2024 Spring Practice Thread

[IrishLion]

I'm in the same boat. Everyone was wowed when we landed Hartman, and he was a good QB, but I also think he was hamstrung with a poor OC and having to learn a new system. I think Leonard is a great QB, but how do we know he's going to pickup the Denbrock system and excel? He's already going to be behind the other QBs as he's had the least amount of reps due to his injury. Why is he necessarily going to be better than the ACC all time passing leader? I know he was brought in with the expectation that he's the starter, but we clearly have an improved QB room compared to years past. There's a lot of talent there, I don't think Leonard should be a lock unless he manages to be that much better than what we have. I think we should be getting Carr snaps in some capacity ala Chris Leak/Tim Tebow.

I think it’s the optimism over how Leonard might fit what Jayden Daniels was able to do in Denbrock’s offense as a dual-threat guy.

Daniels obviously skews to “passer that can run,” while Leonard so far looks like “runner that can throw,” but Denbrock’s offense will obviously fit Leonard as long as Leonard can target certain areas of the field consistently in obvious passing situations.

The playaction opportunities, opportunities to hit easy high-percentage stuff underneath, and opportunities to create lanes for Leonard to use his legs in big situations should all be there. And Leonard is a more-proven commodity than everyone else on the roster to this point, as well.

I think it’s Leonard’s job to lose, more than a competition

 

[bobbyok1]

IMO angeli needs to be backup for A&M then Carr becomes number 2 as season progresses getting snaps in prep for 2025

I agree with this. Carr looks special, but throwing any guy out there as a true freshman against a team like A & M week 1 is a tall order. That would be of course if Riley went down against A & M. But after the Aggies, Carr could slip into the #2 slot as the competition lightens for quite a while. Get him some quality reps against NIU, Purdue and Miami (OH). Then if he was needed to be called upon to take the reigns against Louisville I'd feel much better about his "readiness".

Of course I would not say this about MOST true Freshman. But spring ball and the spring game have convinced me that Carr is indeed special.

 

[Hautian Domer]

I think it’s the optimism over how Leonard might fit what Jayden Daniels was able to do in Denbrock’s offense as a dual-threat guy.

Daniels obviously skews to “passer that can run,” while Leonard so far looks like “runner that can throw,” but Denbrock’s offense will obviously fit Leonard as long as Leonard can target certain areas of the field consistently in obvious passing situations.

The playaction opportunities, opportunities to hit easy high-percentage stuff underneath, and opportunities to create lanes for Leonard to use his legs in big situations should all be there. And Leonard is a more-proven commodity than everyone else on the roster to this point, as well.

I think it’s Leonard’s job to lose, more than a competition

I agree. Riley Leonard has appeared and played in approximately 26 games. He's thrown for 4,277 yards and 24 TDs, he's also rushed for 1,161 yards and 17 touchdowns. He's our #1 QB and, as long as he is healthy, it isn't up for grabs. He's the most seasoned and accomplished and he can beat you with his arm and legs.

 

[dublinirish]

Absolutely not trying to nitpick, but I've seen this in a couple of places. I don't think he tossed the guy, he just executed a nice swim move, which is still great! Just don't want people to have the expectation that Sevillano is going to be tossing OL around early in his career until we see more.

He DID look like he was moving and holding up well for how big he is, though. If he cuts just a bit of weight and keeps getting stronger, he's got the potential to be a real problem in the middle.

He did a pull and swim which is standard for a DL but at the same time it took Rylie Mills 4 years at ND to demonstrate he could do the same

 

[MacIrish75]

I don’t see how you watch the Blue/Gold game and come away with Minchey being the odd man out. He was objectively better than Angeli outside of his INT. Angeli missed several wide open guys and generally just looked pedestrian. At least Minchey made some plays with his legs and had a couple of plus throws—which Angeli did not.

 

[Luckylucci]

I know I am still on an island here but I don't get the hype over Leonard. I hope I am wrong. Minchey does seem like the odd man out.

I get the hype. The upside is apparent. I just think the downside is as well.

 

[Hautian Domer]

I don’t see how you watch the Blue/Gold game and come away with Minchey being the odd man out. He was objectively better than Angeli outside of his INT. Angeli missed several wide open guys and generally just looked pedestrian. At least Minchey made some plays with his legs and had a couple of plus throws—which Angeli did not.

How did Michey look in comparison to Carr?

 

[stlnd01]

Just a tough, gritty, dual-athlete quarterback that can beat you either with his arm or feet. He's very "raw", but I think he'll have a great year if he can stay healthy. I think we'll need someone that's a running threat with this year's line too.

I agree on Minchey. Angeli, in my opinion, may be our backup this year, but he's likely not a transfer threat. Maybe I'm wrong, but I really can't see him going to a Power 4 and getting a starting role. Minchey is young(er) and still has some time. From what I have read, it looks like Carr is the future.

Oddly enough this is the reason that Minchey might stick and Angeli might go, IMO.

Minchey's so inexperienced that he probably doesn't start anywhere in 2024, so why not stick at ND, at least through the season, and see what happens? Can always go elsewhere in December and have spring ball to compete for a starting job at the new place. Like you said, he has time.

Angeli is solid enough with just enough experience that you could see him winning a job at a lower-level P4 (I dunno, BC, or Iowa), or being a very solid #2. Here he probably starts the season at QB2 but gets overtaken by Carr or Minchey before too long. While he has value to us right now, he's not going to hold those guys off forever, and if he wants to be a starter for real he might be better off leaving sooner than later.

Or - preferred scenario - they both stay. That'd be fine.

 

[ulukinatme]

I don’t see how you watch the Blue/Gold game and come away with Minchey being the odd man out. He was objectively better than Angeli outside of his INT. Angeli missed several wide open guys and generally just looked pedestrian. At least Minchey made some plays with his legs and had a couple of plus throws—which Angeli did not.

Angeli didn't push the ball like Minchey did a few times, but he also didn't make any big mistakes. He protected the ball, he moved the pocket, and he scrambled when needed. Angeli was very solid, but he wasn't a superstar. Minchey has a higher ceiling, but he's also young and made mistakes. Aside from his INT, which was a very bad decision to throw it up under pressure, he also fumbled the ball. He was clearly the odd man out among the three, but he's also young. I also pointed out Minchey had less weapons around him, to his credit.

At the end of the day Angeli threw for 221 yards and led 2 scoring drives with no turnovers. Minchey had a lot less with 2 turnovers.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I know, but hear me out:

The most baller move would have been if MF saw “The Shirt” and said in plain terms:

I deeply respect the past and traditions of this program, however, we are never going to make the next step constantly honoring things that happened a century ago.

It’s time to shift our focus to the present, and what we want to be right now, not who we were during the Woodrow Administration.

MAKE THE SHIRT WITH SOME ATTITUDE FFS!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ulukinatme]

I know, but hear me out:

The most baller move would have been if MF saw “The Shirt” and said in plain terms:

I deeply respect the past and traditions of this program, however, we are never going to make the next step constantly honoring things that happened a century ago.

It’s time to shift our focus to the present, and what we want to be right now, not who we were during the Woodrow Administration.

MAKE THE SHIRT WITH SOME ATTITUDE FFS!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't think that would fit on The Shirt, but I approve

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Finally got around to watching it, my brother tied the knot Saturday and I didn't get to catch much of the game.

Obviously, a ton of hype in the RB room, particularly with Love. He's going to be an absolute problem for defenses all over the field. I was also very impressed with Gi'Bran Payne, who reportedly had a really nice Spring. It showed on Saturday. Dude has really solid vision and balance and made some excellent plays out there. The depth at RB is really something.

Carr looked super decisive and not overwhelmed by the college game at all. I know it's a scrimmage, but he just looks so damn poised for a dude that should be picking out a tux for prom right now. His arm talent really jumps out, as well.

Angeli looks pretty damn comfortable. I know a lot of people are looking for Carr or Minchey to separate themselves as the heir apparent at the position after this year, but I feel really good about our QB2 situation with Angeli, should something happen to Leonard this year. He's not a guy who will win us a natty, but he's surely a guy who can keep a high floor for this offense and win us a couple of games if Leonard gets banged up. Can't stress enough how important it is to have that as your backup QB.

Would be nice to see Colzie have a Boykin-esque senior year leap. He's always had the size, but he showed strong hands Saturday and made some nice contested catches. It looks like we may go yet another year without a 1,000 yard receiver, but the improvement in depth is evident after Saturday with the transfer and freshman additions. I think the whole committee of WRs will be more than enough to compete this fall.

Defense looks stacked from top to bottom. Really excited to see this LB group, which seems to be much more athletic than what we're accustomed to.

 

[ulukinatme]

Some Minchey love

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Man there was a lot to like on Saturday. This team is deep and athletic. Listen, I know the game plans are vanilla but damn is it exciting to have competent coordinators on both sides of the ball. There are four competent QBs on this team right now and things just feel different.

 

[jprue24]

I think it's real good for the future that the breakdown mis-identified a DE for an outside LB with speed

 

[KMac151993]

All the pieces are here for MF...he has elite coordinators and has a ton of talent and finally some legit options at QB. Baring major injuries the bar should be the playoffs and anything short is a failure.

 

[Hautian Domer]

Some Minchey love

All the pieces are here for MF...he has elite coordinators and has a ton of talent and finally some legit options at QB. Baring major injuries the bar should be the playoffs and anything short is a failure.

I agree. The one thing I really want to see that I felt has been missing is physicality. Maybe you disagree and I’m happy to hear your stances, but I’ve felt that all of MF’s teams, so far, haven’t been aggressive or physical against elite competition. For example, looking at last year, we certainly matched Ohio State’s physicality. But what was their big knock? What did Lou say about them? They were soft and that was a main component why meatchicken surpassed them. Clemson, Duke and Louisville were notably more physical and aggressive in my opinion. They were frustrating times were I felt like Central Michigan and NC State were taking it to us. I want to see a pissed off, dominant, aggressive, relentless team and style of play.

 

[Terry Jillery]

Singer said yesterday he thinks we have all 4 QBs going into the season. That seems crazy to me but would be fine with me.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Singer said yesterday he thinks we have all 4 QBs going into the season. That seems crazy to me but would be fine with me.

Oh - so we're definitely not having 4 then.

 

[Hautian Domer]

Singer said yesterday he thinks we have all 4 QBs going into the season. That seems crazy to me but would be fine with me.

I just can’t see it. I’d love for it to happen, but I don’t see it. There’s too much talent. We know Leonard and Carr aren’t going anywhere, so it boils down to Angeli and Minchey. As I previously said, I can’t see Angeli transferring to a Power 4 Conference school and competing for/getting a starting role. If you’re going to be a backup, why not do it at ND? Minchey, he’s younger and has more time and physical talent and capabilities. He may be able to snag a starting spot. Logically, he’d be the one to transfer in my opinion.

 

[allenm5333]

Oh - so we're definitely not having 4 then.

I really think the only logical one is Angelli. Minchey has no real game film and would probably have to drop to a low end power 5 or group of 5 school.

 

[dublinirish]

I really think the only logical one is Angelli. Minchey has no real game film and would probably have to drop to a low end power 5 or group of 5 school.

nah the common path for a guy like Minchey now is to go to another P5 school as a backup and not play, then transfer for a 2nd time the year after to some other low P5 or G5 to actually play

 

[NDpendent]

I just can’t see it. I’d love for it to happen, but I don’t see it. There’s too much talent. We know Leonard and Carr aren’t going anywhere, so it boils down to Angeli and Minchey. As I previously said, I can’t see Angeli transferring to a Power 4 Conference school and competing for/getting a starting role. If you’re going to be a backup, why not do it at ND? Minchey, he’s younger and has more time and physical talent and capabilities. He may be able to snag a starting spot. Logically, he’d be the one to transfer in my opinion.

I really think the only logical one is Angelli. Minchey has no real game film and would probably have to drop to a low end power 5 or group of 5 school.

Honestly Angeli is the most unlikely of the 4 to have a shot in the NFL and he seems smart enough to realize that. Why wouldn't he want to stick around to get his degree before becoming a grad transfer and have a shot to start at a power 4 school after that? Seems logical to me that he stays.

 

[317Irish]

Honestly Angeli is the most unlikely of the 4 to have a shot in the NFL and he seems smart enough to realize that. Why wouldn't he want to stick around to get his degree before becoming a grad transfer and have a shot to start at a power 4 school after that? Seems logical to me that he stays.

Although I think Angeli is the most likely to leave, I can’t disagree with your line of thinking. However, if Angeli does decide to stay I think that hurts our odds of keeping Minchey. Don’t think I like that trade.

 

[ulukinatme]

Finally got around to watching it, my brother tied the knot Saturday and I didn't get to catch much of the game.

Obviously, a ton of hype in the RB room, particularly with Love. He's going to be an absolute problem for defenses all over the field. I was also very impressed with Gi'Bran Payne, who reportedly had a really nice Spring. It showed on Saturday. Dude has really solid vision and balance and made some excellent plays out there. The depth at RB is really something.

Carr looked super decisive and not overwhelmed by the college game at all. I know it's a scrimmage, but he just looks so damn poised for a dude that should be picking out a tux for prom right now. His arm talent really jumps out, as well.

Angeli looks pretty damn comfortable. I know a lot of people are looking for Carr or Minchey to separate themselves as the heir apparent at the position after this year, but I feel really good about our QB2 situation with Angeli, should something happen to Leonard this year. He's not a guy who will win us a natty, but he's surely a guy who can keep a high floor for this offense and win us a couple of games if Leonard gets banged up. Can't stress enough how important it is to have that as your backup QB.

Would be nice to see Colzie have a Boykin-esque senior year leap. He's always had the size, but he showed strong hands Saturday and made some nice contested catches. It looks like we may go yet another year without a 1,000 yard receiver, but the improvement in depth is evident after Saturday with the transfer and freshman additions. I think the whole committee of WRs will be more than enough to compete this fall.

Defense looks stacked from top to bottom. Really excited to see this LB group, which seems to be much more athletic than what we're accustomed to.

Payne looked pretty good running the ball, but he's absolutely got to clean up the fumble-itis. He lost one, and would have lost that second ball if Replay was active on Saturday.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

You have to remember that all of these quarterbacks were THE guy in high school. Even if you don’t see the NFL potential their confidence is sky high.
It’s hard to look past that when you’re 20 years old and full of youthful ignorance.

 

[KMac151993]

I agree. The one thing I really want to see that I felt has been missing is physicality. Maybe you disagree and I’m happy to hear your stances, but I’ve felt that all of MF’s teams, so far, haven’t been aggressive or physical against elite competition. For example, looking at last year, we certainly matched Ohio State’s physicality. But what was their big knock? What did Lou say about them? They were soft and that was a main component why meatchicken surpassed them. Clemson, Duke and Louisville were notably more physical and aggressive in my opinion. They were frustrating times were I felt like Central Michigan and NC State were taking it to us. I want to see a pissed off, dominant, aggressive, relentless team and style of play.

I totally agree...but when was the last time we really had that physical style of ball on both sides across the board? Holtz?

 

[greyhammer90]

I totally agree...but when was the last time we really had that physical style of ball on both sides across the board? Holtz?

That 2017 team was severely flawed but won a bunch of games because they kicked the shit out of people.

 

[SDIrishFan]

Isn't it crazy that this year we finally started to line up all the pieces to a complete team, yet, of all the year, our OL is going to be the big concern? Of all the times to have a young, unproven OL, it has to be THIS year. Ugh.

 

[BoredIrish]

I'd love to see what Minchey could become with a year under Denbrock.