Anyone else here concerned about the DL recruiting?

[Old Man Mike]

In terms of the big defensive tackles, I completely disagree. Our guys are OK-good. They are not NFL starter good.

No one could be happier than I to have them suddenly become NFL type destroyers, but I don't see it ... at all.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

It is a really shallow impression that I have, but watching college (and pro) football from all over it seems that having destructive D Tackles has become as important (albeit subtler) than even D Ends. Coach Kelly said immediately upon wading into the SEC season last year that the biggest difference that he saw between typical "Northern" and SEC line-ups was the constant parade of monster D Tackles on essentially every opponent, and it really messed up offensive planning.

When I look at pro and college pro-quality D Tackles, I see mainly Afro-American lineage behemoths from the South, and Polynesian lineage Blocks-of-Iron from the West and the Pacific. Sure there are many exceptions, but these two areas seem overly rich in this type of player --- Marcus Spears (one of this sort of size and power athlete, and smart, and Louisiana native and LSU forever) immediately said that Coach Kelly would have FAR better chances of recruiting "that type of player" now that he was at LSU.

Marcus Freeman and the staff must know all about this. My guess is that they try their butts off to find the War Daddy monsters who flow freely into the SEC. ... and the Polynesian Ironmen. But how do they do it? And what percentage of that class of athlete qualifies for Notre Dame? And who of them are taking second languages in HS?

When we got Te'o, I hoped that we'd establish a VERY strong presence in Hawaii/Samoa/West Coast in these strong football-playing Polynesian areas --- and we have (ultimately) done pretty well. But everyone else is waking up to this too, and it seems harder. So how do we get into the South? Regularly. Every year. ... Notre Dame recruiting staffs have a BIG problem here. I give them some slack when I evaluate their performance from my slack-ass comfortable TV chair.

Great post, thank you. I grew up down south and football down here is a bit different. We have our share of 'war daddys' on the DL and it is a big part of southern style football. One of the local high schools have a lineage of Samoan Dlineman that are constantly recruited by the big Universities. We also have tons of big and athletic DTs that can wreck offenses rushing up the middle. It's quite fun to watch!

 

[IRISHDODGER]

We’ll find out a lot this Saturday about our current DL. They have a tall task, but they can be the position group to make the difference.

I don’t think they disrupt McCord enough to make a difference. Everyone has beaten the dead horse that McCord is untested. Maybe but that doesn’t mean he‘s automatically going to be a shrinking violet. He doesn’t have to win the game b/c he’s got elite skill players at WR, TE & RB that can do that. He needs to be a…dare I say…game manager & OSU will win comfortably.

I suspect Al Washington will be one of the targets of criticism which is what led to his leaving (fair or not) OSU.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

#1 pass efficiency defence. I think the dline is a big part of that. I think we are doing just fine.

I wouldn’t go that far. They should ban stats like that until game 6 has been played b/c most teams haven’t been tested in the first 3 or so games. They still haven’t faced a decent passing attack. They will tomorrow so hopefully your post holds up. I have my concerns.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Lol at responses.

I look at things from a long term perspective. I can see most here have a short attention span.

We'll see how things turn out next year when young talent plays a bigger role. That is what I was trying to get at.

I mean, you don't really do yourself any favors when you are so off the mark on a lot of things.

You mention Gobaira not being on the depth chart, which...no sh*t, he's out for the year with an injury.

You mention Rubio getting passed up by Hinish and not being on the depth chart, because...again, he's been hurt the past few weeks. He's going to play this week, it was already announced, but ND famously doesn't change their depth chart week to week until the changes are reflected in the game. So Rubio returning to action this week won't be reflected until next week's depth chart.

Overall, you bring up the depth chart a lot, which isn't helping your case. It's notoriously unreliable.

I mean, I'd say it's fair to call the '20 and '21 classes pretty meh. I think Mills and Botelho need to step up. I'm more concerned with Mills, as I think ND's edges haven't been able to pin their ears back, because they've had to play more contained against mobile QB's the first 4 weeks. That's more of Botelho's game. Onye is really starting to look great though, so that helps that class.

'22 and '23 are too early to tell. Burnham has flashed, but he's young and he's still adjusting to a new position, and on top of that, is playing both end spots. Ford added too much weight over the spring and needed to cut down. Get him back up to a healthy 285, and he'll be ready to contribute. Don't get the Houstan concern either, he's a freshman and needs to physically reshape his body. Pack on leaner size.

The '24 class is A LOT better than you give it credit for. Bryce Young and Loghan Thomas are going to surge up the rankings. Young being listed at OLB is a joke. Rivals is without question the best of the big 3 services, but they're not perfect. Dude is 6'6 250+, he's nowhere near a LB. Loghan Thomas moved up to Catholic league Ohio and his film is eye-opening. Super long, super twitchy, has that bend, both play mean. I'm super bummed that we don't get to see Mullins, because he was set to surge up the rankings. Another long, twitchy athlete who fits perfectly at Vyper. ND is loading up on long athletes for those end spots, and Sevillano is a big dude in the middle. It also sounds like ND may have a surprise on the horizon to add to this DL haul.

In general, I'd say DL recruiting is on the right track. It can be better, but it's trending in the right direction for sure.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Honestly, I would feel better if one or both of the decommited defensive tackles were still in the class. D Line has a fair amount of boom or bust to it and is debatably the second most important group only behind QB. I wish we over recruited it more.

I'd like Wafle still, but if the surprise visitor is who I think it is, then I'm not losing much sleep over losing Wafle and regardless, I'm definitely not giving a crap about Davis-Swain. He's another one of those tweeners who doesn't really have enough bend to play big end, but not a big enough frame to add that much more weight for DT.

If they land one more guy, which sounds like a very real possibility, this 5 man class is pretty dang good IMO. The class as is I like a lot, especially the ends.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

I mean, you don't really do yourself any favors when you are so off the mark on a lot of things.

You mention Gobaira not being on the depth chart, which...no sh*t, he's out for the year with an injury.

You mention Rubio getting passed up by Hinish and not being on the depth chart, because...again, he's been hurt the past few weeks. He's going to play this week, it was already announced, but ND famously doesn't change their depth chart week to week until the changes are reflected in the game. So Rubio returning to action this week won't be reflected until next week's depth chart.

Overall, you bring up the depth chart a lot, which isn't helping your case. It's notoriously unreliable.

I mean, I'd say it's fair to call the '20 and '21 classes pretty meh. I think Mills and Botelho need to step up. I'm more concerned with Mills, as I think ND's edges haven't been able to pin their ears back, because they've had to play more contained against mobile QB's the first 4 weeks. That's more of Botelho's game. Onye is really starting to look great though, so that helps that class.

'22 and '23 are too early to tell. Burnham has flashed, but he's young and he's still adjusting to a new position, and on top of that, is playing both end spots. Ford added too much weight over the spring and needed to cut down. Get him back up to a healthy 285, and he'll be ready to contribute. Don't get the Houstan concern either, he's a freshman and needs to physically reshape his body. Pack on leaner size.

The '24 class is A LOT better than you give it credit for. Bryce Young and Loghan Thomas are going to surge up the rankings. Young being listed at OLB is a joke. Rivals is without question the best of the big 3 services, but they're not perfect. Dude is 6'6 250+, he's nowhere near a LB. Loghan Thomas moved up to Catholic league Ohio and his film is eye-opening. Super long, super twitchy, has that bend, both play mean. I'm super bummed that we don't get to see Mullins, because he was set to surge up the rankings. Another long, twitchy athlete who fits perfectly at Vyper. ND is loading up on long athletes for those end spots, and Sevillano is a big dude in the middle. It also sounds like ND may have a surprise on the horizon to add to this DL haul.

In general, I'd say DL recruiting is on the right track. It can be better, but it's trending in the right direction for sure.

So in other words, you aren't disagreeing with my premise that the new classes have more promise, which has been stated a couple of times. Of course we will have to see how it turns out, nothing is promised.

As for Rubio, he may be dealing with nagging injuries but that doesn't change the overall assessment on him in my view.

Noted on the injuries, I ASKED for people to correct where I was wrong in the OP and while I would have used a different tone than you, appreciate you pointing them out. However given the manner you chose to post, I won't respond to you again. Take your shots but you'll be on ignore from here on out.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

So in other words, you aren't disagreeing with my premise that the new classes have more promise, which has been stated a couple of times. Of course we will have to see how it turns out, nothing is promised.

for Rubio, he may be dealing with nagging injuries but that doesn't change the overall assessment on him in my view.

Noted on the injuries, I ASKED for people to correct where I was wrong in the OP and while I would have used a different tone than you, appreciate you pointing them out. However given the manner you chose to post, I won't respond to you again. Take your shots but you'll be on ignore from here on out.

As

If the post by Crazy Balki is the bar your using to put people on ignore, you'll be having conversations with yourself in another couple weeks.

I'm having a hard time finding what he typed that incensed you?

 

[PutuporShutup]

We’ll learn a lot about Washington today. There’s no excuse to not be getting good pressure on McCord. Osu has inexperienced and not overly talented tackles and center. McCord is not a big threat to run so the dline needs to get noticed today.

I think we’re improving our numbers recruiting but not landing enough high potential players.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

We’ll learn a lot about Washington today. There’s no excuse to not be getting good pressure on McCord. Osu has inexperienced and not overly talented tackles and center. McCord is not a big threat to run so the dline needs to get noticed today.

I think we’re improving our numbers recruiting but not landing enough high potential players.

Agreed. I’m tired of hearing “sacks don’t matter…look at our pass D efficiency”. We’ve played four trash offenses…none of which could cobble together a passing threat. Now they’re facing the best WR corps in the country. They’ll likely get their yards but to let an inexperienced QB on his first big stage avoid being adversely affected by pressure is inexcusable. ND has more late hits on the QB than sacks

 

[AllTimeIrish]

If the post by Crazy Balki is the bar your using to put people on ignore, you'll be having conversations with yourself in another couple weeks.

I'm having a hard time finding what he typed that incensed you?

I can ignore whom I like, its exactly what the feature is for. If you want to respond to a point I made in this thread, feel free to.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

Agreed. I’m tired of hearing “sacks don’t matter…look at our pass D efficiency”. We’ve played four trash offenses…none of which could cobble together a passing threat. Now they’re facing the best WR corps in the country. They’ll likely get their yards but to let an inexperienced QB on his first big stage avoid being adversely affected by pressure is inexcusable. ND has more late hits on the QB than sacks

We haven't played a great team, but most haven't either. Feels to me like this is the first real week of college football for most top 25 programs.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I can ignore whom I like, its exactly what the feature is for. If you want to respond to a point I made in this thread, feel free to.

Lol, I did just that and so have several others and you responded with petty responses and ignoring.

It isn't the fault of anyone on here that your premise was poorly worded.

Like VDP stated, if you need to ignore people who are simply arguing your stance, then you're going to be arguing with a brick wall soon enough.

 

[TheFreemanEra]

Nnamdi Ogboko currently on campus, would be a great get for our D Line

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I can ignore whom I like, its exactly what the feature is for. If you want to respond to a point I made in this thread, feel free to.

I'd rather respond to your absurd ignore list usage. I can discuss whatever I like on this forum, it's what it is for. If you'd like to explain what was egregious enough to be put on your ignore list, feel free.

 

[AllTimeIrish]

I'd rather respond to your absurd ignore list usage. I can discuss whatever I like on this forum, it's what it is for. If you'd like to explain what was egregious enough to be put on your ignore list, feel free.

Yes you can. You seemed to have taken that personally even though you weren't involved. So I will add you to ignore. Cheers mate.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Yes you can. You seemed to have taken that personally even though you weren't involved. So I will add you to ignore. Cheers mate.

Wow. Pot meet kettle much?

You seem to take it personally that people weren't sharing your concern with DL recruiting or weren't willing to read your massive post.

 

[calvegas04]

Bump

 

[AllTimeIrish]

Pressure from front 4 is an issue. We are great against the run, which is awesome. But we need to get to the QB and get this guy out of his game. I feel like we are helping him build his confidence in this game.

 

[PutuporShutup]

Dline and dline coaching isn’t good enough… osu doing a good job slightly sliding pocket to give throwing lanes and not less us press it.

 

[MacIrish75]

Dline and dline coaching isn’t good enough… osu doing a good job slightly sliding pocket to give throwing lanes and not less us press it.

DL is doing really well against the run. We just don’t have any pass rushers.

 

[Sea Turtle]

DL is doing really well against the run. We just don’t have any pass rushers.

It turns out that pass rushers can command up front money. It's almost like guys like Keeley are important.

 

[indianamouse]

It turns out that pass rushers can command up front money. It's almost like guys like Keeley are important.

Otoh, OSU isn’t getting a pass rush with their 5 star dlinemen either

 

[Giddyup]

Yeah we need more explosive athletes on DL. To beat the OSU’s you need stud animals at DE and DT.

 

[irishff1014]

Yeah we need more explosive athletes on DL. To beat the OSU’s you need stud animals at DE and DT.

Elite coaching is welcomed too

 

[Sea Turtle]

Yep

 

[NDMatt91]

If they can throw tons of money at Hartman why can’t they do that at other positions? If you’re fine with paying grad transfers but not recruits, and outbidding Auburn and Florida, then they should be bringing in the Sam Hartman equivalent at Safety, DT, DE, etc. And if there’s no Sam Hartman at those positions then whoever the best grade transfer is at positions of need.

 

[DCK_1981]

I saw on Twitter that CJ May committed after the game.

 

[FOTY977]

Does it matter who we recruit if they’re not on the field? This 10 man thing is going to haunt me for a bit.

 

[NDMatt91]

And for the record, I think viewing paying recruits as being icky but being fine with dropping any amount necessary to land grad transfers is hypocritical. But if that’s what ND believes then they should be bringing in the best (or one of the best) grad transfer at every position of need. Money shouldn’t be an object, and apparently it isn’t given the teams we beat out Hartman for. Braden Fiske should’ve been on the field tonight. The top DE grad transfer should’ve been on the field tonight. The top grad transfer Safety should’ve been on the field tonight.