2019 Spring Practice Thread

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Moving a tackle to center is not oft-seen, but it may be the solution to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a>'s greatest offensive line worry -- <a href="https://t.co/r8EzABDpU2">https://t.co/r8EzABDpU2</a></p>— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDonNBC/status/1102660331342610432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“The one thing that really stood out last year was (Patterson is) assignment-correct, emotionally-stable in a sense that every single day you got the same kid,” Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. “We like that at the center position. He’s going to have some help with the guards in terms of they have some experience and they’ll be able to call some things for him.”

Patterson spent parts of 2018 working at center on the scout team, per Kelly, and then he spent all of bowl prep at center. Beginning after the Cotton Bowl, the move was set, and Patterson and senior quarterback Ian Book have emphasized getting reps to build chemistry, hoping to make it “second nature,” per Book.

...

“Ruhland is going to be a guy that is a utility player for us that can play the guard and center position,” Kelly said. “Quite frankly, he’s got some things physically that make it difficult for him to play maybe 72 plays.”

By that, Kelly was referring to Ruhland’s durability. Two torn pectorals, now a knee injury, and a frame a bit slighter than the rest of the Irish line limit his ability to slog through a 13-game season. If needed to step in for Banks, Patterson or Kraemer for a half, though, Ruhland could do so with the experience to hold his own and not inhibit the game plan.

He may be needed at center, especially. Junior Josh Lugg awaits at guard, but at center, no one has experience or even age. Sophomore Luke Jones theoretically backs up Patterson, though out with a sprained ankle Saturday. Then comes early-enrolled freshman Zeke Correll.

Didn't realize Ruhland had been so beat up, but it sounds like Patterson is 100% locked in at center.

 

[Luckylucci]

I thought he looked way skinny, but there weren't other players for point-of-reference, so I'm likely wrong lol

Well he does weigh less than Bauer so if he looks skinnier it's because he is. I think because of his height, it makes him look even skinnier than he truly is. Either way, I agree that it looks like he'll need some extra S&C before being a part of the competitive rotation.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I'll jump on the "over analyze" train and talk about some linebackers:

Shayne Simon can move. He was two or three steps quicker than all the other LB's in the drills we got to see.
Bo Bauer looks like he moves almost as well as Simon.
JOK looked sloppy and slow. Hopefully he's knocking some rust off and can battle it out at Rover.
Jack Lamb really does look kind of scrawny, to me.
JGH looks jacked up.

Way too early prediction:

ROVER - Simon
MIKE - Bauer
BUCK - Bilal and JGH split time

This is what I was expecting. Maybe at Mike Jon Jones and Bauer split reps also.

 

[stpeteirish]

New scholarship and position chart with updates (position changes, exits).
https://www.onefootdown.com/2019/3/...h-position-changes-fighting-irish-eligibility

Currently sitting "officially" at 86 (closer than we were last year at this time), so at minimum we're still going to lose one. Two if Kumah transfers in. So 1-4 more exits are possible.

Wild Cards
Marist (GS)
JD (GS)
Kumah (potential grad transfer)

I'm betting that number will be closer to 4 than 1.
Bertrand, from what I've seen is coming in the fall with or without a scholarship, not greyshirting.

 

[Irish YJ]

I'm betting that number will be closer to 4 than 1.
Bertrand, from what I've seen is coming in the fall with or without a scholarship, not greyshirting.

I agree.
Thought GS could be either Grey Shirt or Gold Shirt

 

[beryirish]

Robert Hainsey: Looking, Sounding Like Captain Material

https://247sports.com/college/notre-dame/Article/Robert-Hainsey-Looking-Sounding-Like-Captain-Material-129733471/

The last time Notre Dame did not have an offensive lineman serve as a captain, safety Harrison Smith was the lone designated leader of the 2011 Fighting Irish in Brian Kelly’s second season at the helm.

Now entering his 10th season, Kelly’s streak of consecutive years with at least one offensive lineman as a captain appears to be trending to eight in a row if last weekend’s interview sessions with a handful of Irish players is any indication.

When junior-to-be right tackle Robert Hainsey stepped to the podium Saturday following Notre Dame’s first practice since the 30-3 loss to eventual national champion Clemson in the Cotton Bowl, he struck a pose – whether intentional or not – as the leader of Notre Dame’s offensive line, preparing to take the captain’s baton from Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher...

 

[NDIrish88]

Anyone have any intel as to what the hell is going on with Kofi Wardlow?

 

[zelezo vlk]

Anyone have any intel as to what the hell is going on with Kofi Wardlow?

As in, is there an update? I haven't heard anything

 

[BabyIrish]

Anyone have any intel as to what the hell is going on with Kofi Wardlow?

I imagine with our Dline depth we won't be hearing much about him this year. Once the seniors graduate we could potentially hear more. This all me speculating btw

 

[Irish#1]

Anyone have any intel as to what the hell is going on with Kofi Wardlow?

My guess is he's still developing. He came in a little undersized and was characterized as "raw". I'm drawing a blank. Did he see much action last year?

 

[PANDFAN]

Anyone have any intel as to what the hell is going on with Kofi Wardlow?

good athlete but not grasping all the aspects of playing his position which is not allowing him to get further up the depth chart..this isn't my opinon but what was told to me by someone with direct knowledge

 

[Circa]

I'll say. I can't believe there hasn't been 1 post in this thread today.
I feel the millennial self-absorption of opinion's when the opinion benefits themselves.

Anyhow, Chip Long gave a great presser today. He has grown along with our offense.
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[Circa]

This presser with Clark shows how our two main coordinators have made a shift in human development. It's actually amazing to watch these press conferences since Charlie Weis's era. The Intelligence that the younger generation has givin our team seems trivial to the greatest extent.
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[Some Irish Bloke]

Thanks for dropping these, Circa. Clark Lea is the man.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly here for his post-practice presser. First question on special teams. To say it’s a work in progress might be a little too generous. Real work starts Saturday when Notre Dame plans to go outside.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1108008118645129216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asked about the running back positions, Brian Kelly says bulk of the work to Jafar Armstrong, Tony Jones, Jahmir Smith and Kyren Williams. Specific praise for Jones.<br><br>C’Bo Flemister coming back from a tendon strain.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1108008588805574661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly indicates DJ Brown still working at safety. Played cornerback as a freshman, but Notre Dame short at safety right now.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1108009235290472448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly likes what he’s seen early from Jacob Lacey with the second-team defensive tackle group.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1108010496014409728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brian Kelly asked about wide receivers beyond Finke and Claypool.<br><br>Mentions Young, Wilkins, Keys and Lenzy.</p>— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/1108011265572683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[IrishLion]

Austin is still in the doghouse...

HOT TAKE ALERT: Joe Wilkins Jr. is gonna make it all okay.

BK loves Wilkins. And when BK loves a WR that is kind of 'unheralded,' it usually turns out really well. He's a lanky athlete that moves really well for his size.

He could end up sharing time with Lenzy opposite Claypool all year. Put Wilkins on the field for standard downs; put Lenzy on the field when you want the threat of a 9 route; keep them both on the field and move someone into the slot opposite Finke when you want to stress the defense on true passing downs.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Austin is still in the doghouse...

HOT TAKE ALERT: Joe Wilkins Jr. is gonna make it all okay.

BK loves Wilkins. And when BK loves a WR that is kind of 'unheralded,' it usually turns out really well. He's a lanky athlete that moves really well for his size.

He could end up sharing time with Lenzy opposite Claypool all year. Put Wilkins on the field for standard downs; put Lenzy on the field when you want the threat of a 9 route; keep them both on the field and move someone into the slot opposite Finke when you want to stress the defense on true passing downs.

Law Keys

 

[IrishLion]

Law Keys

BK rarely uses a true 4 or 5-wide.

An empty backfield on true passing downs would likely be:

Claypool - Finke - Armstrong - Kmet - Wilkins/Lenzy/Keys.

Take Kmet or Armstrong out if you want Wilkins and Lenzy/Keys on the field at the same time. You could keep them both on the outside and move Claypool inside, where he has shown an ability to excel.

I just kept Keys out of my initial post because though he's been mentioned as working hard and improving, Wilkins was the one that was active for travel games last year, and Lenzy is the one getting called out individually in the pressers.

 

[ResLife Hero]

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[zelezo vlk]

BK rarely uses a true 4 or 5-wide.

An empty backfield on true passing downs would likely be:

Claypool - Finke - Armstrong - Kmet - Wilkins/Lenzy/Keys.

Take Kmet or Armstrong out if you want Wilkins and Lenzy/Keys on the field at the same time. You could keep them both on the outside and move Claypool inside, where he has shown an ability to excel.

I just kept Keys out of my initial post because though he's been mentioned as working hard and improving, Wilkins was the one that was active for travel games last year, and Lenzy is the one getting called out individually in the pressers.

Hey you wanted a quick shifty slot kinda guy and the II podcast I listened to yesterday said that Keys looks very quick.

 

[koonja]

It's going to be so unfortunate if Kevin Austin doesn't step it up and take over the vacant spot. He's the type of offensive player we need when we go up against Georgia/Michigan.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

It's going to be so unfortunate if Kevin Austin doesn't step it up and take over the vacant spot. He's the type of offensive player we need when we go up against Georgia/Michigan.

What makes you so certain? I think we need players who are bought in. It sounds like Lenzy or Wilkins or Keys could be those types of players. Sounds like Claypool could be in a position to really show out.

 

[koonja]

What makes you so certain? I think we need players who are bought in. It sounds like Lenzy or Wilkins or Keys could be those types of players. Sounds like Claypool could be in a position to really show out.

You're right, but you want your most talented players bought in. It's unfortunate he's not, because he's probably the most talented WR on the team.

 

[Luckylucci]

It's going to be so unfortunate if Kevin Austin doesn't step it up and take over the vacant spot. He's the type of offensive player we need when we go up against Georgia/Michigan.

Well yes and no. Yes, it would be disappointing as most thought he was the best WR prospect since Floyd. Always a bummer when those guys don't pan out.

But no, in the sense that we need guys that can create big plays and whether that is Austin, Lenzy, Keys, Claypool, or Wilkins it doesn't really matter. Heck, last year it was Finke against UM. Maybe other guys are just better because of their focus. Who's to say Keys or Wilkins can't be like Kevin Stepherson, who was an unheralded kid out of Florida.

 

[Irish#1]

It's going to be so unfortunate if Kevin Austin doesn't step it up and take over the vacant spot. He's the type of offensive player we need when we go up against Georgia/Michigan.

I suspect Austin may not get out of the doghouse until the fall if he ever gets out.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

You're right, but you want your most talented players bought in. It's unfortunate he's not, because he's probably the most talented WR on the team.

For sure, i don't disagree with that idea. But that's looking at talent in a vacuum.

Knowing what we know now, would you re-sign Stepherson? I definitely wouldn't. He was a great player with big time issues.

I'm hoping K. Austin is just growing up right now. I'm hoping he commits to being great and we see him explode on the scene at some point this year. But if he doesn't, I trust Kelly/Long will find the right guys.

 

[IrishLion]

*eyeballs emoji*
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to be back from break ���� Blue & Gold Game getting closer and closer! ☘️ <a href="https://t.co/r9X9MrQQHk">pic.twitter.com/r9X9MrQQHk</a></p>— Braden Lenzy (@blspeedy21) <a href="https://twitter.com/blspeedy21/status/1108210544673280000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

*eyeballs emoji*
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to be back from break ���� Blue & Gold Game getting closer and closer! ☘️ <a href="https://t.co/r9X9MrQQHk">pic.twitter.com/r9X9MrQQHk</a></p>— Braden Lenzy (@blspeedy21) <a href="https://twitter.com/blspeedy21/status/1108210544673280000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It actually makes me feel better that it was Avery Davis getting burned so easily. I hope our other CBs aren't so flat-footed and Lenzy looks quick.

 

[Irish#1]

It actually makes me feel better that it was Avery Davis getting burned so easily. I hope our other CBs aren't so flat-footed and Lenzy looks quick.

The ball was underthrown and he had to slow down to catch it. WE HAVE NO QB!