General team info

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I disagree with you on Mokwuah. I think this kid is going to come out and become a stud for the next few years. In the limited time he was in this year, behind Jones & Cage, I thought he pushed the pocket back into the QB's and held his own in the run game. Not to mention practice reports on Pete's progressive have been very encouraging. Snacks Harrison 2.0 .

You also left off Brandon Tiassum, who supposedly has been putting in a lot of work for the first time in his career.

Thanks for this. I often get Tiassum and Dew-Treadway mixed up. I also read I their emergence so I hope they help. I wasn't aware of what u stated about Mokwuah. I hope he can provide some push from NT. He's a huge man.

 

[Crazy Balki]

The problem with ND's DL stems mainly from S&C concerns. Seems like it's something with each player:

Mokwuah - Has the want-to, but has a questionable ceiling.

Tiassum - Has some strength, but needs to shore up his technique and manage his weight.

Taylor - Insanely strong, but desperately needs to pack on some good weight. Needs to go into 2017 at around 300.

Cage - Dominating physical player, but concussions.

Tillery - Physically elite player, but his work ethic is constantly put into question.

MDT - Quality athlete, great size, great strength, limited experience and has some injury problems.

Bonner - Experienced, good size, apparent low ceiling.

J-Hayes - Can't gain any traction at a position, because he's constantly being flipped around and injuries.

Kareem - I think he'll be good, just needs to gain weight at a reasonable pace. Shouldn't have played last year, no reason.

D-Hayes - Jaylon-esque athlete, but limited football experience.

Okwara - Dominant pass-rusher, not enough size.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

The problem with ND's DL stems mainly from S&C concerns. Seems like it's something with each player:

Mokwuah - Has the want-to, but has a questionable ceiling.

Tiassum - Has some strength, but needs to shore up his technique and manage his weight.

Taylor - Insanely strong, but desperately needs to pack on some good weight. Needs to go into 2017 at around 300.

Cage - Dominating physical player, but concussions.

Tillery - Physically elite player, but his work ethic is constantly put into question.

MDT - Quality athlete, great size, great strength, limited experience and has some injury problems.

Bonner - Experienced, good size, apparent low ceiling.

J-Hayes - Can't gain any traction at a position, because he's constantly being flipped around and injuries.

Kareem - I think he'll be good, just needs to gain weight at a reasonable pace. Shouldn't have played last year, no reason.

D-Hayes - Jaylon-esque athlete, but limited football experience.

Okwara - Dominant pass-rusher, not enough size.

I agree with everything you posted. So many "ifs." I'd add Trumbetti having decent size but lack ability to get off blocks and seemingly no pass rush skills other than bull rush which he isn't big/strong enough to pull off.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

The problem with ND's DL stems mainly from S&C concerns. Seems like it's something with each player:

Mokwuah - Has the want-to, but has a questionable ceiling.

Tiassum - Has some strength, but needs to shore up his technique and manage his weight.

Taylor - Insanely strong, but desperately needs to pack on some good weight. Needs to go into 2017 at around 300.

Cage - Dominating physical player, but concussions.

Tillery - Physically elite player, but his work ethic is constantly put into question.

MDT - Quality athlete, great size, great strength, limited experience and has some injury problems.

Bonner - Experienced, good size, apparent low ceiling.

J-Hayes - Can't gain any traction at a position, because he's constantly being flipped around and injuries.

Kareem - I think he'll be good, just needs to gain weight at a reasonable pace. Shouldn't have played last year, no reason.

D-Hayes - Jaylon-esque athlete, but limited football experience.

Okwara - Dominant pass-rusher, not enough size.

Don't agree with all your assessments.

-Mokwuah: I think he has a high ceiling. Just needs more experience and came in very raw.

-Tiassum: You have to question his work ethic up until recently.

-Okwara: I think he has the size. He just needs more reps and experience.

I agree with everything you posted. So many "ifs." I'd add Trumbetti having decent size but lack ability to get off blocks and seemingly no pass rush skills other than bull rush which he isn't big/strong enough to pull off.

Agree with you on Trumbetti and would add he has zero confidence in himself.



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[Sherm Sticky]

Where is Lucci? I want his input on big Pete. If I remember correctly he also believes Pete is about to break out


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[Crazy Balki]

There's also a lot of guys with no real definable position. A lot of tweeners, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if Cage can't go, then there needs to be somebody moving into that NT spot and that person will have little to zero experience doing so.

Ideally, Cage will be given the okay to play, but I want to see either Taylor or MDT moved to the 1. I like both of them as prospects if they are getting the proper conditioning. Taylor simply cannot play at <270 like he was this year. That is ridiculous. Get him to at least 295 and keep him that way. Personally, his skill set alone would have me pegging him as the starter there, but his size is a real pressing concern. MDT I think is better at gap penetration and interior pass rush, which suits the 3T, but he has the size and strength to hold up at NT.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

There's also a lot of guys with no real definable position. A lot of tweeners, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if Cage can't go, then there needs to be somebody moving into that NT spot and that person will have little to zero experience doing so.

Ideally, Cage will be given the okay to play, but I want to see either Taylor or MDT moved to the 1. I like both of them as prospects if they are getting the proper conditioning. Taylor simply cannot play at <270 like he was this year. That is ridiculous. Get him to at least 295 and keep him that way. Personally, his skill set alone would have me pegging him as the starter there, but his size is a real pressing concern. MDT I think is better at gap penetration and interior pass rush, which suits the 3T, but he has the size and strength to hold up at NT.

If Cage is a no go I would look for Taylor and big Pete as the top two NT. With Ewell coming on strong and possibly Tiassum.


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[Luckylucci]

Where is Lucci? I want his input on big Pete. If I remember correctly he also believes Pete is about to break out


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I do think he could. Wouldn't want to count on him to be my #1 NT, but getting more optimistic for sure. I think Pete is a prime example, of a player needing multiple years to get his body and endurance up to the proper level. We didn't see it much, so I don't want to blow this out of proportion, but I definitely think he has some ability. Just need to get that from him consistently. If we get 15-20 snaps/game from him next year, at that level. That's a W.

I also thought Taylor was a bright spot against USC. He should get more reps this spring.

Elko likes to Slant and stunt his DL. So, somewhat less reliance on just winning one on one matchups and more importance on creating movement and lanes for the LB/Rover's to fill. I think he has a blueprint for winning, without dominate DT play. This would be a benefit to this current roster. Some decent athletes that might not be refined pass rushers. Put J. Hayes and Bonner in that category as well.

Because of this, I could see sliding Tillery to NT, quite frequently, as his athleticism could benefit that objective. Arguably our biggest concern is who plays NT, if Cage has to hang it up. If Tillery can play there, that makes things look better.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Schools with the most commitments in the <a href="https://twitter.com/AllAmericaGame">@AllAmericaGame</a>:<br>Alabama 8<br>LSU 8<br>Michigan 6<br>Texas A&M 6<br>Notre Dame 5</p>— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremycrabtree/status/813753806995521536">December 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[PANDFAN]

https://notredame.rivals.com/news/podcast-notre-dame-has-several-key-figures-to-replace-on-defense
good listen

driskel says trumbetti has a mental block playing football ...lol

 

[dublinirish]

https://notredame.rivals.com/news/podcast-notre-dame-has-several-key-figures-to-replace-on-defense
good listen

driskel says trumbetti has a mental block playing football ...lol

Listening now but as soon as Lou mentions the Ara or Holtz era's then im done

 

[PANDFAN]

Under Armour Preview | Irish Sports Daily

FREE

 

[Dizzyphil]

Under Armour Preview | Irish Sports Daily

FREE

Thanks - good read.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The '08 Irish KR defense ranked #1 in FBS at 16.47 yds/ret. Only 1 FBS school since '03 has posted a better KR defense w/ 58+ KR attempts. <a href="https://t.co/Fl3XSe5Mfb">https://t.co/Fl3XSe5Mfb</a></p>— Michael Bertsch (@NDsidBertschy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDsidBertschy/status/813801466884460545">December 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[ND Fan Vancouver]

Blue and Gold illustrated posted a really great podcast regarding 2017 defense personnel. It's free. Check it out!

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The '08 Irish KR defense ranked #1 in FBS at 16.47 yds/ret. Only 1 FBS school since '03 has posted a better KR defense w/ 58+ KR attempts. <a href="https://t.co/Fl3XSe5Mfb">https://t.co/Fl3XSe5Mfb</a></p>— Michael Bertsch (@NDsidBertschy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDsidBertschy/status/813801466884460545">December 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
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When was the last time we had a gunner on KR defense like Anello?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiWJkbGiIGQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We need more Special Teamers with heart like that. It wasn't just Anello though, we had really good coverage on a lot of these plays above. Looking forward to Polian taking over ST.

 

[BobbyMac]

When was the last time we had a gunner on KR defense like Anello?

We need more Special Teamers with heart like that. It wasn't just Anello though, we had really good coverage on a lot of these plays above. Looking forward to Polian taking over ST.

Best hype/highlight film this side of Larry Bird's. Have it saved to my desk top. Might be the best example of what intelligence, practice and desire can accomplish

 

[NDPhilly]

When was the last time we had a gunner on KR defense like Anello?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiWJkbGiIGQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We need more Special Teamers with heart like that. It wasn't just Anello though, we had really good coverage on a lot of these plays above. Looking forward to Polian taking over ST.

Looked up Anello's LinkedIn for the hell of it. God is he an impressive guy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manello

Graduated from ND with a 3.94. Got a 770 on his GMAT. Harvard Business School Grad.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

When was the last time we had a gunner on KR defense like Anello?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiWJkbGiIGQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We need more Special Teamers with heart like that. It wasn't just Anello though, we had really good coverage on a lot of these plays above. Looking forward to Polian taking over ST.

Bennett Jackson and Daniel Smith come to mind.


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[ND Fan Vancouver]

I think we'll be in pretty good shape personnel wise next year @ KO and Punt coverage. Claypool, Daelin, Jamir, Love and Pride come to mind. Some freshman like Adebo, Hicks, Pouncey, White and Adams could help as well. I think Nico Fertitta may be a bit of a force too perhaps.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I think we'll be in pretty good shape personnel wise next year @ KO and Punt coverage. Claypool, Daelin, Jamir, Love and Pride come to mind. Some freshman like Adebo, Hicks, Pouncey, White and Adams could help as well. I think Nico Fertitta may be a bit of a force too perhaps.

I agree and hope you are correct now that they are under Polian's tutelage.


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[ulukinatme]

Whatever happens, we need better kick coverage all together. Way too many big gains in recent years.

 

[dublinirish]

Listening to the II podcast yesterday they mentioned that ND is in negotiations to take some spring ball practices to IMG Academy in Florida ala Michigan last year.

 

[Blaise]

Bennett Jackson and Daniel Smith come to mind.


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I wish NBC Sports would do some 30 on 30 type of docs on some of these players.. Their lives and careers are interesting to me but because they weren't 5 star NFL 1st rounders, you never see a lot written on them

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top 5 rookie classes by school:<br><br>5. <a href="https://twitter.com/FootballUGA">@FootballUGA</a><br>4. <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball">@NDFootball</a><br>3. <a href="https://twitter.com/HailStateFB">@HailStateFB</a><br>2. <a href="https://twitter.com/GatorsFB">@GatorsFB</a><br>1: <a href="https://t.co/3nHG5nKhQP">https://t.co/3nHG5nKhQP</a> (via <a href="https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks">@MoveTheSticks</a>) <a href="https://t.co/MYONl9wSgo">pic.twitter.com/MYONl9wSgo</a></p>— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_CFB/status/809051088393535489">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[dang227]

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

Some news that I really liked. I watched the Wake Forest/Temple bowl game. Temple is a good team overall but WF's defense played extoardinarly well and held on for a win. They finished with 4 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 4 pass defended, 1 QB hurry, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 picks. If you watch the D it's clear they don't really have any elite talent but the scheme is so efficient and it's seems damned near impossible to identify where the pressure is coming from. We have Temple week 1 and I CANT WAIT to see what Elko can do with our guys. I bet a few of our guys will blow up this year. Guys we wouldn't have expected....Kareem, Bilal...who knows but I'm pumped to see it.

 

[ulukinatme]

Some news that I really liked. I watched the Wake Forest/Temple bowl game. Temple is a good team overall but WF's defense played extoardinarly well and held on for a win. They finished with 4 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 4 pass defended, 1 QB hurry, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 picks. If you watch the D it's clear they don't really have any elite talent but the scheme is so efficient and it's seems damned near impossible to identify where the pressure is coming from. We have Temple week 1 and I CANT WAIT to see what Elko can do with our guys. I bet a few of our guys will blow up this year. Guys we wouldn't have expected....Kareem, Bilal...who knows but I'm pumped to see it.

I haven't caught many bowl games this year, but I did catch a lot of that Temple/Wake game. It was interesting to see the Wake Forest defense operate, and how ironic is it that we open with Temple next year? On the plus side, implementing a new defense typically means opposing teams don't have much experience/tape on how to attack it, although Temple will have some experience based on the bowl game. We need efficiency on the defense, so hopefully Elko's system will translate well for us.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I haven't caught many bowl games this year, but I did catch a lot of that Temple/Wake game. It was interesting to see the Wake Forest defense operate, and how ironic is it that we open with Temple next year? On the plus side, implementing a new defense typically means opposing teams don't have much experience/tape on how to attack it, although Temple will have some experience based on the bowl game. We need efficiency on the defense, so hopefully Elko's system will translate well for us.

Yessir. Given our personnel I'm 100% certain this defense will be effective. Tranquil and possibly Bilal in the rover plus dialing up pressure with twists and the style of blitzing it uses to take pressure off of our underdeveloped DE's is EXACTLY what we need. Considering we have high IQ players with a lot of underclassmen energetic about getting after it plus a true Captain and leader at MLB with Nyles Norgan plus Greer Martini, we have a nice little recipe. Our offense will score points. I'm a lot more optimistic for '17 than I was for '16.

 

[ND NYC]

are we getting a 2017 recruiting homem stretch thread?

also which of our commits are playing in the UA/AA/Semper fi games this year. need to set the dvr before leaving for a long ski weekend.