Spring Position Battles

[Fighting_Irish9]

Best I can tell these are the battles that will be fought this Spring...

Quarterback
rSo David Wolke vs rFr Evan Sharpley - Near as I can tell this battle will be for the primary backup spot incase Quinn goes down, but I do fell like one of the two incoming Frosh will get most the mop up duty

Runningbacks
Fr Alderidge vs rSo Hoskins - As and EE Alderidge will have the opportunity to battle Hoskins for the #3 spot this Spring. Many have counted Hoskins out but I am one of the few minority that haven't and that is why I think this is a battle...on a side note, if Alderidge is as good as many hope, he may be battling Thomas for the #2 spot.

FullBacks
Don't really see any here

Wide Recievers
Don't really see any here other than deep on the depth chart

Tight Ends
rJr McConnell vs Walk ons - Ashley McConnell IMO will be looked at to add depth to the TE position and may have to face some Walk on talent for that spot in the depth chart

O-line
Fr Chris Stewart vs rSrJames Bonelli - this will be a battle for the primary back up Guard postition
rSr Mattes vs So Turkovich vs rSr Raridon - this will be a battle for the Starting Tackle position with Mattes going in as the leader

Defensive End
rSr Leitko vs rSr Frome vs rSo Talley - this will be a battle for the starting spot at the weakside end opposite Abiamira

Defensive Tackle
rSr Frome vs rJr Stephenson vs rFr Hand - A battle for the primary back up spot, Frome if he loses the End spot I expect to move to DT while HAnd and Stephenson battle him for playing time.

Apache
rSo Vernaglia vs Sr Ndukwe - for the Primary backup/starting spot depending on if they move Crum to Will

Middle Linebacker
Looks to be So Scott Smith's for now but Toryan Smith may challenge him come summer

Outside Linebacker
rJr Thomas vs rJr Brockington vs So Washington vs So Quinn - This position is up for grabs if Crum isn't moved to the Will spot if he is all are fighting for the primary backup job

Cornerback
rSo Lambert vs Sr Richardson - I believe Lambert challenges Richardson for the Starting spot
rSo Lambert vs rJr Ferrine - If Lambert can't oust Richardson this will be the battle for the Nickel back spot.

Free Safety
So McCarthy vs So Herring - This battle for the #2 spot could turn into a battle for the Starting job if Nudkwe is moved to Apache and Zbikowski to SS

Strong Safety
I don't see any major changes this spring here

 

[jiggafini19]

rSo David Wolke vs rFr Evan Sharpley - Near as I can tell this battle will be for the primary backup spot incase Quinn goes down, but I do fell like one of the two incoming Frosh will get most the mop up duty

I hope Sharpley gets off the scout team and gets some reps. He can overtake Wolke because Sharpley has better size and arm strength.

Tight Ends
rJr McConnell vs Walk ons - Ashley McConnell IMO will be looked at to add depth to the TE position and may have to face some Walk on talent for that spot in the depth chart

Interesting. At 6-0, 247? McConnell is the only FB backing Schwapp until Schmidt shows up on campus.

rSo Lambert vs Sr Richardson - I believe Lambert challenges Richardson for the Starting spot

Jesus Joseph Doggy Style!! FI 9, I've never heard anyone think of Lambert that highly. Richardson made great strides last year and I would think he's only going to get better under Lewis. I think Lambert vs. Ferrine for nickel is a much better choice.

 

[KMac151993]

I think both freshman QB's will redshirt as both Wolke and Sharpley are quality backups. I think MLB is going to be a key position that needs filled this spring.

 

[OhioIrish3]

What about Bruton isnt he a FS, i would think he would get the FS spot if Ndukwe was moved to apache and Zibby to SS

 

[Guest]

I could see Vernaglia moving to TE if it doesn't work out at LB. He has the the size and athletic ability to play the position.

 

[Folsteam_Ahead]

Leitko is mentioned in there....is he coming back? or are we still hoping for the best...

 

[Fighting_Irish9]

I hope Sharpley gets off the scout team and gets some reps. He can overtake Wolke because Sharpley has better size and arm strength.

Yea but I'm rooting for Wolke, I'm a fan of the underdog

Interesting. At 6-0, 247? McConnell is the only FB backing Schwapp until Schmidt shows up on campus.

I'd be surprised if he ended up there, I just get the feeling they are going to give him a look in the Spring as I forsee Schmidt maybe jumping him in the depth chart come Summer

Jesus Joseph Doggy Style!! FI 9, I've never heard anyone think of Lambert that highly. Richardson made great strides last year and I would think he's only going to get better under Lewis. I think Lambert vs. Ferrine for nickel is a much better choice.

Just remember who was high on him when he breaks out....though I agree beating out Richardson is a long shot, there is also the possiblility they move Wooden to Safety, Zibby to SS and Ndukwe to Apache freeing up a corner for Lambert...

I think both freshman QB's will redshirt as both Wolke and Sharpley are quality backups. I think MLB is going to be a key position that needs filled this spring.

I see both being in the mix for the starting job when Quinn leaves, I would be surprised if both redshirted and didn't get any experience if it looks like one will take the starting job...

If Sharpley or Wolke look like they will be good starters though, I agree the Frosh will be redshirted.

What about Bruton isnt he a FS, i would think he would get the FS spot if Ndukwe was moved to apache and Zibby to SS

For some reason I have Bruton in my notes as a SS but he very well could be in the mix...as I mentioned before if Ndukwe is moved don't be shocked to see Wooden maybe moved to FS

I could see Vernaglia moving to TE if it doesn't work out at LB. He has the the size and athletic ability to play the position.

Actually a very strong possibility of this, rumor has it he was bulking up to play MIDDLE LINEBACKER...I don't know how good the chances are but he will definatly be in the Linebacker mix this spring

Leitko is mentioned in there....is he coming back? or are we still hoping for the best...

Hoping for the best, I don't see why he wouldn't but maybe there was a severed relationship there with the new coach coming in

 

[jiggafini19]

If Lambert has a breakout year, the list of people who predicted it will be a short one. I'll know where to find you, FI 9.

I think Wolke is smarter and he'll end up the #2. He's had more time with the first team. Sharpley CAN overtake him, but that doesn't mean he will.

I don't think McConnell has the size or speed to play tight end. They say Schmidt is already 6-4, 240 and has never played fullback. He might be someone they try at tight end since Schwapp has 3 years left and McConnell two.

 

[scooper]

Good topic, FI9.

Everybody has a breakout player. Bruton is mine. I think at some point, he'll have to get on the field and will add athlticism to our defensive backfield. He layed some licks in special teams last year. I can't wait for him to get some experience.

I don't think McConnell picking up some TE slack is far fetched, though maybe not as a true TE. Utilizing FB/TE hybrids as H-backs is a great way to add TE depth and some versatility. Schmidt could fill this role as well.

 

[kickerbg31]

I don't see Wooden moving to FS, at least initially in the season. With his speed and improving coverage skills, I think he is better suited as a corner. However, if Walls or McNeil come in and earn some PT, I think Wooden needs to stay on the field no matter what. This is the only way I see him moving to FS.

 

[kickerbg31]

As for a breakout player, I'm going to go with Marcus Freeman. He has been underrated as a TE, and he is a good blocker. He had some acrobatic catches at the blue and gold game 2 years ago and with the loss of Fasano and Hiben, I think he will finally get his chance. Carlson will take many of the catches, but Freeman will be in there in run and play-action formations.

 

[jiggafini19]

Offensive: DJ Hord
Defense: Tough call here. I'll say Mo Crum

 

[irishnd31]

As for breakout player, it better be one of our corners or it will be a very long year.

 

[jiggafini19]

As for breakout player, it better be one of our corners or it will be a very long year.

All four of those guys are back. They can't get much worse than they were.

The key will be replacing two linebackers. The scheme last year was designed to get the linebackers into the gaps and make the majority of the tackles....and sacks.

Whoever joins Crum to replace Hoyte and Mays needs to perform at their level, if not higher.

 

[Indydomer]

DJ Hord is going to be a big factor this year in my opinion. You could see how much he wanted the ball even on the kickoff return team. Hord and Grimes will be solid backups to Mcnight and Sam this year.

If he plays good enough, put Sam and Hord at WR and put Rhema and Grimes in the slot. Good speed, experience, and toughness.

 

[OhioIrish3]

Hord and Grimes will end up being great recievers, both have very good speed and that is what i like about them, i like recievers who can score everytime they get the ball

 

[Fighting_Irish9]

I see about 600 yards recieveing between Hord and Grimes next year, I think they will be usefull I just don't know if there will be enough balls to go around for them to have the breakout type of season the average fan notices

I really think you will see an improvement in the Defensive Backfield, Lambert was hurt at the begining of last year but showed promise and the little engine that could Ferrine played well when he got in, I see both making a marked improvement with the continued improvement of Wooden....

The biggest key if Zibkowski is staying at FS is getting him back to help on pass D, he creeps up to much and lets people get hehind him, which is a MAJOR no no for your FS

I actually think our Pass D will improve a lot but but our Run D is going to suffer as it apears our LB's are going to be faster and smaller

 

[weisfaninmass]

Offensive: DJ Hord
Defense: Tough call here. I'll say Mo Crum

Mo C had a pretty good year last year so he will need to be a 1st or 2nd team All American to have a breakout year.

I do agree with all the discussions about Hord and Grimes. These 2 will get alot of PT and in this offense they are going to hard to stop -- especially with Shark and McKnight getting all the attention from the defense.

I look for Wooden to become an All American next year. He made great strides last year without playing spring ball. This staff will develop him so much more this off season.

As far as someone who was a non contributor stepping up on defense, I like Vernaglia to make some big plays this year.

 

[OhioIrish3]

wooden will improve but i still dont think he is the shutdown corner we need, so i think that either mcneil or walls will start at one of the corner spots mid way into the season

 

[Fighting_Irish9]

wooden will improve but i still dont think he is the shutdown corner we need, so i think that either mcneil or walls will start at one of the corner spots mid way into the season

McNeil doesn't have the speed to be a "shut down" corner...only way either of those two work their way into the Starting lineup is if Wooden is moved to FS and Zibby to SS, Even then I would be surprised if they ousted Lambert or Ferrine...

Corner isn't just about athletic skill, there is a lot going on, for a Freshman to start at Corner is Very very rare. Its not like Wooden and Lambert weren't just as highly touted as Walls and McNeil

Per Scout.com

Walls 4 Stars #7 CB 4.40 40
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=1692280
Lambert 4 Stars #8 CB 4.40 - 40
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=273044
McNeil 4 Stars #9 CB 4.69 40
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=1797073
Wooden 4 Stars #14 CB 4.30 - 40
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=254476

 

[jiggafini19]

McNeil doesn't have the speed to be a "shut down" corner...

4.4?

 

[weisfaninmass]

wooden will improve but i still dont think he is the shutdown corner we need, so i think that either mcneil or walls will start at one of the corner spots mid way into the season

Blue and Gold had a great article about 'speed' last issue. The point is not 'pure speed'. It is reaction time. John Wooden had the best quote on this - "Speed is the quick and proper execution of fundamentals. And you don't need the fastest players to have the best speed."

BTW -- Ambrose Wooden ran a 4.22 at the Ohio State Summer camp 2 years ago -- fastest since JOey Galloway.

 

[Fighting_Irish9]

4.4?

I don't know where you get 4.4 every article I have read on him talks about people questioning his speed at corner, atleast all the ones that talk about his speed at all...a lot just gloss over it..

Scout timed him at 4.69

I'm sure the kid can play corner and you don't have to have Ginn Jr speed to be a good corner, but I don't expect him to come in and be a starter his Freshman year...

All this talk of lack of speed IMO is complete BS...The players on our D are plenty fast, they just aren't in the right position...If Tommy Z and Wooden can Chase down future NFL first rounders from behind....they have plenty of speed, they just weren't in position when the guy caught the ball.

Everyone said ND didn't have speed on offense then as our QB matured and we got the NFL's top offensive cordinator putting them in the right position all of the sudden ND doesn't have a speed issue on offense

 

[jiggafini19]

Interesting.

The link you posted shows he has a 4.4 according to Scout in his profile.

Rivals shows this same clocked time. I don't really care what his time is since in looking at him in real time video, he can play corner. Because in the end, you are right FI 9....the scheme (and the guy running it) aren't very good. The safeties cheat and offer no help the way the mechanism is designed. And the corners are left on an island, and they're not good enough to play man on man without a little help. Thanks to Ohio State for telling us what we already knew.

There is a common theme that seems to be coming off of the lips and tongues of this coaching staff....they need help in the secondary. Walls and McNeil should get on the field this year. Will they start? My guess is no. But you'll see them. Not as much as the four starters returning, but eventually more than everyone else. This staff inheirited four safeties.

Again, I am patiently waiting for spring ball to show me evidence that there is all this great talent locked away and ready to manifest itself. Leo Ferrine can't look much worse in spring than he did against Stanford. Everyone else has played special teams and hasn't been on the field enough for me to see them. I look at what Lewis did with Richardson and have hope that some of these guys can turn it around.

Calvin Johnson of Ga Tech, Penn State and Michigan are going to provide this secondary with big challenges right off the bat. As of today, right now, I'm nervous. So if these freshmen can outplay this group, get them out there. I'm tired of seeing opposing receivers getting chased from ten yards away.

The time for crossing your fingers for a "timely turnover" (I just swallowed my own throw-up) is over. Strap it on and bust some people in the mouth.

 

[jiggafini19]

McNeil's profile from Rivals:

http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=34388

His Rivals articles from January to June mentioned 4.5 times on multiple occasions. From a July piece on until now, they have him as 4.4

As has been my experience as a subscriber to both, Scout typically has players with SLOWER 40 times than that of Rivals.

 

[weisfaninmass]

I am very high on Walls and McNeil. McNeil really stood out in San Antonio. Just asked The Urban Legend. That being said I don't think we should discount Ambrose Wooden. This kid is going to step it up big time. I will say it again. He was one a the prized recruits that Ty landed. He has the speed (4.22 timed at Ohio St camp). He needs the coaching. He didn't play spring ball last year so he has not had much mentoring from a quality staff. But he went from deep on the depth chart to starting in the course of summer practice. Some of this by default bc lack of other talent but he will continue to elevate his game.

That being said, the talent around him in the secondary is weak.

 

[jiggafini19]

Rivals made a spring watch list on offense and defense. Here are the players they listed and the gist of what they said:

Vernaglia: Now or never.
Ferrine: Will get pushed by Walls and McNeil
Talley: Pass rush needs to step up
Scott Smith: Crum could miss spring with injury
Bruton: Getting snaps with first team

Mattes: LeVoir's spot must be filled
Carlson: Blocking, yes. Pass catching, ????
Grimes: Could have a huge spring
Aldridge: Provides depth at RB
McKnight: Will he be ready?

Overall, a great piece by Irish Illustrated. I think they pretty much sum it up with the ten guys listed. The defense will be under a huge microscope.

Spring Ball starts one week from today. Our questions will be answered soon.

 

[weisfaninmass]

Rivals made a spring watch list on offense and defense. Here are the players they listed and the gist of what they said:
Vernaglia: Now or never.

Boy ain't that the truth.

Great piece. It is right on.

 

[jiggafini19]

Poodle wanted Vernaglia REAL BAD and recruited him up until Vernaglia faxed his letter over. I like Poodle's judge of linebacker talent...he'll be loaded there this year now that they're experienced.

I hope AV can step in and give Jigga what he has long desired out of ND defenders....some face melting, bone crushing hits.

 

[jiggafini19]

Here's a Dan Silver snippet from one of his BGI articles. Great stuff:

* The Notre Dame football team is gearing up for an important set of spring practices where many players will challenge for staring positions. There are a handful of players who will enter the fall with two, three or more years of experience and who have yet to make the type of impact fans expected. Anthony Vernaglia, Terrail Lambert, Ashley McConnell, Dwight Stephenson, Mitchell Thomas, Geoffrey Price, and Justin Hoskins, among others, have yet to live up to their advanced billing. And the clock is ticking as the talented recruiting class waits in the wings.
Thomas stands out as a guy who is likely to have a breakout campaign in 2006. He will have every chance to earn a starting nod at linebacker.