Spring Practice Thread 2018

[IrishLion]

Also: Does anyone know if there is a history of Brian Driskell hating on Tommy Rees as QB coach? He seemed to be throwing some major shade Tommy's way on Twitter, but I wasn't aware of past criticisms.

Interesting to see one of the analysts be so open about it.

 

[dublinirish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Kelly was at ASU the same time Chip Long was at ASU, so great to hear him working with a QB coach who will actually teach the technique's needed to play in the ND offense. <a href="https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU">https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU</a></p>— Bryan Driskell (@BGI_CoachD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_CoachD/status/979361706727141376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[dublinirish]

https://irishsportsdaily.com/s/5916/practice-observations-329

t was a warm but wet morning in South Bend, so the Irish practiced indoors on Thursday. There wasn’t much to report as we were there for the first six periods.

Quarterback Avery Davis, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and safety Jordan Genmark Heath were not practicing due to academic commitments as Notre Dame breaks for Easter break today.

Receiver Michael Young did not participate, while tight ends Nic Weishar and George Takacs continued to get conditioning work in as they recover from surgery.

Notre Dame started with the tempo drill, and there were some changes to the Irish offense including Liam Eichenberg to left tackle, Tommy Kraemer to left guard and Robert Hainsey to right tackle.

First Group
QB: Brandon Wimbush
RB: Dexter Williams
WR: Javon McKinley
WR: Chris Finke
WR: Miles Boykin
TE: Alizè Mack/ Cole Kmet
OL: Liam Eichenberg
OL: Tommy Kraemer
OL: Sam Mustipher
OL: Alex Bars
OL: Robert Hainsey


Second Group
QB: Ian Book
RB: Jahmir Smith
RB: Tony Jones Jr.
WR: Chase Claypool
WR: Micah Jones
WR: Freddy Canteen
OL: Aaron Banks
OL: Logan Plantz
OL: Trevor Ruhland
OL: Dillan Gibbons
OL: Josh Lugg

The defense started off with:

First Group
Drop: Daelin Hayes
DT: Jerry Tillery
DT: Jon Bonner
DE: Khalid Kareem
Buck: Drue Tranquill
Mike: Te’von Coney
Rover: Asmar Bilal
CB: Troy Pride Jr.
CB: Nick Watkins
S: Nick Coleman
S: Jalen Elliott

Second Group
Drop: Julian Okwara
DT: Kurt Hinish
DT: Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa
DE: Ade Ogundeji
Buck: DJ Morgan
Mike: Jonathan Jones
Rover: Isaiah Robertson
CB: Julian Love
CB: Shaun Crawford
S: Alohi Gilman
S: Devin Studstill

The Irish then broke into positional groups for the next several periods. The quarterbacks and offensive line were too far away to get a good read on what they were doing, but it wasn’t anything overly exciting as Wimbush and Book were tossing the ball to a stationary student manager.

The receivers were working on footwork and some blocking, while the running backs worked on a little bit of everything during drill work.

Safeties coach Terry Joseph led his unit in footwork drills and some ball work. The cornerbacks worked on footwork and shedding blocks. Linebackers did the standard footwork and sled drills.

The defensive line was a little sloppy to start practice. Mike Elston was on his guys for not starting the drills right, not finishing the drills right or even standing in the middle of the drill.

Tagovailoa-Amosa not using the right footwork and not lining up properly got under Elston’s skin, and he let him know about it on a few occasions.

While Tagovailoa-Amosa was drawing some heat, Elston praised Daelin Hayes and Jerry Tilley for good reps, as well as Kurt Hinish and Khalid Kareem.

The last period we saw consisted of some competition as the offensive, and defensive lines did some half-line, while the skills positions did one-on-one tackling. I could only see the tackling drill, but the defense didn’t have its best day. The drill does favor the offense, but the intensity and focus wasn’t quite where it was last week.

WR Chris Finke tackled by CB Julian Love
RB Jahmir Smith beat S Devin Studstill
WR Micah Jones beat CB Houston Griffith
RB Jahmir Smith beat S Nick Coleman
WR Micah Jones tackled by CB Donte Vaughn
S Nick Coleman tackle
RB Jahmir Smith tackled by S Alohi Gilman
WR Micah Jones tackled by S Jalen Elliott
RB Jahmir Smith tackled by CB Julian Love
WR Chris Finke juked the heck of someone
WR Micah Jones tackled and stripped by S Jalen Elliott
WR Miles Boykin beat CB Nick Watkins

There just wasn’t much more to even form an opinion on from today’s practice.

Notre Dame continues to move pieces around on the offensive line to find the best five. I was expecting the combination used today to be the best five, so it will be interesting to see if Trevor Ruhland, Josh Lugg, and Aaron Banks can break into the top five for someone over the next few weeks.

Notre Dame's defense also continues to look better each time you see them from an athletic standpoint. There are a lot of athletes on the field fighting to take on significant roles, which I'm not sure you could have said the last few years.

 

[Bluto]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Kelly was at ASU the same time Chip Long was at ASU, so great to hear him working with a QB coach who will actually teach the technique's needed to play in the ND offense. <a href="https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU">https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU</a></p>— Bryan Driskell (@BGI_CoachD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_CoachD/status/979361706727141376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I think that might be more of a dig at George Whitfield that anybody else.

 

[longliveautrydenson]

One of the analysts noted Eichenberg as the Spring standout on the OL thus far.

Griffith at safety probably maximizes the potential of the defensive backfield in the next two or three years, so I'm glad to see that.

Ade Ogundeji stepping up in a meaningful way would give ND absolutely ridiculous depth on the DL, and its already pretty good as it is. ND doesn't have the same level of talent or the same ceiling as Bama obviously, but part of Bama's success is that they just throw DE after DE at you, and can put 4 DE's on the field on every third down without missing a beat. Let's do that.

If this holds up and Eichenberg sticks at LT, it’ll be the best news to come out of spring practice. A starting lineup of Eichenberg-Kraemer-Mustipher-Bars-Hainsey puts us in a much better position to win than Hainsey-Ruhland-Mustipher-Bars-Kraemer.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PB4OTIgQWQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E9G_jNAsdbI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

https://www.ndinsider.com/football/...deo_ca8e8288-3365-11e8-abf9-f3fceff95936.html

 

[connor_in]

Loved watching the OL and DL go at it this morning in 1 on 1's ...


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Y’all always ask for drills and tips for OL... these two creatures are doing hand replace. It’s very accurate. &#55357;&#56834; <a href="https://t.co/Y1xrAv3RE7">pic.twitter.com/Y1xrAv3RE7</a></p>— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) <a href="https://twitter.com/geoffschwartz/status/979342823399899136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Luckylucci]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line looked like this today:<br><br>LT: Liam Eichenberg<br>LG: Tommy Kraemer<br>C: Sam Mustipher<br>RG: Alex Bars<br>RT: Robert Hainsey</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/979358471299715072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Really glad they are giving Eichenberg another shot at LT and Hainsey back at RT. Jamie U on ISD's Power Hour was pretty adamant that Kraemer looked pretty darn bad at RT in pass pro. However, even going back to last year, he's quite good run blocking. This move makes sense. Similar situation to that of Steve Elmer.

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A couple thoughts on practice: <br><br>- The Slippery Fox (Chris Finke) was slippery today making multiple DBs miss tackles in 1-on-1 drills. <br>- Jalen Elliott had a nice forced fumble. <br>- I like Tommy Kraemer at LG. Power guy in a power position. <br>- Sam Mustipher has raised his game.</p>— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattfreemanISD/status/979374290700259329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Luckylucci]

One of the analysts noted Eichenberg as the Spring standout on the OL thus far.

Griffith at safety probably maximizes the potential of the defensive backfield in the next two or three years, so I'm glad to see that.

Ade Ogundeji stepping up in a meaningful way would give ND absolutely ridiculous depth on the DL, and its already pretty good as it is. ND doesn't have the same level of talent or the same ceiling as Bama obviously, but part of Bama's success is that they just throw DE after DE at you, and can put 4 DE's on the field on every third down without missing a beat. Let's do that.

Ade's development is extremely good news, not only for this year, but for the 2 thereafter. That leaves him and Kareem as the two deep in 19'. It also allows whatever SDE we bring in this cycle to not have to take on a bunch of reps as a freshman. And would give Ade the starting gig in 20' with the sophomore getting more reps.

 

[mango4]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Kelly was at ASU the same time Chip Long was at ASU, so great to hear him working with a QB coach who will actually teach the technique's needed to play in the ND offense. <a href="https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU">https://t.co/xs7WnWAYOU</a></p>— Bryan Driskell (@BGI_CoachD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_CoachD/status/979361706727141376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He did follow it up with this
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coaches can't work with players during the offseason. What working with Taylor Kelly does is allow Wimbush to be in an environment that backs up what he is already being taught.</p>— Bryan Driskell (@BGI_CoachD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_CoachD/status/979371560409751552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[koonja]

Really glad they are giving Eichenberg another shot at LT and Hainsey back at RT. Jamie U on ISD's Power Hour was pretty adamant that Kraemer looked pretty darn bad at RT in pass pro. However, even going back to last year, he's quite good run blocking. This move makes sense. Similar situation to that of Steve Elmer.

Not to mention, if they force Kramer at OT, that means two veteran, highly rated guys in Eichenberg and Aaron Banks ride the pine, and by all accounts they've been really good in spring.

Seems like a no brainer to put Kramer at Guard where he can excel, and let one of Liam and Banks win a tackle spot this spring/fall.

 

[snoopdog]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Notre Dame’s offensive line looked like this today:<br><br>LT: Liam Eichenberg<br>LG: Tommy Kraemer<br>C: Sam Mustipher<br>RG: Alex Bars<br>RT: Robert Hainsey</p>— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) <a href="https://twitter.com/ISDUpdate/status/979358471299715072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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That was the exact set up I was expecting to start the 2018 season with

 

[ResLife Hero]

Can't get the video to embed:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out the highlights from Notre Dame's seventh practice of the spring: <a href="https://t.co/ulSnviejLU">https://t.co/ulSnviejLU</a></p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/979382142957441024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[Luckylucci]

Not to mention, if they force Kramer at OT, that means two veteran, highly rated guys in Eichenberg and Aaron Banks ride the pine, and by all accounts they've been really good in spring.

Seems like a no brainer to put Kramer at Guard where he can excel, and let one of Liam and Banks win a tackle spot this spring/fall.

Agreed. It also sounds like Hainsey was having some growing pains at LT as well. So this will allow him to move back to a position that he was comfortable with before. Like Snoop stated, this was the 5 that I envisioned starting from the beginning.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Man, Finke looked sooo good on those one on one drills.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Man, Finke looked sooo good on those one on one drills.

He always does. Every year, Irish Illustrated etc mention that reports of Finke blowing past corners in spring ball will concern them, and every year those reports and videos appear.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I really hope they stick with Kraemer inside at LG. Three major reasons:

1) I just think Kraemer is the closest player on roster to that Nelson-esque skillset. A nasty, physical, road grader who loves to put players on their ass. So far, he has struggled when he's put on an island and has to use his feet and pass pro technique.

2) It slims down the OT competition to three legitimate names: Hainsey, Banks and Eichenberg. I'd say Hainsey is very likely to start at one of the spots and either Eichenberg or Banks at the other spot.

3) It solidifies that interior line. You have Mustipher and Bars already firmly entrenched in their spots and by adding Kraemer, you can now develop that cohesion inside. Tackle is a bit more of the iso position of the group, so having the competition carry over a bit is not a huge deal, but having G-C-G figured out ASAP is key.

 

[NDIrish88]

Any news as to how we can get down to 85 scholarships?

 

[IrishLion]

Any news as to how we can get down to 85 scholarships?

Wait until the end of Spring when one or two guys transfer after getting a feel for where they stand.

Wait until the beginning of June when one or two more guys REALLY find out where they stand after meeting with the coaching staff, and decide to seek out new opportunities.

Allow medical hardships, academic trouble, and offseason trouble to run its course, and ND will head into the '18 season with 82 scholarship players.

Don't sweat it.

 

[stlnd01]

Wait until the end of Spring when one or two guys transfer after getting a feel for where they stand.

Wait until the beginning of June when one or two more guys REALLY find out where they stand after meeting with the coaching staff, and decide to seek out new opportunities.

Allow medical hardships, academic trouble, and offseason trouble to run its course, and ND will head into the '18 season with 82 scholarship players.

Don't sweat it.

Or 75.

 

[koonja]

Any news as to how we can get down to 85 scholarships?

Wait until the end of Spring when one or two guys transfer after getting a feel for where they stand.

Wait until the beginning of June when one or two more guys REALLY find out where they stand after meeting with the coaching staff, and decide to seek out new opportunities.

Allow medical hardships, academic trouble, and offseason trouble to run its course, and ND will head into the '18 season with 82 scholarship players.

Don't sweat it.

Did Elijah Taylor get us one closer, or was that already factored in?

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Is jay Hayes hurt?!

 

[Luckylucci]

Is jay Hayes hurt?!

He had an exam or school work to take care of yesterday, along with a couple others

 

[IrishLax]

Hadn't been following spring practice, but I had a chance this morning to catch up with some people and here are some assorted thoughts:
-WR doesn't seem as bad as I thought it would be. Miles Boykin of 2018 is apparently unrecognizable relative to Miles Boykin 2016. Remember when young Boykin had a drops problem? I believe it was from nerves and playing with the wrong mindset... apparently elder Boykin attacks the ball like it's his job to catch anything he can get a finger on. So I'm optimistic there, and then I think you'll get at least 2 other guys to step up and be solid. Won't have a Will Fuller or Michael Floyd level alpha dog on the team but I think it'll be a lot more solid than what I pessimistically thought it would be. Still not sure I buy the hype on Javon McKinley being back to pre-injury form, but people did confirm he's running/moving better than he was last year.

-It's unclear how much of the DL looking good is on the OL still figuring it's stuff out. I'm firmly convinced that any OL combination that doesn't put Kraemer at LG is a huge mistake. There is one person who told me they expect the OL as a group to play just as well or better than last year, but everyone else has said it's more of a problem than a good thing that they can't easily figure out their 5. LT could be a big area of weakness, and no matter what LG you slot in for Nelson they won't be as good.

-LB should be a "plus" position. Coney is an upgrade over Morgan, and Tranquill should be able to play at a high level right next to him. I think Rover will be fine regardless of how its used or who plays there. There is a lot of optimism about the defense in general.

-Wimbush is going to win the starting job. Accept it now. I don't honestly believe they're giving Book a truly "fair" shot. If Wibmush puts it all together the ceiling for him is a Heisman... if he doesn't we know Book can come off the bench and make plays.

-This is the deepest, most well-rounded team I think Kelly has had to date. I think what they lack are "top end" playmakers like Manti, Eifert, Fuller, Jaylon, etc... they lack guys that are true stars. But there aren't "holes" like we've seen kill other teams... no Joe Schmidt 2015 problem or the like where teams are going to be able to pick on a specific player or position group. Basically every group looks like a B+ on paper.

 

[Luckylucci]

Hadn't been following spring practice, but I had a chance this morning to catch up with some people and here are some assorted thoughts:
-WR doesn't seem as bad as I thought it would be. Miles Boykin of 2018 is apparently unrecognizable relative to Miles Boykin 2016. Remember when young Boykin had a drops problem? I believe it was from nerves and playing with the wrong mindset... apparently elder Boykin attacks the ball like it's his job to catch anything he can get a finger on. So I'm optimistic there, and then I think you'll get at least 2 other guys to step up and be solid. Won't have a Will Fuller or Michael Floyd level alpha dog on the team but I think it'll be a lot more solid than what I pessimistically thought it would be. Still not sure I buy the hype on Javon McKinley being back to pre-injury form, but people did confirm he's running/moving better than he was last year.

-It's unclear how much of the DL looking good is on the OL still figuring it's stuff out. I'm firmly convinced that any OL combination that doesn't put Kraemer at LG is a huge mistake. There is one person who told me they expect the OL as a group to play just as well or better than last year, but everyone else has said it's more of a problem than a good thing that they can't easily figure out their 5. LT could be a big area of weakness, and no matter what LG you slot in for Nelson they won't be as good.

-LB should be a "plus" position. Coney is an upgrade over Morgan, and Tranquill should be able to play at a high level right next to him. I think Rover will be fine regardless of how its used or who plays there. There is a lot of optimism about the defense in general.

-Wimbush is going to win the starting job. Accept it now. I don't honestly believe they're giving Book a truly "fair" shot. If Wibmush puts it all together the ceiling for him is a Heisman... if he doesn't we know Book can come off the bench and make plays.

-This is the deepest, most well-rounded team I think Kelly has had to date. I think what they lack are "top end" playmakers like Manti, Eifert, Fuller, Jaylon, etc... they lack guys that are true stars. But there aren't "holes" like we've seen kill other teams... no Joe Schmidt 2015 problem or the like where teams are going to be able to pick on a specific player or position group. Basically every group looks like a B+ on paper.

Good stuff. To echo this, it seems pretty unanimous from everything that I've read, especially the ISD guys, that this team has more athletes than in any BK year. Like you stated, maybe not the truly "elite" players, but athletes all over the field, especially on defense. And more athletes to back them up in the 2 deep. Team looks faster and stronger than they have in a long time.

 

[koonja]

I am skeptical of Boykin as a true #1 WR. If he has the ability now, how'd he not have the ability to be a #4 in 2017? He made the "catch of the year", and overall had a great game in the bowl. But that doesn't change the fact he runs like he has bricks tied to his feet.

I'm "down" on Boykin as a true #1, and I won't buy the hype until I see it.

However, among the group of Alize, Claypool, Michael Young, and Javon McKinley, I'm confident we'll have enough of a collection of play makers to not be "bad" at WR. But it's always nice to have that true #1, and to know who can be counted on behind him, but that's something I'm not sure we'll see as much as hyped.

 

[IrishLax]

I am skeptical of Boykin as a true #1 WR. If he has the ability now, how'd he not have the ability to be a #4 in 2017? He made the "catch of the year", and overall had a great game in the bowl. But that doesn't change the fact he runs like he has bricks tied to his feet.

I'm "down" on Boykin as a true #1, and I won't buy the hype until I see it.

However, among the group of Alize, Claypool, Michael Young, and Javon McKinley, I'm confident we'll have enough of a collection of play makers to not be "bad" at WR. But it's always nice to have that true #1, and to know who can be counted on behind him, but that's something I'm not sure we'll see as much as hyped.

So you're more confident in Javon McKinley than Miles Boykin?

 

[koonja]

So you're more confident in Javon McKinley than Miles Boykin?

No - he's in the collective of "capable of showing something" though, and it wouldn't surprise me if he became a bigger threat than Boykin. I wouldn't bet money on it, but wouldn't surprise me. Mckinley's shown nothing, and Boykin's shown one game.

Boykin's speed and acceleration will be an issue. Doesn't mean he can't play well, but it puts a ceiling on him right off the bat.

When we're down 2 TDs and trying to make a come back, and don't, I can see the post-game already say "what do you expect when you have to throw to get back in it and you have Wimbush throwing to Boykin who can't get separation against good corners".

Happy to be wrong - but that's where my concern lies.

 

[Luckylucci]

No - he's in the collective of "capable of showing something" though, and it wouldn't surprise me if he became a bigger threat than Boykin. I wouldn't bet money on it, but wouldn't surprise me. Mckinley's shown nothing, and Boykin's shown one game.

Boykin's speed and acceleration will be an issue. Doesn't mean he can't play well, but it puts a ceiling on him right off the bat.

When we're down 2 TDs and trying to make a come back, and don't, I can see the post-game already say "what do you expect when you have to throw to get back in it and you have Wimbush throwing to Boykin who can't get separation against good corners".

Happy to be wrong - but that's where my concern lies.

FWIW, he was abusing our best CB, Julian Love, a couple of practices ago. When last fall, nobody was doing that to Julian.