why not try Kamara at TE this weekend?

[cape cod]

With Rudolph needing a rest for his hamstring & Eifert nursing a shoulder problem, why not move Kamara to TE to back up Ragone this week?Even if Eifert has improved enough to play Kamara could provide some support. Kamara isn't all that undersized to play TE-6'4 220. Not sure that he would be a great blocker, but he can run routes and catch the ball.

It certainly appears that Kamara isn't about to get meaningful reps at wr. Why not give him a shot at what appears to be an undermanned position (at least this coming weekend)

Is there something else that I've missed about why Kamara isn't playing much this year?

 

[IrishLax]

Is there something else that I've missed about why Kamara isn't playing much this year?

Because he drops passes, runs poor routes and is slow.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Actually, that's not a bad idea. While he may be slow and have bad hands for a WR, both would be well above average for a TE. I wouldn't want to see him playing TE against Utah or USC, but if he could be used to give Rudy and Eiffert a rest, it couldn't hurt.

 

[kmoose]

There's a big difference between blocking a 200-230 lb. DB downfield, and having to block (on some plays) a 280+ lb defensive end. I'm not saying that Kamara couldn't do it, but maybe that is why Kelly hasn't even tried?

 

[jason_h537]

Is this like moving Ragone to DE?

 

[johnnykillz]

Ragone should and likely will get the reps. Let's give him a legitimate shot guys. Come on.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

A) Are they trying to save Alex Welch for next year?

B) Harrison Smith is settling in as a fine safety, after playing linebacker-safety-linebacker(safety) previously, and Barry Gallup, Jr., had an awesome play after being moved from offense to defense in his fifth year. Ragone may make a fine defensive end.

 

[TerryTate]

A) Are they trying to save Alex Welch for next year?

B) Harrison Smith is settling in as a fine safety, after playing linebacker-safety-linebacker(safety) previously, and Barry Gallup, Jr., had an awesome play after being moved from offense to defense in his fifth year. Ragone may make a fine defensive end.

Welch is redshirting according to Kelly. Ragone is playing TE. He had his first reps of the year last game. Let him get adjusted to game speed, and he will be good.

 

[johnnykillz]

He was flying high (no pun intended) until the pot thingie ma bobber. Remember all?

He has what it takes to succeed at the position. I think he looks great. He will prevail.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bogtrotter07
A) Are they trying to save Alex Welch for next year?

B) Harrison Smith is settling in as a fine safety, after playing linebacker-safety-linebacker(safety) previously, and Barry Gallup, Jr., had an awesome play after being moved from offense to defense in his fifth year. Ragone may make a fine defensive end.

Welch is redshirting according to Kelly. Ragone is playing TE. He had his first reps of the year last game. Let him get adjusted to game speed, and he will be good.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by TerryTate; Today at 08:24 PM.. Reason: brain fart

I also am extremely susceptible to cerebral flatulence. That notwithstanding, are the stories I have heard about Welch being a real beast, (and faster than any of the other tight ends) true? I know a couple of Cinci insiders that felt he was ahead of Kyle coming out of St. X. I find that incredible if true.

 

[phgreek]

With Rudolph needing a rest for his hamstring & Eifert nursing a shoulder problem, why not move Kamara to TE to back up Ragone this week?Even if Eifert has improved enough to play Kamara could provide some support. Kamara isn't all that undersized to play TE-6'4 220. Not sure that he would be a great blocker, but he can run routes and catch the ball.

It certainly appears that Kamara isn't about to get meaningful reps at wr. Why not give him a shot at what appears to be an undermanned position (at least this coming weekend)

Is there something else that I've missed about why Kamara isn't playing much this year?

could create a serious mismatch for coverage, but it also has its flip side in the running game...however, its a nice thought...I kinda like it...what do you do if you are a defense...even if you know we are throwing it...plus we could run some quick hitter runs and shovel passes which would penalize a tackle for getting up field on Kamara...might be a cool wrinkle...

 

[jason_h537]

I also am extremely susceptible to cerebral flatulence. That notwithstanding, are the stories I have heard about Welch being a real beast, (and faster than any of the other tight ends) true? I know a couple of Cinci insiders that felt he was ahead of Kyle coming out of St. X. I find that incredible if true.

No, Kyle Rudolph is an absolute freak of nature, Alex Welch is not that good. Best comparison Rudolph= Carlson, Welch= Fasano.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

What about Golic?

 

[vernfootball1]

What about Golic?

I am sorry, but this guy won't even step on the field in his 4 years, I have heard he should not even be playing d1 football, and the only reason he got his 2 offers coming out of hs were because of his bro and dad. Mike on the other hand I have heard is solid. I would be willing to bet jake plays under 4 minutes in his career at ND.

 

[Rack Em]

I know a couple of Cinci insiders that felt he was ahead of Kyle coming out of St. X.

Welch and Rudolph actually went to Elder. NBD though.

And what about Bobby Burger? Dude's been lost in the shuffle this year at TE U. He doesn't fit well into the offense but I'd like to see him come in on running situations.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I bet they save Welch's eligibility. Ragone and Burger are in the mix. Golic is available in a pinch.

 

[Irish Man3]

No, Kyle Rudolph is an absolute freak of nature, Alex Welch is not that good. Best comparison Rudolph= Carlson, Welch= Fasano.

If Welch ends up as good as Fasano, we will be in good shape considering Fasano has been in the league for years and is producing.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

You bet...fasano was a stud at ND and now in the league

 

[jason_h537]

Not saying he will end up like Fasano, just saying theres a big difference between Welch and Rudolph.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Kelly's high on Welch [and I am too]. But with us playing my old school {WMU} and then a couple of others that don't test you as much physically as recent thug-bludgers, I'm more than relaxed with giving Welch the year off and letting Ragone return to the big time talent we know he has. Burger's an old head and fine. And Kelly has run a lot of plays without TEs on the field with previous teams [point being: Ragone doesn't have to play every snap]. My guess is Ragone is more fired up to play than any other guy on the team. By the way, I wouldn't assume any low ceiling on Welch. My prediction is that the only thing that can stop him from being outstanding is Koyack.

 

[Riddickulous]

Here's the eligibility remaining for all tight ends, including this season:

Rudolph - 2 years
Ragone - 2 years
Burger - 0?
Eifert - 4 years
Welch - 4 years


I think that when Rudolph goes pro, it'll be Eifert until 2014. After that, who knows? It could be Welch, it could be Koyack, it could be some tight end recruit we haven't even landed yet.

 

[Irish.Ca]

TightEnd U always gets one good one every single year and doesn't need more than that. The only problem is that we've been snake bitten a little bit the last few years there too. I don't think we should red shirt our TE's ever. Put them in live action and show them where they need to be. Then injuries can occur and we wouldn't have the same situation as with our QB's this year. I'd love to have 5 TE's with game experience and have them all line up for a play or two a game with no WR's. Lets see the D stop that, but IMO we save that one for Stanford next year. Payback! Have 5 TE's trot out with the D not expecting it and run a few quick running plays and see if the D can adjust their personnel before we're in the end zone. An extra 5 big blockers would be great to hide a RB behind.

 

[lookingdeadred]

Two reasons:

Two reasons:

1. Ragone and
2. Eifert

Add to those, Kumara is not a TE.

With Rudolph needing a rest for his hamstring & Eifert nursing a shoulder problem, why not move Kamara to TE to back up Ragone this week?Even if Eifert has improved enough to play Kamara could provide some support. Kamara isn't all that undersized to play TE-6'4 220. Not sure that he would be a great blocker, but he can run routes and catch the ball.

It certainly appears that Kamara isn't about to get meaningful reps at wr. Why not give him a shot at what appears to be an undermanned position (at least this coming weekend)

Is there something else that I've missed about why Kamara isn't playing much this year?

 

[theclassickiller]

With Rudolph needing a rest for his hamstring & Eifert nursing a shoulder problem, why not move Kamara to TE to back up Ragone this week?Even if Eifert has improved enough to play Kamara could provide some support. Kamara isn't all that undersized to play TE-6'4 220. Not sure that he would be a great blocker, but he can run routes and catch the ball.

It certainly appears that Kamara isn't about to get meaningful reps at wr. Why not give him a shot at what appears to be an undermanned position (at least this coming weekend)

Is there something else that I've missed about why Kamara isn't playing much this year?

Well for goodness sakes don't go and expect things from him! Haven't you seen what happens when we do that?

 

[irishandy]

I think we'll see a combination of Ragone/Eifert, no thanks with Kamara at TE. Ragone is no Rudolph, but Ragone will help the team out.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Ragone has some potential. He looked solid back during the B&G game this spring.

 

[irish1958]

ND is a 24+ point favorite against WMU. I would hope, rather than running up the score we would let some of the potential players into the game to get a bit of experience, especially at QB, TE, WR and OL.
I like the idea of a beef package with 5 tight ends, a 350 pound fullback and a 250 pound tailback.
And I have often wondered why we don't have a speed defensive package by replacing the DL with linebackers and safeties and using four CB against Navy.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

I would hope it's a 24 point spread at halftime. I want to see Rees and/or Montana get meaningful time.

 

[kmoose]

ND is a 24+ point favorite against WMU. I would hope, rather than running up the score we would let some of the potential players into the game to get a bit of experience, especially at QB, TE, WR and OL.

Meh! I know what you mean, but.......... I am traveling 2200+ miles, from Portland to South Bend, to attend this game. I don't mind seeing the young guys in there, but I want to see ND score on every possession!

 

[irish1958]

Meh! I know what you mean, but.......... I am traveling 2200+ miles, from Portland to South Bend, to attend this game. I don't mind seeing the young guys in there, but I want to see ND score on every possession!

Have a nice trip!