Today's Notes

[NeuteredDoomer]

that's a great video... I never quite knew the intricacies of Dline technique.

Makes sense why Bob wasn't very happy with him then.

Funny, because this drill is just the tip of the iceberg. This a simple "head up alignment" drill, but a great drill.

 

[Old Man Mike]

The board robot won't let me rep you, Neutered, but I love getting educated about the techniques. [I DID get stuck watching those crazy football "sumo" contests though, so I can at least blame you for that.]

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

The board robot won't let me rep you, Neutered, but I love getting educated about the techniques. [I DID get stuck watching those crazy football "sumo" contests though, so I can at least blame you for that.]

OMM, you could always just feed him corn out of your hand.

 

[IrishBlood81]

IrishBlood81, a chara,

I certainly wasn't trying to pick on your post exclusively. (Suggesting I was a troll was a flashpoint.) What I was reacting to was the behavior; Dumping and thumping. So the guy leaves a little to be desired, I get that he was giving it his best.

In my ideal, ND fans are above the rest, just like the University itself. Have you ever been at an ND game? How about one in Huntington, Columbus Ann Arbor, East Lansing, or Morgantown? My home is between all of them. Remember “We are Marshal?” I dressed for a team that played them not too long after their resurgence. In those days, they used to heat up “nuts and bolts” and throw/sling them at us, (the visiting team.) And it wasn’t one or two, either! We had plenty of offers from the stands to get our “asses kicked” or “our nuts cut-off.” Their ingenuity was outstanding; the rest left a little to be desired.

So to summarize living in the land of *******s, among some truly rabid fans, I don’t appreciate when we, the IRISH nation, act the same way as those churlish individuals act. This is the only time you will see me criticize other schools fan bases abstractly and generally. Calling someone a useless penis, is what I would warrant these other schools would do – let alone calling some poor working stiff, who hasn’t got his craft perfected, one. (Pun intended.)

IrishBlood81, my criticism was of a growing wave of action, not directed toward you. As I said earlier, the troll thing moved me to action. I have seen your body of work, and you have some very insightful stuff. Me I would rather get along with everyone.

Beir bua agus beannacht,

Bogtrotter

PS: for all you who just had to bring all of your equipment issues into this thread: enjoy from about 0:50 to about 1:14. The rest is a bonus.

YouTube - Pink Panther funny moments

Dude, to even compare what I said to those schools and shooting nuts and bolts at people is just totally off. I called him a moron (mentality of a 12 year old).
Sorry, but I'm not going to apologizes for it as its extremely minor. If you've been around, you'd know that I'm a very strong supporter and upholder of the 'class' of Notre Dame and do my best to keep other members inline when things hint towards the opposite.
I also happen to be honest, a straight shooter and very blunt. Its one thing to insult someone, its another to make an honest observation.

 

[NDinFL]

Funny, because this drill is just the tip of the iceberg. This a simple "head up alignment" drill, but a great drill.

um, ok

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

um, ok

Well, if you are lined up in a gap, you would look pretty silly using a straight up double arm shiver against the air.

Or trying it against a pulling lineman. Dline also has to be taught technique against zone, scoop, base, down and double team blocks. Swim and rip and spin techniques. Lateral pursuit and angle of pursuit. Reads vs. called plays. Yada. ND's noseguard got blown out against Navy. I mentioned in gametime and other post-game forums that ND should have backed off the noseguard. Flex style. Diaco should know that by now.

Diaco created China.

American Football Coaches Association

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22032326" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/22032326">Instant Analysis April 6</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/irishillustrated">Irish Illustrated</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Nice.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Well, if you are lined up in a gap, you would look pretty silly using a straight up double arm shiver against the air.

Or trying it against a pulling lineman. Dline also has to be taught technique against zone, scoop, base, down and double team blocks. Swim and rip and spin techniques. Lateral pursuit and angle of pursuit. Reads vs. called plays. Yada. ND's noseguard got blown out against Navy. I mentioned in gametime and other post-game forums that ND should have backed off the noseguard. Flex style. Diaco should know that by now.

Diaco created China.

I have said it before and I will say it again for being a splayed Odocoileus virginianus, you are undoubtedly the most versitle and knowledgeable football resourse I have ever known. But I think you forgot an extra "yada" buddy . . . Didn't you? C'mon!

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Wait for it.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Yada.

Yep. Odocoileus virginianus.

White tailed deer. (Wavedomer told me). Well, so did google and other stuff, like the LIBRARY. So many virginiania there...

Faline. Katy Perry...Ay...

Google Image Result for http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/8400000/Bambi-and-Faline-disney-couples-8487644-691-480.jpg

ADW: fawnRansomCo.ND.jpg

I'm so sexy.

 

[tankjeep]

I'm so sexy.

....get in my belly!

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Interesting in that it appears we will be using more TE's out in formation to replace Floyd rather than one certain receiver stepping up. As Crist says, "it's great for the run game."

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22131431?portrait=0&color=9dca68" width="638" height="359" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>Even without Michael Floyd running patterns, Dayne Crist remains high on his receiver targets. Crist talks about the receivers remaining and which players have impressed him during the past three weeks. The Irish quarterback also talks about the progress of the tight end position and how it could impact Notre Dame’s offense.</p>

 

[johnnykillz]

That's exciting. Sweet. Nice find brotha.

 

[woolybug25]

I dig that.... I dig it a lot...

 

[Riddickulous]

UND.com's feature today was on the wide receivers.

University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site

There's a short clip at roughly 3:45. Dayne Crist lobs the ball downfield for Luke Massa (who actually has a step or two on Bennett Jackson, believe it or not) and fits it perfectly over the corner. Good stuff.

Also, it sounds like the tight ends are going to be getting a lot of passes this year.

 

[Veer option]

^^^^NICE!!!!

 

[Old Man Mike]

This idea has itched at me ever since the Floyd bad news. It mainly came to mind because Eifert is almost like an oversized wide receiver as it is. Him being split and Ragone [or Welch] being tight made so much sense [and we ran it anyway last season]. "Kelly will find a Way".

 

[jason_h537]

Kelly has been using the dual TE set because he said he needs at least 7 WR's to run his offense and they currently only have 7. It should help with the run game especially since we dont have a true running threat at QB ready to play.

Now we just have to make sure Cierre doesn't get hurt

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Anyone find any videos from today's practice yet?

und.com still hasn't loaded any.

 

[GBdomer]

UND is slacking today.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

It's up now.

University of Notre Dame Official Athletic Site

 

[Irish2015]

great practice video from today

 

[Riddickulous]

Aaron Lynch is just crazy aggressive. He looked like a freaking boxer.

 

[johnnykillz]

KLM had some great power and burst...

But the icing on the cake was definitely Lynch looking very, let's just say confrontational. Aggressive, yes. But mean.

He wants it.

Nix was looking good too.

And how about our boy Heggie!

 

[Old Man Mike]

KLM looks like the player to me. He has the appearance of both power and speed, and add to that agility and senior savvy. I would not be surprised if he rose to elite DE status this year. I am still not convinced as far as the opposite end is concerned. Maybe Johnson will bust out. Maybe Diaco will experiment with Kona, or Lynch, or Tuitt there. Nix plus Cwynar plus Hafis = a load at NT. But I would not be surprised to see Tuitt shock us all once he shows up.

 

[IrishMoore1]

ehh. EJ is pretty darn good. I don't think he's going to lose his starting spot any time soon. You gotta remember that he was much maligned for at least one year when Tenuta decided to move him to DT...The guy is a DE, and he looks really good at it.

I would actually be surprised to see Tuitt crack the two deep at this point, at least not immediately. He's got to play catch up with the guys in the summer. Who knows, anything can happen tho.

 

[Ironman8]

Today's first video:

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22338018?portrait=0&color=9dca68" width="638" height="359" frameborder="0"></iframe>

 

[Ironman8]

Blue and Gold's Practice Report:

The Irish were outdoors in the LaBar Practice Complex for the 13th day of spring practice and dressed in full pads.

The temperature may have been in the mid 30s, but a bright sun was shining down on the gold helmets from the east as a collective cloud of smoke was being blown by the players into the cold air.

It's supposed to get up in the mid 60s later today and Thursday before gradually dropping to as high as the low 50s and a low end of mid 30s on Saturday for the 82nd Annual Blue-Gold Football Game. There's a 60% chance of precipitation for the contest as well.

General Observations:

While walking over to the practice facility the team had just wrapped up a pre-practice walk-thru and we could hear a high level of emotion blasting through the fence. It technically may not be a game week, but it means the same to a number of the Irish players that are trying to prove their worth to the coaching staff this weekend.

A key difference in what allows a player to be a contributor versus watching from the side is not only opportunity, but the level of trust the staff has in the player getting the job done. The game may be described as a "glorified practice" by some spectators, but there's much more than that on the line for the players trying to make a great final impression heading into the summer month.

Here are some notables on a few of the players while the team was doing pre-practice stretch and warmups:

* OG Chris Watt had what looked to be a soft cast on his left foot. He'll be taking it off today so the training staff can re-evaluate the severity of the high ankle sprain, but seems doubtful at this point that he'll be playing on Saturday.

* ILB Anthony McDonald stood and watched from the side with Watt. He had on a brace on his right arm to keep it close to his body due to the torn pectoral muscle he suffered earlier in spring practice.

* NG Tyler Stockton, whom Brian Kelly said had a swollen PCL earlier in the session, still wasn't in pads, but he ran through the warmups with the team.

* WR Daniel Smith was expected to be back to 100% a couple weeks back from a tweaked hamstring, but it looks to be more severe than originally diagnosed considering he's still not in pads. He did, however, jog through warmups.

As the team was called up to break before practice, the following message was shouted from a coach standing in the middle of it - "Contenders or pretenders ... Let's go!"

WES MORGAN

Offense Observations:

Notre Dame saved the best bits for after the brief window open to reporters this morning, but a few things stood out at the 13th spring practice:

* Watt is battling fifth-year senior Andrew Nuss to fill graduated Chris Stewart’s old spot — the only position along the offensive line not returning a starter.

* Senior running back Jonas Gray took part in all drills open to the media after head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Saturday that the 5-10, 230-pounder — one of only two scholarship tailbacks available right now — experienced a calf strain. Until we have a chance to talk with the coaching staff later this morning, it’s unclear whether or not Gray practiced Monday. There were no signs of the injury as Gray went through drills unhindered.

* The first team offensive line consisted of left tackle Zack Martin, left guard Nuss, center Braxston Cave, right guard Trevor Robinson and right tackle Taylor Dever. The reserve front, from left to right, was Tate Nichols, Lane Clelland, Mike Golic Jr., Brad Carrico and Christian Lombard.

* Quarterbacks Dayne Crist, Tommy Rees, Everett Golson and walk-on Matthew Mulvey split reps before Andrew Hendrix arrived 10 minutes later. It’s likely Hendrix had a scheduling conflict with class as the practice time was bumped up to 7:50 a.m. Rees appeared particularly crisp on a chilly morning at the LaBar Practice Complex. Crist didn’t take long to get in a groove and Golson was a little slow to warm up his arm, evidenced by a pass with too much on it and another at a receiver’s ankles.

* The best catch of the open session was by walk-on receiver Derry Herlihy, whose time as a scout player at Notre Dame ends Saturday. The former Irish rugby player was cut from the football squad as a freshman and came back out his sophomore year and has played various roles on the scout team ever since. His eligibility runs out at the end of the spring. A one-handed, stretched-out snag Wednesday got his fellow receivers fired up.

LOU SOMOGYI

Defensive Observations:

* The defensive session began with field goal kicking, but 2010 Lou Groza finalist David Ruffer was not involved.

Junior Nick Tausch and early enrollee Kyle Brindza both attempted kicks from extra point range to 54 yards.

Tausch had 2010 starter Ryan Kavanagh as his holder. He converted from 29 yards, but his 39-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright. Tausch followed with a converted 43-yarder, but his ensuing try from 46 yards sailed wide left.

On a 54-yard attempt by Tausch, the first snap by Jordan Cowart sailed way over the holder’s head. Normally, Braxston Cave is the short snapper because his powerful 6-3, 303-pound frame is much more effective at plugging up penetration through the middle than 6-2, 215-pound Cowart. The next attempt by Tausch from 54 yards had plenty of distance but missed wide right.

Brindza was next, with punter Ben Turk the holder this time, and Cave was back to snapping. It appeared some of Brindza’s kicks had a low trajectory, but he converted the extra point and then from 38, 43 and 46 yards before the 54-yard attempt sailed way left.

* In defensive skeletal drills, sophomore Louis Nix III continues to come out as the first nose guard, ahead of senior Hafis Williams. Incumbent Sean Cwynar has been sidelined this spring while recovering from off-season surgeries, and junior Tyler Stockton also has missed the past couple of weeks with a leg injury.

The rest of the top defense remains status quo, with seniors Ethan Johnson and Kapron Lewis-Moore at the end slots, senior Darius Fleming at Cat linebacker and sophomore Prince Shembo on the other side at Dog.

On the inside, junior All-America candidate Manti Te’o is taking reps again but it’s likely he will be held out of Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game as a precaution. Classmate Carlo Calabrese joins him on the inside. The secondary is rounded out with the usual suspects, led by seniors Harrison Smith, Gary Gray, Robert Blanton and Zeke Motta.

The one surprise on the second unit was 5th-year senior Nick Lezynski was working with sophomore Bennett Jackson at the corner slots, although Lo Wood was present at practice. Seniors Jamoris Slaughter and Dan McCarthy are still the safeties.

The No. 2 front seven also seems pretty well established with sophomore Kendall Moore at Mike linebacker and junior Dan Fox at Will, plus senior Steve Filer (Cat) and sophomore Danny Spond (Dog). Senior David Posluszny and sophomore Justin Utupo were with the threes.

Regulars along the front three will be early enrollee Aaron Lynch behind Johnson, sophomore Kona Schwenke behind Lewis-Moore, and Williams the option behind Nix.

JASON SAPP

Team Observations:

* While the defensive practice field started off with field goal and field goal block, the quarterbacks worked with the remaining skilled position players on the offensive field.

The receiving options worked on getting an outside release and running under a fade thrown by the quarterbacks. Morgan mentions some of the particulars of the drill above.

Theo Riddick was the first man in line and looks prepared to take more of a leading role in this position group. The coaches have emphasized the level of his athleticism, and they'll be looking for ways to get the ball in his hands more often.

* Following the brief special teams period the defensive players got right into their usual pursuit drills. Somogyi goes through the lineups above.

Bennett Jackson, who made the switch to cornerback, was with the second group and praise was overheard from one of the coaches ... "Great, great job, Bennett!"

Gary Gray is the obvious lead man in the group considering the type of season he was able to put together last year, but Robert Blanton can certainly not be forgotten about. He looks very smooth in the coverage drills and I expect a big year out of him.

* The linebacker group worked on the stationary sled and the players made the way down the line popping the retracting bag (video to come).

"Lighting fast ... Roy Jones Jr. fast," Bob Diaco shouted to the player through their first series of reps to the left and right.

The second series involved more of a lockout after the punch, and a few of the players received positive reviews from the defensive coordinator.

"Excellent, Carlo (Calabrese)," Diaco said. "Getting much better!"

"That's it, Ishaq (Williams)," he added.

Manti Te'o brings everything he has to practice with him and epitomizes the type of example you want those around him to follow. He may not be 100%, but it's a good sign when you can barely tell in his actions.

The two players that "killed" the sled - Calabrese and Justin Utupo.

* Just as the media time ended the players got into the Irish Eyes Drill.

The only one that was witnessed was Fleming knocking back Tyler Eifert a couple steps followed by Diaco coming over to give him a slap on the helmet.

Worth Noting:

* Former Irish defensive tackle (1996-99) and current Washington High (South Bend) head football coach Antwon Jones was standing in the bleachers watching practice today.

Two of his players, WR Gehrig Dieter and ATH David Perkins, have interest in Notre Dame and are being pursued by various programs.

Dieter has offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan.

Arizona, Cincinnati, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Syracuse and others have offered Perkins.

Notre Dame Spring Practice Report: Day 13

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

@eTruth_Irish:#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly: Saturday's spring game will be "Golson vs. Hendrix." QBs Dayne Crist & Tommy Rees won't play much.

@eTruth_Irish:#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly: LB Manti Te'o, OL Chris Watt & WR Daniel Smith won't play Saturday in the Blue-Gold scrimmage.

@eTruth_Irish:#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly on QB competition: "If I had Andrew Luck I'd be very happy right now. ... I'd love to have one guy."

 

[woolybug25]

@eTruth_Irish:#NotreDame coach Brian Kelly: Saturday's spring game will be "Golson vs. Hendrix." QBs Dayne Crist & Tommy Rees won't play much.

How cool is that?! Don't get me wrong, I want to see Dayne and Tommy, but we have already seen them in action. It will be really fun to watch two quasi-unknowns battle it out, when both know that playing time during the season could be on the line. It's going to be fun to watch.