Breakout Players - 2010

[Riddickulous]

There's a lot of time between now and next season, but the offseason is extremely boring and relatively eventless after National Signing Day, followed by a lull until spring ball, which is then followed by a long three months or so until fall practices.

So...who do you think will breakout in 2010?

Obviously, I do not expect all of these things to happen, but these are what I feel to be the most likely scenarios for next season.

Duval Kamara - I fully expect Duval to explode onto the scene this season. With the departure of Golden Tate and the arrival of the spread offense of Brian Kelly, Duval should get a great opportunity to step in and be a key contributor.

John Goodman - Similar to Duval.

Tai-ler Jones/Shaq Evans/Roby Toma - One of these three should emerge as a good slot receiver.

Darius Fleming - He struggled early on in 2009 (the image of Darius getting destroyed by Tate Forcier on a long touchdown run still gives me nightmares), but found a groove later on. He should become a consistent playmaker in 2010.

Ethan Johnson - With the implementation of the 3-4, expect Ethan to finally get his regular position back at defensive end and really begin to explode.

Steve Filer - Could work his way into the starting lineup and displays his skills.

Jamoris Slaughter - Jamoris is gonna "slaughter" some receivers next year, replacing Kyle McCarthy at safety.

Zeke Motta - Could nab the other safety spot.

Harrison Smith - Could emerge as a linebacker, where he performs much better.

(In the event that Dayne Crist does not fully recover from his ACL):

Andrew Hendrix/Tommy Rees - Rees is the more likely candidate to start, as he has played in the spread before and has early enrolled.

 

[TerryTate]

Excellent list, I'd like to see Rudolph have a much better season as well.

 

[Junkhead]

I see Deion Walker in the mix also.

 

[WabashFalcon]

Deion "You forgot I was even on the roster" Walker

 

[kmoose]

Andrew Hendrix/Tommy Rees - Rees is the more likely candidate to start, as he has played in the spread before and has early enrolled.

Let's hope that neither one of these guys is even close to being the starter. If they are, we're looking at 6-6, at best.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

John Goodman is going to kick so much ass next year.

 

[yeahyeahIRISH]

great call on Ethan i think he will really shine this year

 

[alleycat9]

great call on Ethan i think he will really shine this year

i thought the same thing last year, he was really put into a bad position this past year but toward the end of his freshman season he really appeared to be coming on and i definitely envisioned him becoming great.

hopefully he will get back on track this year.

 

[amgarvey]

I think the players that have the biggest breakout potential are the ones that will fit well in the new 3-4 scheme. Ethan Johnson is a prototypical 3-4 end and should really thrive.Fleming, Filer and Neal should really make excellent outside linebackers in the new scheme as well.

 

[The hawaiianassassin]

Andrew Hendrix/Tommy Rees - Rees is the more likely candidate to start, as he has played in the spread before and has early enrolled.[/QUOTE]

Lets not forget montana is back in the spring he would start if crist is not 100%.Wich I think he will be ready but i think we will be fine

 

[jakerbluegold]

No on Kamara.

Yes on Johnson.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

Hopefully Johnson on D.
Definitely Crist on O, if he isn't the most broken player god forbid.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Crist will break out.
Allen will amaze.
The entire receiving corp will flourish in the spread.

Oh and Manti will light it up.

Here's to a new decade of Irish Football!

 

[Maddog77]

I have a strong feeling Theo Riddick will be our most explosive back with our new offense and will break off some long runs.

 

[BearGB]

I think Ethan's big year will dramatically help KLM's year. If Ethan can really clog up his side and disrupt the OL, KLM will be more free to get after the QB. It could be that KLM has a bigger year statistically even though Ethan may have been just as big of a role.

I really, really hope some of our DBs get on this list... it is highly needed...

 

[neoroks32]

cierre wood

 

[BGIF]

cierre wood

In what capacity?

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

cierre wood

I've heard that he has shown more potential than Theo, so I'm guessing CW just wanted to red shirt and give him an extra year of practice and eligibility.

We have a lot of depth at the RB position, so I'm not expecting huge numbers.
I'm expecting a few big plays to start up his career highlight real.

Here's to hoping he's the real deal.

 

[NDinL.A.]

Nice job with the list!

But sorry, I'm just not feeling it with Kamara. He played better the 2nd half of the season, even catching the ball LOL, but he's not a breakout type player. He's not a prolific route runner, has little speed and no jukes, has very suspect hands, and a suspect work ethic. I'm hoping that he turns it around, but I said it before last year, he just hasn't gotten better. Maybe with a new position coach, a new offense (which I don't think suits his skills personally), and a fresh start, he can prove me wrong. I hope so!

I'm hoping Filer can figure out the new defensive scheme and unleash his athleticism along with Te'o and Fleming...

 

[BGIF]

Nice job with the list!

But sorry, I'm just not feeling it with Kamara. He played better the 2nd half of the season, even catching the ball LOL, but he's not a breakout type player. He's not a prolific route runner, has little speed and no jukes, has very suspect hands, and a suspect work ethic. I'm hoping that he turns it around, but I said it before last year, he just hasn't gotten better. Maybe with a new position coach, a new offense (which I don't think suits his skills personally), and a fresh start, he can prove me wrong. I hope so!

I'm hoping Filer can figure out the new defensive scheme and unleash his athleticism along with Te'o and Fleming...

Kamara actually had a "Break Out" season as a freshman. The next year he came in overweight earning his way into Weis's Dog House. He ended up with a sterotype Sophomore Slump. He had an knee injury preseason and despite it was used as a effective blocker to bloster a weak blocking OLine. I can't recall another ND player starting the season with a knee injury being used heavily as a blocker. I think he can be very effective in Kelly's system and will give defenses key on Floyd fits. A change in HC, OC, and WR coach gives him a chance for a clean slate. I look for Kelly to challenge him on that basis.

 

[ThePiombino]

I have a strong feeling Theo Riddick will be our most explosive back with our new offense and will break off some long runs.

I'm thinking the same thing here. Though I do believe Allen will the the go-to guy this season (God willing he stays healthy), Theo showed some flashes last year and I think he's primed for some explosive plays, especially with some catches out of the backfield on 3rd down and such. I know a lot of people are big on Wood, but I think (read HOPE) Theo's year of experience last year will have gotteh him caught up to the speed of the college game vs high school. Time will tell I guess....

I'm also praying that Crist is half as good as everyone says he is. If so, the offense really shouldn't miss a beat from last year. The spread offense should allow a success by committee scenario in which many WRs and RBs will have an opportunity to contribute.

Lastly, I'm praying that, above all else, SOMEONE steps it up big time on D. There is no secret that defense has been NDs achilles for way too long.

 

[IrishAddiction]

Kamara..... its gotta happen sometime. I thought this year, but he didnt get the touches that Tate, Floyd, and Rudolph did when they were in there.

Pozluzney(SP?).... i expect him to start getting reps and start showing what his brother always did.

Hafis Williams.... im surprised he didnt have a break out year this year. He will be an impact player on the defensive line next season.

Others i suspect to come out and show their stuff is Andrew Nuss (OL), Jamorius Slaughter DB, and Cierre Wood as an all purpose back with Kellys offense.

This is all just guessing all my part, barring injuries, etc. We will see what happens though, we got along way to go till next season though.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I also hope Shaq Evans becomes a big time contributor in Kelly's spread offense.

It should help him flourish.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I don't see Kamara as a breakout guy. I think it's going to be the quick, athletic types that will excel in the spread. That points to Goodman, Walker, Evans, Riddick, and the like.

On defense...I'm hoping to see a lot more from the ends (Johnson and KLM). They seem much better suited to the 3-4. I'm also looking forward to more from Motta.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I don't see Kamara as a breakout guy. I think it's going to be the quick, athletic types that will excel in the spread. That points to Goodman, Walker, Evans, Riddick, and the like.

On defense...I'm hoping to see a lot more from the ends (Johnson and KLM). They seem much better suited to the 3-4. I'm also looking forward to more from Motta.

I definitely agree with speedy guys doing great. However, I think Kamara has what it takes to be a big time threat in the RedZone... Plus he is a veteran WR and should be ready to pick up the load offensively.

 

[jason_h537]

Nice thread. I will not count anyone who already has show flashes like KLM or Manti. I will say a WR for sure, imma go with Deion Walker, alot of posters seem to think Tai-ler already passed him on the depth chart but he had great speed.

Other possibilities:
Jamoris Slaughter: freak athlete who just got his feet wet at Safety, could be a stud

Cierre Wood at RB. Theo may be a great returner but Wood's got skillz

 

[neoroks32]

Nice thread. I will not count anyone who already has show flashes like KLM or Manti. I will say a WR for sure, imma go with Deion Walker, alot of posters seem to think Tai-ler already passed him on the depth chart but he had great speed.

Other possibilities:
Jamoris Slaughter: freak athlete who just got his feet wet at Safety, could be a stud

Cierre Wood at RB. Theo may be a great returner but Wood's got skillz

i think any of the running backs could have break out years but i thinh Jonas Gray and Cierre Woods/Theo Riddick could be like ronnie brown and cadilac williams at auburn with gray being ronnie and cierre or theo being carnell

 

[Riddickulous]

The thing I noticed about Theo Riddick is that he always gets close to breaking one long and then stumbles or gets tripped up from behind.

Dayne Crist was not on the list because I thought it would be implied.

 

[neoroks32]

The thing I noticed about Theo Riddick is that he always gets close to breaking one long and then stumbles or gets tripped up from behind.

Dayne Crist was not on the list because I thought it would be implied.

same thing would happen to armando like very play just holding a block a little longer we might had some big rushing plays

 

[condoms SUCk]

what about Allen, where does he fit in?