Depth chart for 2013

[btown35]

Assuming we get Folston & Vanderdoes does anyone know how many spots we got for 14?

 

[irishroo]

BK stated in his presser that we will be at 85 scholarships this year.

Assuming Nichols takes a medical, Z Martin, Watt, Fox, and Calabrese come back as 5Ys, and we get Vanderdoes, I still only count 84. Where's that last scholarship going?

 

[btown35]

Maybe a preferred walk on getting a scholly?

 

[CanadalovesND]

Last scholarship would probably go to a deserving walk-on

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Assuming Nichols takes a medical, Z Martin, Watt, Fox, and Calabrese come back as 5Ys, and we get Vanderdoes, I still only count 84. Where's that last scholarship going?

5Y for Tausch.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I am really starting to lean towards TP's guess at RB:

Bryant
Mahone
GA3
Folston

I think we are going to emphasizing power and Bryant brings it. He's not as big as Jonas or Hughes, but he is plenty big and likes contact.

I also think playing next to Braynt and watching Riddick get all those carries this year will have Mahone in the right mind set. He'll surprise some people. His tape is better than I remember, and he was playing behind two legit veterans this year. There was no reason to put him out there, but that is not a knock on his talent.

Finally, I think we should see more out of GAIII. He's always seemed like a guy who needs time for things to click. He's not a "hear it once" kind of kid. Like DD at the beginning of this year, his face does not project confidence. I think it finally will this year. If he bulks up a little and cuts back on track, he could be a deadly change of pace guy. Could he be our gunner on KO's?

 

[Irish YJ]

I am really starting to lean towards TP's guess at RB:

Bryant
Mahone
GA3
Folston

I think we are going to emphasizing power and Bryant brings it. He's not as big as Jonas or Hughes, but he is plenty big and likes contact.

I also think playing next to Braynt and watching Riddick get all those carries this year will have Mahone in the right mind set. He'll surprise some people. His tape is better than I remember, and he was playing behind two legit veterans this year. There was no reason to put him out there, but that is not a knock on his talent.

Finally, I think we should see more out of GAIII. He's always seemed like a guy who needs time for things to click. He's not a "hear it once" kind of kid. Like DD at the beginning of this year, his face does not project confidence. I think it finally will this year. If he bulks up a little and cuts back on track, he could be a deadly change of pace guy. Could he be our gunner on KO's?

I think ultimately it will be Bryant and Carlyle as 1a/1b, assuming Carlyle is healthy. GA3, Mahone, and McDaniel will all see time. I think Folston gets a redshirt. Not because he isn't worthy, but because I think Carlyle and Neal will fill the RB/Z space,,,, and just too many options in the log jam to waste a year for TF. I think we will all be surprised at how many tosses go Bryant's way too.

 

[GoIrish41]

surprised how little love GA3 is getting. I think he starts the year as the No. 1 back, splitting time with either Amir or Bryant. GA3 needs to pack on some muscle in the off season to withstand the punishment, but his speed isn't something you casually take off the field.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

surprised how little love GA3 is getting. I think he starts the year as the No. 1 back, splitting time with either Amir or Bryant. GA3 needs to pack on some muscle in the off season to withstand the punishment, but his speed isn't something you casually take off the field.

GAIII is still very raw. He needs to improve his YAC (lower body strength), his vision, and his running style.

He might make a big jump this off-season now that there are lots of carries up for grabs, but he's been our #3 for the past two seasons and hasn't improved very much over that time.

As MGOBlah describes him, he's just a fast guy without a position at the moment. GAIII is gonna need to be a lot more than that if he's going to hold off Bryant, Carlisle, Mahone, Folston, and McDaniel.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

If GA3 gets passed up, what are the chances he becomes a ST gunner? He's so fast, I have trouble thinking the staff wouldn't line him up more often on ST-Def. As far as KR, I'm not sure GA3 brought the same excitement he did his freshman year. I say this w/o having checked his yards per return, however. The staff recruited a lot of speed over these last two cycles. Suddenly just being a speed guy doesn't carry as much weight as someone with speed and ability to play the position.

 

[Domina Nostra]

If GA3 gets passed up, what are the chances he becomes a ST gunner?

I asked this same question above. I think there is an excellent chance. Kelly knows it is time to get ST up and running. The problem before was depth. Now that we have some depth at RB, I would not be worried about letting GAIII loose. He basically almost decapitated a walk-on in ST drills last spring, as I recall.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I asked this same question above. I think there is an excellent chance. Kelly knows it is time to get ST up and running. The problem before was depth. Now that we have some depth at RB, I would not be worried about letting GAIII loose. He basically almost decapitated a walk-on in ST drills last spring, as I recall.

Sorry, I somehow missed that in your post. I completely agree though. GA3 seems like a perfect ST player. Don't get me wrong, I'm pulling for things to click at RB for him. He could be a game changer. But if they don't, he's more than capable at contributing at other places on the field.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Sorry, I somehow missed that in your post. I completely agree though. GA3 seems like a perfect ST player. Don't get me wrong, I'm pulling for things to click at RB for him. He could be a game changer. But if they don't, he's more than capable at contributing at other places on the field.

I just meant, we're on the same wavelength... I agree completely.

I wish he had better hands! He is a perfectly built WR.

 

[arrowryan]

surprised how little love GA3 is getting. I think he starts the year as the No. 1 back, splitting time with either Amir or Bryant. GA3 needs to pack on some muscle in the off season to withstand the punishment, but his speed isn't something you casually take off the field.

If he stops being a 1 trick pony then he would be a great number 1 running back

 

[irishpat183]

QB-J. Smith
RB-J Smith
WR-J Smith
WR-J Smith
WR-J Smith
TE-J Smith
LT-Vanderdoes
LG-Vanderdoes
C-Vanderdoes
RG-Vanderdoes
RT-Vanderdoes

DE-Vanderdoes
NT-Nix (Vanderdoes needs a break)
DE-Vanderdoes
CAT-J Smith
ILB-J Smith
ILB-J Smith
DOG-J Smith
CB-J Smith
CB-J Smith
FS-Redfield (Smith needs a break)
SS-J Smith
K-Brindza (The only weak point I see in J Smith and EV's games)
P-Brindza (See above)
KR-J Smith
PR-J Smith

I think we see improvement everywhere on offense besides the inside of the line and a lot of improvement in the secondary. Our front 7 loses a lot though.

FIFY

 

[Walter White]

Last scholarship would probably go to a deserving walk-on

My bet is Joe Schmidt LB.

 

[Cackalacky]

GAIII is still very raw. He needs to improve his YAC (lower body strength), his vision, and his running style.[/B]

He might make a big jump this off-season now that there are lots of carries up for grabs, but he's been our #3 for the past two seasons and hasn't improved very much over that time.

As MGOBlah describes him, he's just a fast guy without a position at the moment. GAIII is gonna need to be a lot more than that if he's going to hold off Bryant, Carlisle, Mahone, Folston, and McDaniel.

Yes in bold. I would like to think he has a leg up but I have not seen him pass block, pick up blitzes, catch passes out of the backfield or anything to make him other than just a fast kid outside. He goes down way too easy in the tackles. He needs space and massive holes inside to be effective.

I believe we will see a lot in the tackle running and therefore will see a lot of Mahone and Bryant. I am not sure what Carlisle is like though and I have not watched tape on Folston. I am a McDaniel fan though so I would love to see him get some reps.

 

[Cackalacky]

So I have been thinking about the ILB depth chart. Any chance Grace could start even if both Fox and Carlo both come back? Grace has been great in practice but it is just practice. I think it would be better long term or else we would be looking at 4 new starters in 2014; would be nice to have Grace to start so he can be ready to be one of the leaders in 2015. Then again you have to do what is best for the here and now not necessarily down the road.

All this is really pointless on my part until we know for sure on both Fox and Carlo anyway. Just thought I would give my thought process on this.

I believe I heard Kelly state that Jaylon would immediately challenge Spond for his spot but I don't know about ILB. Seems like a big 'ol mess to me.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I believe I heard Kelly state that Jaylon would immediately challenge Spond for his spot but I don't know about ILB. Seems like a big 'ol mess to me.

I wouldn't be suprised to see this:

MIKE: Grace/Fox/Moore/Deeb
WILL: Carlo/Councell/Randolph

CAT: Shembo/Williams/Rabassa
DOG: Spond/Smith/Baratti/Turner

 

[Cackalacky]

I'd be content with a repeat of last year. We weren't half shabby record wise.

But for real, It's gotta be Kiel. You have to build for the future. Kiel needs those reps, and I think he'll earn them this off season.

Once again, listening to Kelly's interview on signing day, He seemed really excited about Zaire and how he was not scared of all the QBs in front of him. To think Zaire is our 5th QB......crazy

Kelly also said this year was the first class that depth was being built and not just filling in specific needs. I am very excited for the next few years.

 

[Cackalacky]

I wouldn't be suprised to see this:

MIKE: Grace/Fox/Moore/Deeb
WILL: Carlo/Councell/Randolph

CAT: Shembo/Williams/Rabassa
DOG: Spond/Smith/Baratti/Turner

No Baratti at Safety? I figured he backup Farley or pickup the other safety slot. Motta is not getting a fifth is he?

 

[Buster Bluth]

I can't imagine Carlo starting over Fox.

 

[Grahambo]

I can't imagine Carlo starting over Fox.

Agreed here. I think Fox is more versatile and is definitely the better coverage guy.

 

[Domina Nostra]

No Baratti at Safety? I figured he backup Farley or pickup the other safety slot. Motta is not getting a fifth is he?

I think we need to create some depth at DOG. I have a hard time seeing Okwara as anything but a CAT or a DE. The logical move seems to be to bring over a safety. I think Baratti or Prosise, plus Turner. Baratti seems bigger, Prosise more expendable. That leaves Farley, Shumate, Collinsworth, Hardy, (Posise or Barratti), Badger, Max Redfield, and possibly Slaughter. That's plenty already.

I can't imagine Carlo starting over Fox.

I agree; I was thinking more of a passing, running down split than a starter/back-up situation.

 

[IrishKD]

I think Redfield is going to see a lot of time in the secondary. I was down on Farley before last year, and he got A LOT better as the season went on and made some big plays. Probably one of the unsung heroes on D. That said, Redfield's HS film (to me) was more impressive than any other recruits, including Bryant, EV and dare I say it Jaylon Smith's. He may not start at the beginning of the year, but I predict he'll make the biggest impact of all the freshmen.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Since I would move Prosise and Turner to DOG, this is how I see DB. But if Collinsworth is 100% I might keep Shumate training at CB.

CB1: Russell, Attkinson, Brown
CB2: Jackson, Luke, Attkinson
SS: Barratti, Shumate, Collinsworth, Badger
FS: Farley, Redfield, Hardy

On a differnt note, is Okwara too tall for WILL? I know its funny that he gets moved all around in our imaginations, but his athleticism makes it tempting. We know he an play DOG, but Shembo is ahead of him and Williams seems locked in. He can supposedly play DOG, but Spond is ahead of him and that seems like the best place to get Smith on the field. We think he can grow into a DE, but is there a need? There certainly is a need at ILB, and there is already talk of COuncell moving over...

 

[Whiskeyjack]

You think Baratti starts over Shumate? That's a bold prediction.

 

[Ironman8]

You think Baratti starts over Shumate? That's a bold prediction.

Specifically against spread teams where we would employ nickel and dime looks the majority of the time, I think having Shumate in the slot with Baratti and Redfield behind gives us our optimal lineup.

 

[Redbar]

Since I would move Prosise and Turner to DOG, this is how I see DB. But if Collinsworth is 100% I might keep Shumate training at CB.

CB1: Russell, Attkinson, Brown
CB2: Jackson, Luke, Attkinson
SS: Barratti, Shumate, Collinsworth, Badger
FS: Farley, Redfield, Hardy

On a differnt note, is Okwara too tall for WILL? I know its funny that he gets moved all around in our imaginations, but his athleticism makes it tempting. We know he an play DOG, but Shembo is ahead of him and Williams seems locked in. He can supposedly play DOG, but Spond is ahead of him and that seems like the best place to get Smith on the field. We think he can grow into a DE, but is there a need? There certainly is a need at ILB, and there is already talk of COuncell moving over...

Interesting thought.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Really believe the Irish defense will be as good or better than '12 Defense.

Offense will be much better than '12 played out.

Overall, the schedule; about equal.

With 'Bama's schedule, they will be playing in the '13 NC - no doubt in my mind.

= rematch?


GO IRISH!!!!!!!

Diz