Lance Taylor - Running Backs Coach

[stlnd01]

Recruiting Factoids
Year/Coach (Total Class Average Rating / Average RB Rating) - Commits (Rating)
2019D (90.6 / 88.6) - Williams (89.2) , ATH KAR (87.9)
2018D (90.1 / 85.9) - Smith (87.2), Flemister (84.6)
2017D (89.4 / 90.8) - Holmes (90.8) Trans
2016D (89.0 / 87.3) - Jones (89.3), McIntosh (85.2) Trans
2015A/D (90.5 / 92.7) - Williams (95.6), Adams (89.7)
2014A (89.3 / NA) - NA
2013A (92.3 / 96.4) - Bryant (97.7) Trans, Foltson (95.1)
2012H/A (91.2 / 90.6) - Mahone (91.7) Trans, Prosise (89.4)
2011H - (90.0 / 88.0) - GA3 (90.5), McDaniel (85.4)
2010H (88.4 / NA) - NA

Converts (not counted in RB recruiting if they didn't start at RB)
2017 - QB Davis 90.8, WR Armstrong 87.1

This is quite a chart.

Unless you count Davis (who is not a natural RB and wasn't rated as such), we don't have a running back on the roster right now with a recruiting ranking that is higher than any of the RBs who have started/contributed under BK except for Cam McDaniel. (Williams, Adams, Folston, Prosise, Bryant, GA3)

The highest current RB being Tony Jones at 89.3, and the lowest-rated RB who has made a dent being Prosise at 89.4. (Prosise, BTW, played WR in 2014 - he was part of the famous offensive pass interference at the end of the FSU game that year - before converting to RB in 2015 because he couldn't catch. So he came in as a WR.)

Obvs recruiting rankings aren't everything. But that's a serious falloff in raw talent. Here's to development!

 

[BobbyMac]

The most amazing aspect of the past decade of RB recruiting is Dex was the ONLY top rated RB from a class that ever became the feature back... and he only became that when Josh left early. In every class, the top rated RB was outperformed by a lower rated RB or converted DB. Yuck.

Also, Prosise definitely came in as a safety.

 

[IrishLion]

The most amazing aspect of the past decade of RB recruiting is Dex was the ONLY top rated RB from a class that ever became the feature back... and he only became that when Josh left early. In every class, the top rated RB was outperformed by a lower rated RB or converted DB. Yuck.

Also, Prosise definitely came in as a safety.

If he would have moved straight to RB in 2013... man, he could've broken some records.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

The most amazing aspect of the past decade of RB recruiting is Dex was the ONLY top rated RB from a class that ever became the feature back... and he only became that when Josh left early. In every class, the top rated RB was outperformed by a lower rated RB or converted DB. Yuck.

Also, Prosise definitely came in as a safety.

Yep, S converted to WR converted to RB.

He was one of my absolute favorite parts of the '15 squad. He ran hard and had some explosiveness to his game. Once he got those pads lowered a bit he was a tough to take down.

 

[RDU Irish]

As much as I like this hire I have to wonder....

Balco deer antler spray heading to SB?

LOL on the Stanford news - screw those guys

All PED ribbing aside - I like this hire a lot.

 

[NDMIA]

If he really wanted to make everyone on IE happy, he would have signed his contract and been on a plane to visit Tyree, Milton, etc, before the ink dried.

Taylor can’t until April 15th. Right now for the coaching staff it’s spring football and calling recruits. Evaluation period starts April 15th. Spring game is April 13th so that’s why taking a while to make the hiring official isn’t a bad thing cause he’s not going anywhere. Spring practice starts March 4th I believe which will be the earliest in a long long time if I’m not mistaken. Lance Taylor’s job right now is to convince guys to get to campus to visit him instead of the other way around. We’ll see what kind of pull he has.

 

[Irish YJ]

This is quite a chart.

Unless you count Davis (who is not a natural RB and wasn't rated as such), we don't have a running back on the roster right now with a recruiting ranking that is higher than any of the RBs who have started/contributed under BK except for Cam McDaniel. (Williams, Adams, Folston, Prosise, Bryant, GA3)

The highest current RB being Tony Jones at 89.3, and the lowest-rated RB who has made a dent being Prosise at 89.4. (Prosise, BTW, played WR in 2014 - he was part of the famous offensive pass interference at the end of the FSU game that year - before converting to RB in 2015 because he couldn't catch. So he came in as a WR.)

Obvs recruiting rankings aren't everything. But that's a serious falloff in raw talent. Here's to development!

stars aren't everything, but they are something. sure there are some low star guys that turn out to be awesome, and sure there are high star guys that bust, but overall stars are a good indicator. UGA, Bama, etc. seem to do very well with their high star guys....

sunshine pumping on low star recruiting is just something we'll always see... as long as we bring in mostly low star RBs..

The most amazing aspect of the past decade of RB recruiting is Dex was the ONLY top rated RB from a class that ever became the feature back... and he only became that when Josh left early. In every class, the top rated RB was outperformed by a lower rated RB or converted DB. Yuck.

Also, Prosise definitely came in as a safety.

very yucky. outlasted is probably a better word than outperformed for a few though lol.

all things considered, not sure how anyone can look at RB recruiting and pump sunshine.

in terms of coaching well roundedness, Alford could recruit but didn't develop all that well. Denson didn't recruit well, but development and production were good.

let's hope Lance can do both.

Yep, S converted to WR converted to RB.

He was one of my absolute favorite parts of the '15 squad. He ran hard and had some explosiveness to his game. Once he got those pads lowered a bit he was a tough to take down.

SIB, Crusader - thanks. I updated/corrected. I thought it couldn't get worse, lol.

 

[Irish#1]

Taylor can’t until April 15th. Right now for the coaching staff it’s spring football and calling recruits. Evaluation period starts April 15th. Spring game is April 13th so that’s why taking a while to make the hiring official isn’t a bad thing cause he’s not going anywhere. Spring practice starts March 4th I believe which will be the earliest in a long long time if I’m not mistaken. Lance Taylor’s job right now is to convince guys to get to campus to visit him instead of the other way around. We’ll see what kind of pull he has.

Yep. I guess I should have used italics.

 

[Irish YJ]

Adding the same info for Taylor's three years at Stanford.

Notes:
-except for Love, pretty meh in terms of recruiting. We'll see how Scarlett does in 2019 (assuming he comes back)
-production was very strong after his first year

Recruiting
Year (Total Class Average Rating / Average RB Rating) - Commits (Rating)
2016 (87.3 / 82.6) - Speights (88.1), Maddox (77.1)
2015 (87.0 / 90.8) - Love (91.1), Scarlett (90.4)
2014 (89.4 / 95.9) - McCaffrey (95.9) (Mike Sanford recruited)


Coaching/Production
Year - Team Yard per game rank / Team yards per attempt rank / leading rusher and Rank
2016 - 35 / 29 / McCaffrey (9th) (love also had 600+ yards)
2015 - 19 / 20 / McCaffrey (2nd)
2014 - 72 / 65 / Wright (146th) (RB by committee)

Adding this for comparison on recruiting and coaching going forward. Using only BK years.

IMO, production was improved under Denson. Recruiting overall at the RB position is subpar. It's hard to find a position group overall where recruiting on average (ratings) is worse, more problematic, and more hit or miss.

Notes Recruiting
-RB recruiting average was under class average 6 of 10 years
-4 of 10 years were zeros (2 no commits + 2 transfer of only commit)
-Of the 4 years RB average was over class average, 3 RBs transferred
-14 RB commits in 10 years, 4 transfers (29% rate)
-we banked a lot of production off one year of recruiting (2015)

H=Hinton, A=Alford, D=Denson

Recruiting Factoids
Year/Coach (Total Class Average Rating / Average RB Rating) - Commits (Rating)
2019D (90.6 / 88.6) - Williams (89.2) , ATH KAR (87.9)
2018D (90.1 / 85.9) - Smith (87.2), Flemister (84.6)
2017D (89.4 / 90.8) - Holmes (90.8) Trans
2016D (89.0 / 87.3) - Jones (89.3), McIntosh (85.2) Trans
2015A/D (90.5 / 92.7) - Williams (95.6), Adams (89.7)
2014A (89.3 / NA) - NA
2013A (92.3 / 96.4) - Bryant (97.7) Trans, Foltson (95.1)
2012H/A (91.2 / 91.7) - Mahone (91.7) Trans,
2011H - (90.0 / 88.0) - GA3 (90.5), McDaniel (85.4)
2010H (88.4 / NA) - NA

Converts (not counted in RB recruiting if they didn't start at RB)
2017 - QB Davis 90.8, WR Armstrong 87.1
2012 - S/WR Prosise (89.4)

Note - GA3 WR (2011), was listed as something other than RB, but IIRC he started at RB.
and... Russell (94.4) listed as RB, never a RB


Coaching/Production

Year/Coach - Team Yard per game rank / Team yards per attempt rank / leading rusher and Rank

2018D - 51 / 62 / Williams (67th) (out 4 games)
2017D - 7 / 3 / Adams (14th) (BW also 90th, two 1st round NFL OLs)
2016D - 80 / 62 / Adams (80th)
2015A - 28 / 8 / Prosise (59th)
2014A - 70 / 70 / Folston (80th)
2013A - 82 / 54 / McDaniel (114th) (GA3 close)
2012A - 38 / 31 / Riddick (73rd) (Wood close)
2011H - 54 / 26 / Wood (39th) (Grey close)
2010H - 92 / 77 / Wood (132nd) (Allen with almost the same yardage as Woods)


updated to correct Prosise

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Notre Dame assistant Lance Taylor has already made a strong impression on Brian Kelly and the Irish running backs.<br><br>Kelly discussed the hire, his early interactions with Taylor and more on Friday.<a href="https://t.co/CJx4FxWFtD">https://t.co/CJx4FxWFtD</a></p>— Corey Bodden (@BGI_CoreyBodden) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_CoreyBodden/status/1101597073919627265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ResLife Hero]

Really excited to see this group develops with Taylor. Seems like an excellent teacher in articles like this and the video clips from practice.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> RBs coach Lance Taylor does not shy away from immense expectations, especially given who he has been around as mentors.<a href="https://t.co/AriVsrH47Q">https://t.co/AriVsrH47Q</a></p>— Lou Somogyi (@BGI_LouSomogyi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_LouSomogyi/status/1164576115689697282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Lance Taylor is going to be a baws for us. I hope we keep him for 4 years +.

 

[BobbyMac]

[TWEET]https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1482736924242685953[/TWEET]

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Honestly surprised it took this long Great coach. Had no feasible path for a promotion at ND. Got power 5 interest. Can't blame him one bit.

As for the running game. Heistand back alone is a huge addition there. And one would think a RB coach wanting to make a name for himself would be chomping at the bit to get a chance to coach Nds RBs with this young line with a veteran online coach.

 

[Dale]

I think he’s making a mistake here. I think going somewhere like Duke for example would have been better. Don’t see Satterfield making it another 2 years, if not one more.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

I think he’s making a mistake here. I think going somewhere like Duke for example would have been better. Don’t see Satterfield making it another 2 years, if not one more.

Agreed, but in his line of work all he has to do is show competence and improvement. His past resume speaks for itself and he won't be left wanting should Satterfield get the axe.

 

[Armyirish47]

I think he’s making a mistake here. I think going somewhere like Duke for example would have been better. Don’t see Satterfield making it another 2 years, if not one more.

Maybe, I think Satterfield is pretty good and if they bounce back Taylor will get some amount of credit, if they don't he will take basically none of the blame. Gets his name established as an OC level guy and sets the floor for his next job. Stability at a place like Duke could be good but that Duke offense compared to what Louisville did on offense last year is....well it's a big gap.

 

[ThePiombino]

This sucks. Too much turnover for a 1st time HC IMO.

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[Armyirish47]

This sucks. Too much turnover for a 1st time HC IMO.

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How many 1st time HC's don't have to build a staff from scratch?

 

[ThePiombino]

How many 1st time HC's don't have to build a staff from scratch?

Hear you, but the way it's going down with Freeman is too disjointed and mishmosh. He's got enough of a learning curve being a 1st time HC. To do it at ND? Rough.

Part of the allure of Freeman, besides he himself, was that the staff was largely already in place and he was just taking what was already built and building on that, focusing on recruiting and learning to be a CEO of a program. Now he's being asked to piece a staff together bit by bit. It's not efficient and it's asking a lot of a 1st timer.

Maybe he kills it. But maybe he doesn't. I think, best case, we get a couple years of rough waters before MAYBE it all gels.

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[Rogue219]

Nate Scheelhaase, Iowa State
Tyler Tettleton, Ohio
Elijah Brooks, Maryland
De’Rail Sims, Louisville
Cole Weeks, Troy

Marquel Blackwell just left UH for Ole Miss. Tashard Choice just left GT for Texas. Probably would have been my top two choices had Taylor left a month ago. Ra'Shaad Samples left SMU to go to TCU as well.

I don't know. Kind of leaning toward Scheelhaase at this point.

 

[NDIrish88]

My list is:

Tony Alford OSU Desan McCullough Indiana
Ja Juan Seider PSU
Greg Knox, was at Florida

 

[BobbyMac]

Hear you, but the way it's going down with Freeman is too disjointed and mishmosh. He's got enough of a learning curve being a 1st time HC. To do it at ND? Rough.

Part of the allure of Freeman, besides he himself, was that the staff was largely already in place and he was just taking what was already built and building on that, focusing on recruiting and learning to be a CEO of a program. Now he's being asked to piece a staff together bit by bit. It's not efficient and it's asking a lot of a 1st timer.

Maybe he kills it. But maybe he doesn't. I think, best case, we get a couple years of rough waters before MAYBE it all gels.

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I'm hoping ND pulls a Saban and gets some HC's on buyout for support. Someone in Mullen's situation, if not Mullen. FYI, I'm not proposing Mullen in particular just someone riding a huge buyout that wants to stay engaged. Then again, Freeman may not want the help.

I think breaking the piggy bank over Alford's head may be in order here. Plus he'll need one of those fancy new-age titles like the Tom Mendoza & Family CIO of Football Operations / President of Recruiting Division --------------------- Oh and RB Coach.

 

[ThePiombino]

I'm hoping ND pulls a Saban and gets some HC's on buyout for support. Someone in Mullen's situation, if not Mullen. FYI, I'm not proposing Mullen in particular just someone riding a huge buyout that wants to stay engaged. Then again, Freeman may not want the help.

I think breaking the piggy bank over Alford's head may be in order here. Plus he'll need one of those fancy new-age titles like the Tom Mendoza & Family CIO of Football Operations / President of Recruiting Division --------------------- Oh and RB Coach.

Yes, this staff desperately needs a former HC in the mix, even if it's as an analyst. I LOVE the idea of bringing in David Cutcliffe, but that seems like a pipe dream ATM...

Alford would certainly be one way to parlay the Taylor news into a win for the good guys.

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[BobbyMac]

Was just talking about this elsewhere...

Greg Knox from Mullen's staff at Florida is apparently still free. Even in the meltdown, Florida was #4 in FBS in YPC (just looked it up). Then again... why is he still free?

I'm Alford or bust at this point. Dish out the stacks, Jack!

 

[ThePiombino]

Was just talking about this elsewhere...

Greg Knox from Mullen's staff at Florida is apparently still free. Even in the meltdown, Florida was #4 in FBS in YPC (just looked it up). Then again... why is he still free?

I'm Alford or bust at this point. Dish out the stacks, Jack!

What special titles did Elston leave behind? Associate/Assistant HC? Recruiting Coordinator? Surely one or both should entice Alford, no? Or was he ready RC when he was here last?

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[BobbyMac]

Yes, this staff desperately needs a former HC in the mix, even if it's as an analyst. I LOVE the idea of bringing in David Cutcliffe, but that seems like a pipe dream ATM...

Alford would certainly be one way to parlay the Taylor news into a win for the good guys.

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Cutcliffe...

 

[Rogue219]

My list is:

Tony Alford OSU Desan McCullough Indiana
Ja Juan Seider PSU
Greg Knox, was at Florida

Desan is the son. Deland McCullough is the IU RB coach. That would be a great hire, actually.

I've moved on from Alford. He should be getting better opportunities but is stuck in the Eric Bienemy Hair Club for Coaches. I don't know ND is going to be able to lure Seider away, but he'd be a fantastic asset if they could.

Knox would be a steady hand in the room with Hiestand. Experienced guy and a good man as far as anyone can tell.

 

[Irish4life]

Was just talking about this elsewhere...

Greg Knox from Mullen's staff at Florida is apparently still free. Even in the meltdown, Florida was #4 in FBS in YPC (just looked it up). Then again... why is he still free?

I'm Alford or bust at this point. Dish out the stacks, Jack!

I would put Florida's YPC being high moreso on their OL and having a dual threat QB. For other RB coach names, how about John Settle of Kentucky? Coached and recruited Jonathan Taylor at Wisconsin, and Kentucky's RBs played pretty well....

 

[Dale]

What special titles did Elston leave behind? Associate/Assistant HC? Recruiting Coordinator? Surely one or both should entice Alford, no? Or was he ready RC when he was here last?

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Handful of titles just went away and no confirmed ones added.

Recruiting Coordinator (Elston formerly Polian)
Run Game Coordinator (Taylor)
Assistant or Associate Head Coach (Polian formerly Elston)