Hey Domers

[TexExSpur]

From a more National guy that was Mack Brown' news dump.

I could not make it to Austin for the two practices this weekend. It was my daughter's 13th birthday and we had 14 teenagers over to our house. That being said, I feel like our staff's coverage, especially of Sunday's workout, was outstanding and clearly best in class. I'm really proud of Jeff's work on Sunday. Sitting down to read and watch all of what was produced last night made me feel like I was there to a certain degree.

**

So I watched and read all the reports I could get my hands on. But I was also able to text with a source about the practices. This isn't your normal everyday source. Herewith are the feelings on certain players and about the team generally.

Who's the quarterback?
"SB (Shane Buechele). Done."

The most impressive new true freshmen (outside of the ones on hand for spring practice)?
"(Devin) Duvernay."

Patrick Hudson or Denzel Okafor?
"Both have a chance to be great. Okafor better at tackle. Hudson at guard."

Perkins at right guard or left guard?
"Right. (Patrick) Vahe needs to be (on the) left."

Best freshman DL so far?
"(Jordan) Elliott."

Best surprise of the freshmen so far?
"(Gerald) Wilbon, (Lil'Jordan) Humphrey and (Peyton) Aucoin."

Issue with Brandon Jones?
"Sore knee. Tore PCL in HS. Should be fine."

What do you think about the new kicker?
"I don't. [I took this as it was something that hasn't really been discussed just yet.]"

Any general thoughts on the team?
"We look different. [I took this as a good thing given some of his previous comments.]"

**

Texas' next scheduled practice is this evening. It's a reminder that some of the players are still going through the end of summer school and Texas wants full participation in team drills.

**(Burton)

 

[TexExSpur]

CULVER, Ind. — Notre Dame's first practice of fall camp on Saturday featured a bevy of new faces but few glaring surprises.

OFFENSE

Junior DeShone Kizer took many of the first-team reps at quarterback, though senior Malik Zaire also cycled in. Both quarterbacks were inconsistent in the passing game, which shouldn’t come as much of a concern or surprise on the first day of fall practice.

In front of them, the offensive line starters were as follows: left tackle Mike McGlinchey, left guard Quenton Nelson, center Sam Mustipher, right guard Hunter Bivin and right tackle Alex Bars. Sophomore Tristen Hoge and freshman Tommy Kraemer also worked in with the starting group at the right guard position late in practice.

As for the skill positions, senior Tarean Folston and sophomore Josh Adams each got regular reps with the starting unit. Sophomore Dexter Williams left practice early with a stomach illness, head coach Brian Kelly said. Adams also went down late in practice with a cramp, which is not believed to be serious. Freshman Tony Jones Jr. impressed both in the running and passing games in Williams’ absence, even earning compliments from Kelly in a post-practice interview.

Senior Torii Hunter Jr. (X), sophomore Equanimeous St. Brown (W) and sophomore C.J. Sanders (Z) comprised the starting trio of wide receivers, with junior Corey Holmes, sophomore Miles Boykin and freshman Kevin Stepherson working with the second team. Hunter was the most consistent wideout, with a highlight being a sprawling grab on a deep crossing route that he wrestled away from sophomore cornerback Shaun Crawford. Sanders looked both healthy and productive in his first practice back from a hip flexor injury that kept him out much of the spring.

St. Brown’s practice contained both peaks and valleys, as the 6-foot-4 sophomore hauled in several nice grabs but also drew the ire of Kelly at times for his blocking and route-running.

As expected, senior Durham Smythe was the team’s starting tight end. Smythe and juniors Nic Weishar and Tyler Luatua all had impressive moments in the passing game, and Weishar specifically nabbed a few leaping grabs in traffic and corralled one pass down the seam for a deep touchdown.

Sanders and sophomore wide receiver Chris Finke fielded punts on Saturday.

DEFENSE

The depth chart isn’t set on the first day of camp, but players returning from injury will have to fight their way into the starting lineup if practice No. 1 at Culver was any indication. Defensive tackle Jarron Jones (knee) and linebackers Greer Martini and Te’von Coney (shoulders) worked with the No. 2 defense for most of the day.

Notre Dame’s starters in the base defense lined up with defensive ends Isaac Rochell and Jay Hayes, defensive tackles Daniel Cage and Jerry Tillery, linebackers James Onwualu, Nyles Morgan and Asmar Bilal, cornerbacks Shaun Crawford and Cole Luke, and safeties Drue Tranquill and Max Redfield.

On the No. 2 defense, Jones, Martini and Coney were joined by defensive ends Jonathan Bonner and Andrew Trumbetti, defensive tackle Elijah Taylor, linebacker Josh Barajas, cornerbacks Nick Coleman and Ashton White and safeties Avery Sebastian and Devin Studstill.

When the Irish used a nickelback, Nick Coleman came onto the field with Crawford sliding inside for the No. 1 defense and Julian Love joined the No. 2 defense.

With the quarterbacks and receivers off to a shaky start, the cornerbacks used the opportunity to break up some passes. Cole Luke knocked one away from Equanimeous St. Brown. Ashton White, who made several plays throughout practice, caused problems for Corey Holmes and Javon McKinley.

Freshmen Donte Vaughn and Julian Love were also running in stride with receivers. Vaughn shut down Deon McIntosh so forcefully on one route that McIntosh stopped running. Love was in position for a tackle for a loss during the scrimmage period.

But the passing periods weren’t all highlights for the defense. Josh Barajas couldn’t hang with tight end Nic Weishar on a seam route for a touchdown. Running back Josh Adams ran past freshman safety D.J. Morgan with ease, but Adams couldn’t haul in the deep pass. A freshman-on-freshman matchup between wide receiver Kevin Stepherson and safety Spencer Perry ended in a long completion.

With no pads on, the live action for defensive linemen was limited outside of drill work. But when the 11-on-11 portion of practice began, Jay Hayes did a nice job of holding the edge to disrupt a DeShone Kizer quarterback keeper. Defensive end Khalid Kareem and defensive tackle Brandon Tiassum both ended up in the face of the quarterback on separate plays.

 

[NDAFArly]

CULVER, Ind. — Notre Dame's first practice of fall camp on Saturday featured a bevy of new faces but few glaring surprises.

OFFENSE

Junior DeShone Kizer took many of the first-team reps at quarterback, though senior Malik Zaire also cycled in. Both quarterbacks were inconsistent in the passing game, which shouldn’t come as much of a concern or surprise on the first day of fall practice.

In front of them, the offensive line starters were as follows: left tackle Mike McGlinchey, left guard Quenton Nelson, center Sam Mustipher, right guard Hunter Bivin and right tackle Alex Bars. Sophomore Tristen Hoge and freshman Tommy Kraemer also worked in with the starting group at the right guard position late in practice.

As for the skill positions, senior Tarean Folston and sophomore Josh Adams each got regular reps with the starting unit. Sophomore Dexter Williams left practice early with a stomach illness, head coach Brian Kelly said. Adams also went down late in practice with a cramp, which is not believed to be serious. Freshman Tony Jones Jr. impressed both in the running and passing games in Williams’ absence, even earning compliments from Kelly in a post-practice interview.

Senior Torii Hunter Jr. (X), sophomore Equanimeous St. Brown (W) and sophomore C.J. Sanders (Z) comprised the starting trio of wide receivers, with junior Corey Holmes, sophomore Miles Boykin and freshman Kevin Stepherson working with the second team. Hunter was the most consistent wideout, with a highlight being a sprawling grab on a deep crossing route that he wrestled away from sophomore cornerback Shaun Crawford. Sanders looked both healthy and productive in his first practice back from a hip flexor injury that kept him out much of the spring.

St. Brown’s practice contained both peaks and valleys, as the 6-foot-4 sophomore hauled in several nice grabs but also drew the ire of Kelly at times for his blocking and route-running.

As expected, senior Durham Smythe was the team’s starting tight end. Smythe and juniors Nic Weishar and Tyler Luatua all had impressive moments in the passing game, and Weishar specifically nabbed a few leaping grabs in traffic and corralled one pass down the seam for a deep touchdown.

Sanders and sophomore wide receiver Chris Finke fielded punts on Saturday.

DEFENSE

The depth chart isn’t set on the first day of camp, but players returning from injury will have to fight their way into the starting lineup if practice No. 1 at Culver was any indication. Defensive tackle Jarron Jones (knee) and linebackers Greer Martini and Te’von Coney (shoulders) worked with the No. 2 defense for most of the day.

Notre Dame’s starters in the base defense lined up with defensive ends Isaac Rochell and Jay Hayes, defensive tackles Daniel Cage and Jerry Tillery, linebackers James Onwualu, Nyles Morgan and Asmar Bilal, cornerbacks Shaun Crawford and Cole Luke, and safeties Drue Tranquill and Max Redfield.

On the No. 2 defense, Jones, Martini and Coney were joined by defensive ends Jonathan Bonner and Andrew Trumbetti, defensive tackle Elijah Taylor, linebacker Josh Barajas, cornerbacks Nick Coleman and Ashton White and safeties Avery Sebastian and Devin Studstill.

When the Irish used a nickelback, Nick Coleman came onto the field with Crawford sliding inside for the No. 1 defense and Julian Love joined the No. 2 defense.

With the quarterbacks and receivers off to a shaky start, the cornerbacks used the opportunity to break up some passes. Cole Luke knocked one away from Equanimeous St. Brown. Ashton White, who made several plays throughout practice, caused problems for Corey Holmes and Javon McKinley.

Freshmen Donte Vaughn and Julian Love were also running in stride with receivers. Vaughn shut down Deon McIntosh so forcefully on one route that McIntosh stopped running. Love was in position for a tackle for a loss during the scrimmage period.

But the passing periods weren’t all highlights for the defense. Josh Barajas couldn’t hang with tight end Nic Weishar on a seam route for a touchdown. Running back Josh Adams ran past freshman safety D.J. Morgan with ease, but Adams couldn’t haul in the deep pass. A freshman-on-freshman matchup between wide receiver Kevin Stepherson and safety Spencer Perry ended in a long completion.

With no pads on, the live action for defensive linemen was limited outside of drill work. But when the 11-on-11 portion of practice began, Jay Hayes did a nice job of holding the edge to disrupt a DeShone Kizer quarterback keeper. Defensive end Khalid Kareem and defensive tackle Brandon Tiassum both ended up in the face of the quarterback on separate plays.

I know that a lot of the local guys have been writing up the D as the biggest surprise so far. They are praising them a lot, but I will believe it when I see it. As I mentioned before, ND has 2-3 five star defenders who haven't played like it their first two seasons. According to the beat writers they look like it now. I don't believe them yet. It's been two days of half pad practice. That's all.

What I have read on people's Twitter (who aren't supposed to be sending out practice info) who are there is that the competition between the O & D is very intense & level. Over the years one has always been stronger, but this year both are at a high level.

Not to mention last year both Zaire & Kizer lost the QB battle to Everrett before he transferred. Both looked bad in spring & then again in the fall camp.

 

[TexExSpur]

Sunday notes from up North:

Here’s a frame-by-frame breakdown of Notre Dame’s highlights from Sunday’s practice.

'Rep 1: Malik Zaire hits Nic Weishar

Here’s what happened: While Zaire is the featured player on the rep, Weishar’s catch is probably better than the throw. That’s something we saw on Saturday too, with Weishar looking like Tyler Eifert-light in terms of catch radius. We’re not predicting a Mackey Award, just that Weishar might be ready to be a reliable player within the offense, at least in passing situations. He’s a big target over the middle. It’s a simple throw for Zaire, who was OK during the opening practice and seemed to suffer through some minor leg/ankle pain.

Here’s what’s interesting: Zaire is clearly working with the first team on this rep, with Quenton Nelson and Sam Mustipher up front. While that’s not all that interesting at face value, the players DeShone Kizer work with in the next rep make you wonder how valuable practice reps can be when not with the front line guys. Zaire isn’t working against the starting defensive line, but he is going against the starting back seven as Nyles Morgan, Asmar Bilal and Max Redfield all show. The fact Bilal is running with the starting defense is impressive after his patchy spring.

Rep 2: DeShone Kizer finds Corey Holmes

Here’s what happened: After showing Kizer aligned with former walk-on Josh Anderson for a flash, the action jumps forward to a different play where Kizer is aligned with Tarean Folston. With time to throw, Kizer hits Corey Holmes over the middle and the junior wide out darts through traffic for a sizable gain. Easy throw, easy catch, the kind Holmes can make every time. Where Holmes can still make strides are the competitive catches that he struggles to consistently manage.

Here’s what’s interesting: Am I the only one who watches Brandon Tiassum chase down Corey Holmes and thinks Notre Dame might have a pretty good athlete at defensive tackle? Kizer is working with and against backups here with Trevor Ruhland showing on the offensive line while Julian Okwara, Ade Ogundeji, Micah Dew-Treadway, Jonathan Jones and Tiassum show on defense. Nick Coleman and Shaun Crawford pop up too. Ogundeji still has a long way to go in the weight room before he’s ready for action, but he’s also come a long way from where he was a year ago. Tyler Luatua and Chase Claypool are part of this set on offense. Man, Claypool is a good looking athlete.

Rep 3: Quenton Nelson vs. Elijah Taylor

Here’s what happened: A preseason All-American offensive lineman worked over a defensive tackle who’s never played in a game. Surprise level: zero

Here’s what’s interesting: The word on Nelson is already getting out and will continue to get out this season. While Nelson’s weight has been listed by Notre Dame at 325 pounds, the backstory is Nelson was up to 342 pounds last year, got down to 322 and returned to campus in June at 312. He’s in phenomenal shape.

Rep 4: Cole Luke pass breakup

Here’s what happened: Notre Dame’s only experienced cornerback breaks through the outside shoulder of Miles Boykin to break up a pass from DeShone Kizer.

Here’s what’s interesting: Luke is a veteran and Boykin has never played, so big edge in the dark arts of hand play to Luke, getting into Boykin at the top of the route to help him get back to the ball before the sophomore can. Still, Boykin is 6-foot-4 and thick, so he should be able to muscle out Luke for the ball. That probably comes with experience. Not sure if the ball is on point from Kizer. It’s hard to know when either of the quarterbacks are working with these young wide outs.

Rep 5: Jerry Tillery beats Sam Mustipher

Here’s what happened: Tilley shows some of his unique flexibility to get through Notre Dame’s presumed starting center.

Here’s what’s interesting: This is the Tillery that Notre Dame needs all season, the engaged, athletic, aggressive version. He’s a tough handle when playing that way. And considering the complete lack of depth at three technique where Elijah Taylor is the backup, the Irish can’t survive on anything less.

Rep 6: Drue Tranquill doing drills

Here’s what happened: Not much. Just Tranquill doing position work.

Here’s what’s interesting: Nothing, really. The Irish need a lot from Tranquill this season and he knows it. There’s a natural leadership with Tranquill here and he knows he can deliver something different to the secondary in that department. He talked Saturday about teaching the younger defensive backs the system, which wasn’t something that got done the past two years by players.

Rep 7: Dexter Williams shows speed

Here’s what happened: Williams apparently got over that stomach bug from Saturday that kept him out of most of the practice. The sophomore looked great in the open field here. And we do mean open field. Was there ever a Mike linebacker on this play?

Here’s what’s interesting: This is the starting offensive line against the second-team defense. Mike McGlinchey is terrorizing Jonathan Bonner. Jarron Jones is completely out of the play. Andrew Trumbetti doesn’t get close. Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars flash on the screen. Te’von Coney can’t get to Williams with that angle. Presumably the Mike linebacker was Josh Barajas, but he doesn’t show up on screen. Not sure if he got wiped out by the offensive line or what happened. Regardless, Williams has a massive hole here and takes advantage. This play is more about the line blocking than the back running. Although man does Williams get low on that cut to his right. That’s a beauty.

Rep 8: Isaac Rochell vs. Mike McGlinchey

Here’s what happened: This is good versus good more than any other rep on the reel. It’s hard to imagine the Irish being able to put two better players against one another anywhere else on the roster. Ultimately, Rochell does well by keeping McGlinchey’s hands out of his chest. Note how McGlinchey’s left hand actually ends up around Rochell’s head. That’s a win for Rochell, even if it’s hard to pick out on full speed tape.

Here’s what’s interesting: Rochell is really good. McGlinchey is really good. But the perception is McGlinchey might be the best player on the team, making a win for Rochell notable. So what’s really interesting is just the fact Rochell wins. McGlinchey surely wins this battle plenty too. Basically, this is a match-up you’d watch over and over and over again in practice if you could. Notre Dame uses the phrase “Iron sharpens iron” around the athletic department. This is a good example.

Rep 9: Chase Claypool makes an acrobatic grab

Here’s what happened: Don’t know if that’s Cole Luke or Ashton White in coverage, but Claypool gets behind the cornerback to make a really nice catch while being interfered with. Impressive.

Here’s what’s interesting: Really want to see more of Claypool during camp because Notre Dame might not have an athlete like him. He toyed with the competition in high school back in Canada. Obviously this is a step up. Can he be a major exception as a freshman receiver who contributes?

 

[TexExSpur]

http://insidetexas.com/coach-vs-early-practice-thoughts/

 

[NDAFArly]

Sunday notes from up North:

Here’s a frame-by-frame breakdown of Notre Dame’s highlights from Sunday’s practice.

'Rep 1: Malik Zaire hits Nic Weishar

Here’s what happened: While Zaire is the featured player on the rep, Weishar’s catch is probably better than the throw. That’s something we saw on Saturday too, with Weishar looking like Tyler Eifert-light in terms of catch radius. We’re not predicting a Mackey Award, just that Weishar might be ready to be a reliable player within the offense, at least in passing situations. He’s a big target over the middle. It’s a simple throw for Zaire, who was OK during the opening practice and seemed to suffer through some minor leg/ankle pain.

Here’s what’s interesting: Zaire is clearly working with the first team on this rep, with Quenton Nelson and Sam Mustipher up front. While that’s not all that interesting at face value, the players DeShone Kizer work with in the next rep make you wonder how valuable practice reps can be when not with the front line guys. Zaire isn’t working against the starting defensive line, but he is going against the starting back seven as Nyles Morgan, Asmar Bilal and Max Redfield all show. The fact Bilal is running with the starting defense is impressive after his patchy spring.

Rep 2: DeShone Kizer finds Corey Holmes

Here’s what happened: After showing Kizer aligned with former walk-on Josh Anderson for a flash, the action jumps forward to a different play where Kizer is aligned with Tarean Folston. With time to throw, Kizer hits Corey Holmes over the middle and the junior wide out darts through traffic for a sizable gain. Easy throw, easy catch, the kind Holmes can make every time. Where Holmes can still make strides are the competitive catches that he struggles to consistently manage.

Here’s what’s interesting: Am I the only one who watches Brandon Tiassum chase down Corey Holmes and thinks Notre Dame might have a pretty good athlete at defensive tackle? Kizer is working with and against backups here with Trevor Ruhland showing on the offensive line while Julian Okwara, Ade Ogundeji, Micah Dew-Treadway, Jonathan Jones and Tiassum show on defense. Nick Coleman and Shaun Crawford pop up too. Ogundeji still has a long way to go in the weight room before he’s ready for action, but he’s also come a long way from where he was a year ago. Tyler Luatua and Chase Claypool are part of this set on offense. Man, Claypool is a good looking athlete.

Rep 3: Quenton Nelson vs. Elijah Taylor

Here’s what happened: A preseason All-American offensive lineman worked over a defensive tackle who’s never played in a game. Surprise level: zero

Here’s what’s interesting: The word on Nelson is already getting out and will continue to get out this season. While Nelson’s weight has been listed by Notre Dame at 325 pounds, the backstory is Nelson was up to 342 pounds last year, got down to 322 and returned to campus in June at 312. He’s in phenomenal shape.

Rep 4: Cole Luke pass breakup

Here’s what happened: Notre Dame’s only experienced cornerback breaks through the outside shoulder of Miles Boykin to break up a pass from DeShone Kizer.

Here’s what’s interesting: Luke is a veteran and Boykin has never played, so big edge in the dark arts of hand play to Luke, getting into Boykin at the top of the route to help him get back to the ball before the sophomore can. Still, Boykin is 6-foot-4 and thick, so he should be able to muscle out Luke for the ball. That probably comes with experience. Not sure if the ball is on point from Kizer. It’s hard to know when either of the quarterbacks are working with these young wide outs.

Rep 5: Jerry Tillery beats Sam Mustipher

Here’s what happened: Tilley shows some of his unique flexibility to get through Notre Dame’s presumed starting center.

Here’s what’s interesting: This is the Tillery that Notre Dame needs all season, the engaged, athletic, aggressive version. He’s a tough handle when playing that way. And considering the complete lack of depth at three technique where Elijah Taylor is the backup, the Irish can’t survive on anything less.

Rep 6: Drue Tranquill doing drills

Here’s what happened: Not much. Just Tranquill doing position work.

Here’s what’s interesting: Nothing, really. The Irish need a lot from Tranquill this season and he knows it. There’s a natural leadership with Tranquill here and he knows he can deliver something different to the secondary in that department. He talked Saturday about teaching the younger defensive backs the system, which wasn’t something that got done the past two years by players.

Rep 7: Dexter Williams shows speed

Here’s what happened: Williams apparently got over that stomach bug from Saturday that kept him out of most of the practice. The sophomore looked great in the open field here. And we do mean open field. Was there ever a Mike linebacker on this play?

Here’s what’s interesting: This is the starting offensive line against the second-team defense. Mike McGlinchey is terrorizing Jonathan Bonner. Jarron Jones is completely out of the play. Andrew Trumbetti doesn’t get close. Quenton Nelson and Alex Bars flash on the screen. Te’von Coney can’t get to Williams with that angle. Presumably the Mike linebacker was Josh Barajas, but he doesn’t show up on screen. Not sure if he got wiped out by the offensive line or what happened. Regardless, Williams has a massive hole here and takes advantage. This play is more about the line blocking than the back running. Although man does Williams get low on that cut to his right. That’s a beauty.

Rep 8: Isaac Rochell vs. Mike McGlinchey

Here’s what happened: This is good versus good more than any other rep on the reel. It’s hard to imagine the Irish being able to put two better players against one another anywhere else on the roster. Ultimately, Rochell does well by keeping McGlinchey’s hands out of his chest. Note how McGlinchey’s left hand actually ends up around Rochell’s head. That’s a win for Rochell, even if it’s hard to pick out on full speed tape.

Here’s what’s interesting: Rochell is really good. McGlinchey is really good. But the perception is McGlinchey might be the best player on the team, making a win for Rochell notable. So what’s really interesting is just the fact Rochell wins. McGlinchey surely wins this battle plenty too. Basically, this is a match-up you’d watch over and over and over again in practice if you could. Notre Dame uses the phrase “Iron sharpens iron” around the athletic department. This is a good example.

Rep 9: Chase Claypool makes an acrobatic grab

Here’s what happened: Don’t know if that’s Cole Luke or Ashton White in coverage, but Claypool gets behind the cornerback to make a really nice catch while being interfered with. Impressive.

Here’s what’s interesting: Really want to see more of Claypool during camp because Notre Dame might not have an athlete like him. He toyed with the competition in high school back in Canada. Obviously this is a step up. Can he be a major exception as a freshman receiver who contributes?

I don't even need to go to the premium insiders site, you got me covered. Lol

Keep up the good work.

I did read last night that Todd Lyght (DB coach now) said that Kizer was crazy accurate, but they couldn't get Zaire off the field on 3rd downs because he extends every play with his feet.

There is a swell of people who think Zaire might get the reps against Texas because of his skill set against an athletic D.

 

[TexExSpur]

 

[TexExSpur]

Dinged up Domers:

CB Devin Butler - out for the first 7 games (was likely the top backup CB)
CB Nick Watkins - out at least 4 weeks after surgery on arm (would have been the starter next to Luke Cole)
FS Devin Studstill - day to day with hamstring injury (will likely be their starting FS)
RB Josh Adams - day to day with hamstring injury (starting RB)
NG Daniel Cage - day to day with hamstring injury (top backup at NG and DT)
RB Josh Brent - out 4-5 weeks with foot injury
DT Micah Dew-Treadway - out 8 weeks with broken bone in foot (3rd string DT)

 

[Joe M]

Dinged up Domers:

CB Devin Butler - out for the first 7 games (was likely the top backup CB)
CB Nick Watkins - out at least 4 weeks after surgery on arm (would have been the starter next to Luke Cole)
FS Devin Studstill - day to day with hamstring injury (will likely be their starting FS)
RB Josh Adams - day to day with hamstring injury (starting RB)
NG Daniel Cage - day to day with hamstring injury (top backup at NG and DT)
RB Josh Brent - out 4-5 weeks with foot injury
DT Micah Dew-Treadway - out 8 weeks with broken bone in foot (3rd string DT)

Damn ND's already got themselves quite a list on the IR. Anything noteworthy on injuries from the Texas front?

Minor nitpick: Studstill is a second teamer. Starting safeties are Max Redfield and Drue Tranquill

 

[Joe M]

Any UT fans want to take a stab at listing the 3 position groups that'll be better in 2016 and why, and any position groups you think might take a step back, and why?

 

[TexExSpur]

Damn ND's already got themselves quite a list on the IR. Anything noteworthy on injuries from the Texas front?

Inside WR Lo Joe is dinged up with a hammy, nothing else notable thus far.

 

[oldhorn2]

QB will be better because of better talent and scheme

OL will be better because of better talent and scheme

RB will be better because of better talent and experience.

WR will be better because of better talent, scheme. O line and QB and experience

LB will be better because of experience, LB could be worse because it is thin and injuries could hurt them.

DLine will be better due to depth.

secondary could be remarkably better due to experience and talent.


nothing to it......what else you got?

 

[Joe M]

QB will be better because of better talent and scheme

OL will be better because of better talent and scheme

RB will be better because of better talent and experience.

WR will be better because of better talent, scheme. O line and QB and experience

LB will be better because of experience, LB could be worse because it is thin and injuries could hurt them.

DLine will be better due to depth.

secondary could be remarkably better due to experience and talent.


nothing to it......what else you got?

Comprehensive. Should be a good game.

 

[oldhorn2]

well it SHOULD be a good game, but we will all find out a great deal on that day. Lets all hope for no injuries.

 

[NDAFArly]

All the ND guys with "hamstrings" are fine. They just sat out a practice for precautionary reasons. Just extra rest.
Watkins is the only player who is in the two-deep who might miss. With him it was a minor procedure in his arm & they are hoping he will be back by week 1.
Bulter got passed up by Coleman & Crawford for the nickel spot.
Studstill is behind Redfield.
Brent is 4/5 string RB.

So as of now, no injuries that should impact week 1. Knock on wood.

 

[Joe M]

All the ND guys with "hamstrings" are fine. They just sat out a practice for precautionary reasons. Just extra rest.
Watkins is the only player who is in the two-deep who might miss. With him it was a minor procedure in his arm & they are hoping he will be back by week 1.
Bulter got passed up by Coleman & Crawford for the nickel spot.
Studstill is behind Redfield.
Brent is 4/5 string RB.

So as of now, no injuries that should impact week 1. Knock on wood.

You bite your tongue.

 

[Bwilk55]

You bite your tongue.

New injury to report for the Irish. NDAFarly has a tongue laceration.

 

[TexExSpur]

Our freshmen Center got rolled up on.

 

[NDAFArly]

They are holding out Watkins now. His original date was the opening game, but they dont want to chance it. He might get reps week 2 against Nevada, setting him up for MSU.

Looks like that means a freshman gets to slide into a backup/dime roll for Texas.

 

[LonghornSoldier]

They are holding out Watkins now. His original date was the opening game, but they dont want to chance it. He might get reps week 2 against Nevada, setting him up for MSU.

Looks like that means a freshman gets to slide into a backup/dime roll for Texas.

I smell toast..........

 

[NDAFArly]

I smell toast..........

Good news/Bad news:

The good news is Cole Luke is finally performing like the low5 star recruit he was at DB.
Shaun Crawford will start & has looked good even though just a sophomore (high4/low5 star).
Redfield is performing like the 5 star (second in nation) at S everyone thought.
Studstill is a gem, (was only a 3 star) probably going to play reps in the secondary.
Morgan looks great (5 star) so far at LB.

Bad news is losing the few upperclassman on the team in Watkins & Butler.
Even though Vaughn is a solid 4 star recruit in the secondary, he will be forced to play a lot of reps as a true freshman. Same for Love.
ND was going to be 7-8 deep in the secondary, now probably only 5 deep. Not ideal against a spread.

Silver lining.
But at least we are replacing starters with solid 4/5 star recruits. A few years ago the backups were all walk-ons. Not good.

But it's big time football, so ND just needs to suck it up.

 

[TheDecker]

Good news/Bad news:

The good news is Cole Luke is finally performing like the low5 star recruit he was at DB.
Shaun Crawford will start & has looked good even though just a sophomore (high4/low5 star).
Redfield is performing like the 5 star (second in nation) at S everyone thought.
Studstill is a gem, (was only a 3 star) probably going to play reps in the secondary.
Morgan looks great (5 star) so far at LB.

Bad news is losing the few upperclassman on the team in Watkins & Butler.
Even though Vaughn is a solid 4 star recruit in the secondary, he will be forced to play a lot of reps as a true freshman. Same for Love.
ND was going to be 7-8 deep in the secondary, now probably only 5 deep. Not ideal against a spread.

Silver lining.
But at least we are replacing starters with solid 4/5 star recruits. A few years ago the backups were all walk-ons. Not good.

But it's big time football, so ND just needs to suck it up.

You're basically forgetting the 2 players that are actually likely to win the #3 CB job....Nick Coleman and/or Ashton White.

Either one of them is likely to win the LCB spot over Vaughn, though they'll only "start" in the nickel set. In 2 CB sets Crawford will likely start.

So no True Frosh will likely play at DB, at least with how it looks right now.
(Unless a Frosh beats out a sophomore or junior)

 

[NDAFArly]

You're basically forgetting the 2 players that are actually likely to win the #3 CB job....Nick Coleman and/or Ashton White.

Either one of them is likely to win the LCB spot over Vaughn, though they'll only "start" in the nickel set. In 2 CB sets Crawford will likely start.

So no True Frosh will likely play at DB, at least with how it looks right now.
(Unless a Frosh beats out a sophomore or junior)

I didn't mention Coleman because he wasn't a good news/bad news situation. He is what he is. A 3 star recruit who will play because of injury.
On 247 the insiders said with the injuries to Watkins & Butler, they expect either Vaughn or Love (ever who wins out) to get snaps week 1 when ND goes into a coverage package.

I brought up Luke, Redfield & Morgan because they were big recruits who are finally showing the eliteness many expected.

 

[TheDecker]

I didn't mention Coleman because he wasn't a good news/bad news situation. He is what he is. A 3 star recruit who will play because of injury.
On 247 the insiders said with the injuries to Watkins & Butler, they expect either Vaughn or Love (ever who wins out) to get snaps week 1 when ND goes into a coverage package.

I brought up Luke, Redfield & Morgan because they were big recruits who are finally showing the eliteness many expected.

I don't read much 247, becuAse they do a poor job of reporting, most of the time.

According to all reports and videos, Coleman and White have had the strongest camps so far for new CBs, after Crawford (Watkins was never in camp).

Coleman was running with the 1s for today's schrimmage

So not mentioning them in favor of Frosh that they're VERY likely to start over...is foolish

In fact, it belies a lack of basic knowledge on the state of the team/roster

 

[NDAFArly]

I don't read much 247, becuAse they do a poor job of reporting, most of the time.

According to all reports and videos, Coleman and White have had the strongest camps so far for new CBs, after Crawford (Watkins was never in camp).

Coleman was running with the 1s for today's schrimmage

So not mentioning them in favor of Frosh that they're VERY likely to start over...is foolish

In fact, it belies a lack of basic knowledge on the state of the team/roster

What?

Do you understand the conversation that was happening & the point of my post?

It was discussing the bright spots, which includes having 4/5 stars as backups, even if they are young, as oppose to have lower level backups.

Do you see anywhere in my post that says a freshman will start? I clearly speak of them as backups. Go read the post.

As for 247, I read Evan Sharpley, the former ND QB, who used to work with Todd Lyght, & now speaks with him daily. So I guess the actual defensive backs' coach is wrong?

I have a very good knowledge of the roster. You obviously do not have a basic knowledge of the English language since you think I said that a freshman was starting in the secondary.

In fact, you try to correct me by saying if ND goes to a 2 CB set Crawford will start. Read my second sentence, that says "Shaun Crawford will start and has looked good."

And don't ever post again until you can show everyone on here where I said a freshmen was starting at DB & how I didn't clearly state that Crawford was starting.

 

[LonghornSoldier]

What?

Do you understand the conversation that was happening & the point of my post?

It was discussing the bright spots, which includes having 4/5 stars as backups, even if they are young, as oppose to have lower level backups.

Do you see anywhere in my post that says a freshman will start? I clearly speak of them as backups. Go read the post.

As for 247, I read Evan Sharpley, the former ND QB, who used to work with Todd Lyght, & now speaks with him daily. So I guess the actual defensive backs' coach is wrong?

I have a very good knowledge of the roster. You obviously do not have a basic knowledge of the English language since you think I said that a freshman was starting in the secondary.

In fact, you try to correct me by saying if ND goes to a 2 CB set Crawford will start. Read my second sentence, that says "Shaun Crawford will start and has looked good."

And don't ever post again until you can show everyone on here where I said a freshmen was starting at DB & how I didn't clearly state that Crawford was starting.

SMFH... it is good to see you think Decker is an idiot too.. lol. He always seems to want to pull a Donny from the Big Lebowski.... jumping in to a conversation with no undersanding or reference in regards to what is being discussed.

 

[NDAFArly]

SMFH... it is good to see you think Decker is an idiot too.. lol. He always seems to want to pull a Donny from the Big Lebowski.... jumping in to a conversation with no undersanding or reference in regards to what is being discussed.

I usually stay out of his discussions with Texas fans because it's not my business. But now he jumps in & tells me (a ND season ticket holder) I have no knowledge of ND's roster?

Then he says things that are just lies, which you can clearly refer to my post (I mean it's clearly documented above) to see I clearly state Crawford is a starter & the freshmen are backups.

But he will come back soon trying to change facts & concentrate on something else, like Sharpley, Lyght, 247 etc...

Won't acknowledge the facts of what I said.

Typical ND fan who ruins it for the rest of us.

 

[TexExSpur]

Lmao

 

[TheDecker]

Lol. @NDAFArly

I like your little internet tough guy routine....but no, you said exactly what I said you did, and it was foolish.

I quote:
"Silver lining. But at least we are replacing starters with solid 4/5 star recruits."

Whoever replaces a starter is the new starter, that's just the way football (and the English language) work.

So again, to correct you, it looks like it will likely be Coleman and/or White that will be the 3rd CB and "start" on the outside when we go to Nickle.

The next time you think about using your internet tough guy routine...you may want to actually be right.

Lol

 

[TheDecker]

I usually stay out of his discussions with Texas fans because it's not my business. But now he jumps in & tells me (a ND season ticket holder) I have no knowledge of ND's roster?

Then he says things that are just lies, which you can clearly refer to my post (I mean it's clearly documented above) to see I clearly state Crawford is a starter & the freshmen are backups.

But he will come back soon trying to change facts & concentrate on something else, like Sharpley, Lyght, 247 etc...

Won't acknowledge the facts of what I said.

Typical ND fan who ruins it for the rest of us.

Lolololol

That didn't work out too well for you, did it.

Sad to see ND fans spreading such misinformation

 

[NDAFArly]

Lol. @NDAFArly

I like your little internet tough guy routine....but no, you said exactly what I said you did, and it was foolish.

I quote:
"Silver lining. But at least we are replacing starters with solid 4/5 star recruits."

Whoever replaces a starter is the new starter, that's just the way football (and the English language) work.

So again, to correct you, it looks like it will likely be Coleman and/or White that will be the 3rd CB and "start" on the outside when we go to Nickle.

The next time you think about using your internet tough guy routine...you may want to actually be right.

Lol

You are such an idiot.

The conversation was about injuries. So the point was when a starter, like Luke & Crawford,Coleman etc in nickel/dime get hurt, we have 4/5 star recruits to fill in. Did I state the phrase "4/5 star FRESHMEN recruits?
Lol.... Nope!!!!! Hahaha

Nowhere, absolutely nowhere did I call the freshmen a starter.

Right now, show me where I said "Love & Vaughn will start."
Show me where I said 4/5 star FRESHMEN recruits?
Show me where I didn't clearly state Crawford is a starter?

You can't.

Lol.
Idiot.
No one wants you here.

 

[NDAFArly]

Lolololol

That didn't work out too well for you, did it.

Sad to see ND fans spreading such misinformation

You just lost again.

Answer the above post.

Ooooooops. You can't.

Man, you live a life where you lie on Internet boards, & can't even do that well.

Give it up man. (Not life, keep living, just posting).

 

[TheDecker]

I usually stay out of his discussions with Texas fans because it's not my business. But now he jumps in & tells me (a ND season ticket holder) I have no knowledge of ND's roster?

Then he says things that are just lies, which you can clearly refer to my post (I mean it's clearly documented above) to see I clearly state Crawford is a starter & the freshmen are backups.

But he will come back soon trying to change facts & concentrate on something else, like Sharpley, Lyght, 247 etc...

Won't acknowledge the facts of what I said.

Typical ND fan who ruins it for the rest of us.

You are such an idiot.

The conversation was about injuries. So the point was when a starter, like Luke & Crawford,Coleman etc in nickel/dime get hurt, we have 4/5 star recruits to fill in. Did I state the phrase "4/5 star FRESHMEN recruits?
Lol.... Nope!!!!! Hahaha

Nowhere, absolutely nowhere did I call the freshmen a starter.

Right now, show me where I said "Love & Vaughn will start."
Show me where I said 4/5 star FRESHMEN recruits?
Show me where I didn't clearly state Crawford is a starter?

You can't.

Lol.
Idiot.
No one wants you here.

You're saying how "4*/5* recruits wil replace the injured starters" and you don't think that means you're saying they'll start??

No on cares what you want when you're that stupid.

You were wrong, got called on it, and that's all there is to it.

Now go crawl back to the free board.

 

[TheDecker]

You just lost again.

Answer the above post.

Ooooooops. You can't.

Man, you live a life where you lie on Internet boards, & can't even do that well.

Give it up man. (Not life, keep living, just posting).

My flattening of your stupid has been absolute.

Where as you avoid quoting what I say, I show exactly what you that was so FANTASTICALLY stupid, note why it was wrong, and allow you the chance to save face.

It's quite sad you've joined the temper tantrum brigade.

 

[swVAHorn]

My flattening of your stupid has been absolute.

Where as you avoid quoting what I say, I show exactly what you that was so FANTASTICALLY stupid, note why it was wrong, and allow you the chance to save face.

It's quite sad you've joined the temper tantrum brigade.

You are one ignorant human being. Leave. Go. Away. From. Here.