"ISD Intel"

[Cackalacky]

-Bo is still in play. I'm pessimistic here, but he definitely was very interested in ND on his visit and i think we'd be squarely in the race academics aside. Adding my 2 cents, the main barrier is that he has work left to do to qualify for ND, and is unlikely to do it since he is already clear for Alabama and Florida. So expect Alabama to win out.

Just curious. Any reason to think he won't try to get into ND, or are you just being pessimistic? I agree with the sentiment, just curious if there has been something said or stated. Are we even chasing any other Rbs other than Starks or Scarborough?

 

[IrishLax]

Just curious. Any reason to think he won't try to get into ND, or are you just being pessimistic? I agree with the sentiment, just curious if there has been something said or stated. Are we even chasing any other Rbs other than Starks or Scarborough?

Just being pessimistic. I'm putting myself in his shoes. If I'm already qualified for two places I love, and the 3rd place is telling me to do more work/take more tests then I'm likely to say "ehhhhhh.... no thanks" and stick with the place I already like equally.

I could definitely be wrong, just being pessimistic.

 

[GBdomer]

I read that Adoree Jackson is very much in play Lax lol

 

[tko]

Lost in the Watkins commitment (woo!!!!)

-On Starks... more of what we've been saying. The bottom line is he was never accused of much less charged with any crime. Alford remains in heavy contact with him and he has OVs planned to Oklahoma, Florida, and USC. Would like to OV with his mother (I'm guessing after the season for banquet if he gets approval). It remains to be seen whether he is a take, and he currently doesn't have approval, but it's a fluid situation. Currently playing in Colorado and doing well on/off the field by all accounts.

-Bo is still in play. I'm pessimistic here, but he definitely was very interested in ND on his visit and i think we'd be squarely in the race academics aside. Adding my 2 cents, the main barrier is that he has work left to do to qualify for ND, and is unlikely to do it since he is already clear for Alabama and Florida. So expect Alabama to win out.

-McKenzie is McKenzie. ISD says the announcement didn't catch the ND coaches by surprise, which is consistent with what I heard. However, test scores seem to have come in below what they were expecting. So the ND staff doesn't consider him a commitment because his academics aren't good enough yet, but he is "100% Irish"... so his verbal pledge is as strong as a verbal pledge can be. The staff also loves his game, but wants him to get his academics squared away before he is "officially" part of the class. Both sides expect that to happen in January (assuming better test scores, good semester grades is the implication). Sources said he is "very excited to be part of the Fighting Irish" and they consider the academics just a "road bump"... personally, I think it's more like a boulder in the middle of the road.

-No visitors this weekend.

-Dickerson out with a spine fracture. Actually not a big deal (I actually had a similar condition myself in different vertebrae from the sounds of it), just needs to heal like any other bone but he might miss the season.

-Quick hits: Tranquil decision should come after this weekend. Adoree Jackson doesn't really look in play. Elam has us in top 3. Solomon Thomas might be in play if he OVs. Ballage unlikely to get offer. All stuff we know.

-On Navy... coaches unhappy with our running against Air Force. Been a big focus in practice. Navy plays a ton of umbrella zone to limit bit plays, and the plan is to stretch them out with verticals and hit open seams. Every possession counts. Navy throws the ball more than in previous years and doesn't totally suck. The rain will be something interesting to watch.

Let's really keep trying to get Carlisle "going." I'm going to vomit if we continue to see square peg in round hole the entire first quarter on Saturday.

 

[irishfan]

Lost in the Watkins commitment (woo!!!!)

-On Starks... more of what we've been saying. The bottom line is he was never accused of much less charged with any crime. Alford remains in heavy contact with him and he has OVs planned to Oklahoma, Florida, and USC. Would like to OV with his mother (I'm guessing after the season for banquet if he gets approval). It remains to be seen whether he is a take, and he currently doesn't have approval, but it's a fluid situation. Currently playing in Colorado and doing well on/off the field by all accounts.

-Bo is still in play. I'm pessimistic here, but he definitely was very interested in ND on his visit and i think we'd be squarely in the race academics aside. Adding my 2 cents, the main barrier is that he has work left to do to qualify for ND, and is unlikely to do it since he is already clear for Alabama and Florida. So expect Alabama to win out.

-McKenzie is McKenzie. ISD says the announcement didn't catch the ND coaches by surprise, which is consistent with what I heard. However, test scores seem to have come in below what they were expecting. So the ND staff doesn't consider him a commitment because his academics aren't good enough yet, but he is "100% Irish"... so his verbal pledge is as strong as a verbal pledge can be. The staff also loves his game, but wants him to get his academics squared away before he is "officially" part of the class. Both sides expect that to happen in January (assuming better test scores, good semester grades is the implication). Sources said he is "very excited to be part of the Fighting Irish" and they consider the academics just a "road bump"... personally, I think it's more like a boulder in the middle of the road.

-No visitors this weekend.

-Dickerson out with a spine fracture. Actually not a big deal (I actually had a similar condition myself in different vertebrae from the sounds of it), just needs to heal like any other bone but he might miss the season.

-Quick hits: Tranquil decision should come after this weekend. Adoree Jackson doesn't really look in play. Elam has us in top 3. Solomon Thomas might be in play if he OVs. Ballage unlikely to get offer. All stuff we know.

-On Navy... coaches unhappy with our running against Air Force. Been a big focus in practice. Navy plays a ton of umbrella zone to limit bit plays, and the plan is to stretch them out with verticals and hit open seams. Every possession counts. Navy throws the ball more than in previous years and doesn't totally suck. The rain will be something interesting to watch.

I like to imagine Kelly saying this to the coaching staff with a straight face.

And thanks again, Lax. You're the man.

 

[rtrn2glory]

thanks lax...my reps will need to be postponed as well.

 

[Domina Nostra]

We need to get involved with every NT in the nation, pronto!

 

[Irish#1]

Seems funny that Kelly wants to emphasize the running game and was disappointed in the run against AF. We came out throwing against AF.

Thanks for the update Lax.

 

[Emcee77]

Seems funny that Kelly wants to emphasize the running game and was disappointed in the run against AF. We came out throwing against AF.

Thanks for the update Lax.

We threw because they stacked the box. I think Kelly feels like a team like AF, which is giving up tons of size, shouldn't be able to stop us from running no matter what it does.

 

[Luckylucci]

We threw because they stacked the box. I think Kelly feels like a team like AF, which is giving up tons of size, shouldn't be able to stop us from running no matter what it does.

Thats how I took his comments. We should be able to push them around. I guess we're going to give it another try against Navy.

 

[Rizzophil]

Hopefully we have some good new insights today

 

[IRISHbluehen]

I'll try to summarize.
ND wants to pound the ball against Pitt like they did against Navy. Expect another healthy dose of Folston. Pitt is also terrible at protecting the passer, so look for ND to try and exploit that as well.

As far as recruiting goes, Nathan Starks still has work to do to be accepted. If he does all the things asked of him, however, it would go a long way in showing his true character. ND is continuing their chase for Bo and anything could happen at this point. ISD does state that they have been told Florida may actually be fading so that could really open the door for the irish.

Obviously, the Nick Watkins commitment helps with Hendrix, but it could also help with Quick. A commitment from Luatua and/or Quick could start a chain reaction and really cement their position with Juju and Mama. Possibly even gain commitments from the two. Obviously the USC visit for Juju is one to look out for.

ND also believes they are still in a good position with Tranquil and Lazard.

 

[NDohio]

I'll try to summarize.
ND wants to pound the ball against Pitt like they did against Navy. Expect another healthy dose of Folston. Pitt is also terrible at protecting the passer, so look for ND to try and exploit that as well.

As far as recruiting goes, Nathan Starks still has work to do to be accepted. If he does all the things asked of him, however, it would go a long way in showing his true character. ND is continuing their chase for Bo and anything could happen at this point. ISD does state that they have been told Florida may actually be fading so that could really open the door for the irish.

Obviously, the Nick Watkins commitment helps with Hendrix, but it could also help with Quick. A commitment from Luatua and/or Quick could start a chain reaction and really cement their position with Juju and Mama. Possibly even gain commitments from the two. Obviously the USC visit for Juju is one to look out for.

ND also believes they are still in a good position with Tranquil and Lazard.

So, we are currently at 18.

There are 9 players in bold. If they all want ND(I doubt that), who don't we take?

 

[Ironman8]

So, we are currently at 18.

There are 9 players in bold. If they all want ND(I doubt that), who don't we take?

Depends on the order, really. But I think Starks is really a huge long shot at this point, and we seem to be running second on a lot of those guys (basically all of them besides Hendrix and Luatua). The only guys I think are locks to be added to the class are Hendrix and Luatua right now. I think we see more names pop up after the bye week and the end of the regular season.

 

[IRISHbluehen]

I think we end up with Hendrix, Tranquil, Luatua and Quick. I think we have a decent shot at Juju. I really don't think we get Mama or Lazard, and I feel Bo is a longshot. Doubt Starks will be take anytime soon.
In reality, I have no idea what will happen.

 

[connor_in]

I think we end up with Hendrix, Tranquil, Luatua and Quick. I think we have a decent shot at Juju. I really don't think we get Mama or Lazard, and I feel Bo is a longshot. Doubt Starks will be take anytime soon.
In reality, I have no idea what will happen.

You win the kewpie doll of the day for mental clarity and honesty!

 

[NDohio]

I think we end up with Hendrix, Tranquil, Luatua and Quick. I think we have a decent shot at Juju. I really don't think we get Mama or Lazard, and I feel Bo is a longshot. Doubt Starks will be take anytime soon.
In reality, I have no idea what will happen.

That's recruiting.

I agree with you on the four we get. The rest are just so darn confusing.

 

[Emcee77]

Obviously, the Nick Watkins commitment helps with Hendrix, but it could also help with Quick.

Really, why? Did they hit it off on the visit or something? Anyone know?

 

[IRISHbluehen]

Really, why? Did they hit it off on the visit or something? Anyone know?

They visited together in the spring for the coaches clinic and built somewhat of a bond there. This bond was strengthened during their visit for the USC game.

 

[Emcee77]

Ah, ok, thanks for the info.

 

[stlnd01]

So, we are currently at 18.

There are 9 players in bold. If they all want ND(I doubt that), who don't we take?

Mackenzie and Elam are also still somewhere in the mix, right? Obvs we keep working on on all of them, but a 100% hit rate (or even 50%) is highly unlikely. There's always room in the end.

 

[tussin]

Mackenzie and Elam are also still somewhere in the mix, right? Obvs we keep working on on all of them, but a 100% hit rate (or even 50%) is highly unlikely. There's always room in the end.

which is why it makes no sense we aren't going after Erik Brown.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

which is why it makes no sense we aren't going after Erik Brown.

Bingo Bango

 

[connor_in]

Bingo Bango

Is this some kind mysterious shorthand meaning you have secret info on a soon to verbal recruit?
Wait, WHAT?

 

[Rizzophil]

Looks like some new direct quotes are coming up

 

[IrishLax]

Intel time...
-Denbrock visited Lutaua, Smith, and Quick. Smith will be pushing back his decision date from the UA game because he looks to take an official to USC in mid-January with the new coach in place. Seems like the three teams in the race will be ND, Oregon, and USC. I'm personally not optimistic, but if he committed today we'd be in very good shape.
-Not much movement on Luatua. No commitment offered.
-Oklahoma vs ND battle for Quick. Still has visits on tap to Oregon and UCLA. Don't really expect USC to make a major push. This one will probably take a while to play out.
-Elliot visited Barnett and Malik Lovette. Lovette is a '15 ATH that could definitely get a ND offer. Barnett will be returning for BYU game.
-Elliot will also be at Erik Brown's game tonight. There are some pro-ND peeps in his circle advocating a flip. USC will also be there tonight and could offer. Either way, expect him to pick a hat at an all-star game... and at this point, it seems like it probably won't be Washington if he's got better options.
-Hoge is only visiting Florida as a formality. Starting to get frustrated with the media and thought about offering a verbal to ND now just to shut it down, but will go through with the Florida visit.
-Marcus Griffin has been working with a DL coach that trains Tuitt. So that's cool.
-Nile Sykes is great family friends with ND Heisman winner Johnny Lattner. He's best friends with his grandson. So that's cool. Wouldn't be surprised for him to commit as soon as he visits South Bend after their playoff run concludes.
-With Kolin Hill, ND immediately moved into his top group with Colorado and Boise State. Will official to South Bend this winter.
-Jhonathon Williams was committed to Toledo before flipping ot Missouri. It's hard to gauge what kind of flip chance there is, and Missouri will be full hands on deck to keep him in the fold it seems.
-Scott Patchan got an offer this week. His Dad played for Miami. His brother was recruited by ND before signing with Florida and then transferring to BC.
-Expect ND to make the cut for Justin Hilliard.

-ND isn't currently using the new mid-year sign aid thing that allows the prospect to lock in aid, but be allowed to back out before enrolling early. It also alleviates contact rules for the school and allows the school to publicize the player. So there is really no downside to the school using it... look for ND to explore this moving forward.

 

[GoIrish41]

Intel time...
-Denbrock visited Lutaua, Smith, and Quick. Smith will be pushing back his decision date from the UA game because he looks to take an official to USC in mid-January with the new coach in place. Seems like the three teams in the race will be ND, Oregon, and USC. I'm personally not optimistic, but if he committed today we'd be in very good shape.
-Not much movement on Luatua. No commitment offered.
-Oklahoma vs ND battle for Quick. Still has visits on tap to Oregon and UCLA. Don't really expect USC to make a major push. This one will probably take a while to play out.
-Elliot visited Barnett and Malik Lovette. Lovette is a '15 ATH that could definitely get a ND offer. Barnett will be returning for BYU game.
-Elliot will also be at Erik Brown's game tonight. There are some pro-ND peeps in his circle advocating a flip. USC will also be there tonight and could offer. Either way, expect him to pick a hat at an all-star game... and at this point, it seems like it probably won't be Washington if he's got better options.
-Hoge is only visiting Florida as a formality. Starting to get frustrated with the media and thought about offering a verbal to ND now just to shut it down, but will go through with the Florida visit.
-Marcus Griffin has been working with a DL coach that trains Tuitt. So that's cool.
-Nile Sykes is great family friends with ND Heisman winner Johnny Lattner. He's best friends with his grandson. So that's cool. Wouldn't be surprised for him to commit as soon as he visits South Bend after their playoff run concludes.
-With Kolin Hill, ND immediately moved into his top group with Colorado and Boise State. Will official to South Bend this winter.
-Jhonathon Williams was committed to Toledo before flipping ot Missouri. It's hard to gauge what kind of flip chance there is, and Missouri will be full hands on deck to keep him in the fold it seems.
-Scott Patchan got an offer this week. His Dad played for Miami. His brother was recruited by ND before signing with Florida and then transferring to BC.
-Expect ND to make the cut for Justin Hilliard.

-ND isn't currently using the new mid-year sign aid thing that allows the prospect to lock in aid, but be allowed to back out before enrolling early. It also alleviates contact rules for the school and allows the school to publicize the player. So there is really no downside to the school using it... look for ND to explore this moving forward.

great update. Thanks Lax.

 

[rikkitikki08]

If we hit more than we miss with these recruits this ends up being a top 5 class. Come on coaches.....lock it down!

Thanks Lax for the updates yet again

 

[Rack Em]

Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell would be the best LB haul ever.

 

[dublinirish]

i always get excited by the late offer/late commit recruits, guys like Kona, Danny Spond etc. Sometimes with the long running recruited kids you kinda get bored of following their coverage. Its often the late offer guys are the ones who really want to be at ND and are over the moon about their offers. These guys will bring something to the team I am sure if they get the chance, i dont like it when they written off as just "3 star guys".