Chris Stewart?!

johnnd05

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On GH they are saying that Chris Stewart might be leaving. Is this for real??
 

goldandblue

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Have heard nothing of it. Here lately, everyone is "supposedly" leaving.
 

JeremyND07

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If this is true, why is Weis having such a hard time keeping guys? Either, kids are thinking they will not play or are not getting a fair shot? Honestly, this cannot help recruiting...these guys could be going back to their home towns and bad mouthing ND and Weis. Chicago, California, and now a Texas guy...ouch!!! Stewart and Young were suppose to be the future of our OL...why are we NOT developing talent?!? You have to admit if your an OL men and not getting a shot right now you would have to think you are never going to get one!!!!
 

The Polish Irishman

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I hope this is not true..this would be the last thing we needed...be just a rumor...this season has been a nightmare..I keep telling myself it is just a bad dream...I can wake up 2 years from now

Where would this put the 06 Recruiting Class now?

I feel bad for this Kid...moved from oline to dline back to oline, was hurt, I think wil the right trainer and coaching he could have been a best to deal with
 
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NDChatt

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If this is true, why is Weis having such a hard time keeping guys? Either, kids are thinking they will not play or are not getting a fair shot? Honestly, this cannot help recruiting...these guys could be going back to their home towns and bad mouthing ND and Weis. Chicago, California, and now a Texas guy...ouch!!! Stewart and Young were suppose to be the future of our OL...why are we NOT developing talent?!? You have to admit if your an OL men and not getting a shot right now you would have to think you are never going to get one!!!!

I don't think it is developing talent. Remember everyone was praising the coaching staff for developing the talent we lost from last year. As far as Stewart, didn't he come into camp last year extremely overweight? And also he has played musical position since spring practice, moving from O-line to D-line and now back to O-line. I hope he doesn't transfer and fights for a starting job.
 

The Polish Irishman

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I have heard rumors of more players leaving, As they say in Mexico "No bueno"

I hope this turns out to be just rumors.

Do you think the reason for Nuss back to Oline is because of Stewart?
 

johnnd05

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FWIW, I pretty much agree with what Bill said on GH, namely that if this is true then it's a bad sign. A transfer or two in any given year is totally understandable, but four guys leaving the team within a few months is a LOT. It's true that it's a sign of the quality of talent we have that top-ranked players aren't seeing the field, but that happens at a lot of programs, and we need DEPTH if we're going to be an elite team. I really have trouble interpreting this as a sign of anything genuinely positive ...
 

johnnd05

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I have heard rumors of more players leaving, As they say in Mexico "No bueno"

I hope this turns out to be just rumors.

Do you think the reason for Nuss back to Oline is because of Stewart?

Any particular names? Care to say where the rumors have come from?

It's entirely possible that that's part of what was behind the decision to move Nuss, though there was no mention of Stewart being absent from practice yesterday. The direction of causation could have gone the other way, too: Stewart might be leaving BECAUSE they moved Nuss to the OL.
 

jonesman

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I see Irish Illustrated has an update on Chris Stewart. I do not have premium service so not sure if they have any additional news. Any Update???
 

johnnd05

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I see Irish Illustrated has an update on Chris Stewart. I do not have premium service so not sure if they have any additional news. Any Update???

I haven't read the II article, but from what I can see it looks like he is definitely gone.
 

GoshenGipper

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Pete Samson is reporting that the rumored tranfer is Chris Stewart and he will be leaving. As much as I don't like to see transfers if you are going to lose somone it really doesn't bother me too much if it's a guy that can't seem to get on the field, or is getting passed up on the depth chart by younger players.

Stewart was the only OL that made the trip to the Michigan game that didn't find someway to get on the feild, even for one series. Bartley Webb is the only other guy that from that class that hasn't been seeing much PT, but he hasn't even been making the bus lately either.
 

johnnd05

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Pete Samson is reporting that the rumored tranfer is Chris Stewart and he will be leaving. As much as I don't like to see transfers if you are going to lose somone it really doesn't bother me too much if it's a guy that can't seem to get on the field, or is getting passed up on the depth chart by younger players.

Stewart was the only OL that made the trip to the Michigan game that didn't find someway to get on the feild, even for one series. Bartley Webb is the only other guy that from that class that hasn't been seeing much PT, but he hasn't even been making the bus lately either.

GG, I agree with you that Stewart is FAR from the worst player we could have lost, but it still hurts. In the first place, we obviously need warm bodies, even if they're just on the bench or the practice field. And in the second place, it seems to me that the fact that guys aren't willing to stick around, ride the pine, and get their free education isn't a very good sign about overall team morale. Again, I know that every major program has some players who transfer, but do they all have THIS many?
 

GoshenGipper

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GG, I agree with you that Stewart is FAR from the worst player we could have lost, but it still hurts. In the first place, we obviously need warm bodies, even if they're just on the bench or the practice field. And in the second place, it seems to me that the fact that guys aren't willing to stick around, ride the pine, and get their free education isn't a very good sign about overall team morale. Again, I know that every major program has some players who transfer, but do they all have THIS many?

Well remember 2 of them are QB's which is a position where you tend to see more transfers. The other two are players are guys that were pretty heavily recruited out of high school, but they are now getting left behind on the depth chart, and on top of that they are far from home.

I don't think it's good for moral, but from a scholarship and talent stand point I don't think it really hurts the team much.
 

johnnd05

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In any case, landing Page and/or Robinson just got even more important ...
 

johnnd05

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From the SB Tribune:

Notre Dame football's Stewart leaving school

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame’s 6-foot 5-inch, 339-pound offensive guard Chris Stewart has left the school with the intent to transfer.

He is the fourth member of the sophomore class to leave the program in the past three months and 17th overall in the Charlie Weis era.

Stewart practiced at both nose tackle and offensive guard, but did not see game action at Notre Dame.

I guess that's that. Best of luck to him.
 

GoshenGipper

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In any case, landing Page and/or Robinson just got even more important ...

I'm losing hope in Robinson though. Yeah it might be good news that he's been to NU so many times lately and still hasn't commited, but the fact that he's doing interviews with NU guys, and he won't pick up the phone when it's an ND guy causes me to be pessimistic. It's never good when that happens, and in some ways it reminds me of Will Blackman from last year. And untill Page visits ND who really knows. We all know Sabino was really high on ND untill he came up here, and then he realized ND wasn't the place for him.
 

jonesman

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I see on the front page of Irish Illustrated that Stewart's father hopes to convince him to return to campus. Sounds like this may be case of homesickness or something of that nature. I don't know a bunch about this kid, but he has appeared to do whatever the coaches asked of him. Loss a bunch of weight, play NG, move back to OL. This shows he does have some dedication. For this, CW should as he says, "Act like a father and give the kid some councelling to get back to ND". Further, get the kid a few reps in game time. Not like many plays have matter for us in the 4th quarter this year. Maybe you find the kid can move a defensive pile. Even though he is not a starter, CW needs to work on keeping these kids. CW needs to realize this is not the NFL. I work with several ND grads, a couple of which are ex ND football players. They have concerns about CW treating the kids like Pro athlete's. CW needs to check a little bit of his ego.
 
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goldenlid

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I heard Holtz say he lose two or three guys due to transfer while at ND. CW has lost 17 I think. I wish Chris the best of luck.
 

Irishtat

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here's the story link: Notre Dame Football: IrishIllustrated.com - Notre Dame Football

Also, I don't really believe this to be too much of a concern. By bringing in deep recruiting classses (ie '06) it creates an especially competitive environment. With the lack of depth across the upperclasses ('04 & '05) the best young players are currently playing and on the two-deep roster. Although these transfers may have been highly rated (Reuland & Stewart), they are not getting in the game enough in their eyes or even at all. Its really the healthiest way to continue and bring in large classes that compete and produce the best quality depth. Simply put, this naturally eliminates the guys that will not play, a true sign of a healthy team.

Okay, I can understand how from the naked eye it looks bad that guys are transferring. The two QBs, Frazier and Jones, were expendable and each given that wanted (from a recruits standpoint) opportunity to compete for the starting position. They weren't good enough. Reuland and Stewart were passed on the depth-chart by younger better players. What's the alternative, keep them on the roster and be forced to pass on available younger talent because scholarships were taken by guys beaten out? Now we can bring in more in possibly this year's new class ('08) and next year's class ('09) and let them compete, which CW promises all young guys, thus creating the best possible team. Transfers are going to happen, real concern is when a player in the two-deep depth-chart wants out! Just IMHO.
 
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jonesman

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I just love how quick we are to toss another one on the heap and think that the next recruit coming in will be better. Irishtat, go look at the USC depth chart and you will see that there are many 4 and 5 star guys down the depth chart. Somehing is going on with the way we are treating our non starters. Further, I am concerned with how CW has quickly become enamored with the Freshman and quickly moves them ahead of upper class members. When Rueland decided to transfer, I went back and watched all three games to see how he played verses how Ragone has played. Let me tell you, Ragone must be showing something special in practice, because he is getting manhandled on game day. Rueland was showing better strength in blocking and neither is catching any passes, so hard to judge that. We are desperately thin and cannot afford the transfer trend to continue. Did you see these transfers with Lou when he had a roster full of All-American's???
 

Irishtat

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I just love how quick we are to toss another one on the heap and think that the next recruit coming in will be better. Irishtat, go look at the USC depth chart and you will see that there are many 4 and 5 star guys down the depth chart. Somehing is going on with the way we are treating our non starters. Further, I am concerned with how CW has quickly become enamored with the Freshman and quickly moves them ahead of upper class members. When Rueland decided to transfer, I went back and watched all three games to see how he played verses how Ragone has played. Let me tell you, Ragone must be showing something special in practice, because he is getting manhandled on game day. Rueland was showing better strength in blocking and neither is catching any passes, so hard to judge that. We are desperately thin and cannot afford the transfer trend to continue. Did you see these transfers with Lou when he had a roster full of All-American's???

From a player perspective as well as coach perspective, if someone isn't "all in" then it’s better for the team that they transfer or quit. On the other hand, as some might say, get rid of any potential "cancer" now before too late. In fact, listen to the Defensive captain presser today for more on that (CSTV & Interviews (MediaType)&media=44755).

CW & his staff get my nod when it comes to evaluating their/ND's players...regardless, any and every day of the week. As CW has answered numerous times and told each & every player regardless of the class their in, the best players will be on the field. With the lack of depth in the upper-class that seems quite the no-brainer as to why the younger guys are either ahead, just behind, or altogether on top of the depth chart as far as two even three deep. The difference between the state of ND right now and USC and ND in Lou's heyday is that we are struggling, and this brings out the true character of players, coaches, and even the fans.

Would it even be conversation worthy if we were 4-0 and our 4th string TE transferred w/ two highly touted TE recruits in on the way and our 3rd/4th string RG transferred w/ three highly touted OL-men in on the way? I doubt it. The upper-class is poo poo (excluding the obvious) and the fan base and media are antsy is all, because we are 0-4. When the transition from coach TW to coach CW is complete, and all players are truly CW guys ND will in no way be in the “desperately thin” state, whatsoever.
 
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NDIRISH089

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I can't stand all these rumors swirling about and thats why I don't read the newspaper!!! It's garbage!! and the editors that allow it to be printed are garbage!!
 

jonesman

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Irishtat,
What do you think the D captains are going to say. "Ya this sucks, CW sucks, I am thinking of transferring too, blah blah blah". Realize that CW is darn good at giving his boyz direction on what to say and not to say. Listen to what the players say. It is almost rehersed at times. He is very controlling of information. As for CW's guys, the last 4 guys have all been CW's guys. I really think CW is a good coach and will get the job done, but he needs to drop his ego a notch or two and realize at college is a bunch of boyz that most will not make the NFL, so they need to have some fun while playing ball.
 

Sir John

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We had iton DD quote a while. I think it's all a morale issue that starts with whoever is captain. The coach can't be there past the 20 hours.
 

GoshenGipper

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I just love how quick we are to toss another one on the heap and think that the next recruit coming in will be better. Irishtat, go look at the USC depth chart and you will see that there are many 4 and 5 star guys down the depth chart. Somehing is going on with the way we are treating our non starters. Further, I am concerned with how CW has quickly become enamored with the Freshman and quickly moves them ahead of upper class members. When Rueland decided to transfer, I went back and watched all three games to see how he played verses how Ragone has played. Let me tell you, Ragone must be showing something special in practice, because he is getting manhandled on game day. Rueland was showing better strength in blocking and neither is catching any passes, so hard to judge that. We are desperately thin and cannot afford the transfer trend to continue. Did you see these transfers with Lou when he had a roster full of All-American's???

I know that he's showed a lot of heart and a fire inside him, somthing that CW loves and is despreately needed on this team and from what I've heard that is something that Chris Stewart seems to lack.


Remember that Lou had his own fair share of transfers. Dorsey Levens was an All-American and let ND in the early 90's to go to Georgia Tech. Plus you have to remember that today's recuiting and CFB worl is drastically different than the one Lou coached in while he was at ND.

I agree that it's not good to lose a bunch of guys, but it happens. USC just lost a 5:s: RB, and a 4:s: WR right before the season. Many of these transfers are just the continuation of the constant decommitments that take during recruiting. If kids aren't playing, then they want to find someplace that they will, It's had to really blame someone for not wanting to sit on the bench.
 

Irishtat

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Irishtat,
What do you think the D captains are going to say. "Ya this sucks, CW sucks, I am thinking of transferring too, blah blah blah". Realize that CW is darn good at giving his boyz direction on what to say and not to say. Listen to what the players say. It is almost rehersed at times. He is very controlling of information. As for CW's guys, the last 4 guys have all been CW's guys. I really think CW is a good coach and will get the job done, but he needs to drop his ego a notch or two and realize at college is a bunch of boyz that most will not make the NFL, so they need to have some fun while playing ball.

Of course they're not going to say that! The point I was trying to make is that its about TEAM and if you're not "all in" then see ya! And although they are all high-character guys, when you see the writing on the way that playing time is going to be sparse or non-existent, than for some it becomes an INDIVIDUAL thing and transfering or quitting is the only option...

In every successful program from the ground up the voice & tone of the head-coach is in sync and flows throughout the entire team and organization... CW has got to be controlling to a certain extint at ND for chrissake...look at all the media coverage.

And as for the transfers all being CW guys, yes I know that, but look again at the point I was trying to make...would it even be conversation worthy if we were winning and deep in every class? No way! not even an afterthought because we wouldn't be “desperately thin”.

I don't have enough insight or first-hand knowledge to comment on Weis's ego and its so-called relation to transfers/players/coaching style/NFL etc. Fun typically comes with winning at the highest level and I too agree CW is a good coach and will get the job done... at least thats what I pray :)
 

Irish93

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In two years, we will be saying...that we wish we had Stewart starting at RG as a senior instead of some freshman. Crappy senior recruiting classes are the exact reason that we are in this position (0-4 start).

Now, the '06 class takes another hit. That class according to Rivals had two 5*, ten 4*, 15 3* and one 2*. We can talk about how we don't believe in the star ranking, but the fact of the matter is that we have now lost four of those 4* players.

Right now, this program is lower than it was during the Faust days, and I can't figure it out.
 

piyachi

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This is getting blown way out of proportion. Every very successful program has transfers that are talented (the USuCk ones as noted).

One of the side effects of the ND youth movement are these transfers. Normally someone who is as talented as these guys would be ok with riding the pine for a while, but when everyone on the damn team is so young, and you are third/fourth string.... well it just looks bleak for your prospects of starting. Me personally, I would think 'Hey I'm the baddest mofo out there and I'm going to outwork them and take their spot'. For some I guess it's just a business decision where they will move on to better their odds of making it to that pro career.

I'd like for every player to come to ND willing to stick it out and be happy finishing with a fantastic degree at the end of their time in South Bend. But the fact is these kids want a pro career and if that means making academics a secondary priority, some are willing to do just that. I'm not suggesting Big Stew is not smart in any way, he just wants to take those 340 lbs to play on sundays, and didn't think he could do it here.

Once we are only starting one or two freshman tops, there won't be as many transfers because players will realize they have to wait to play. This is just another crappy side-effect of our previous recruiting issues and the bottom-heavy classes.

Good luck wherever you go Big Stew.
 
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