bilal and not ready by all accounts.
That leaves James, Nyles, Greer, Te'Von.
I can't even get to 5, much less 6, much less guys after 6.

2. DH is the definition of a project. He will be a stud but not in 2016. Our other LB recruits and Jamir and Jonathan Jones- you think they are making an impact this year?

I really like our 2016 class but I doubt we will see much from them this year-it's heavily loaded at OL and WR where we are stacked. The one spot where some will play is DB- Studstill, Pride, Vaughn, Morgan, etc.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

1. Who???
Barajas and Bilal and not ready by all accounts.
That leaves James, Nyles, Greer, Te'Von.
I can't even get to 5, much less 6, much less guys after 6.

2. DH is the definition of a project. He will be a stud but not in 2016. Our other LB recruits and Jamir and Jonathan Jones- you think they are making an impact this year?

I really like our 2016 class but I doubt we will see much from them this year-it's heavily loaded at OL and WR where we are stacked. The one spot where some will play is DB- Studstill, Pride, Vaughn, Morgan, etc.

You may be right. I cannot discount any of your logic. But :

• Thinking that* the four you mentioned will all do very well.
• Thinking that the jury is still way out on the two B's.
• Thinking that between the Joneses and Okwara 2.0 you have some freaks that have quite a bit of maturity. One 'younger bro' played quarterback when needed and has a much more mature attitude coming in that his much bigger brother. The other is almost two years older as a freshman than his older brother, and reported by most to have a higher upside than Romeo. And these kids already have some size.
• The point is, and we have seen this time and again on recent Kelly teams; I think they will push the six ahead of them incredibly, and one may break into the two deep.

* Personally

By the way, does anyone know if there will be a roster put out today or tomorrow for the spring game, or if one will be available at the game. Starting depth charts would be nice, too. (I know, when talking cheese, I end up asking for the moon!)

 

[NDShark]

1. Who???
Barajas and Bilal and not ready by all accounts.
That leaves James, Nyles, Greer, Te'Von.
I can't even get to 5, much less 6, much less guys after 6.

2. DH is the definition of a project. He will be a stud but not in 2016. Our other LB recruits and Jamir and Jonathan Jones- you think they are making an impact this year?

I really like our 2016 class but I doubt we will see much from them this year-it's heavily loaded at OL and WR where we are stacked. The one spot where some will play is DB- Studstill, Pride, Vaughn, Morgan, etc.

I'm excited about Bilal

Will life after Jaylon Smith at Notre Dame begin with Asmar Bilal? - Notre Dame Insider: Notre Dame Football

 

[gkIrish]

I can't remember the last time we had this many questions heading into a season. We essentially don't know for sure who is starting at most positions other than Offensive Line.

 

[koonja]

I'm excited that we have A+ QBs and an A+ stable of RBs, combined with what could be a really good OL.

I'd much rather have that than great WRs and figuring out the backfield.

 

[Shamrock Theories]

I'm excited that we have A+ QBs and an A+ stable of RBs, combined with what could be a really good OL.

I'd much rather have that than great WRs and figuring out the backfield.

Yeah hopefully we can just pound teams into submission and keep the D off the field.

I will say I'd much rather have questions at Will and SS than QB lol

 

[IrishLion]

I can't remember the last time we had this many questions heading into a season. We essentially don't know for sure who is starting at most positions other than Offensive Line.

I'm an optimist, but at least on the offensive side of the ball, we know that whoever starts is going to be pretty good.

Zaire's got the goods but little experience; Kizer's got the experience, the size, and the arm.

Folston and Adams are going to be 1a and 1b I bet, but even if one is the work horse, it doesn't matter because they're both awesome.

Wide receiver is the most unsettled and has the most questions, but I'd be shocked if the unit isn't solid. Too much talent and diversity of skill sets for BK to not find an effective lineup.

TE is in good hands with Smythe and Alize with Weishar working in, as long as they're all healthy. That's actually a settled position.

The OL is going to be good, but perhaps not as good as last year's... but I think the QB and RB positions will help mask any early issues while the hogs get settled in on the right side.



I don't want to talk about the defensive questions. I'm just glad we have Luke and Crawford at CB.

 

[Shamrock Theories]

You may be right. I cannot discount any of your logic. But :

• Thinking that* the four you mentioned will all do very well.
• Thinking that the jury is still way out on the two B's.
• Thinking that between the Joneses and Okwara 2.0 you have some freaks that have quite a bit of maturity. One 'younger bro' played quarterback when needed and has a much more mature attitude coming in that his much bigger brother. The other is almost two years older as a freshman than his older brother, and reported by most to have a higher upside than Romeo. And these kids already have some size.
• The point is, and we have seen this time and again on recent Kelly teams; I think they will push the six ahead of them incredibly, and one may break into the two deep.

* Personally

By the way, does anyone know if there will be a roster put out today or tomorrow for the spring game, or if one will be available at the game. Starting depth charts would be nice, too. (I know, when talking cheese, I end up asking for the moon!)

I do feel good about those four. If they stay healthy we should be fine.

I'm not trying to be harsh on Bilal and Barajas, I think they will be ready next year to be good to great players.

 

[gkIrish]

I'm an optimist, but at least on the offensive side of the ball, we know that whoever starts is going to be pretty good.

No doubt. My comment was just what it was, that there are questions about who it will be. There are 6 unknowns on offense, although they should all be solid options. As many as 10 unknowns on defense.

 

[Rizzophil]

Two solid pass rushers would help our defense a whole lot in 2016. Unfortunately, not going to happen.

 

[koonja]

Two solid pass rushers would help our defense a whole lot in 2016. Unfortunately, not going to happen.

Praying for a 5th year DE to come crashing into South Bend in July...

 

[ScooterIrish]

Praying for a 5th year DE to come crashing into South Bend in July...

Something good happen in the summer to ND? No way...

 

[Crazy Balki]

I'm excited. There's quite a few questions, and a lot of possible answers, most of which are incredibly talented. This is gonna be a good team.

 

[dublinirish]

Ryan Harris and David Bruton are the honourory captains on Saturday

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame's new press box. <a href="https://t.co/ernbyjm70j">pic.twitter.com/ernbyjm70j</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720940322126237699">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's a shot of the south end zone to understand the scale of the future video board. <a href="https://t.co/rvpbVkcEI6">pic.twitter.com/rvpbVkcEI6</a></p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720952176865079296">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame DC Brian VanGorder walks into practice today with Youngstown State head coach Bo Pelini. <a href="https://t.co/WMIzNiiBXB">pic.twitter.com/WMIzNiiBXB</a></p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720962647492059136">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I will be in South Bend tomorrow for Notre Dame's Spring Game! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FightingIrish?src=hash">#FightingIrish</a>☘☘☘</p>— Malik Vann (@_Next_Era1) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Next_Era1/status/720961846354833409">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Corey Robinson (concussion) didn't practice. Nic Weishar was wearing a boot. Didn't see Grant Blankenship either.</p>— Nick Ironside (@nironside247) <a href="https://twitter.com/nironside247/status/720964169386864641">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of 2016 signees at practice today, Elliott, Love, Jones, Book and Vaughn.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720964125262790656">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Corey Robinson back with the football team today, but not practicing following last month’s concussion.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720963741882454016">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Irish just wrapped final spring practice before the Blue-Gold Game. Alize Jones was outstanding. All the makings of a matchup nightmare.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720963576173895680">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly has arrived for his post-practice presser.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720964659260624896">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly, on <a href="https://twitter.com/NDsidBertschy">@NDsidBertschy</a>: "He's a prick."</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720964829842960384">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Corey Robinson and family had meeting with doctor about concussions. Wont go into detail and a decision coming on his future.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720965058046648320">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kelly on Corey Robinson’s meeting with doctors, “He came back really good feeling good about the meeting.” Said no decision on next season.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720965075289444353">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame TE Nic Weishar has a high ankle sprain, won't play tomorrow.</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720965252171591681">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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gotta run panda, can you take over? chars

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Grant Blankenship has been suspended from team. TBD on return. Violation of team rules.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720966058539139072">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Matuska transitioning well. Soft hands allows him to catch ball well.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720965660914933760">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame TE Jacob Matuska has been a little slowed w/ shoulder issue but Kelly is impressed w/ his progress at TE.</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720965618552475648">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Worth noting that Grant Blankenship barely got reps during the open practice last weekend at a position where the Irish need help.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720966270292750337">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly, on QB Montgomery VanGorder's personality: "Ask one question and prepare to take notes."</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720966917696135168">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Jon Bonner’s development crucial. Calls him a gifted athlete.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720967085816418304">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kelly high on Jonathan Bonner’s development. Needs to put on more weight, but Irish like him as a backup to Isaac Rochell.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720967097090748416">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Jonathan Bonner's improvement will allow team to move Isaac Rochell inside in pass rush situations.</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/720967438167359488">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Needs consistency from Miles Boykin. Game isn’t too big for him, but just needs to find consistency.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720967495939657728">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Likes physical/downhill running from Dexter Williams and says he has been explosive downhill.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720967789884870656">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dexter Williams develops into one of Notre Dame’s better inside/goal line backs. Brian Kelly said nice jump from the sophomore back.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/720968107955773440">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Wants Spring Game as realistic as possible. Wants to know players sooner than later.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720968403587067904">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Zaire and Kizer will be on two different teams. Both will be live. Wants a competitive situation</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720968543454539778">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Believes Special Teams development has been the best since he has been at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a></p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720968831880048641">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly: Cole Luke, Devin Butler and Josh Adams stand out on special teams.</p>— Irish247 (@NotreDame247) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotreDame247/status/720969242317877248">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BK: Likes commits are on campus and get feeling of program. Defensive players are coming in to play.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720969484014641157">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Regular scoring system, no 2 tight ends and will slow it down.</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/720969634531385344">April 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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