Travis Thomas at LB?

[irishfan]

TT will only be a junior this year. He was redshirted in 2003, and first got playing time in 2004 when he had the fumble problems. So he still has two seasons of eligibility left.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

If the LB rumors are not true, he'll be the second back...all season long. He will see plenty of time.

Yeah, I can see it playing out that way.

Since Walker is not exactly Thunder or Lightning...since he is more a finese player...we could call them Rain and Lighting!!!

lol

 

[Guest]

If the LB rumors are not true, he'll be the second back...all season long. He will see plenty of time.

Probably, but if aldridge is 100 percent I think he could definitely beat out TT. Aldridge was one of the top RB's in the country and Weis recruited him. Like I said earlier TT is an average back IMO so if Aldridge can't beat him out sometime this season then I'm not sure how good a player Aldridge is or will be. Runningback is one of the few positions where freshman can easily have a major impact if their good enough.

All of this means nothing if Aldridge isn't healthy this year, but if he's 100 percent things could get interesting.

 

[NDXUFan]

4 Super Bowl rings.

 

[Guest]

I saw this on the ndnation board, don't know if its credible or not, but interesting nonetheless...

Sorry if this is old news, but:
I recently met D-line coach Jappy Oliver and had a chance to sit and talk with him for some time. We started talking linebackers, and he said that an offensive player from last year will make the switch to LB this season and that he will have every opportunity to start. He wouldn't release the name, citing Charlie's tight grip on information.

In my mind, to get the size and speed necessary for a linebacker it would have to be a tailback making the transition. I've read some things on this board over the last two weeks that mention Travis Thomas as a candidate for a move like this...maybe Charlie was able to convince him that his best shot at the NFL was on the defensive side of the ball? With the speed-based, cover two defenses we see sprouting all over the NFl, a thick-but-quick guy like TT might flourish.

Any other players come to mind as candidates for something like this?

Go Irish

 

[tgolden]

Probably, but if aldridge is 100 percent I think he could definitely beat out TT. Aldridge was one of the top RB's in the country and Weis recruited him. Like I said earlier TT is an average back IMO so if Aldridge can't beat him out sometime this season then I'm not sure how good a player Aldridge is or will be. QUOTE]

TT was one of the best RBs in the country coming out of high school too.

 

[Batch]

I saw this on the ndnation board, don't know if its credible or not, but interesting nonetheless...

Yeah Queens I saw that also and that is interesting to say the least. And if you think about it, TT does have the tools to be a good LB. I guess we will find out soon enough. Only 8 more saturdays until GT.

-Batch

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

TT was one of the best RBs in the country coming out of high school too.

TT was a 3 star RB coming out of school...he was not considered elite like Aldridge. (Aldridge had 5 stars)

 

[scooper]

TT was a 3 star RB coming out of school...he was not considered elite like Aldridge. (Aldridge had 5 stars)

No, he was four stars.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=237182

 

[guff]

Isn't this robbing Peter to pay Paul and still leaving Paul short of cash. I think you only move someone out of a position if they aren't contributing at that position. The backfield is worse off without TT. Weis has mentioned many times during the offseason that last year's defensive breakdowns were in large part due to miscommunication and confusion.

I think TT as a linebacker would be one confused and miscommunicating individual.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

No, he was four stars.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=237182

Looks like Rivals was right and Scout was wrong...3-stars for Rivals. Position Ranking = 31.

31st running back in country. Ouch.

"2003"
http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Sport=1&School=55

"TT" - 31st Running Back
http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=9259

 

[scooper]

For a guy with the name, "lovemyirish" you sure like to come on here and dog guys currently on the roster.

 

[benneboy]

I'm with scooper. TT hasn't had a bad career and is probably the most explosive back we have in the backfield. Not to mention he has two more years left.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

For a guy with the name, "lovemyirish" you sure like to come on here and dog guys currently on the roster.

Simply put, I won't be a pollyanna when it comes to the Irish.

Some guys have exceeded expectations (Samardzija), some guys have met them (Walker), and some guys have missed them (Schiccatano). Thomas has done fine in my book...he has lived up to his 3 stars given the limited playing time he has received. (he is a true leader on special teams) However, if you look at Scout's rankings they clearly over-rated TT.

That being said, my strongest desire for this team is a NC. You will not get to a NC by talking up players that don't deserve it...or by ignoring the gaps you have on the team.

For instance, Walker is not as explosive or dangerous a 'back as we need...but he is improving year-to-year. Should he get a bit faster and commit a bit sooner, he will be a dangerous 'back. Other teams know this, OSU exploited this, and annoucers show it all the time. To pretend otherwise is overlooking a true issue.

In 2000, I got blasted on a few boards for talking about how OSU was going to kill us. It was obvious...and we got killed. But people were surprised because they were willing to let their love of the team blind them to the gaps it had.

Right now, we have 3 issues as I see them:
1) Pass D/Pass Rush [the two are intertwined in many ways]
2) Overall lack of depth [injuries could kill us]
3) Lack of explosiveness out of the backfield

I am not any type of football genius...these are simply the 3 most obvious challenges we face on the team.

The team was lucky last year to have the schedule fall apart and be far easier than expected. I don't see that happening this year... There will be no getting lucky this year if we want to win the NC. The gaps must be fixed.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I'm with scooper. TT hasn't had a bad career and is probably the most explosive back we have in the backfield. Not to mention he has two more years left.

He has done very well on special teams...and he deserves that recognition.

As far as being a running back...ummm...well, he has not played much. A couple good runs does not mean he has done well.

His stats are as follows:
2004 25carries 25yds 1.0avg/carry 12long 0-TD
2005 63carries 248yds 3.9acg/carry 17long 5-TD

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=150336

 

[tgolden]

Looks like Rivals was right and Scout was wrong...3-stars for Rivals. Position Ranking = 31.

31st running back in country. Ouch.

"2003"
http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Sport=1&School=55

"TT" - 31st Running Back
http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=9259

And if I remember correctly, he was an Army All-American. sure, a lot of those high school rankings are wrong. Lionel Bolen was a 4 star. Shane Walton wasn't ranked. all I'm saying is lets wait for Aldridge to do something before we praise his greatness.

and we supposedly (according to recruiting rankings) have 2 very good LBs coming in this year.

I like TT at RB, but if he is fine moving to LB and could contribute more at LB, then so be it.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

And if I remember correctly, he was an Army All-American. sure, a lot of those high school rankings are wrong. Lionel Bolen was a 4 star. Shane Walton wasn't ranked. all I'm saying is lets wait for Aldridge to do something before we praise his greatness.

and we supposedly (according to recruiting rankings) have 2 very good LBs coming in this year.

I like TT at RB, but if he is fine moving to LB and could contribute more at LB, then so be it.

I could not agree with you more...

One a side note: Walton was brought into ND on a Soccer scholarship...so he was never ranked since he was not part of the football pool. Man...I miss that guy!!! What a great DB.

 

[Guest]

Everone is assuming TT is the backup this year. Weis has stated numberous times the best player will play regardless of seniority , perhaps they feel Aldridge is better and will pass TT on the depth chart. If thats the case it makes sense moving TT to LB.

Many players have transferred or left the team, yet I only got the impression that Weis was upset about a couple(Hiben, & Vaughn) the rest he seemed to careless about. Weis obvisously has high hopes and respect for Thomas if he's willing to move him to LB. Weis see's a football player in Thomas, but unfortunately for Thomas he won't play because players ahead of him are better, if this is the case it only makes sense to try TT at LB seeing how he has the size, speed, and leadership to play the position.

Why waste his talents as some third string RB????

Worst case scenario Walker, and Alridge can't play I don't see any reason why TT can't make the switch back to RB.

 

[jiggafini19]

Right now, we have 3 issues as I see them:
1) Pass D/Pass Rush [the two are intertwined in many ways]
2) Overall lack of depth [injuries could kill us]
3) Lack of explosiveness out of the backfield

The first two are obvious. I'd say you're really overstressing the third, however. I'd be worried more about losinng Stovall and Fasano's production, finding a third WR, the kicking game and the linebacking corps before I'd consider a running back with 1902 yards in two years an issue.

In light of issue #2, we are in the midst of discussing taking a lettered running back from the two deep and moving him to defense. How ironic. It is a heavy assumption to think that Aldridge and Prince are going to rocket up the depth chart past Walker and Thomas. If that's the case, as an ND Football fan my life just took a turn to Pleasuretown. Charlie's guys are going to invade the roster and overtake all of the lettered veteran upperclassmen. Sweet scenario, but I'll wait to see it before I believe it.

Walker won't make Sportscenter highlights like Reggie Bush did every Saturday. I won't lose any sleep over the fact that Stuart Scott won't be on Walker's nuts every Saturday night. If Walker is as unexplosive as some say, he probably needs to keep all the clingers and grippers off of his jock.

 

[tgolden]

One a side note: Walton was brought into ND on a Soccer scholarship...so he was never ranked since he was not part of the football pool. Man...I miss that guy!!! What a great DB.

yeah, I know, but I think he wanted to be recruited in football. If I'm correct, San Diego St. was the only school that offered him in football. I miss him too. Hopefully, he's able to stick with a pro team this year.

 

[KMac151993]

yeah, I know, but I think he wanted to be recruited in football. If I'm correct, San Diego St. was the only school that offered him in football. I miss him too. Hopefully, he's able to stick with a pro team this year.

And with regards to that I don't believe that Walton was all that talented in terms of 40 time and vertical but what he did have was GREAT footwork (from soccer) and a great understanding of timing and location....aka the makings of a great DB.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

In light of issue #2, we are in the midst of discussing taking a lettered running back from the two deep and moving him to defense. How ironic. It is a heavy assumption to think that Aldridge and Prince are going to rocket up the depth chart past Walker and Thomas. If that's the case, as an ND Football fan my life just took a turn to Pleasuretown. Charlie's guys are going to invade the roster and overtake all of the lettered veteran upperclassmen. Sweet scenario, but I'll wait to see it before I believe it.

I too doubt that Aldridge and Prince will blow past TT...however, I suspect that either one would be a fine backup.

Frankly, I agree with QueensNY:

Weis obvisously has high hopes and respect for Thomas if he's willing to move him to LB. Weis see's a football player in Thomas, but unfortunately for Thomas he won't play because players ahead of him are better, if this is the case it only makes sense to try TT at LB seeing how he has the size, speed, and leadership to play the position.

I don't care if TT becomes the punter...so long as he is the best player at whichever position he moves into.

Weis and Crew evaluates these kids as much as possible... If LB is his best position, play him there!

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

And with regards to that I don't believe that Walton was all that talented in terms of 40 time and vertical but what he did have was GREAT footwork (from soccer) and a great understanding of timing and location....aka the makings of a great DB.

He had that knack for being in the right place at the right time. He could read the QB's body language and eyes better than nearly anyone at his position. He was truly gifted as a college DB.

 

[jiggafini19]

I find the Thomas to linebacker rumors quite odd. That's what it boils down to. I look forward to the day that Weis has his players in place and depth is restored. The current situation is pathetic due to lack of recruiting results by the previous regime.

I had a neighbor in college that was on scholarship for soccer and lived in San Diego. He played both with and against Shane Walton in soccer. Said he was the best athlete he's ever seen. Without a doubt one of my favorites.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I find the Thomas to linebacker rumors quite odd. That's what it boils down to. I look forward to the day that Weis has his players in place and depth is restored. The current situation is pathetic due to lack of recruiting results by the previous regime.

We are very thin...
Just look at the recruiting class of 2004 (Ty's last full class)...on Rivals, the average star is 2.75. 2 four-stars, 8 three-stars, 6 two-stars.

Ouch...just ouch.

Weis is doing more with less...you have to give him so much credit for not letting the wheels fall off the bus.

 

[jiggafini19]

This year's incoming frosh and the latest class being worked on will be the two most important groups in the program's recent history if they want to get into the thick of the BCS scene. Thus, I am concerned they want to move a capable second string back to the defense when he could take some carries each week and help the running game.

Or maybe Weis is going to have Quinn sling it 40-50 times a game and only needs Walker. I hope the offense has more balance than that.

 

[KMac151993]

This year's incoming frosh and the latest class being worked on will be the two most important groups in the program's recent history if they want to get into the thick of the BCS scene. Thus, I am concerned they want to move a capable second string back to the defense when he could take some carries each week and help the running game.

Or maybe Weis is going to have Quinn sling it 40-50 times a game and only needs Walker. I hope the offense has more balance than that.

I hope so too!

 

[Harpua]

If true this seems like a very strange move. TT was, in my opinion, a great #2 back last year. He hit the hole hard and was always good for a few yards. It would surprise me if the coaching staff felt Aldridge was a lock to pass TT on the depth chart at this point. I suppose part of the equation could also be the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. If I recall that is not a strength for TT. I think the loss on the offensive side, given that Aldridge is a promising but untested freshman, could be huge.

The real issue here is what this says about the linebacker situation. If a 2nd string tailback can make the switch to LB after spring practice is over and be given the chance to start in the fall that tells me the problems at LB are even more serious then everyone thought.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

The real issue here is what this says about the linebacker situation. If a 2nd string tailback can make the switch to LB after spring practice is over and be given the chance to start in the fall that tells me the problems at LB are even more serious then everyone thought.

Maybe...but let's not forget that TT has been making a bunch of hits on Special Teams. He is fast, mobile, and hits hard. He is truly an athlete...

While I agree we would hope that we were deep at LB...maybe this truly is a natural fit. Like Tony Driver at Safety. He was Mr Ohio as a RB...but was an awesome Safety. Maybe Thomas is the same deal? He played a great RB in High School, but could be so much more at another position???

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

This year's incoming frosh and the latest class being worked on will be the two most important groups in the program's recent history if they want to get into the thick of the BCS scene. Thus, I am concerned they want to move a capable second string back to the defense when he could take some carries each week and help the running game.

Or maybe Weis is going to have Quinn sling it 40-50 times a game and only needs Walker. I hope the offense has more balance than that.

I agree, except for one thing. I don't care if BQ slings it 75 times or 15 times.

I just want the team to win every game... Whatever works!