Spring Practice Thread 2012

[D-BOE34]

I may have not heard Coach Kelly accurately but I am pretty sure that he told Golson that he is going to have kids begging to be on the roster with him. He seemed to be spending the majority of his time(at least during this film) with Golson, then Hendrix, then Kiel. I like that know s what our weakenss was and that he is taking it "back to the basics." He knows if we eliminate the turnovers in the redzone this is a BCS football team. I also really like the fact that him and Martin are spending the majority of their time with the qb's. What one misses the other will deffinitely catch. I believe Martin turned Grand Valley's one qb into a National Champion qb from a wr. I think our guys are in good hands.

As soon as coaches put Rees on the back end, we will be in better shape. turnover issues again? If it's not there either throw it away or run it. (Something you can't tell Rees.) If lets say Golsen starts and gets hurt for a bit, in comes Hendrix. Same plan. If it isn't there then run or throw it away. BK always says zero is a good play for us. Well 1-2 is even better!!!

 

[Fbolt]

Many (not all) here are "not" on the Rees bandwagon-but he's really put on some weight this year and the reports about his throws being more powerful. He could surprise us doubters....

 

[Old Man Mike]

I'll contribute to the pile of groundless QB speculation.

A). The only thing that Coach is REALLY concerned about is eliminating the turnovers.
B). To do something about that on his end, he knows that he cannot put Tommy in a competition where his experience masks some fair comparison via an unbalanced playing field, AND Coach feels that NONE of the guys has what it takes [yet] to manage the pre-snap reads at a high enough level.
C). To try to remedy both of those things, he, as he says, has gone back to page one of the playbook [in fact a somewhat different playbook] and is currently teaching fundamentals [watch our videos --- simple rotate and snap-throw motions are about as basic as you get], which play into the get-set and get-it-out basic requirements.
D). Kelly is also telling us that he is minimizing any "Tommy Advantage" by changing the emphasis within the playbook. [He is, of course not using Tommy's name overtly --- usually anyway; some times he even has done this].
The concepts of RB/Slot merging and two TEs showing power formations suddenly shifting to 5-wide, both indicate not only new play basics but also the not-so-subtle need for a mobile, occasionally running QB.
E). Coach is also simplifying the pre-snap reads and adjustments that the QB has to make --- this not only recognizes his QBs current limitations with analyzing complexity, but further reduces Tommy's experience advantages.

In doing this, Coach is not discounting Tommy by a long shot, but he is realistically assessing last season's problems and this teams unique offensive strengths. If Tommy can "fit", then fine. Tommy himself knows exactly what's up. He talks readily about his turnovers. He HAS gotten stronger [one video showed him mauling Hendrix in a one-on-one]. He has tried to be a runner. He DOES look fundamentally sound in the throwing motion basics. He is not going to give up his spot easily, but I still intuit that someone else is coming to get it. I waver from one to the other of the guys daily. I do not like Everett's inaccuracy. I don't hear much about Andrew. I see Coach spending a LOT of time with Gunner. We don't have enough film yet, nor substantive remarks by the folks who matter.

 

[DaBLKIrishman]

Has there been any indication if a starter for QB will be named at the end of spring ball or in fall camp?

 

[rtrn2glory]

Has there been any indication if a starter for QB will be named at the end of spring ball or in fall camp?

No

 

[Old Man Mike]

On a second topic entirely: post-practice interviews with Diaco and Elston had Diaco, I think, saying that there were three "Dogs". Spond, Councell, and "Connor Little". Little seems to be a walk-on from somewhere in Minnesota that I know nothing about at all. Do others on the board know him and what's going on here?

The simple three person list with no one on it with much actual game experience at linebacker is a bit stunning, and must mean that
1). Diaco is really happy with Spond;
2). Diaco is really happy with Councell;
3). Both;
4) Our mystery walk-on is really something; or,
5). We're in a lot more trouble at Dog than I would have thought.

Can you guys shed light on this??


By the way, both known guys are high-flexibility, speed-in-space oriented, lower mass linebacker types, showing that Diaco is fully moving towards space-coverage as a priority, for which I am grateful.

 

[rtrn2glory]

the way it seems is they're going to use the hybrid safety a lot in place of the Dog, which takes snaps away from this position, which possibly was the reason for shembo shifting to Cat to keep him on the field.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Interesting dog conversation. I think Diaco is happy with what he sees. I see hybrid safety as a real regular option with the d-line we have, and Diaco is so much smarter than me.

The most important thing I have heard this spring, (several times) echoed recently by Diaco, is there is tremendous cohesiveness among the staff this year. It seems the unspoken among the players is they are getting more of what they need, and it seems the coaching staff is really united in how much better they feel the fit is.

Diaco actually used the word loyalty. He is careful with his words. This choice of words, especially from Diaco, was profound in my opinion.

 

[gkIrish]

Regarding the QB situation, IMO the best way to cut down the turnovers and improve pre-snap reads is by making a decision as quickly as possible on the #1 and his backup. The sooner that happens, the sooner the coaches can focus their attention on that QB and improve him. I think waiting until August would be a mistake.

 

[TheSunIsRising]

Has there been any indication if a starter for QB will be named at the end of spring ball or in fall camp?

No

If your question is binary (named in spring or named in fall?):

I would say that the indications are that a starter will not be named at the end of spring (Kelly has stated it will be a long process and they will go through it methodically). Unless Kelly and Martin are intentionally making misleading statements, not sure how a starter is named at the end of spring.

If your question was more about who and when, then the answer "No" is correct and is about all that can be said (as zero indication have been given on at what point a starter will be named).

 

[Nothingman]

On a second topic entirely: post-practice interviews with Diaco and Elston had Diaco, I think, saying that there were three "Dogs". Spond, Councell, and "Connor Little". Little seems to be a walk-on from somewhere in Minnesota that I know nothing about at all. Do others on the board know him and what's going on here?

The Great Programs have risen and fallen. The NCAA's grip on collegiate sports has grown weak and arthritic. Dark forces (U$C) seek to renew forgotten covenants, and primordial beasts (scUM) reclaim the wilderness. Out of the frozen north, a man emerges - a man of a barbaric age, whose merciless savagery may be the only key to ND's survival. They call him Connor Little!

 

[Old Man Mike]

well, i guess that explains it ....

 

[Me2SouthBend]

Update from Inside the Irish

Practice Report: Day Five update | Inside the Irish

 

[Anchorman]

Update from Inside the Irish

Practice Report: Day Five update | Inside the Irish

"0:13 — Nicely done, Jack Nolan. Another piece of Notre Dame garb and a perfect weather report. Watch out, Brick Tamland."

Made my day.

 

[woolybug25]

I like the one comment,

"Grochkee" - Chicago accent for Garage Key

 

[eNDzone]

Found this quote from DaVaris Danials in SB Tribune

“I think we’re going to be more vertical too in the passing game,” he said. “And that’s my cup of tea right there.


Sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[DillonHall]

Found this quote from DaVaris Danials in SB Tribune

“I think we’re going to be more vertical too in the passing game,” he said. “And that’s my cup of tea right there.


Sounds like a good idea to me.

Did you also catch this tidbit?

Last season, the Irish averaged 10.9 yards per reception, the third-lowest figure at ND in the post-Lou Holtz Era (1997-present). The only seasons with worse averages came during the lost 3-9 season of 2007 (9.2) and the season after which Bob Davie was purged as head coach (2001, 10.2).

Not gonna happen if Rees is the QB

 

[MrIrishCanadian1]

What a sweetheart Gunner is: "I can't thank the guys enough for welcoming me in with open arms."

He seems like the perfect kid that any parent would be proud of. But then I ask myself, 'why is he so thankful? what attitude towards his presence at ND would make him feel the need to be so thankful? Is he just some really nice dude who is always just thankful for daily blessings?'

Well, that's one interpretation. But here's the one that I prefer: The Gunner knows he's about to dominate. He also knows that all the other QBs don't want The Gunner around, since he's gonna destroy their dreams of starting.
On the outside, The Gunner may look like a little sweetheart. But inside, he knows wassup.

Yeah, thanks for welcoming me in guys....CAUSE I'M ABOUT TO STEAL THE SHOW!!!

 

[dublinirish]

loving kiels attitude so far..hes the anti-clausen.

 

[eNDzone]

Did you also catch this tidbit?

Last season, the Irish averaged 10.9 yards per reception, the third-lowest figure at ND in the post-Lou Holtz Era (1997-present). The only seasons with worse averages came during the lost 3-9 season of 2007 (9.2) and the season after which Bob Davie was purged as head coach (2001, 10.2).

Not gonna happen if Rees is the QB

It would be interseting to know how many horizontal yards were involved in getting those 10.9 vertical yards per reception. Seemed like there were alot of slow sideliners that didn't go anywhere.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

loving kiels attitude so far..hes the anti-clausen.

This ^^

 

[ChiRish]

loving kiels attitude so far..hes the anti-clausen.

Haha well said.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

loving kiels attitude so far..hes the anti-clausen.

i understand this, but i dont really get it.

Clausen came to south bend with the same attitude that charlie came here with. '07 was so bad, i care to blank it out of my mind--except for the ucla game i attended--

however, clausen was every bit as good as advertised--once he had a decent running attack and an o-line that could keep him upright.

so my question about this quote (and believe me, i realize i'm poking a sleeping bear here, and i'm doing it out of nothing more than pure masochism) is...whats the difference between confidence and swagger and how thin is that line to cockiness?

 

[DillonHall]

i understand this, but i dont really get it.

Clausen came to south bend with the same attitude that charlie came here with. '07 was so bad, i care to blank it out of my mind--except for the ucla game i attended--

however, clausen was every bit as good as advertised--once he had a decent running attack and an o-line that could keep him upright.

so my question about this quote (and believe me, i realize i'm poking a sleeping bear here, and i'm doing it out of nothing more than pure masochism) is...whats the difference between confidence and swagger and how thin is that line to cockiness?

Kiel has been extremely humble, not confident/arrogant.

 

[Emcee77]

the way it seems is they're going to use the hybrid safety a lot in place of the Dog, which takes snaps away from this position, which possibly was the reason for shembo shifting to Cat to keep him on the field.

yeah, and also part of the rationale for moving Niklas to TE, according to Kelly

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Kiel has been extremely humble, not confident/arrogant.

thats a given. and i appreciate kiels attitude over clausens--BUT--why bag on jimmy's attitude? his attitude was backed up by his play.

 

[NYMIKE6]

On the Gunner-swag, confidence, arrogance and cockiness topic. As long as i've been around the game the really good QB's have all those traits.... I guess it goes along with the role of leading men.... You have to be confident in getting the task at hand accomplished... you have to be a little arrogant and cocky to know no one will take your job and if you have competition for your job you will just get better.... and well "swag" thats knowing you can and will make big plays often....

So in Young Gunner's career i believe he is humble because he isn't a big fish in a little pond and the speed of the game is so fast.... But i'd bet on it that he knows he will be the man sooner then later....

Hell i'd go out on a limb and even say Tommy got some cockiness to him, yeah he's a nice kid and all. And yes he helps out the other guys....but in his mind he's saying "none of these guys are stealing my spot"....

 

[Rhode Irish]

Kids are just wired differently. I liked Jimmy, and I like Gunner. As long as they're both being themselves and not trying to be something they aren't, I don't really have a preference between humble kids and swaggerific kids.

 

[koonja]

I love Clausen. If he were a freshman right now, everyone would be saying his attitude/swagger is exactly what we need.

 

[IrishLax]

I love Clausen. If he were a freshman right now, everyone would be saying his attitude/swagger is exactly what we need.

And we'd be wrong. Just like how we were wrong about all of those kinds in the last class with "swag." You know exactly who I'm talking about.

It got me thinking "how the eff do you have swag as a 17 year old?" And the answer is that you don't. You just have a big ego, over-inflated confidence, and a large sense of entitlement.

How many guys on Stanford's team do you see talking about swag? I, frankly, want ZERO kids in this class tweeting about how they're going to be the best ever or **** like that. I want a whole bunch of tough, smart kids who want to be at NOTRE DAME.