Looking to 2019

[IRISHMAN]

LT .9614 4* RS JR Liam Eichenberg
LG .9301 4* RS SO Aaron Banks
C .9605 4* JR Robert Hainsey
RG .9835 5* RS JR Tommy Kraemer
RT .9443 4* RS SO Josh Lugg

this intrigues me, moving hainsey to center can really open up different possibilities. I think josh lugg could maybe be another mcglinchy, also will be interested to see how Jarrett Patterson progresses this year.

 

[BobbyMac]

LT .9614 4* RS JR Liam Eichenberg
LG .9301 4* RS SO Aaron Banks
C .9605 4* JR Robert Hainsey
RG .9835 5* RS JR Tommy Kraemer
RT .9443 4* RS SO Josh Lugg

If you flip the OG's that's the line I called as soon as Hoge transferred. What has created the problem is Hainsey's high functionality at OT from the day he walked onto campus. He was one of the best OT's in HS. Not the best prospect, but as a two year starter at LT for IMG, he was the most tested and experienced. He doesn't have the ceiling for the position in college because of his lack of length and mass. I wish they could've redshirted him and gave him a year on scout team to learn the center position. As it is now, 6-1 PWO Colin Grunhard is the highest returning OC per the depth chart. What puzzles me most is how quickly HH gave up on Lugg at OT when EVERY analyst at the Opening had him #2 behind Walker Little or #3 behind Little & Foster Sarell.

Banks has been practicing at tackle during fall camp I believe. After Bars got injured is when he moved to OG, because he was practicing so well the coaches wanted him on the field. This is what I recall, but I could be wrong.

I think Banks is a big dancing bear and can more than handle his own at RT.

Banks has a serious basketball background and played AAU travel ball with a serious East Bay program . He'd be playing OT at 80-90% of P5 schools.

 

[Luckylucci]

LT .9614 4* RS JR Liam Eichenberg
LG .9301 4* RS SO Aaron Banks
C .9605 4* JR Robert Hainsey
RG .9835 5* RS JR Tommy Kraemer
RT .9443 4* RS SO Josh Lugg

I’d love to see these 5 guys start. I actually don’t know where they’d be best in terms of positional fit but as long as they can get these 5 guys on the field that would be awesome. I like Trevor Ruhland but I don’t know if he’s gonna be able to compete against the top interiors in the country and I think that’s what ND should be shooting for. I really hope the line makes strides cause those 5 from a recruiting perspective are probably the most talented collective 5 that ND has ever had on one line if they all started together. I’m not at all saying that this line is better than a Quenton Nelson or a Mike McGlinchey but just saying that the talent is there and that’s an entire line of 6’5” - 6’7” 300-320lb monsters. It would be nice if they had this line gelling from March spring ball all the way until September football.

I think you have to give Lugg a hard look at RT. And I'd agree that I hope they start working on combinations asap. If we go through Spring camp and haven't seen that, I'll be disappointed.

 

[NDIrish88]

If you flip the OG's that's the line I called as soon as Hoge transferred. What has created the problem is Hainsey's high functionality at OT from the day he walked onto campus. He was one of the best OT's in HS. Not the best prospect, but as a two year starter at LT for IMG, he was the most tested and experienced. He doesn't have the ceiling for the position in college because of his lack of length and mass. I wish they could've redshirted him and gave him a year on scout team to learn the center position. As it is now, 6-1 PWO Colin Grunhard is the highest returning OC per the depth chart. What puzzles me most is how quickly HH gave up on Lugg at OT when EVERY analyst at the Opening had him #2 behind Walker Little or #3 behind Little & Foster Sarell.



Banks has a serious basketball background and played AAU travel ball with a serious East Bay program . He'd be playing OT at 80-90% of P5 schools.

Then Banks at either tackle spot makes sense, Then just move Hainsey inside and call it a day.

 

[ulukinatme]

I can't believe Finke still has playing time left, feels like he's been here 6 years! I'm okay with this though, he's a baller.

 

[Luckylucci]

Then Banks at either tackle spot makes sense, Then just move Hainsey inside and call it a day.

Well, I think there is more to it than that. Kraemer really struggles pulling and unless we change scheme that needs to be addressed. Either with a different player (different position for him, maybe bench) or improvement on his end (also possible). Personally, and this is based on very limited information on Lugg, but I think he could end up being one of the best 5. Maybe best OT physique on team and has always been a mobile big man.

If it were up to me, I'd start testing this immediately, Left to Right: Eich, Kraemer, Hainsey, Banks, Lugg.

You address C, mobile RG for pulling, and length at RT all with this change.

 

[NDMIA]

Also, ND has seen big improvements in first year starters between year 1 & 2. I think Kraemer having a full offseason dedicated to guard should make solid improvements. Eichenberg at tackle too. Banks if he stays at guard now knows what to work on after starting against Clemson interiors of that caliber. Lugg and Hainsey would be new starters at their positions but I’m really confident Lugg could be good at RT and Hainsey seems like a natural fit at center with his size, technical ability and strength. His slow feet gave him issues this year at RT and those could’ve been due to injury but he also seems like a better fit at center. We’ll see. Talent is there for that group. Just need to find a way to maximize it.

 

[snoopdog]

LT Banks
LG Lugg
C Hainsey
RG Kraemer
RT Eichenberg

 

[Irish#1]

It wasn't just one game though. Pitt exposed the limitations of a 2018 Book-led offense. Georgia will neuter this offense just like Clemson did if the QB can't make throws to the short, intermediate and deep zones. USC and Michigan may as well if their athletes meet their potential next year.

I think Book needs to improve the deep ball significantly to retain the starter role.

I don't disagree. Teams get more film and start planning. That's why I don't get excited about rookie QB's that light up the NFL. Teams start watching film and the second year they flop because DC's have the guy figured out.

The problem with Book going deep, is he needs that little extra time to get set so he can put everything into it. With a year under their belt, let's hope the O-line can provide that.

 

[arrowryan]

Maybe this is a hot take, maybe its not...but Kareem and Okwara coming back is more important than if Love came back.

For two reasons:

1.) I think a pass rush is the most important thing to have in a defense.

2.) We've recruited the secondary very well the last 2-3 cycles and there should be a few viable options for replacing Love.

 

[stlnd01]

Maybe this is a hot take, maybe its not...but Kareem and Okwara coming back is more important than if Love came back.

For two reasons:

1.) I think a pass rush is the most important thing to have in a defense.

2.) We've recruited the secondary very well the last 2-3 cycles and there should be a few viable options for replacing Love.

The most important thing, IMO, is a good pass rush coupled with strong cover corners. We had that this year.
But I agree there's enough in the depth chart at corner that someone should emerge to capably succeed Love, if not quite replace him (moreso than Okwara and Kareem). I also think Troy Pride is one of the most underappreciated players on the team. He's excellent.
If we can develop an inside linebacker or two, our defense should be fine.

 

[BobbyMac]

Maybe this is a hot take, maybe its not...but Kareem and Okwara coming back is more important than if Love came back.

For two reasons:

1.) I think a pass rush is the most important thing to have in a defense.

2.) We've recruited the secondary very well the last 2-3 cycles and there should be a few viable options for replacing Love.

I think your logic is sound but in ND's case, I would have traded Love for Kareem without doubt. ND's stocked with DE's for '19 A rotation with Okwara, Hayes, Ogundeji, Jones & Ademilola would have been more than fine to couple with Love & Pride who are arguably the best CB tandem in CFB.

If it was Okwara you were talking about, I would have been on your side. I think he's going to be ND's Khalil Mack next year.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

There’s an article on nD insider about Tim Brown talking how ND needs quicker guys on the field and I couldn’t agree more, need to get away from these 6’5 WR and get some guys who can turn a 5 yard pass into a 50 yard touchdown

 

[arrowryan]

The most important thing, IMO, is a good pass rush coupled with strong cover corners. We had that this year.
But I agree there's enough in the depth chart at corner that someone should emerge to capably succeed Love, if not quite replace him (moreso than Okwara and Kareem). I also think Troy Pride is one of the most underappreciated players on the team. He's excellent.
If we can develop an inside linebacker or two, our defense should be fine.

In a perfect world, yeah I would want that every year. But if I had to pick between the two, I would take the pass rush. A good pass rush can just about hide any holes in a defense. Even the best secondary will get leaky if the QB has all day to throw.

 

[arrowryan]

I think your logic is sound but in ND's case, I would have traded Love for Kareem without doubt. ND's stocked with DE's for '19 A rotation with Okwara, Hayes, Ogundeji, Jones & Ademilola would have been more than fine to couple with Love & Pride who are arguably the best CB tandem in CFB.

If it was Okwara you were talking about, I would have been on your side. I think he's going to be ND's Khalil Mack next year.

I'm talking about Okwara and Kareem as a package. If only one came back, I would rather have Love.

 

[BobbyMac]

There’s an article on nD insider about Tim Brown talking how ND needs quicker guys on the field and I couldn’t agree more, need to get away from these 6’5 WR and get some guys who can turn a 5 yard pass into a 50 yard touchdown

Key word here is these because if two of your 6-5 receivers are THESE guys, you'd be fine.

Jeff Samardzija
Tyler Eifert

In a perfect world, this year's WR group rotation would have been:

Justin Brent
Von McKinley
Kevin Stepherson
ESB
CJ Sanders
Claypool
Boykin
Young
Austin
Not sure who else would be on the team
*If Brent would've popped at WR, he might never have been RS'd

But some things didn't play out as expected.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

It’s true though. People are complaining about the lack of speed on offense. But if Stephenson and Holmes were not knuckles heads the offense would have looked a lot different. Specifically if Stephenson was on the field.

Hopefully the young speedsters can be a bigger part next year. IE Young Austin, Lenzy, Keys...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Boykin just declared

 

[Drugstore cowboy]

The Irish defense is going to be off the charts next year (2019)

Especially with the pass rushing ability of 1. Julian Okwara 2. Khalid Kareem 3. Daelyn Hayes. 4. Adeokundo Ogundeji
With big hard chargers like Kurt Hinish, Myron Tagovalola Amosa (sp?) and Jayson Ademilola ! in the middle. And most are experienced seniors !
The 85 Bears of college football !!

 

[stlnd01]

It’s true though. People are complaining about the lack of speed on offense. But if Stephenson and Holmes were not knuckles heads the offense would have looked a lot different. Specifically if Stephenson was on the field.

And if ESB came back like he should have...

I believe, in recent years, that we've had the top-end talent to compete with the Clemsons and Georgias and Ohio States, even at the skill positions. We just haven't had quite enough of it to deal with attrition and three-and-outs and have another guy ready to just plug in like those schools seem to do.

 

[Me2SouthBend]

How do the scholarship numbers look now? Still a couple over I believe w 2 additions still possible? 3 declared for draft (Boykin, Love, Mack) that had eligibility plus 2 grad transfers (MDT, Wimbush). Am I missing any?

 

[TP81989]

What is Griffith's role next season?

CB or S

 

[Big23Head]

How do the scholarship numbers look now? Still a couple over I believe w 2 additions still possible? 3 declared for draft (Boykin, Love, Mack) that had eligibility plus 2 grad transfers (MDT, Wimbush). Am I missing any?

Believe it is at 89 and 91 if Foskey and Turner join.

 

[Legacy]

5 Pressing Questions for the 2019 Depth Chart (18 Stripes, Jan 4, 2019)

As the calendar has turned to 2019 and Notre Dame’s season came to a grinding halt in Arlington we are looking ahead to the new football season. Ever forward. Since we’re still awaiting news from several players and their decisions to return to South Bend this is basically an early version of the early 2019 depth chart.

In case you missed it recently, quarterback Brandon Wimbush has moved on publicly with his decision to play somewhere else for 2019 and sparingly used defensive tackle backup Micah Dew-Treadway has decided to seek his 5th-year of eligibility elsewhere, too. We have updated our SCHOLARSHIP CHART for the upcoming new season. As of January 4, 2019 the Irish are sitting on 91 scholarship players which includes 5 graduate seniors, preferred walk-on J.D. Bertrand who we are projecting to pick up a scholarship immediately, but not preferred walk-on kicker Harrison Leonard for now.

As I survey the roster I’m seeing 5 immediate concerns for Notre Dame heading into spring and the summer session...

 

[NDMIA]

SO .9601 4* Kevin Austin
RS JR .9484 4* Javon McKinley
SR .9284 4* Chase Claypool
RS FR .9174 4* Braden Lenzy
RS FR .9026 4* Lawrence Keys III
JR .8986 4* Isaiah Robertson
RS FR .8902 4* Micah Jones
FR .8789 3* Kendall Abdur-Rahman
JR .8706 3* Michael Young
FR .8676 3* Cam Hart
RS FR .8636 3* Joe Wilkins Jr
RS SR NR 2* Chris Finke

A lot of talent to work with. I think Claypool-Austin-Lenzy-Finke on the field could be a dynamite set. I’d love to see Javon McKinley get on the field and I saw him wide open against USC on the field at receiver which was odd, but I think his ship has sailed at ND. I think if you add Keys III, Micah Jones, and Michael Young to that mix above, you’ll have a nice group of receivers to work with. I think people will be thoroughly impressed by the sophomore class of 5 guys, particularly with Keys III, Lenzy and Austin.

 

[NDRock]

Funny how we used to bash other programs for over signing, now we’re glad ND has finally caught up. Personally, I’m fine with it as long as it’s normal attrition. This has been the problem with ND football, always playing catch-up. Whether it’s a training table, EEs, recruiting weekends, staff sizes, or “roster management”, we always seem late to the party. At least Swarbrick and Kelly eventually get there.

 

[Irish#1]

Funny how we used to bash other programs for over signing, now we’re glad ND has finally caught up. Personally, I’m fine with it as long as it’s normal attrition. This has been the problem with ND football, always playing catch-up. Whether it’s a training table, EEs, recruiting weekends, staff sizes, or “roster management”, we always seem late to the party. At least Swarbrick and Kelly eventually get there.

I think BK was limited by admin not wanting to have to revoke someone's scholarship because we didn't have room. He probably justified the change by showing some historical data on how many kids end up leaving which brings the numbers back down.

 

[OchoShayneO]

What do they mean when they highlight Bertrand as a "one year scholarship candidate"?

 

[zelezo vlk]

2019 is gonna suck isn't it?

 

[EvilleIrish]

2019 is gonna suck isn't it?

Why? We return a bunch of starters and an elite pair of pass rushing DE's.