Irish Release 2-Deep

[morrdav9]

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nd/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/depth-chart.pdf (found the link through ESPN)

Didn't see this posted anywhere else so thought I'd link it since I know that I had been waiting to see it for a while (hope it doesn't violate some rule, if it does, take it down or move it) They released it on Monday.

Some things I thought were interesting and of note:

• 8 freshman made the 2 deep depth chart - 4 on each side of the ball
• Rudolph passed Yeatman for the starting TE job
• Only 3 seniors on offense have a starting job - Turkovich, Schwapp, and Grimes - which means there should be plenty of experience for next year (but I'm not looking ahead just yet )
• Floyd is behind Grimes and I think he will push for a lot of playing time by season's end which would mean only 2 senior starters on offense
• As stated in another thread, Harrison Smith is the starting SAM linebacker
• Armando Allen is currently listed as the starting RB with Hughes second and Aldridge third, though they will probably split time as they did in the year that never happened

I know this is my first post, but I've actually been around for almost 3 years. Thought it was time I started contributing.

 

[SoCalDomer]

welcome aboard

 

[Jason Pham]

great first post

 

[NDsuperfan09]

lol at John Ryan over Kerry Neal. That has to be a joke, Ryan showed no reason to be considered for a starting spot over Kerry neal last year. Tenuta better have something in mind.

 

[goldandblue]

Great post for your first one!

 

[Rocket's Rocket Fan]

Nice first post morrdav9

 

[Golden Domer93]

I think Neal will start in the opener. Rudolph, Floyd, Trevor Robinson and ethan johnson will make impacts this season as frosh.

 

[JeremyND07]

Aldridge third? I know Hughs showed a huge upside last year but I did not see were Allen/Hughs did enough to bump Aldridge to 3rd!! I hope Weis can keep all of these guys happy. I would hate to lose Aldridge by way of transfer!!!!!

 

[Freeman Ara]

Aldridge third? I know Hughs showed a huge upside last year but I did not see were Allen/Hughs did enough to bump Aldridge to 3rd!! I hope Weis can keep all of these guys happy. I would hate to lose Aldridge by way of transfer!!!!!

I haven't seen enough from Aldridge to earn a top two spot. Works both ways.

 

[Freeman Ara]

lol at John Ryan over Kerry Neal. That has to be a joke, Ryan showed no reason to be considered for a starting spot over Kerry neal last year. Tenuta better have something in mind.

From what I have read on other sites, Ryan will be the down lineman in the 4-3 look on running downs and Neal will sub in on passing downs. Notice it says OR and both names are capitalized, indicated platooning starters.

 

[SoCalDomer]

Aldridge third? I know Hughs showed a huge upside last year but I did not see were Allen/Hughs did enough to bump Aldridge to 3rd!! I hope Weis can keep all of these guys happy. I would hate to lose Aldridge by way of transfer!!!!!

at this point the battle is between Hughes/Aldridge, similar to what happened last year. Allen is the change of pace guy, so he's not in the same battle as the other two. it's still preseason, so publicly the job is up for grabs. but if weis' comments about pounding the ball early and often are any indication, all of the backs may all get used early and often.

 

[Golden Domer93]

I agree with socal, that we should expect to see all three backs alot this season.

 

[morrdav9]

As for Ryan vs Neal, I think they will be splitting time ass I have read that Neal is the better pass rusher as we saw some last year, but Ryan is better against the run. Also if you take a closer look, there is an "or" listed there so the starting job is still up in the air I think. This is the same case for tailback, although I did read somewhere that Aldridge had a minor injury (may have been earlier in the month) which may be part of the reason he is listed as third if he could'nt play to his full potential.

I agree with GD93 about the frosh impact, maybe not Robinson, but the other 3 I feel will have a big impact/great seasons. Floyd is quickly shooting up the depth chart and may be the best receiver we have by season's end. Rudolph has great hands and has not lost any speed or separation ability despite adding 20-30 pounds since his serior year of HS. Next year we will have a great 2 TE package with Ragone and a more experienced Rudolph. EJ has been giving the offensive line fits and is challenging for a starting position - we will definitely see him on Sept 6.

Of course how the season plays out will rely on how the O-line performs. 3 returning starters, but only Sam Young is in the same position as '07 - and he struggled without an experienced lineman next to him. Hopefully they can gel and help to establish the running game so defenses can't key on the passing game and take Clausen's head off.

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

EJ has not been giving the offense line fits, he has been giving the 3rd team offensive line fits. BIG DIFFERENCE. Don't get me wrong, EJ will be something special, but don't you remember playing a whole team of freshmen last year? How did that end up for us? It's best if they are used to supplement the team rather than become starters, I can see Rudolph is the only starter due to injuries.

 

[Golden Domer93]

I think your right that Rudolph will be the only frosh starter but robinson, blanton, johnson and floyd will play substancial minutes this season.

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

I agree, we will see substantial minutes from Floyd and Rudolph, I think you will see more of Robinson, Blanton, and EJ as a mop up role or as subs, but I wouldn't say "substantial" minutes

 

[morrdav9]

I agree with you WWB, but as you expect, we won't be starting these freshman (except Rudolph atm). But they will see some playing time as supplements as you said would be best. Our team is not as young as it was last year so when we see freshmen on the field it will be due to exceptional talent and not necessarily a lack of upperclass talent.

As for EJ, it was just what I had read, the column didn't say which team he was facing.

Oh, and you don't need to remind me about last year...I live in NW Ohio - all my friends are OSU/Mich fans

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

Yeah, I'm from Detroit, so I take a ton of trash for last season which makes me not get my hopes up about this year, not just yet... I have to see us play a really good solid game against SDU before I predict a bowl win fellas

 

[Junkhead]

MIKE TURKOVICH!

I lol'd. Why the exclamation point?

 

[morrdav9]

the key at the bottom explains it

 

[Golden Domer93]

Did Turkovich beat out Duncan?

 

[Mjrosko]

Did Turkovich beat out Duncan?

Nope, they just decided to put him infront of everyone else at the LT position because they felt like it.

 

[Golden Domer93]

Just kind of surprised. I thought the spots was Duncans to lose. Congrats to Turko.

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

Weis was surprised as well, it is noted in his press conference. He said that Turko flat out won the job over Duncan, so congrats to Mike.

 

[fraymont]

Glad to see Tate work his way into the 2 deep as well. Blanton being on the 2deep surprised me, but i guess next year that will come in handy. I mean our dbs next year could be Walls, Gray, McNeil, and Blanton...

 

[WeisWeisBaby]

Rumor has it (this IS an actual rumor) that Blanton has played his way above Gray for next in rotation, but take it for what it's worth.

 

[Golden Domer93]

Blanton is going to be a special player. Look for Gray, Lamber, McNeil and Blanton all to get solid minutes.

 

[Brown]

Isn't "minutes" usually used in reference to Basketball?

I think "reps" is more appropriate when referring to American Football.

 

[goldandblue]

Reps is usually used when talking about practice. In games, time on the field is usually referred to in minutes.