Spring Position Battles

[Riddickulous]

Revised, 3/22/11.

QB

Dayne Crist (RS JR) - Will be able to perform most drills and will likely play in the spring game.
Tommy Rees (SO) - Hardly mentioned in the opening press conference.
Andrew Hendrix (RS FR) - Will see "live" action in practice.
Everett Golson (FR) - Will see "live" action in practice.

"W" WR

John Goodman (RS JR) - Yup.
Daniel Smith (SO) - Kelly mentioned that he needed a lot of work.
Luke Massa (RS FR) - Will get a lot of time.

Slot WR

Theo Riddick (JR) - Will definitely not be moving back to RB.
Roby Toma (JR) - Will get a lot of reps this spring.

"X" WR

TJ Jones (SO) - Pretty much the de facto starter barring a major upset.
Deion Walker (RS JR) - Kelly is pleased with his work ethic.

NT

Sean Cwynar (RS JR) - Will miss spring practice.
Louis Nix (RS FR) - Mentioned as being an excellent run defender, but not a dominant pass rusher. Has endurance issues.
Brandon Newman (RS JR) - Yup.
Tyler Stockton (RS SO) - Yup.

OLB

Steve Filer (SR)
Dan Fox (RS SO)
Danny Spond (SO)
Prince Shembo (SO)

ILB

Carlo Calabrese (RS SO) - Impressive 2010 season and the clear favorite.
Kendall Moore (RS FR) - Has received a large amount of praise from Kelly.
David Posluszny (RS JR) - Has battled injuries.
Anthony McDonald (RS JR) - Has not impressed when on the field.
Justin Utupo (RS FR) - I like this kid.

KR/PR

Theo Riddick
Bennett Jackson

 

[IrishLax]

The most interesting battle to me is safety. I never really know what to think of either guy and often wonder if Motta simply doesn't fit in the defense. Is he a tad too slow to play safety? Too small to play linebacker? Can he pull a Harrison Smith and get much better with reps? I'd really love to see him pan out at safety.

Steve Filer is another enigma to me. I don't know if he or Shembo will win the job... but Filer was awesome in the spring last year and when he was on the field played well this year. Maybe he is just a better gamer than practice player. I would expect Shembo to have the edge because Kelly gets him for two more years but for Filer to be a major contributor on defense this fall.

 

[NDPhilly]

punt returner?

I'd like to see GAIII, DD, and Cam McDaniel try out

 

[IrishLax]

Theo Riddick, imho, is going to be a lock for PR.

 

[NDPhilly]

Theo Riddick, imho, is going to be a lock for PR.

I agree he needs to be used more because he is so dynamic

 

[BGIF]

I agree he needs to be used more because he is so dynamic

He's dynamic but he like Tate a couple of seasons ago he was learning a new position, then he got hurt and missed a 1/3 of the season.

 

[irishfan]

Regardless of who wins the safety battle, Slaughter and Motta are both going to be huge for us next year. The backup should become the nickel corner in passing situations, so somewhat of a 12th starter.

And I would love to see Shembo and Filer both lined up at DE in passing situations next year. A 3rd and long D consisting of Filer/Shembo at DEs and Te'o/Fleming at LB along with 5 d-backs would give us a legit SEC-speed defense out there.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I think the TE spot will be interesting. I think we all just assume that Eifert is an automatic, but Welch is a baller too. I think Koyack will sit a year and I don't see how/why we should bring back Ragone. Also, I look for Kendal Moore to get some playing time in the middle, likely splitting with Carlo.

 

[Irish in StPete]

just for the heck of it

just for the heck of it

Just for the heck of it think about this development---------re:SAFETY

George Atkinson is playing safety at the Army All-Star game.
Reports are he has been terrific in practice.
His father is a Hall-Of-Fame NFL free safety.
Apples don't fall far from the tree.
George is 6-2/195 and runs a legit 4:4 40 & 10.5 100 meters

George can also run back kick-offs. Coming out of the end-zone
with a full head of steam a big guy. that fast. can be a weapon.

Suppose George comes to camp and wins the Safety spot,
Slaughter moves back to CB. Motta backs up George and
is the #1 nickel back.

 

[BestBIrish47]

We need production from our Punt Returner, but this next years O should be Theo Centric. I don't know if we want him to get hurt on a PR.... just my two cents

 

[rtrn2glory]

QB- Rees (if Crist can't come to spring ball healthy enough)

WR-TJ (With one of the incoming freshmen Daniels or Atkinson pushing him)

G- Watt (Close over Lombard, should be very competitive)

NG-Cwynar (You're right, though, Nix will prolly push him to the brink, either way they both get a ton of playing time)

OLB-Prince (Not even close, unless someone new comes in and impresses)

Safety-Zeke (but again both will get a lot of playing time)

 

[rtrn2glory]

Regardless of who wins the safety battle, Slaughter and Motta are both going to be huge for us next year. The backup should become the nickel corner in passing situations, so somewhat of a 12th starter.

And I would love to see Shembo and Filer both lined up at DE in passing situations next year. A 3rd and long D consisting of Filer/Shembo at DEs and Te'o/Fleming at LB along with 5 d-backs would give us a legit SEC-speed defense out there.

I don't see us using Fleming as a drop linebacker in passing situations...he should be on the line with his hand down getting after the passer. He was by far our biggest QB threat this year and hopefully he will only continue to improve.

 

[IrishLax]

We need production from our Punt Returner, but this next years O should be Theo Centric. I don't know if we want him to get hurt on a PR.... just my two cents

If you have a guy who can be a dynamic returner you can't worry about him getting hurt on returns. See Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller, etc.

 

[jason_h537]

QB Crist: Rees was not asked to throw the ball 40-50 times a game and wins and losses are often put on QBs regardless of play. Put Crist in the gameplan Rees was given and we blow out the last 4 opponents.

I think TJ wins because of his upside but he lost his starting job to Goody before he was hurt

Watt wins LG and it's not close

Shembo can only pass rush. Let's not annoint him the next Te'o yet

Slaughter is healthy but Motta got a whole lot better in the end

 

[irish1958]

We need production from our Punt Returner, but this next years O should be Theo Centric. I don't know if we want him to get hurt on a PR.... just my two cents

I agree; lack of blocking on KO and PR is the major problem. We could have Hester back there and nothing would happen with both gunners in his face on punts, and five or six defenders in his face on KOs.
Holtz had the Rocket returning KOs and punts; he didn't protect him.
As an aside, does anyone know the relative injury rate for returners as opposed to receivers and backs? We all assume it is greater, but is it?

 

[jason_h537]

QB Crist: Rees was not asked to throw the ball 40-50 times a game and wins and losses are often put on QBs regardless of play. Put Crist in the gameplan Rees was given and we blow out the last 4 opponents.

I think TJ wins because of his upside but he lost his starting job to Goody before he was hurt

Watt wins LG and it's not close

Shembo can only pass rush. Let's not annoint him the next Te'o yet

Slaughter is healthy but Motta got a whole lot better in the end

 

[irish1958]

We need production from our Punt Returner, but this next years O should be Theo Centric. I don't know if we want him to get hurt on a PR.... just my two cents

I agree; lack of blocking on KO and PR is the major problem. We could have Hester back there and nothing would happen with both gunners in his face on punts, and five or six defenders in his face on KOs.
Holtz had the Rocket returning KOs and punts; he didn't protect him.
As an aside, does anyone know the relative injury rate for returners as opposed to receivers and backs? We all assume it is greater, but is it?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Shembo isn't starting at OLB...Shembo is a better fit at the position Flemming plays, not the spot that Neal played this year. I think you have to give the edge to Filer at the moment.

 

[lookingdeadred]

I think BK will ber looking for ways to get Riddick as many touches as possible

I think BK will ber looking for ways to get Riddick as many touches as possible

Riddick is the most dynamic playmaker they have assuming Floyd leaves, maybe even if Floyd stays.

Theo Riddick, imho, is going to be a lock for PR.

 

[tadman95]

I think the most important battle will be QB. We've had good recruiting classes, Kelly and staff are coaching these guys up to potential but still room for improvement.

We have QB talent but one of these guys has to take the QB postion to a higher, much higher level. Don't care who that is but for us to get to BCS/championship level, our offense has to become intimidating. We have the talent already, more good ones on the way.

We need "The Man", whoever that is.

 

[eNDzone]

QB: I just can't see Hendrix sitting the bench, he throws a bullit and has a fast release. He also can take off and run.

I also can't see Jackson delegated to special teams only. He's got to much speed to be doing that.

 

[irishff1014]

I think that Crist is the man when he gets back. The passing game is some much more dangerous with him in there.

 

[Irish Insanity]

QB Crist: Rees was not asked to throw the ball 40-50 times a game and wins and losses are often put on QBs regardless of play. Put Crist in the gameplan Rees was given and we blow out the last 4 opponents.
I think TJ wins because of his upside but he lost his starting job to Goody before he was hurt

Watt wins LG and it's not close

Shembo can only pass rush. Let's not annoint him the next Te'o yet

Slaughter is healthy but Motta got a whole lot better in the end

I agree with everything but the bold statement. Crist has a canon for an arm. But Rees sees the field a bit better I think. Something that Crist hasn't fully grasped yet. I don't think would have done a worst job, just not sure it woulda been that much better either.

 

[Old Man Mike]

One little ingredient to throw into you-guys' stew: regarding punt returning, Frank Beamer was asked about the position and said that nothing counts for anything if you can't catch the ball. A lot of high octane speed merchants and Fancy Dans cannot play punt returner because they are not dependable at a 99% level. Almost nothing is more devastating than fumbling a punt. Beamer said that dependable catching the ball is the first, second and third thing you look at [or words to that effect]. THEN you can look at speed, shiftiness et al. That dependability [except in one game] was why Goodman was our punt returner.

 

[Irish in StPete]

regarding QBs

regarding QBs

Coach Kelly's appraisal of Rees-----

Rees is very smart & very cool
Very accurate and throws a very catchable ball.
_____________________________________

He now has a lot of experience, will build up some muscle over the winter--will be
watching a lot of film, and will get a lot of snaps and throw a lot of passes between
now and Sept.

I think it will be Rees until he proves he can't do the job.

 

[lookingdeadred]

Crist v Rees

Crist v Rees

Where is the evidence that Rees sees the field better? He locks on to one guy way too much. Granted he was a true frosh, so some slack should be given, but I just don't see any evidence for your claim.

I agree with everything but the bold statement. Crist has a canon for an arm. But Rees sees the field a bit better I think. Something that Crist hasn't fully grasped yet. I don't think would have done a worst job, just not sure it woulda been that much better either.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Where is the evidence that Rees sees the field better? He locks on to one guy way too much. Granted he was a true frosh, so some slack should be given, but I just don't see any evidence for your claim.

I completely agree that Rees locks on to one receiver. He almost relied completely on Floyd during the Miami game. He did make the throws and showed composure in the pocket. A pocket that was pretty damn secure due to a MAJORLY improved offensive line. Thanks Ed. I just don't see him holding on to the job with upsides like Crist and Hendrix developing behind him. With that said, I believe Crist has limited time to show that upside before Hendrix or Rees are given the reigns. Massa is a wild card that nobody expects to rise on the depth chart but weirder things have happened. At best I see him as a capable back-up. The wrench in the whole QB conundrum to me is Everett Golson. After watching his highlight reel I was stunned by how strong and accurate this kids arm is. The kicker is that he also has the legs to REALLY run the spread.. the way it's meant to be run.. The unstoppable, multi-faceted way. It may not happen the first year but as long as he develops and understands the offense there is NO WAY he doesn't become the starter. It can be a great issue to have (multiple talented QB's), but it can also be a distraction. BK's done it before at Cincy so I have faith he'll get it right. GO IRISH! BEAT USF

 

[NDTH91]

As far as QB goes, I think we will see some of Kelly's 2 QB system, and expect Hendrix to be a part of it. The coaches haven't stopped raving about him all year.

I don't see Rees being involved a lot next year because besides the fact that he managed games well, I don't think he ever showed signs of great improvement in his arm strength or accuracy. Also as some people said he was locked on Floyd and Eifert all game and Floyd was making him look better than he was playing. However, I will cut the kid a little slack being a true frosh.

I LOVE Golson's upside, and I think that if he develops well (both arm and legs) then he could be REALLY dangerous.

Anyway this goes, if we get solid QB play, the Irish will be a scary team next year!

 

[jason_h537]

As far as QB goes, I think we will see some of Kelly's 2 QB system, and expect Hendrix to be a part of it. The coaches haven't stopped raving about him all year.

All i have read is they like him. That is hardly Raving

 

[choo choo]

If you have a guy who can be a dynamic returner you can't worry about him getting hurt on returns. See Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller, etc.

hell yes, he could get hurt falling down steps or some kinda crazy ****...dont factor in injuries, just be prepared for them