Spring Practice Thread 2018

[dad4aa]

Well, per reports Book is certainly getting a lot of reps and reps with the 1’s. I’ve seen multiple folks note that in terms of divided reps, Book is getting a lot of work. So while I think Wimbush was always the front runner, they are giving Book a real honest shot.

They’ve been getting pretty equal reps but Brandon has actually looked much better than Ian.

And Boykin is the real deal. Catches just about anything thrown his way.

 

[BabyIrish]

They’ve been getting pretty equal reps but Brandon has actually looked much better than Ian.

And Boykin is the real deal. Catches just about anything thrown his way.

Tim Prister unofficially had Wimbush at 21/23 on pass attempts today in 11 on 11. Wowzers

 

[Crazy Balki]

Tim Prister unofficially had Wimbush at 21/23 on pass attempts today in 11 on 11. Wowzers

More of this please.

I wouldn't say that Brandon has looked "much better" than Ian overall (at least from what little coverage we've been provided). They've had their ups and downs, but I'd say Brandon's looked a little better. Today though, yeah it was no question. Brandon looked MUCH better.

 

[Rocket89]

Adams was a stellar back, but as we saw last year, our running game was pretty much just as stellar when he was out. We just continued to churn along most of the season with Williams, Jones, McIntosh or even Holmes behind the line.

I think we're better off this year with Williams and Jones, because I think they have better initial burst than Adams. Having the best line in America helped him significantly, because we saw how he can be negated if he can't get things going out of the backfield. This of course is all provided that Williams and Jones can stay healthy (and Williams improves his pass blocking).

Adams was one of the best running backs in the country last year in yards after contact. He had almost 300% more yards than the next running back on the team. Athletically (if his Pro Day performance wasn't evidence enough) he's somehow underrated by many Irish fans and despite being constantly banged up was a warrior on the field.

Are you taking the over on last year's 3,500 rushing yards!??

 

[Crazy Balki]

Adams was one of the best running backs in the country last year in yards after contact. He had almost 300% more yards than the next running back on the team. Athletically (if his Pro Day performance wasn't evidence enough) he's somehow underrated by many Irish fans and despite being constantly banged up was a warrior on the field.

Are you taking the over on last year's 3,500 rushing yards!??

That's not the point.

Adams was a great back, but he had his weaknesses. Particularly when teams keyed in on the weaknesses in the passing game. Adams has great breakaway speed and can keep his balance, but he needs time to get going. His initial burst just isn't very good, so when teams are stacking the box and getting him at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, he's pretty much DOA.

That's what happened against Georgia, that's what happened against Miami, that's what happened against Stanford and that's what happened against LSU. He struggles with faster defenses, especially when they cheat up to the line. I distinctly remember a lot of people pleading for Williams to get more reps in the Georgia game distinctly because Adams lacks that initial burst, something Williams has aplenty. So when going up against faster edge guys like Carter and Bellamy and a great sideline to sideline tandem like Smith and Patrick, Adams' strengths are practically neutralized.

This is no knock on Adams, because he did a lot of things well. Great build up speed, quality power and balance. But there's a reason he's projected so low in the draft. This isn't just my opinion, this is what the analysts and scouts see.

I'm not taking the over, because I think ND will have a more balanced attack this year as the QB is expected to be improved and the weapons at TE and WR appear better, especially TE. In addition, ND simply won't have a guy like Q Nelson completely destroying defensive interiors. They just won't, and that means there will most likely be less room to maneuver at times, which Adams struggled with a lot. Something I think Williams and Jones will do better against.

 

[snoopdog]

They’ve been getting pretty equal reps but Brandon has actually looked much better than Ian.

And Boykin is the real deal. Catches just about anything thrown his way.

How did Claypool look. Thank you in advance

 

[CanadalovesND]

Adams was a stellar back, but as we saw last year, our running game was pretty much just as stellar when he was out. We just continued to churn along most of the season with Williams, Jones, McIntosh or even Holmes behind the line.

I think we're better off this year with Williams and Jones, because I think they have better initial burst than Adams. Having the best line in America helped him significantly, because we saw how he can be negated if he can't get things going out of the backfield. This of course is all provided that Williams and Jones can stay healthy (and Williams improves his pass blocking).

I'm a little concerned about Lea from a playcalling perspective, but he's been around Elko for a while and knows the ropes. As from a coaching and cohesion perspective with the other coaches and players, not in the slightest bit worried and we may have actually upgraded in that aspect from Elko to Lea. No knock on Elko, it's just that Lea has been that impressive in getting his guys to rally around him so far.

Elko had consistently installed and ran top level defences at each of his stops as a defensive coordinator. He was great recruiter, and from player accounts, a respected coach that expected a lot out of his guys. He created a strong relationship with
His players.This is Lea's first gig as defensive coordinator. Your opinion may be that Lea is an upgrade, but track results almost all but guarantee, that Elko is a better coach. It's good to have faith but don't let it discount logic.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Elko had consistently installed and ran top level defences at each of his stops as a defensive coordinator. He was great recruiter, and from player accounts, a respected coach that expected a lot out of his guys. He created a strong relationship with
His players.This is Lea's first gig as defensive coordinator. Your opinion may be that Lea is an upgrade, but track results almost all but guarantee, that Elko is a better coach.

I said that Lea appears to be better at getting guys to rally around him and seems more personable. Again, that's no knock on Elko, but this is just what appears to be. Anyone who's been around Lea or the defense knows that they've instantly gravitated towards him and right off the bat, he's been one of our top recruiters.

As for his installation and defensive playcalling, that's still to be decided. Lea is going to have big shoes to fill in the booth.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

Claypool will be a star this year. As long as he stays healthy, I really believe that he is going to have one of those outstanding, eye popping seasons for ND. I'm all in on the Claypool hype, kid is insanely athletic and coordinated.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

Elko had consistently installed and ran top level defences at each of his stops as a defensive coordinator. He was great recruiter, and from player accounts, a respected coach that expected a lot out of his guys. He created a strong relationship with
His players.This is Lea's first gig as defensive coordinator. Your opinion may be that Lea is an upgrade, but track results almost all but guarantee, that Elko is a better coach. It's good to have faith but don't let it discount logic.

Yeah, but, ummm, Lea doesn't have a track record, at least not yet. So saying it's all but guaranteed is a bit of stretch no?

 

[CanadalovesND]

Yeah, but, ummm, Lea doesn't have a track record, at least not yet. So saying it's all but guaranteed is a bit of stretch no?

It's not a stretch if it's fact. It's guaranteed, right now, that's elko is a better coach. And a large reason is the end results of what he has done over the last 10 years. There is evidence in favour or Elko. For Lea, no. But you're right, not yet. Time will tell.

 

[Rocket89]

That's not the point.

Adams was a great back, but he had his weaknesses. Particularly when teams keyed in on the weaknesses in the passing game. Adams has great breakaway speed and can keep his balance, but he needs time to get going. His initial burst just isn't very good, so when teams are stacking the box and getting him at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, he's pretty much DOA.

That's what happened against Georgia, that's what happened against Miami, that's what happened against Stanford and that's what happened against LSU. He struggles with faster defenses, especially when they cheat up to the line. I distinctly remember a lot of people pleading for Williams to get more reps in the Georgia game distinctly because Adams lacks that initial burst, something Williams has aplenty. So when going up against faster edge guys like Carter and Bellamy and a great sideline to sideline tandem like Smith and Patrick, Adams' strengths are practically neutralized.

This is no knock on Adams, because he did a lot of things well. Great build up speed, quality power and balance. But there's a reason he's projected so low in the draft. This isn't just my opinion, this is what the analysts and scouts see.

I'm not taking the over, because I think ND will have a more balanced attack this year as the QB is expected to be improved and the weapons at TE and WR appear better, especially TE. In addition, ND simply won't have a guy like Q Nelson completely destroying defensive interiors. They just won't, and that means there will most likely be less room to maneuver at times, which Adams struggled with a lot. Something I think Williams and Jones will do better against.

You said we’d be better off this year, what do you mean?

So you’re not taking the over in total yards but the run game will be better (more explosive?) than last year it’s just we will be passing more?

Sure, Adams had his weaknesses and isn’t a major NFL draft prospect, although injuries haven’t helped. Should we talk about the weaknesses and draft stocks of Dexter and Jones?

I like Dexter’s burst and athleticism too but he needs to put things together to get drafted, too. Plus, things are going to be a lot different when he has to carry the ball 18 times a game for a month. We will see how he handles it, he’s never sniffed that work load and it’s worrisome.

Jones isn’t worth a comparison to Adams, clear downgrade in everything except catching.

 

[Luckylucci]

Anyone who thinks 10 wins is our floor is drinking kool-aid. We lost our defensive coordinator, we lost Josh Adams who was single handedly responsible for probably 50% of our big plays last season.

I have high hopes but my expectations are decidedly mediocre...to preserve my sanity.

Maybe this has already been addressed but I’m a little behind. This is way off the mark on what he meant. The point is, IF he plays like he did today for an entire season that would be the floor. Not that they actually think it will be. Just that he was that impressive today that if he can duplicate that over a season, then that’s how good we’d be

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Maybe this has already been addressed but I’m a little behind. This is way off the mark on what he meant. The point is, IF he plays like he did today for an entire season that would be the floor. Not that they actually think it will be. Just that he was that impressive today that if he can duplicate that over a season, then that’s how good we’d be

Thanks Lucky, I should've clarified my point. I've seen other people recently comment on their expectations and many have intimated they believe 10 wins to be the floor.

We have a hell of a schedule and a lot of turnover at the coaching positions. I'm just doing my best to push the cup away when it's offered.

 

[dad4aa]

How did Claypool look. Thank you in advance

I think he has looked great as well and should have a helluva season. Actually the WR group as a whole has looked pretty impressive to me. I was just pointing out that Boykin has really impressed me with his ability to adjust and go after the ball with several one handed grabs. Very rarely do you see him not come down with the ball if he gets even one hand on it. This is something I felt we were missing last year.

 

[ND88]

Considering we have a difficult schedule, would it be better to play Book in the games we know he can win in order to rest up Brandon for the middle-level / difficult games? This could be true for other key role players as well. We ran out of gas come Wake last year, and conditioning didn’t seem to be the factor. Just fatigue that comes with a tough schedule.

 

[EddytoNow]

Considering we have a difficult schedule, would it be better to play Book in the games we know he can win in order to rest up Brandon for the middle-level / difficult games? This could be true for other key role players as well. We ran out of gas come Wake last year, and conditioning didn’t seem to be the factor. Just fatigue that comes with a tough schedule.

Based upon past performance, we don't play many games we know we can win. Most of the games we should win handily end up being a lot closer than they should be, so we can't take anything for granted.

Put the best players on the field to start every game. If Wimbush is the best option, he starts every game and plays until we have a substantial lead. Conversely, if Book is the best option, he starts and plays until the game gets out of hand. If (and that's a big if) we get an insurmountable lead we can substitute players in to get them game experience.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Considering we have a difficult schedule, would it be better to play Book in the games we know he can win in order to rest up Brandon for the middle-level / difficult games? This could be true for other key role players as well. We ran out of gas come Wake last year, and conditioning didn’t seem to be the factor. Just fatigue that comes with a tough schedule.

That's assuming Wimbush would be that much bettter than Ian. It's also assuming he'd stay tack sharp while not playing, both of which are rather large leaps.

I don't think real coaches think about things like this. They would certainly be happy to give their starters/MVPs a rest when nursing a substantial lead but those games are rare.

 

[irishff1014]

I unfortunately don’t know what to believe is real and what is say. Every year we get told that his player is explosive and a top player then comes the season and we get blah. So we until September I won’t get my hopes up.

 

[IrishLax]

I think he has looked great as well and should have a helluva season. Actually the WR group as a whole has looked pretty impressive to me. I was just pointing out that Boykin has really impressed me with his ability to adjust and go after the ball with several one handed grabs. Very rarely do you see him not come down with the ball if he gets even one hand on it. This is something I felt we were missing last year.

Exactly this. Doesn't matter how fast you are or how clean you win your routes if you can't catch contested passes. Elite NFL WRs are all great at adjusting to the ball in the air and making tough catches... Beckham, Julio Jones, AJ Green, Antonio Brown, etc. etc. all snag the ball with their hands and hold onto it through contact. It's unrealistic to expect a perfect pass every time and to not have a DB within 2 steps. While Wimbush had obvious accuracy issues last year, they were exacerbated by the WR play at times not coming down with "catchable" balls.

 

[Irish YJ]

A set of Claypool, Boykin, and Mack is a tall threesome which would be hard as hell to defend assuming the QB can get the ball to them. If we aren't a red zone monster, I don't what to say. I sure hope BW can at least get them a 50/50 ball on a consistent basis.

 

[irish4ever]

Based upon past performance, we don't play many games we know we can win. Most of the games we should win handily end up being a lot closer than they should be, so we can't take anything for granted.

Put the best players on the field to start every game. If Wimbush is the best option, he starts every game and plays until we have a substantial lead. Conversely, if Book is the best option, he starts and plays until the game gets out of hand. If (and that's a big if) we get an insurmountable lead we can substitute players in to get them game experience.

Like Navy! The Irish can be a 30 pt. favorite against Navy and it will still come down to has the ball last ... it seems like nearly every time! I understand why we play them every year, but still it's my LEAST favorite game to watch every year. It's the most frustrating (and somewhat boring) game to watch and I don't look forward to that game at all!

 

[Irish YJ]

Like Navy! The Irish can be a 30 pt. favorite against Navy and it will still come down to has the ball last ... it seems like nearly every time! I understand why we play them every year, but still it's my LEAST favorite game to watch every year. It's the most frustrating (and somewhat boring) game to watch and I don't look forward to that game at all!

I hate playing Navy too. With the vacated wins, we're now 5 and 6 against them over the last 11 years lol.....

I'd be a lot happier playing them if they would just change their offense....

 

[stlnd01]

Considering we have a difficult schedule, would it be better to play Book in the games we know he can win in order to rest up Brandon for the middle-level / difficult games? This could be true for other key role players as well. We ran out of gas come Wake last year, and conditioning didn’t seem to be the factor. Just fatigue that comes with a tough schedule.

No.
1: There are only a couple of games a year we "know" we can win.
2: Wimbush needs game reps a lot more than he needs rest. Maybe you sit RBs and defensive front seven guys when you get the chance. But not your headcase QB. Wimbush needs all the live action he can find to become the QB he's capable of being.

 

[ulukinatme]

I hate playing Navy too. With the vacated wins, we're now 5 and 6 against them over the last 11 years lol.....

I'd be a lot happier playing them if they would just change their offense....

Years ago I would have said that Navy basically is forced to run the Triple Option because of the weight restrictions they roll with and they didn't have the speed to compete, but times have changed. They actually have 300 pounders on the roster these days, and they certainly can have speed at some positions. Given the fact they are able to recruit past the 85 scholarship limits, there's no reason in this day and age they couldn't run a Spread offense like the rest of college football, but they continue with the Triple Option because they know it gives many teams fits.

While the Triple Option can have different wrinkles, the beauty is in the simplicity. They run it and get good at the basics, and once you've perfected it you're banking on the fact the opposing defense will make a mistake because they're not nearly as familiar at seeing that offense as the Midshipmen are. It's a shame the offense does lend itself to injuries for the opposition, because I do enjoy watching it execute. Used to love running Triple Option back on NCAA Football on Playstation.

 

[GowerND11]

Years ago I would have said that Navy basically is forced to run the Triple Option because of the weight restrictions they roll with and they didn't have the speed to compete, but times have changed. They actually have 300 pounders on the roster these days, and they certainly can have speed at some positions. Given the fact they are able to recruit past the 85 scholarship limits, there's no reason in this day and age they couldn't run a Spread offense like the rest of college football, but they continue with the Triple Option because they know it gives many teams fits.

While the Triple Option can have different wrinkles, the beauty is in the simplicity. They run it and get good at the basics, and once you've perfected it you're banking on the fact the opposing defense will make a mistake because they're not nearly as familiar at seeing that offense as the Midshipmen are. It's a shame the offense does lend itself to injuries for the opposition, because I do enjoy watching it execute. Used to love running Triple Option back on NCAA Football on Playstation.

So true, especially the bold part. Add to that, they are totally content with getting 2-3 yards at a time. They know that either:
A, you'll forget the dive once and he'll rip off a 10-15 yarde
B, You cover the dive too well, and the pitch man/QB gets around the edge
C, They'll just go for it on 4th-3 or so knowing they can just fall forward and get the first down.

If you look at the game last year, we only had 8 possessions. One, was at the end of the game, taking a knee. They forced a muffed punt, and got a TD off it. They just play the slow game knowing you will only have so many possessions. Sure go ahead and score in 3 plays. We're about to take 12 minutes off the clock. It's frustrating, and simple, and awesome, and terrible all at the same time.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I hate playing Navy too. With the vacated wins, we're now 5 and 6 against them over the last 11 years lol.....

I'd be a lot happier playing them if they would just change their offense....

Vacating does not equal forfeiting. Vacated means ND gives up the win, but Navy is not awarded the win. It's as if the game never happened.

 

[irish4ever]

Vacating does not equal forfeiting. Vacated means ND gives up the win, but Navy is not awarded the win. It's as if the game never happened.

So those games were just a dream!?

 

[Irishman77]

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/264773607" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

I’ve seen more physicality out of 7 year olds fighting over a piece of candy. Our db’s need to grow a pair.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Our DBs are going to be great.
Our DLine is going to be great.
Two of three LBs are going to be great (maybe all three; who knows.)

Our OLine is going to be great.
Our WRs are (probably) going to be great. (including the rookies)
Our TEs are going to be great (whether Mack plays or not.)
Our RBs are going to be great (if they pass protect.)
Our QB ------------ uh ------------- ??????????

There's not a lot of mystery here ... but there's that one thing.



((With Book or somehow non-shaking Wimbush= 10+ wins.))
((With "misjudged" not-game-ready Wimbush= 8 wins.))
((With relatively quick hook, like losing two of four= 9 wins.))