(Real) early observations from watching presser and reading accounts:
Mendoza has done wonders with players in weight room this off-seasons.
Defense might surprise and be much better than we thought. Return of "bigger, stronger" Leitko adds experienced depth. Communication, not lack of speed, among DBs reason for too many long completions last year. Linebackers looked good "running from sideline to sideline." Should be improved this year.
Not getting one of the top RBs this year might not be as critical as thought (That's not to say they shouldn't continue to recruit one) Coach said he hasn't seen too many running backs with his speed. Compared Munir Prince to Michael Bennett. Described his running as "swish"! Did anyone hear anything about Aldridge's health/condition?
It usually takes two years in the pros for players to grasp a new system. Offense, defense and special teams ahead of last year, so possible to fine-tune. Coaching staff would not have had the luxury of making some of positional changes last year, when there was too much of the basics to install.
Hopefully, Svo and Jigga and those of you who live close to South Bend will continue to provide updates on fall practice. I know its early but, after watching Coach Weis's presser, I feel much better about the team being able to overcome some of the problems necessary to deal with that difficult early schedule than I did before.
Subway Alum - MA
ND Fan Since '52
