2016 Spring Practice Thread

[longliveautrydenson]

gotta like the comments about Daelin. I think this kid is going to be the pass rusher we've all been hoping for.

Remember how great Kolin Hill looked as a situational pass rusher in September of 2014? I can't wait to see Hayes in that role, especially if we slide Rochelle inside and have Hayes, Rochelle, Jones and Trumbetti rushing the passer on 3rd and long.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Showing prospects the stadium this morning...big screen will be big time!!<br><br>Just in time for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IRISHEL17E?src=hash">#IRISHEL17E</a><br><br>☘&#55357;&#56570;☘&#55357;&#56570;☘ <a href="https://t.co/SpcqNjPv09">pic.twitter.com/SpcqNjPv09</a></p>— Aaryn Kearney (@aarynkearney) <a href="https://twitter.com/aarynkearney/status/715201466110251008">March 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[GoIrish41]

Remember how great Kolin Hill looked as a situational pass rusher in September of 2014? I can't wait to see Hayes in that role, especially if we slide Rochelle inside and have Hayes, Rochelle, Jones and Trumbetti rushing the passer on 3rd and long.

That would be a nice DL on 3rd downs. That type of role for a year or two might help Hayes stay/get that shoulder healthy and strong. By the time he's done, I expect Hayes to be much more than a situational player though. His length and athleticism is going to make him an elite every down player soon enough.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

That would be a nice DL on 3rd downs. That type of role for a year or two might help Hayes stay/get that shoulder healthy and strong. By the time he's done, I expect Hayes to be much more than a situational player though. His length and athleticism is going to make him an elite every down player soon enough.

Agreed, our priority should be to keep him healthy through his first season. That shoulder is his livelihood. I think a situational role in his first year will go a long way in ensuring he's healthy and effective in years 2 and 3.

 

[Big23Head]

Per O'Malley at Scout:

Morgan has been outstanding lately. Barajas backing him up. 1st LBs have been Bilal, Morgan, Onwualu (not that there's a lot to choose from right now). Elston said Martini can play all spots and Coney will be #1 at Will

 

[Big23Head]

<iframe width="620" height="348.75" src="http://www.scout.com/embed/video/1656440" frameborder="0"
autoPlay="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Big23Head]

<iframe width="620" height="348.75" src="http://www.scout.com/embed/video/1656449" frameborder="0"
autoPlay="true" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[woolybug25]

Remember how great Kolin Hill looked as a situational pass rusher in September of 2014? I can't wait to see Hayes in that role, especially if we slide Rochelle inside and have Hayes, Rochelle, Jones and Trumbetti rushing the passer on 3rd and long.

What I find interesting is that is a defensive front with two 5* and two 4* recruits. We always are saying that we aren't landing guys we need to on the front line, but dang...

 

[longliveautrydenson]

What I find interesting is that is a defensive front with two 5* and two 4* recruits. We always are saying that we aren't landing guys we need to on the front line, but dang...

It's hard to argue that we haven't had a guy that can consistently create pressure off the edge by himself since Tuitt in 2012 and Lynch in 2011. Those guys are really hard to come by, but just one could radically change the effectiveness of BVG's defense.

 

[woolybug25]

It's hard to argue that we haven't had a guy that can consistently create pressure off the edge by himself since Tuitt in 2012 and Lynch in 2011. Those guys are really hard to come by, but just one could radically change the effectiveness of BVG's defense.

That's all true, I just find it interesting that our lineup is star packed this season. A season in which our a large portion of our fanbase fears that we may decline defensively (scary to imagine) and that we aren't recruiting well enough on the defensive line.

But then you look at that lineup of big time recruits, with great depth behind them, and wonder if either of those are really accurate.

 

[GoIrish41]

That's all true, I just find it interesting that our lineup is star packed this season. A season in which our a large portion of our fanbase fears that we may decline defensively (scary to imagine) and that we aren't recruiting well enough on the defensive line.

But then you look at that lineup of big time recruits, with great depth behind them, and wonder if either of those are really accurate.

I completely agree. I think there is a good chance that the defense makes a significant leap this coming season. There are a lot of young guys (hopefully that will compel BVG to dumb it down a little), but there is a ton of talent on this defense. Same is true on offense. I think the team overall could be very good this year.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

That's all true, I just find it interesting that our lineup is star packed this season. A season in which our a large portion of our fanbase fears that we may decline defensively (scary to imagine) and that we aren't recruiting well enough on the defensive line.

But then you look at that lineup of big time recruits, with great depth behind them, and wonder if either of those are really accurate.

I think people's fears will be alleviated if we see BVG adapt his scheme to ensure that there are less opportunities for devastating mental errors by the defense. In line with your comment, we'll have consensus four and five stars starting everywhere on D except maybe Tranquill, Onwalu, and Coney/Martini and I like all four of those players. This D has the potential to do great things, scheme and injuries are the only thing I can see holding it back and based on the last two years, those are legitimate concerns.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

All the talent in the world won't matter if BVG runs an overly complicated scheme and/or the injury bug hits. Need some luck here. But with said luck, yea, this defense could be damn good.

 

[Irishman77]

What I find interesting is that is a defensive front with two 5* and two 4* recruits. We always are saying that we aren't landing guys we need to on the front line, but dang...

Exactly! BVG has zero excuses this year.....Cut the playbook in half burn it and get it done!

 

[Irish YJ]

My parents are AE and there are a few people from UT that work with them. Which is saying something, since they have Purdue and UM both within a couple hours of their company (both top 10 engineering programs). So they are definitely a solid program.

Very cool experience to get the opportunity to know that family. They seem like solid people.

Very solid (both family and school). On topic of schools, I think GT is a top 5 or at min top 10 in the AE space. I probably would have went GT before UT, but either way that kid couldn't go wrong. You can just tell by talking to him he would have done well anywhere he goes. I think if he can put solid numbers up in the passing game this year and beat either UGA @ Athens, or Bama at home, he'll get a shot on Sundays. Winning the East this year is very doable although UGA has the easier road.

Ewwww, stop trying to make me like anyone in the SEC. Seriously, stop.

Haha, great story - sounds like a great kid. Reading ND boards, there are times where you would think that other schools harbor only rapists, cop killers and drug dealers on their teams lol. I still hate the SEC with a passion, but I'm sure there are lots of phenomenal kids on every team.

I still hate the SEC too (aside for UT), and ESPN's love for the SEC. Always enjoyed my time in Knoxville, including the first time I went there with ND gear on (the last ND/UT game). People were kind to me even in defeat. If I'm going to adopt a stepchild in the South, UT was the best of all evils . One of my best friends (older UT grad) is also a huge ND fan, so very easy for me to cheer for is alma mater while he joins in cheering for ND! But yes, double ewwwww for the SEC on the whole.

All the talent in the world won't matter if BVG runs an overly complicated scheme and/or the injury bug hits. Need some luck here. But with said luck, yea, this defense could be damn good.

IMO BVG will run out of excuses this year. He's had enough time, injuries or not. I do think we'll be much better than most of said/predicted. And I do think we are due for some good cosmic karma when it comes to the injury bug. Love hearing good stuff about Studstill, Pride, and D Hayes. 2 huge areas of need IMO

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I think pinning the defensive frustrations of the last two seasons on BVG is a little short sighted, and over-simplified.

The biggest knock is that BVG's defense needs the right kind of players, skill-wise, with very aggressive tendencies, and extreme ball-smarts (for the college level, not so much for the average NFL player.)

I think BVG is going to make less modification to simplify than many assume, and the defense is going to produce far better results. It starts with a smarter backend, no matter who starts, it will be much smarter. (And oh, by the way, one of our starting corners was playing with a leg fracture last year. And one of our safeties tested incredibly slow for a system that relies in man coverage, and both showed no football smarts, though I love them both.)

The front of the defense is going to be much 'skronger' this year, which will have an 'incredible impact!

 

[longliveautrydenson]

I don't think the coaching staff and players are blowing smoke up our bums with the praise for Kevin Stepherson. That second catch in the back of the end zone is a friggin beauty.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pU0m8kgZq4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[fightingirish26]

I don't think the coaching staff and players are blowing smoke up our bums with the praise for Kevin Stepherson. That second catch in the back of the end zone is a friggin beauty.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pU0m8kgZq4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Spring has me excited about all of our receivers. Nice to see stepherson and holmes stepping up.

 

[Irish YJ]

I think pinning the defensive frustrations of the last two seasons on BVG is a little short sighted, and over-simplified.

The biggest knock is that BVG's defense needs the right kind of players, skill-wise, with very aggressive tendencies, and extreme ball-smarts (for the college level, not so much for the average NFL player.)

I think BVG is going to make less modification to simplify than many assume, and the defense is going to produce far better results. It starts with a smarter backend, no matter who starts, it will be much smarter. (And oh, by the way, one of our starting corners was playing with a leg fracture last year. And one of our safeties tested incredibly slow for a system that relies in man coverage, and both showed no football smarts, though I love them both.)

The front of the defense is going to be much 'skronger' this year, which will have an 'incredible impact!

Bogs I agree to an extent. But part of being an effective coach is adjusting scheme to players (not just coaching players up). IMO, he failed to make adjustments in games, as the season went on, etc.. Yes oversimplified as you pointed out, but he does have significant ownership here. I'm hoping he gets it right this year. If not, next up.

 

[GoIrish41]

Spring has me excited about all of our receivers. Nice to see stepherson and holmes stepping up.

Would like to see some St. Brown action on that clip. Only thing I noticed was on a tipped ball that may or may not have been coming his way.

 

[PANDFAN]

Would like to see some St. Brown action on that clip. Only thing I noticed was on a tipped ball that may or may not have been coming his way.

he caught a tough ball and secured the catch w/ db trapped on him w/ his hand on the ball as well...one of the 1st clips

 

[IrishLion]

Stepherson is gonna be the next big "Where Did That Guy Come From?" that produces for four years, isn't he? Unheralded recruit that goes to work and knows exactly what's needed.

That's a BK Trademark. Glad to see another one in the works.

 

[connor_in]

I don't think the coaching staff and players are blowing smoke up our bums with the praise for Kevin Stepherson. That second catch in the back of the end zone is a friggin beauty.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pU0m8kgZq4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I like that this year they are putting names up on the screen

 

[phgreek]

I don't think the coaching staff and players are blowing smoke up our bums with the praise for Kevin Stepherson. That second catch in the back of the end zone is a friggin beauty.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pU0m8kgZq4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I never realized how quick MZ's stroke was...he can pump fake and have it reloaded and gone...not yet Marino...but closer than anyone I've seen at ND. That is a huge advantage for a guy who has wheels too...Seeing all of them in succession like that....MZ is going to be hard to beat.

 

[rtrn2glory]

I never realized how quick MZ's stroke was...he can pump fake and have it reloaded and gone...not yet Marino...but closer than anyone I've seen at ND. That is a huge advantage for a guy who has wheels too...Seeing all of them in succession like that....MZ is going to be hard to beat.

based off the very little footage I've seen, malik does seem to look for comfortable and decisive than DK.

again, based off an extremely small sample size.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

SIAP: Regarding BVG and off season self-evaluation: VanGorder looks for solutions within his scheme – Inside the Irish

 

[Domina Nostra]

Bogs I agree to an extent. But part of being an effective coach is adjusting scheme to players (not just coaching players up). IMO, he failed to make adjustments in games, as the season went on, etc.. Yes oversimplified as you pointed out, but he does have significant ownership here. I'm hoping he gets it right this year. If not, next up.

Honest question. How come it's not a sign of Stanford's defensive woes that they let us cram it down their throats over and over and over again when it counted most in the fourth quarter? And they gave up the same amount of points basically.

Is the thought that we should have been MUCH better, but the scheme was bad? While they played sound defense, but just weren't as good?

 

[Bogtrotter07]

That's all true, I just find it interesting that our lineup is star packed this season. A season in which our a large portion of our fanbase fears that we may decline defensively (scary to imagine) and that we aren't recruiting well enough on the defensive line.

But then you look at that lineup of big time recruits, with great depth behind them, and wonder if either of those are really accurate.

I completely agree. I think there is a good chance that the defense makes a significant leap this coming season. There are a lot of young guys (hopefully that will compel BVG to dumb it down a little), but there is a ton of talent on this defense. Same is true on offense. I think the team overall could be very good this year.

I think people's fears will be alleviated if we see BVG adapt his scheme to ensure that there are less opportunities for devastating mental errors by the defense. In line with your comment, we'll have consensus four and five stars starting everywhere on D except maybe Tranquill, Onwalu, and Coney/Martini and I like all four of those players. This D has the potential to do great things, scheme and injuries are the only thing I can see holding it back and based on the last two years, those are legitimate concerns.

It is not just that each of your points is great, together the progression is significant on its own. Not only is the overall level of talent up (average for each player,) but the youth has an incredible gain in football smarts. Which is what ND needs on defense, BVG's schemes or not.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Bogs I agree to an extent. But part of being an effective coach is adjusting scheme to players (not just coaching players up). IMO, he failed to make adjustments in games, as the season went on, etc.. Yes oversimplified as you pointed out, but he does have significant ownership here. I'm hoping he gets it right this year. If not, next up.

And I obviously agree with you to a point. I still say the adjustment to Notre Dame, and back to the college game, coupled with the incredible string of defensive injuries, and not having a 'head' among the healthy defensive backs, has been enough to keep VanGorder from gaining any traction.

But you are also right, this is the year! There needs to be significant movement forward.

 

[kmoose]

Honest question. How come it's not a sign of Stanford's defensive woes that they let us cram it down their throats over and over and over again when it counted most in the fourth quarter? And they gave up the same amount of points basically.

Is the thought that we should have been MUCH better, but the scheme was bad? While they played sound defense, but just weren't as good?

Because people want to believe that there is a single deficiency that, once corrected, will propel this program to 2 or 3 decades of dominance. People see other programs have new coaches come in and push them over the hump in a year or two; like Meyer did in Gainesville and Columbus.