tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72811564318489505362024-03-05T23:07:42.918-08:00SHAMROCK EXPRESSAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-76004505965045493472012-07-02T22:26:00.002-07:002012-07-04T22:24:32.557-07:00Odds stacked against Notre Dame in 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/416/559/129994566_crop_650x440.jpg?1319644636" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/416/559/129994566_crop_650x440.jpg?1319644636" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012: A season full of uncertainty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once the 2012 Notre Dame football season wraps up in Southern California in late November, it is not inconceivable that the Fighting Irish will have faced the Heisman Trophy winner, Matt Barkley or Landry Jones or Denard Robinson, AND the two teams contesting the BCS championship, Oklahoma and USC!<br />
<br />
Such is the daunting task ahead of Notre Dame this season, with yet another ultra tough schedule, it is fair to say that Las Vegas are more than generous with their 50/1 price on Brian Kelly lifting the coaches trophy in Miami in January 2013.<br />
<br />
Without doing any research while typing this piece, I'd hazard a guess that only two of the 2012 opponents that the Irish will face never made it to a Bowl game in 2011......Navy & Wake Forest.<br />
<br />
Notre Dame does not have the luxury of taking on the minnows of the college football world like the BiG 10 out of conference schedules..........Fact: Notre Dame does <b>NOT</b> play any FCS programs.<br />
<br />
The 2012 schedule is regarded by many <a href="http://www.fbschedules.com/2012/06/phil-steele-2012-college-football-strength-of-schedule-rankings/">experts</a> as the nations toughest.<br />
<br />
If you are an ABND (anyone but Notre Dame) fan, then drop the hating temporarily and go pick out the cupcakes from this lot:<br />
<br />
<b>Home Games:</b> BYU, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Stanford, Wake Forest
<br />
<b>Away Games:</b> Boston College, Michigan State, Oklahoma, USC
<br />
<b>Neutral Site Games:</b> Navy (Ireland), Miami (FL) (Chicago)
<br />
<br />
Navy (in Ireland) ?<br />
The Middies have won 24 games the past three seasons, and have been the best service academy team over the past 10 years by a country mile. Not to mention that the Irish might be led by a redshirt freshman in Everett Golson.<br />
<br />
Purdue?<br />
They won seven games last season and made it to a bowl game.<br />
<br />
Boston College?<br />
They put the wind up the Irish last season and are always up for a good ole religious brawl. They also managed to beat NC State and Miami, no slouches there.<br />
<br />
Wake Forest?<br />
Ask Florida State about the Demon Deacons. FSU have been on the losing end in four of the past six times in which they have met.<br />
<br />
That is the "potential" cupcakes taken care of, the remainder will more than likely all grace the Top 10-15 in the polls at some stage of the season.<br />
<br />
Yes, it is a daunting task ahead for Brian Kelly to get the Fighting Irish to a BCS bowl, and if the schedule was not enough.....you have the issues surrounding the starting QB, the inexperience of the secondary that face the top three QB's in the nation, the need for an emergence of a deep threat at the wideout position.<br />
<br />
It's difficult for the most passionate of Irish fans to realistically look at a BCS bid giving the gargantuan task outlined above, but this stage, I'll take the Beno Cook line from last season......if Notre Dame get out of September unblemished......then look out!<br />
<br />
<em>Jason is owner and author of <a href="http://godcountrynotredame.me/">godcountrynotredame.me</a> and writes for both <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find Jason on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-7300133575862878432012-06-26T17:03:00.001-07:002012-06-27T16:13:19.164-07:00Finally college football has a playoff system beginning in 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.moviespad.com/photos/bcs-championship-trophy-f8901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.moviespad.com/photos/bcs-championship-trophy-f8901.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
It is a done deal people!<br />
<br />
We will have a playoff system in College Football.<br />
<br />
The presidential oversight committee met in Washington on Tuesday to BCS commissioners' plan for a four-team playoff system which will begin in 2014 and run for an estimated 10 years.<br />
<br />
The TV package deal has yet to be finalized, but it is expected to be worth in the region of $5 Billion in revenue over the lifetime of the contract.<br />
<br />
Fan's of college football have been crying out to the footballing heavens shortly after the inception of the BCS system in 1998.<br />
<br />
Controversy flourished in the current BCS system in an attempt to match the number #1 and number #2 ranked teams in the country.<br />
<br />
In 2001, for example, Oregon, second ranked in the AP poll, was bypassed in favor of Nebraska despite Nebraska's loss in its final regular season game to the University of Colorado by a score of 62-36.<br />
<br />
In 2003, USC was not included in the BCS Championship Game, but beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl and ended up #1 in the Associated Press final poll.<br />
<br />
The following season, in 2004, undefeated Auburn University, Boise State University and University of Utah teams were left out of the National Championship Game (the FedEx Orange Bowl), although those teams were undefeated as well.<br />
<br />
In 2008, the University of Utah was excluded from the BCS championship for a second time despite being the only undefeated Division I-A team at the end of the season and finished second behind 13–1 Florida.<br />
<br />
In 2009, five schools finished the regular season undefeated: Alabama, Texas, Cincinnati, Texas Christian University, and Boise State; however, the BCS selected traditional powers Alabama and Texas to participate in the BCS National Championship Game as they were the top two teams in the BCS rankings.<br />
<br />
It was the end of the 2009 season that served as the catalyst in having the powers that be eventually concede to the fact that the BCS solution was flawed and they had to come up with a way to put a fairer and more transparent way to determine the #1 team in the nation.<br />
<br />
Not only did the fans voice their discontent with the current BCS selection process, but the controversy had even reached congress. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch asked President Barrack Obama for a probe of the BCS, stating that the postseason selections process violated antitrust law.<br />
<br />
President Obama had said at the time he favored a playoff series, as undefeated teams such as the University of Utah, Boise State University and Texas Christian University recently weren’t able to qualify under the BCS system to play for the national title
<br />
<br />
The proposed system will make such
controversies a lot less frequent......but not impossible. Should five teams remain undefeated, just like the 2009 BCS standings, then we would be faced with similar controversies.<br />
<br />
Instead of matching the nation's #1 and #2 teams in a BCS championship game after the regular season, the new format will have two national semifinals where #1 will play #4, and #2 will play #3.<br />
<br />
">The sites of those games will rotate among the four current BCS games - Rose, Orange, Fiesta and Sugar with two more bowls that have yet to be determined.<br />
<br />
The winner of both semi-finals will contest the National Championship game.
<br />
<br />
"<b>By making this change we felt we could enhance the regular season but at the same time provide the fans with the kind of postseason that will contribute to the regular season</b>" SEC commissioner Mike Slive said.
<br />
<br />
<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-35261419985890261962012-06-26T03:23:00.000-07:002012-06-26T03:23:05.570-07:00Brian Kelly allows Tommy Rees to workout with team<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media2.wishtv.com//photo/2012/05/03/tommy-Rees_20120503120707_320_240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.wishtv.com//photo/2012/05/03/tommy-Rees_20120503120707_320_240.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rees cleared for workouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to Eric Hanson of the South Bend Tribune, Notre Dame head football coach Brian Kelly is allowing 2011 starting Notre Dame QB Tommy Rees to participate in summer workouts with the football team.<br />
<br />
Rees and fellow team mate Carlo Calabrese were arrested on May 3rd after an off campus party got out of hand which resulted the arrest of the Fighting Irish players.<br />
<br />
Many Fighting Irish fans feel that as a result of the arrest, Rees, should be discharged from his starting role as QB.<br />
<br />
Brian Kelly had indicated prior to the annual Blue and Gold game that the QB position was wide open between Rees, Andrew Hendrix, Everett Golson and true freshman Gunner Kiel.<br />
<br />
"They (Rees & Calabrese) are cleared to stay in school. They've been cleared from me to participate in all workouts," Kelly said.<br />
<br />
"When all of these things come together, we're not going to wait a long time. We're going to try to get this thing to the point where we know exactly where they are. We want to move and get all of this done."<br />
<br />
Rees is to attend a hearing in St. Joseph County court July 17 to address two counts of resisting arrest and one count each of underage drinking and battery, while Calabrese is to appear in court on Aug. 20th for one count of intimidating a law enforcement officer.<br />
<br />
<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-5232042318703464232012-06-22T02:18:00.000-07:002012-06-27T16:16:23.835-07:00Notre Dame's Swarbrick announces new BCS playoff format.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.170100!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.170100!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All 11 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference commissioners stood shoulder-to-shoulder behind Notre Dame Fighting Irish Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, who read the BCS statement from a podium set up in a hotel conference room.<br />
<br />
The statement outlined what many considered to be a foregone conclusion.....a BCS playoff system to determine the college football undisputed National Champions.<br />
<br />
The agreed proposal will be reviewed by conference presidents prior to being presenting to the BCS presidential oversight committee on June 26th.
<br />
It is proposed that the playoffs would be worked into the existing major bowls, thus not extending the season which had been a bone of contention with many. What is not specific is the fact in determining the site of the actual championship after the bowl season.<br />
<br />
A genuine solution to this is to market the championship game in much the same way the NFL does with the Super Bowl, by allowing cities to make a bid for the game and all the economic benefits that go with it.<br />
<br />
"<b>We're very unified. There are issues that have yet to be finalized. There's always devil in the detail, from the model to the selection process, but clearly we've made a lot of progress</b>", Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said.<br />
<br />
Still unclear is how the teams will be selected. Currently the Bowl Championship Series uses a combination of the Harris Interactive Poll, Coaches Poll and computer rankings. This formula is widely regarded as the instigator for a playoff system to begin with......so in my opinion, it more than serve's it's purpose, should it remain.<br />
<br />
Swarbrick refuted comments on Notre Dame's stance with regard to joining the BiG 12.<br />
<br />
"I’ve said all along that there were three important factors for us," Swarbrick said. "One was the resolution of postseason football, which we are closer to. One is a resolution of our media relationship, which we are in the homestretch of.<br />
<br />
"The third is related to the stability of the Big East, which we get more information on every day. In that sense, pieces of that are starting to fall into place, and that will put us in a time and place where we probably take a look at it and decide what we’re doing."<br />
<br />
"Our interest was ensuring we had an opportunity to play ourselves into any championship model, and we do," Swarbrick said. "There’s no obstacle to that for us. If we earn it, we can play in it."<br />
<br />
<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-90104801306143855642012-06-19T06:48:00.000-07:002012-06-27T16:18:46.865-07:00Notre Dame Fighting Irish join.............<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVgS2gXiZwl2DFEa0VJwgZKiboOvoCEcj3tav53dQq3Khvxf2M6IxMJ3n_K0R3wyLyBRjYZ2R_xPZgE698ohldYwObOU2O_k_PRArSeQ_heBvuYeoQsPu6r0U6LCxDxmS3fgnvanW_Tjz/s1600/bcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVgS2gXiZwl2DFEa0VJwgZKiboOvoCEcj3tav53dQq3Khvxf2M6IxMJ3n_K0R3wyLyBRjYZ2R_xPZgE698ohldYwObOU2O_k_PRArSeQ_heBvuYeoQsPu6r0U6LCxDxmS3fgnvanW_Tjz/s1600/bcs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for ND to align with a conference is near</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The days of an Independent college football powerhouse are numbered!<br />
<br />
The BCS lords will meet this week to decide the future of a possible BCS play-off or plus-one game.<br />
<br />
It is a widely accepted opinion that should such a proposal, which seems inevitable and much sought after, be implemented......then it will eventually force the hand of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish sports programs to join a conference to be even considered as a participant in the playoff/plus one format.<br />
<br />
In essence expect the two highest rated teams after the bowl season to play for the BCS national title game. That is not good news if your team happens to reside in the ACC, Big East or for Notre Dame.<br />
<br />
Currently the University of Notre Dame is affiliated with the Big East in all of it's sports programs except football. The Fighting Irish football team have a lucrative TV deal with NBC who have the exclusive rights to show home games until 2015.<br />
<br />
Once the Notre Dame / NBC contract elapses, it is widely envisaged that Notre Dame will establish it's own broadcasting network to showcase it's football and other sports.<br />
<br />
The University of Texas already has it's own <a href="http://espn.go.com/longhornnetwork/">TV network</a> in place with ESPN<a href="http://espn.go.com/longhornnetwork/">.</a>......oh.....and I forgot to mention that Texas is already affiliated with one of these play-off conferences right now.<br />
<br />
Reports published on <a href="http://www.bcsfootball.org/news/story?id=8048736">BCS.org</a> would seem to suggest that an agreement on the proposal is eminent. The conference commissioner's and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, will be presenting the proposal to the BCS presidential oversight committee on June 26th.<br />
<br />
Expect an announcement in early July as to the new format in determining the number one in college football.<br />
<br />
So what does all this mean for the Notre Dame faithful? Well.....it is very simple really, affiliate your football program to play-off conference or get left behind.<br />
<br />
As to where the Fighting Irish end up is still unclear right now. Spectulation amongst ND fans right now tend to lean towards the BiG 12. I'd be agreement on the BiG 12 as it seems the most logical choice and already has agreements in place with schools (Texas) that want to showcase their schools events on their own networks.<br />
<br />
The BiG 12 have also recently entered into a bowl agreement with the SEC, similar to that of the Rose Bowls agreements with B1G & PAC12. The Bowl game will begin in 2014 as both conferences will send their highest ranked representative to a January 1 game, and possibly their respective conference champions if they are NOT involved in the proposed new BCS play-off format.<br />
<br />
Still a lot unclear, but if Notre Dame do take the plunge to the BiG 12, then expect some major names from the ACC to follow suite.<br />
<br />
<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland51.8978719 -8.471087451.8194869 -8.6290159 51.976256899999996 -8.3131589tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-75606841885361465722012-06-16T06:12:00.005-07:002012-06-27T16:22:35.224-07:00GIFT 2012 American Football event in Ireland expected to make a €4.5 million positive impact on the local economy in Dublin and County Meath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.tickets.ie/content/images/artists/150x150/gift-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.tickets.ie/content/images/artists/150x150/gift-2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>DUBLIN, IRELAND</b> - The Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) American football event being organized by Global Football in Dublin and County Meath this summer is expected to have a positive €4.5 million economic impact in Ireland.<br />
<br />
GIFT 2012 will feature 12 high school and college teams from the United States and Canada playing a series of 'Friday Night Lights' double headers at 4pm and 7:30 pm on Friday, August 31 at Donnybrook Stadium and Parnell Park in Dublin and at Pairc Tailteann in Navan, County Meath.<br />
<br />
The competitive regular season games are being held on the eve of the September 1 Navy versus Notre Dame clash at the Aviva Stadium.
The list of games are outlined below:<br />
<br />
<b>College Game: </b><br />
John Carroll (OH) vs. St. Norbert (WI)<br />
<br />
<b>High School Games: </b><br />
ND Prep. (AZ) vs. Father Judge (PA)<br />
ND HS (CA) vs. Hamilton (AZ)<br />
Jesuit College Prep. (TX) vs. Loyola (IL)<br />
Kent School (CT) vs. UK U19 All-Stars (Ireland/UK)<br />
Oak Park (MT) vs. Villanova (ON)<br />
<br />
It is estimated that more than 2,300 visitors associated with the participating schools will arrive in Ireland specifically because of the GIFT 2012 spectacular, and would not be coming to Ireland if not for these games.<br />
<br />
Additional sports fans are expected to attend the games from across Ireland, Europe, the United States and even further afield.
Tickets available at <a href="http://www.tickets.ie/events.aspx/search?s=gift2012">www.tickets.ie/gift2012</a> have been sold to overseas fans from Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Austria and even Australia. Buyers from 13 different American States and 33 towns within Ireland have already bought tickets.<br />
<br />
"First and foremost we are showcasing high school American football at its very best and are providing the experience of a lifetime for the visiting players, coach, families and friends," said Global Football President and former Notre Dame QB Patrick Steenberge.<br />
<br />
"But bringing this many people to Ireland specifically for this event also has a very positive impact in that the money they spend and the investment we make in staging the games benefits local businesses, people and the Irish economy.
"We believe this spending will have a positive impact on the Irish economy, and we hope in particular that local businesses benefit and that GIFT 2012 is able to leave a lasting impression for all the right reasons."<br />
<br />
Global Football has partnered with TodoCast Live Internet Broadcasting to make the games available through pay-per-view and on-demand online platforms.
A package offering all six games live and available on-demand following the GIFT 2012 event will be available through <a href="http://www.globalfootball.com/">www.GlobalFootball.com</a> and <a href="http://www.gift2012.com/">www.GIFT2012.com</a> priced $19.95 and fans will also be able to order games in advance.
<br />
<br />
GIFT 2012 live webcast schedule Friday, August 31:<br />
<br />
4pm local / 11am EST: Kent School (CT) vs. Nat. School of American Football (Ireland/UK), Parnell Park<br />
<br />
4pm local / 11am EST / 10am CST: Oak Park High School (MT) vs. Villanova College (ON), Pairc Tailteann<br />
<br />
7.30pm local / 2.30pm EST / 1.30pm CST: John Carroll University (OH) vs. St Norbert College (WI)<br />
<br />
7.30pm local / 2.30pm EST / 11.30am PST: Notre Dame HS (CA) vs. Hamilton HS (AZ), Parnell Park<br />
<br />
7.30pm local / 2.30pm EST / 11.30am PST: Notre Dame Prep (AZ) vs. Father Judge (PA), Pairc Tailteann
<br />
<br />
The economic impact figure is calculated by measuring payments made by 2,300 travelers visiting for the GIFT event and their anticipated spend while in Ireland, including:<br />
<br />
Spend at stadium concessions<br />
Visitors for the GIFT event will stay at the Citywest Hotel, Saggart; Bewleys, Leopardstown; Bewleys Newlands Cross; Green Isle, Newlands Cross; Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Newlands Cross; Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim; Royal Hotel, Bray and Newgrange Hotel, Navan. source<br />
<br />
<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-3911731099454957162012-06-14T04:57:00.003-07:002012-06-27T16:22:56.023-07:00Fighting Irish Off-Season Woes Continue<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/746/264/134426296_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/746/264/134426296_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collingsworth will miss 2012 season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And the hits keep coming people!<br />
<br />
The University of Notre Dame announced Wednesday that specials teams standout and defensive back Austin Collingsworth will miss between 4 to 6 months due after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.<br />
<br />
Collingsworth, son of former Cincinnati Bengal wide receiver and current NBC play by play analyst Chris Collingsworth, sustained the injury at the annual Blue and Gold game last month and is expected to miss the 2012 season.<br />
<br />
Collingsworth's injury further depletes a Notre Dame secondary that is deemed by many experts as the weakness on the entire football team. The Fighting Irish are extremely thin after losing first round pick Harrison Smith, fifth round pick Robert Blanton and undrafted free agent Gary Gray to the NFL. <br />
<br />
Collingsworth's injury may not send shockwaves around the NCAA, but when you consider that his replacement, most likely Chris Badger, has <b>zero</b> playing time. Couple that with the fact that Notre Dame faces perhaps the top three QB's in the nation next season in Matt Barkley (USC), Landry Jones (OU) and Denard Robinson (UM).<br />
<br />
---------------------------------<br />
<b>Read More:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/sport/cathal_dervan/it-was-fun-while-it-lasted---ireland-will-most-likely-exit-the-european-championships-158868435.html">It was fun while it lasted - ireland will most likely exit the european championships</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/sport/sports-central/new-england-patriots---listing-the-importance-of-each-new-addition-for-the-2012-nfl-regular-season-158935275.html">New England Patriots - listing the importance of each new addition for the 2012 NFL regular season</a><br />
---------------------------------<br />
<br />
Collingsworth's injury is the latest in an off-season of woes that the Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish have had to have dealt with. Highly touted recruited DB Tee Shepherd left the University earlier in the year due to what his father described as "medical" reasons. However, I have been speaking with a very reliable source that Tee's decision was based largely on the academic expectations he faced.<br />
<br />
More woes in April last, Notre Dame freshman All-American DE Aaron Lynch decided to quit the University to move closer to his childhood sweetheart in Florida. He has enrolled in the University of South Florida.<br />
<br />
And who could forget last month's epic saga provided by 2011 starting QB Tommy Rees and linebacker Carlo Calabrese, after both got into trouble with the law after a house party in South Bend which led to Calabrese being charged with intimidation and Rees charged with assault of a law enforcement officer.<br />
<br />
There was some good news of late for the Notre Dame faithful:<br />
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One of the nations top prospects in the country, Jaylon Smith, has committed to the Fighting Irish. Rivals.com ranks Smith as the 4th overall recruit in the country and the #1 outside linebacker.<br />
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The Fighting Irish also took a huge DE in Isacc Rochell from under the noses of the Georgia Bulldogs. Rivals.com ranks Rochell as the #8 strong side defensive end and #88 overall prospect giving Notre Dame three recruits in Rivals’ top 100.<br />
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Record breaking Michael Floyd has signed a lucrative four year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, which will guarantee him $10 million and an option of a fifth season.<br />
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Last but not least, head coach Brian Kelly is said to be recovering well from surgery on a nagging chronic lower back pain caused by a herniated disc, which bothered him for the most part of the 2011 season.<br />
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<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-51567998721073634792012-05-17T07:49:00.000-07:002012-06-27T16:23:57.374-07:00Notre Dame QB Plees NOT guilty to alcohol related charges<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rees spent less than 15 minutes in court</td></tr>
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Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees made a brief appearance in court Thursday morning to plead not guilty to charges stemming from his arrest at a house party on May 3. <br />
<br />
Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees made a brief appearance in court Thursday morning to plead not guilty to charges stemming from his arrest at a house party on May 3.<br />
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The Irish junior faces four misdemeanor charges — minor consumption of alcohol, battery and two counts of resisting law enforcement — after trying to flee from an off-campus party when police arrived.<br />
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Rees, along with four other unidentified males, jumped a fence in the back yard of the Notre Dame Ave. house when police responded to a noise complaint shortly after midnight on May 3. Police caught Rees with the assistance of a taxi cab driver and eventually had to use pepper spray to subdue him.<br />
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The initial police report said Rees kneed the arresting officer in the lower abdomen during the struggle.
Rees appeared in court with George Horn, a South Bend attorney from the firm of Barnes & Thornburg, and one other middle-aged man.<br />
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They did not responded to questions about the case on their way out of the courthouse. Horn could not immediately be reached for comment at his office Thursday.<br />
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Senior linebacker Carlo Calabrese was also scheduled to be in court for his initial hearing for a misdemeanor intimidation charge Thursday. His attorney, Jeffrey J. Stesiak, made the appearance for him.<br />
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“I don’t know why he wasn’t here,” White said. “It happens. It’s not unusual for an attorney come and agree to continue to the case.”
Police arrested Calabrese at the same May 3 party after he allegedly threatened officers while they arrested Rees.<br />
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According to the prosecutor, Calabrese asked Sgt. Dorian Finley if he was a Notre Dame fan. Finley told Calabrese that was irrelevant, to which he responded “that it was relevant and that Officer Finley did not like Notre Dame football by how he was acting toward him and his teammates."<br />
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Calabrese twice told Finley, “My people will get you,” according to the prosecutor’s office and pulled away from other bystanders at the party that attempted to walk him back to the house.<br />
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His status hearing is set for June 21.
A third Notre Dame football player, sophomore wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, ran into alcohol-related trouble last week. Police in Vernon Hills, Ill. cited Daniels and 28 others for underaged drinking at a party early in the morning on May 13. The address in the police report is the same as Daniels’ home address.<br />
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The citation is not a criminal charge, but he will have to appear in court.
“I’m aware of the citation DaVaris received and will be speaking with him about the matter,” Irish coach Brian Kelly said in a statement released Wednesday night. “Any team-related discipline that may be forthcoming will be handled internally."<br />
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All three players are competing for starting jobs on the football field next fall. Rees has started 16 of the last 17 games for Notre Dame at quarterback. Calabrese split time at inside linebacker with fellow senior Dan Fox. Daniels is a candidate to take over the starting wide receiver role for departed senior Michael Floyd.
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<i>Jason writes for <a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/">IrishCentral</a> and <a href="http://www.domersportsreport.blogspot.ie/">domersportsreport</a> You can find him on twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayomahony">@jayomahony</a></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-89551191080663229152012-05-03T03:45:00.002-07:002012-05-03T03:45:19.059-07:00Notre Dame's QB Tommy Rees arrested on campus<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-4fa2415a/turbine/wsbt-notre-dame-quarterback-linebacker-arreste-002/600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-4fa2415a/turbine/wsbt-notre-dame-quarterback-linebacker-arreste-002/600" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images taken shortly after the incident.</td></tr>
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In an article released by WNDU this morning, Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees has been arrested for resisting law enforcement, battery to law enforcement, minor consumption and public intoxication, one of which was a felony charge.</div>
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Rees and teammate Carlo Calabrese were booked into the St. Joseph County jail at 12:35 a.m. Thursday. Calabrese, a linebacker, was arrested for disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.</div>
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Calabrese was released on <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">$150 </span> bond at 3:45 a.m. Rees remains in jail and could remain in custody for up to 48 hours. A judge must decide a bond since Rees is facing a felony charge.</div>
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This is all according to St. Joseph County police spokesperson Sgt. Bill Redman.</div>
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Both players were arrested by South Bend police. They had just completed their junior years at Notre Dame. Wednesday marked the end of finals for the spring semester.</div>
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"The University is aware of this incident and is confident that it will be handled in a prompt and professional manner through the criminal justice system," Notre Dame spokesman Dennis Brown said in a statement. "Internal discipline is handled privately, in accord with our own policies and federal law."</div>
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Rees was the starting QB for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football team last season and is regarded as the front-runner to start for the Fighting Irish for the season opener against the Naval Academy in Dublin, Ireland this September.
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Both Rees <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;">and Calabrese are due back in court May 17.</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-82101122335889224572012-04-29T12:45:00.000-07:002012-04-29T12:45:28.727-07:00Four Notre Dame players taken in NFL draft<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trbimg.com/img-4f99fd3c/turbine/wsbt-20120426-002/600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.trbimg.com/img-4f99fd3c/turbine/wsbt-20120426-002/600" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Floyd</td></tr>
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish added more talent to the NFL professional ranks over the weekend, as four players were selected by teams in the NFL's annual draft.<br />
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Wide receiver Michael Floyd was selected in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th overall pick.<br />
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Safety Harrison Smith, who also went in the first round, was picked 29th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.<br />
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Outside linebacker Darius Fleming and cornerback Robert Blanton also secured places in the camps within the professional ranks of the NFL, as they were selected by the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnestoa Vikings in the 5th round.<br />
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Floyd is Notre Dame's highest drafted player since defensive tackle Bryant Young was the seventh-overall selection by San Francisco in the 1994 and is the first Notre Dame wide receiver to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since Tim Brown in 1988.<br />
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"<i>I could not be happier for Michael and his family,</i>" Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. "<i>I've said many times I have never coached a person as talented as Michael, and his selection tonight shows that. Michael's work ethic and passion for football are unparalleled and fans of the Cardinals will love the productivity he'll bring to Arizona's offense.</i>"<br />
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Floyd is the Notre Dame career record holder for receptions (271), receiving yards (2,686), receiving touchdowns (37), average yards receiving per game (85.7) and games with at least 100 receiving yards (17).
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Floyd is expected to compete for a starting spot in Arizona immediately and will be the perfect compliment to the Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.<br />
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Harrison Smith has an uncanny awareness for zone coverage and is expected to compete right off the bat within the Minnesota secondary. Smith is the earliest Fighting Irish defensive back selected since Jeff Burris was taken with the 27th pick in the 1994 draft by Buffalo.<br />
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"<i>Harrison Smith is one of the best leaders I've ever had on any of my teams,</i>" Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. "<i>He is an intelligent and instinctual player on the field and a true student of the game off the field. He'll be a great fit for Minnesota's defense and I can't wait to watch his long and successful pro career.</i>"<br />
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There was also good news for other Notre Dame players post-draft. Undrafted running back Jonas Gray announced on his Twitter account that he had signed a rookie free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins.<br />
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Gray underwent reconstructive knee surgery in November, after a stellar breakout 2011 season for the Irish.<br />
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Offensive tackle Taylor Dever followed Jones with his announcement he had agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive End Ethan Johnson also agreed to a deal with Kansas City.<br />
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Offensive guard Trevor Robinson, kicker David Ruffer and Gary Gray are among the other undrafted ND players also hoping to catch on as rookie free agents.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-32576448395154772692012-04-22T10:50:00.000-07:002012-04-28T17:47:55.930-07:00Golson leads the way - Notre Dame Blue and Gold game<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2012-04/69521926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2012-04/69521926.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redshirt Freshman Everett Golson</td></tr>
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The question on the lips of every Notre Dame fan across the length and breath of the United States this season is "Who will be our starting QB?". Well if the performance of the QB's at Notre Dames 83rd annual spring game was to be used as a yardstick....pack it up and hand it to Everett Golson.<br />
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The redshirt freshman out of Mertyle Beach SC, led a very impressive campaign which saw Gold triumph over Blue 42-31 in a fine fresh day in South Bend, Indiana.<br />
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Golson was 11-15-0-120 and a brace of scores in front of 31,582 spectators. Coming out of spring camp, the insiders of the South Bend outfit had returning starter Tommy Rees ahead in the QB battle, with Andrew Hendrix at the backup position. With Golson's performance in this game, the Irish fans are chomping at the bit for Kelly to install the best dual threat QB on the roster in time of the Fighting Irish's season opener against Navy on September 1, in Dublin Ireland.<br />
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Entering the game, Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly's focus was on improving the QB position which had accounted for 23 of the 29 Irish Turnovers last season and lead to an appalling turnover ratio of minus 15.<br />
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There was little or no improvement in this department as the Irish turned turned the ball over a total of <b>SIX</b> times. Of course the, this was not the only repeat offender on this day. Game management, a constant hiccup of Brian Kelly and his staff last season, reared it's ugly head again as the Irish were called for delay of game after gaining possession from back to back turnovers.<br />
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It most certainly was not all doom and gloom. The Fighting Irish showed flashes of brilliance from the skill set positions on offense. Aside from the exciting play exhibited by Golson, George Atkinson III carried 15-124 but let two option pitches get away from him. GA3 finished the game with 18 touches for 178 total yards. However, there are some glaring issues with his carrying style in that it he has what I like to refer to as Barberitits<br />
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Tiki Barber (RB ex-NYG) was a great back, but had sever issues in fumbling the ball early in his career because he did not cover it up correctly. After some coaching in the mechanics involved in carrying, he rarely fumbled.
GA3 carries the ball very similar to Barber in his fumbling days. GA3 needs to tuck in his carrying elbow and secure the ball proper to his chest while running. Otherwise it WILL be stripped if he continues to carry it away from his body.<br />
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Both Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood showed some cuts and dukes that would break the ankles of an elephant. All-American tight end Tyler Eiffert was used primarily from the wideout position and looked very impressive against undersized CB's.<br />
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Andrew Hendrix and Tommy Rees had below par days for experienced QB's. Rees still stares down the primary target after the snap and bad things happen when he attempts to extend the play beyond it's design, something he should have learned about from the coaching staff this season.<br />
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Some impressive defensive play was on display also, with Manti T'eo in for only one possesion, LB Ishaq Williams showed some flashes of brilliance at the drop LB position and came up with a pick. DT Sheldon Day showed some very good awareness for a freshman also by batting down several balls at the line of scrimmage.<br />
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Kelly handed the keys over to true freshman Gunner Keil late in the game and the homegrown Indiana native was like a kid possessed in cleats by way of taking on defenders helmet to helmet. I can only pray he grows out of that habit for his own well being.<br />
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Questions still surround the defensive secondary in my opinion. They did not look overly impressive to me in the spring game.....lots of room to improve before the season opener.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Highlights of the Blue & Gold game 2012</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-10298225440050852732012-04-17T10:28:00.000-07:002012-04-17T10:28:25.654-07:00Heavy on hybridsVersatile will be a big buzzword in the Notre Dame recruiting rhetoric for the next 364 days. Talented players will need to be replaced. Gaps in the depth chart will need another layer of caulking to be filled. But, for the most part, positional priorities will give way to athletes that can find their way on to the field in a number of different roles.<br />
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Theo Riddick is paving the way for a slew of running back/slot receivers in the Irish offense.<br />
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Irish coach Brian Kelly divides his recruits into three main categories: skill, power, and big skill. Kelly added only one big skill player to his roster on Wednesday’s national signing day (linebacker Romeo Okwara). The coach said that will not be case a year from now.<br />
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“We really needed to take care of the needs within the program in this second recruiting class,” he said. “I think we all heard last year me talk about the back end and the skill players. Next year’s class will have that versatility element and it will be centered around that big skill.”<br />
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In some places on the field, the move toward versatility is already starting to take place. Seven of the 17 new faces expected on campus by the end of the summer are either running backs or safeties (See list below). Veterans Theo Riddick and Jamoris Slaughter changed those two positions during the final weeks of the 2011 season by adding new ways to utilize their skills. The new roster additions are expected to expand the hybrid roles even further.<br />
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When sophomore Cam Roberson blew out his knee last spring, the running back position looked dangerously thin. Senior Jonas Gray’s knee injury in late November left the Irish staff scrambling for more experience in the backfield again. They turned to Riddick, a running back-turned-receiver, who helped Kelly and his coaches see the relationship between those two positions in their offense.<br />
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Riddick split time in the slot and in the backfield against Stanford and Florida State, and the Irish have stocked up on players who can do the same. Rising sophomore George Atkinson III, USC transfer Amir Carlisle and incoming freshman KeiVarae Russell all have the right tools to shift into a receiver role if needed. To a lesser extent rising senior Cierre Wood and sophomore Cam McDaniel also have the potential to line up in the slot and catch passes. With eight players listed as running backs on the roster, Notre Dame will need to find ways to spread some of that talent to different parts of the field.<br />
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“He can line up as a wide receiver, be an effective tool there, and the next play he can be in the backfield,” Kelly said of the new prototype. “We’re looking at maybe two positions in one as it relates to those players. We can give you some more in-depth understanding of that at a later date.”<br />
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That later date, Kelly hinted, will come when new coaching titles are made public for the revamped staff by the end of next week. The two assistants currently without a specific position group are offensive coaches Tony Alford and Scott Booker. It would make sense that one of the two (likely Alford) will work with both running backs and slot receivers to cement the tie between those two positions. The other coach would be able to keep his focus on the thoroughbred receivers at the W and X positions.<br />
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A Star is Born<br />
Kelly introduced a new name to Notre Dame’s defensive nomenclature Wednesday afternoon. The outside linebacker/defensive back role in which Slaughter excelled late in the season is known as the “star.”<br />
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Incoming freshman Nick Baratti has the versatility Kelly is looking for at the star position.<br />
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Irish defensive backs first started lining up near the line of scrimmage against the military triple options teams in 2010 to corral the pitch man with some speed before he got to the second level. Late this fall, especially against the Seminoles in Orlando, the star became a weapon against the spread offense as well.<br />
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“Teams are spreading out so you have to be a little bit more versatile on the perimeter,” Kelly said Wednesday. “Those safeties have to have the ability in certain instances to come down on the ball as well.”<br />
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Notre Dame signed four safeties to its 2012 class — more than any other position group — many of whom have the mixture of speed and physicality needed to drop back in coverage or stand strong in the box depending on the opponent. One or two of the new safeties may eventually slip outside to help fill voids at cornerback, but others will train to replace Slaughter, a fifth-year senior next fall.<br />
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The most shining example of the versatility Kelly is looking for is Nick Baratti. The 6-2, 200-pound Texas native was named a consensus 5A All-State tight end following his senior season at Klein Oak High School. He also played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety and punter throughout the year.<br />
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“He’s a football player. Here’s a kid who goes into his coach’s office and says coach I’ll play tight end, I’ll play quarterback, let me help the team win. Those are great stories,” Kelly said.<br />
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They are also stories Kelly hopes he will be hearing from his own players often in the coming years.<br />
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Well-stocked Shelves<br />
A list of the Irish roster at running back and safety after signing day.<br />
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George Atkinson III (RB) <br />
Amir Carlisle* (RB) <br />
Will Mahone* (RB) <br />
Cam McDaniel (RB) <br />
Theo Riddick (RB) <br />
Cam Roberson (RB) <br />
KeiVarae Russell* (RB) <br />
Cierre Wood (RB)<br />
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Chris Badger* (S) <br />
Nick Baratti* (S) <br />
Austin Collinsworth (S) <br />
Eilar Hardy* (S) <br />
Dan McCarthy** (S) <br />
Zeke Motta (S) <br />
C.J. Prosise* (S) <br />
Elijah Shumate* (S) <br />
Jamoris Slaughter** (S) <br />
John Turner* (S)<br />
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* = New Additions in 2012 <br />
** = Eligible for a fifth year in 2012Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-5328360940658650692012-02-11T05:41:00.000-08:002012-02-11T05:41:06.739-08:00NFL team eyeball Notre Dame assistant coach. Kelly announces changes to coaching staff for 2012.It was an eventful Friday at Notre Dames press conference. Head coach Brian Kelly announced his coaching changes to the media, but it was the news that had been swirling around South Bend all week about the NFL's Green Bay Packers approach Kelly and Notre Dame about the availability of assistant coach Tony Alford, that grabbed most of the attention. The Packers have recently hired Tom Clements as their offensive co-ordinator. <br />
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Clements played for the Irish where he was the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame football team from 1972 to 1974 and led the team to a national championship in 1973. He also served on the Notre Dame coaching staff as quarterbacks coach under head coach Lou Holtz from 1992-1995. <br />
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In the press conference on Friday at the Gug, Alford had the following to say about the interest shown by the 2011 World Champions:<br />
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“I foresee myself as a college football coach. Today, right now, that’s what I foresee myself doing. And I don’t want that to sound like it’s cryptic, meaning maybe tomorrow, I am coaching at the University of Notre Dame. … I enjoy the guys I work with. I feel good where I’m at.”<br />
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Alford went on to say, “My heart tells me this is where I’m supposed to be,” he said. “Can I put my finger on why? No. But this is where I’m supposed to be right now.”<br />
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Friday also saw head coach Brian Kelly shuffle his coaching staff for 2012. Perhaps the most notable move was Chuck Martin moving from defense to serve as offensive coordinator and coach the quarterbacks. The aforementioned Alford will continue to coach the running backs but will also be involved with passing game by way of coaching the slot receivers. Alford will also hold the tittle of recruiting co-ordinator.<br />
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Special teams will be headed up by Scott Booker, but each assistant coach will have an area to direct on special teams.<br />
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New additions to the coaching staff include Harry Hiestand who was hired from Tennessee as offensive line coach and serve as running game coordinator, while Bob Elliott, who was hired from Iowa State, will coach the safeties.<br />
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<b><u>2012 Notre Dame Football Coaching Staff</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b>Brian Kelly</b> - Head Coach<br />
<b>Bob Diaco</b> - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers<br />
<b>Kerry Cooks</b> - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks<br />
<b>Chuck Martin</b> - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks<br />
<b>Tony Alford</b> - Running Backs and Slot Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator<br />
<b>Scott Booker</b> - Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator<br />
<b>Mike Denbrock</b> - Outside Wide Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator<br />
<b>Bob Elliott</b> - Safeties<br />
<b>Mike Elston</b> - Defensive Line<br />
<b>Harry Hiestand</b> - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator<br />
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Below is the full press conference:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DffGL-uhDeM" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-65389239238314697722012-02-09T03:02:00.000-08:002012-02-09T03:02:14.620-08:00Fighting Irish running back Jonas Gray invited to NFL Combine<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jonas+Gray+Notre+Dame+v+Pittsburgh+2x44xmImSxVl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Jonas+Gray+Notre+Dame+v+Pittsburgh+2x44xmImSxVl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonas Gray's 79yd TD vs Pitt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Fighting Irish running back, Jonas Gray, has been invited to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. Graywill join fellow Fighting Irish players DB Robert Blanton, OL Taylor Dever, LB Darius Fleming, WR Michael Floyd and DB Harrison Smith, to showcase their talents to the NFL experts.<br />
<br />
But it is Gray's invitation alone that has so many Notre Dame fans relieved. Last season Jonas Gray had a breakthrough year in the Irish backfield along with fellow senior to be running back Cierre Wood. Both players combined for almost 1,900 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns between them.<br />
<br />
Known as the "comedian" on the Fighting Irish team in 2011, Gray got his 2011 season off to an auspicious start against the University of South Florida. On the opening drive the Irish marched down the field and faced a 1st & Goal on the Bulls 3 yard line. Gray took the ball over left tackle and was stripped by the Bulls defense. The pigskin was recovered by USF's Kayvon Webster who ran 96 yards down the sideline for the games opening drive.<br />
<br />
After a sit down heart-to-heart talk with Brian Kelly, Gray went on to have one of the finest comeback seasons in recent Notre Dame history. Gray ended the season with 114 carries for 812, whopping 6.9 yards per carry, and ended the season with a team leading 12 touchdowns, tying him for ninth on the school's all-time single-season list. The highlight of his season cam against a close win over Pittsburgh in which Gray scampered for a 79 yard TD run. He also scored 3 TD's against the Navy Midshipmen.<br />
<br />
Grays season would come to a dramatic end though. Playing against a very tough Boston College side, Gray took a dump off in the left flat from QB Tommy Rees for a 3 yard gain. He would leave the game with a season ending torn ACL in his knee.<br />
<br />
The pain on his face and tears in his eyes on the sideline were evident for everyone to see that his injury had ended his breakout year and could possibly hamper his future expectations of turning pro in 2012. Thankfully, those expectations are still very much alive.<br />
<br />
The selected Notre Dame players will have the opportunity to show off their raw talents to the professional scouts and coaches on February 22 – 28, 2012.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-11794712470993575902012-02-08T12:36:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:36:50.810-08:00Fighting Irish New Additions 2012: Justin Ferguson -VIDEO-<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b26169e201538e3fb744970b-pi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b26169e201538e3fb744970b-pi" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Ferguso</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is the thirdof a 17 part series on the 2012 recruit class, the second under head coach Brian Kelly. We will look at each recruit, their strengths, weaknesses, and how soon we should see an impact on the field.<br />
<br />
This week we will focus on Wide Receiver Justin Ferguson<br />
<br />
<b>Height</b>: 6-foot-2.<br />
<b>Weight</b>: 205 pounds.<br />
<b>High School:</b> Flangan, Pembroke Pines, Fla.<br />
<b>40-Yard Dash:</b> 4.5 seconds.<br />
<b>Bench Press (Max):</b> 280 pounds.<br />
<b>Senior Stats:</b> 40 receptions, 950 yards, 10 touchdowns.<br />
<b>Other Finalists:</b> When it was all said and done it came down to Florida and Notre Dame.<br />
<b>One Word To Describe Coach Kelly:</b> That's hard.<br />
<b>The Moment I Knew I Wanted To Be Irish:</b> After visiting.<br />
<b>The Lasting Impression Notre Dame's 2011 Season Had On Me: </b>Successful. Even through adversity and losses, they kept on pushing and they didn't let the losses affect them. They came out and played hard every day, every down. I felt like it was a team that never gave up.<br />
<br />
<b>Bio</b><br />
Rated as number-85 player nationally and 14th-best wide receiver in the country on 2012 ESPNU 150 list . . . listed as 19th-best player in Florida and 41st-ranked prospect in Southeast by ESPNU . . . rated number-127 player nationally and 15th-best wide receiver in his class by MaxPreps and Tom Lemming . . . listed as 41st-best player in Florida by SuperPrep . . . member of the Florida Top 100 as selected by Orlando Sentinel . . . standout wide receiver at Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla. . . . helped Flanagan to 6-4 record in 2011 while grabbing 29 passes for 527 yards and nine touchdowns . . . made four catches for 213 yards in 33-30 win over Western, including TD receptions for 58 and 99 yards . . . caught 44 passes for 953 yards and 12 TDs as junior in 2010 . . . first-team all-Broward County pick by both Miami Herald and Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel in 2010 . . . selected for USA Football U-19 team that played against World team in Austin, Texas, Feb. 1, 2012 . . . played in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix . . . coached by Don Simon at Flanagan High School.<br />
<br />
<b>Brian Kelly on Justin Ferguson</b><br />
"As we talked about addressing the wide receiver position, Justin Ferguson out of Pembroke Pines, for us, a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. He can make things happen. He's physical, strong, but more importantly what we like about it is the yards after catch."<br />
<br />
"He has great front line speed, but the things he does with the football after the catch were probably the things that attracted us the most to him. A skilled player, but, again, yards after catch, the ability to break into the second level and separate himself. He's got the ability to be that big play wide receiver, guy that can catch it and go. Again, one of the top wide receivers in the country."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OHVSGs1CDU8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-622305422840790912012-02-08T07:18:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:34:40.169-08:00Fighting Irish New Additions 2012: Sheldon Day - VIDEO -<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Gallery/253342/253355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Gallery/253342/253355.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheldon Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is the second of a 17 part series on the 2012 recruit class, the second under head coach Brian Kelly. We will look at each recruit, their strengths, weaknesses, and how soon we should see an impact on the field.<br />
<br />
This week we will focus on DL Sheldon Day<br />
<br />
<b>Height</b>: 6-foot-2.<br />
<b>Weight</b>: 286 pounds.<br />
<b>High School:</b> Warren Central, Indianapolis.<br />
<b>40-Yard Dash:</b> The last time I ran it for real, it was a 4.95<br />
<b>Bench Press (Max):</b> 325 pounds.<br />
<b>Senior Stats</b>: Had 67 tackles, including nine sacks and 14 tackles for loss.<br />
<b>Other Finalists:</b> Michigan, Auburn, LSU and a couple of Big Ten schools.<br />
<b>One Word To Describe Coach Kelly:</b> Exciting.<br />
<b>The Moment I Knew I Wanted To Be Irish:</b> When I visited.<br />
<b>The Lasting Impression Notre Dame's 2011 Season Had On Me: </b>Defense played great.<br />
<br />
<b>Bio</b><br />
Second- team selection on SI.com High School All-America team . . . ranked the sixth-best defensive tackle in the country and 50th-best player in his class by Scout.com . . . rated 81st nationally on 247Sports list of top prospects . . . considered 10th-best defensive tackle in the nation and second- best player in Indiana by 247Sports . . . rated number-143 player nationally on 2012 ESPNU 150 list . . . listed as second-best player in Indiana, 12th-best prospect in the Midwest and 14th-best defensive tackle in his class by ESPNU . . . rated number-121 player nationally and eighth-best defensive tackle in his class by MaxPreps and Tom Lemming . . . listed 244th nationally on Rivals.com Rivals250 . . . ranked third-best player in Indiana and 18th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com . . . rated 24th-best defensive lineman nationally and 12th-best player in Midwest by SuperPrep . . . named Indianapolis Star Super Team Player of the Year for 2011 . . . runner-up for 2011 Indiana Mr. Football award as chosen by Indiana Football Coaches Association . . . one of eight defensive linemen on IFCA Top 50 all-state squad in both 2011 and 2010 . . . first-team defensive lineman on Associated Press Indiana Class 5A all-state squad for 2011 . . . starter on defensive line for Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind. . . . made 55 tackles, 12 for loss, nine sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, two fumble recoveries as senior in 2011 . . . named Marion County Coaches' Player of the Year at Indianapolis Kiwanis Club's 55th Annual High School Awards program for 2011 . . . first-team defensive lineman on all-Marion County team . . . helped Warren Central to 11-1 record and number-one ranking in 2011, with only loss in sectional final to eventual Indiana 5A champion Carmel . . . played in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix . . . honorable mention AP all-state pick as junior in 2010 . . . coached by John Hart at Warren Central High School . . . born July 1, 1994 . . . enrolled at Notre Dame for 2012 spring semester.<br />
<br />
<b>Brian Kelly on Sheldon Day.</b><br />
"The thing we love about him is not only his personality and who he is, but incredible motor, a great work ethic, he is already here and we have gotten comments back from our strength and conditioning staff and Coach Longo about his work volume and his work ethic and enthusiasm for what he is doing. He's a dynamic player, one of the best defensive linemen in the country, and he will immediately, like all of our freshmen, be expected to come in and complete right away."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/K172GZK8fF4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-3522569360416275052012-02-08T06:58:00.000-08:002012-02-08T12:37:10.619-08:00Fighting Irish New Additions 2012: KeiVarae Russell :- VIDEO<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2011/12/29/2017121105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2011/12/29/2017121105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KeiVarae Russell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is the first of a 17 part series on the 2012 recruit class, the second under head coach Brian Kelly. We will look at each recruit, their strengths, weaknesses, and how soon we should see an impact on the field.<br />
<br />
This week we will focus on RB/DB KeiVarae Russell.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Running Back</b><br />
<b>Height</b>: 6-foot.<br />
<b>Weight</b>: 170 pounds.<br />
<b>High School:</b> Mariner, Everett, Wash.<br />
<b>40-Yard Dash</b>: 4.45 seconds<br />
<b>Bench Press (Max):</b> 265 pounds.<br />
<b>Senior Stats:</b> 1,293 yards rushing and 15 TDs. (Missed three games.)<br />
<b>Other Finalists:</b> Cal, USC and Washington.<br />
<b>One Word To Describe Coach Kelly:</b> Realist.<br />
<b>The Moment I Knew I Wanted To Be Irish: </b>Probably a month before I committed, once I found out they had the 98 percent graduation rate and all the opportunities and benefits from graduating from Notre Dame.<br />
The Lasting Impression Notre Dame's 2011 Season Had On Me: It showed me that we had a lot of improvement and it showed that I could fit into the offense.<br />
<br />
<b>Bio</b><br />
Listed 122nd player nationally on 247Sports chart of top prospects . . . ranked the fifth-best all-purpose back in the nation and third-best player from Washington by 247Sports . . . rated 124th on Rivals.com Rivals250 list . . . listed as ninth-best athlete in the nation and third-best player in Washington by Rivals.com . . . rated number-138 player nationally and 12th-best tailback in his class by MaxPreps and Tom Lemming . . . rated 12th nationally among running backs and fourth-best player in Washington by SuperPrep . . . listed 207th nationally on Scout.com Scout 300 rankings . . . named to Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 list as one of the 100 best players in 13 western U.S. states . . . first-team 2011 Washington Class 4A all-state running back by Associated Press . . . gained 1,293 rushing yards on 177 attempts with 14 touchdowns as senior in 2011 despite missing three games due to injury . . . also caught five passes n 2011 for 69 yards and one TD and completed all three of his passes for 58 yards and another TD . . . first-team all- area running back by Everett Herald - and finished second in voting for all-area offensive player of the year . . . standout running back at Mariner High School in Everett, Wash. . . . rushed 30 times for 284 yards and four TDs in 28-24 win over Mount Vernon in second game of 2011 season . . . accounted for 1,850 rushing yards on 288 carries with 20 TDs as junior in 2010 . . . rushed 159 times for 1,232 yards and 14 TDs as sophomore in 2009, to go with five catches for 120 yards and two TDs . . . also played defensive back as a sophomore, making 25 tackles and three interceptions . . . carried 36 times as freshman for 182 yards and two TDs in 2008 . . . selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio . . . coached by John Ondriezek at Mariner High School . . . born Oct. 19, 1993. <br />
<br />
<b>ESPN Recruiting Expert Tom Lemming</b><br />
"Special K shows the ability to become a big-time ball player at RB, FS, or CB. His football IQ is very high, catches the ball well coming out of the backfield, and has proven to be a well rounded RB. He possesses a brilliant burst and excellent speed. For proof just watch the first game on his highlight tape in which he had 22 carries for 281 yds and 5 TDs. When he's on, he's on. Once he finds the crease, he's a threat to go the distance. A good cutback runner who seems to see the hole before it develops."<br />
<br />
<b>Brian Kelly on KeiVarae Russell</b><br />
"I think the first thing that hit me when recruiting KeiVarae is his personality, always positive, always talking about the future and what he hopes to accomplish. I love being around young men that have a plan, have an understanding of what their future looks like and how Notre Dame can best help him get there. Always has a smile on his face, always upbeat and, again, he's an outstanding player or we wouldn't be recruiting him. The playing ability fits that profile that we're looking for at the running back position, he lined up in the All Star game as a wide receiver, he can play wide receiver, he can play the running back position and also can be a specialist for us, so he is a guy that has the ability to do a lot of jobs for us, if you will"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8C-6WDNtghU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-89869113193748140882012-02-06T09:45:00.000-08:002012-02-06T09:49:51.654-08:00Notre Dame's Justin Tuck lights up NFL playboy Tom Brady and New England to win his second Super Bowl ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/images/apimages/APTOPIX_Super_Bowl_Football.sff-8d74c1a1-8bf0-41a4-a8cd-eda2ab036a7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://www.baynews9.com/images/apimages/APTOPIX_Super_Bowl_Football.sff-8d74c1a1-8bf0-41a4-a8cd-eda2ab036a7c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of two sacks by Irish legend Tuck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Eli Manning walked to the podium on Sunday night safe in the mind that his accomplishment had solidified his standing as an ELITE Quarterback in the National Football League. What seemed to have gotten lost in the mayhem of the final aftermath was that former Notre Dame player Justin Tuck played as important a role (worthy of MVP recognition) in Eli's and the New York Giants 21-17 upset of the New England Patriots.<br />
<br />
Born 29th March 1983, Justin Tuck played high school football in Alabama at Central Coosa County. He played Defensive End and Tight End in high school and recorded 492 tackles with 37 sacks, 26 forced fumbles, and 17 fumble recoveries.<br />
<br />
Tuck signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Notre Dame in 2001 and redshirted his freshman season with the Fighting Irish. His first sack came in his Sophomore season against Michigan State.<br />
<br />
Nicknamed "<i>The Freak</i>" by his teammates for his raw athleticism, Tuck holds several defensive records at Notre Dame. Topping the previous record mark of 22.5 sacks by Kory Minor, Tuck finished his Notre Dame career with 24.5 sacks. His career 43 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in a single season are also school records.<br />
<br />
Tuck was signed in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, 74th overall, by the New York Giants. In his rookie season he manly played a backup role to Pro Bowl defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora on the New York Giants depth chart. His first sack came against the Dallas Cowboys.<br />
<br />
Tuck would go onto become an vital cog of the New York Giants defensive line that upset the New England Patriots perfect season in 2007 and again on Sunday night, which saw the Fighting Irish legend hurry and harass NFL playboy Tom Brady. Tuck sacked Brady twice and forced an intentional grounding in the end zone on New England's very first play from scrummage which resulted in a safety for New York.<br />
<br />
In a Super Bowl so reminiscent of the 2007 game, Tuck took over the leadership role on this occasion, much like Michael Strahan did. With :57 seconds remaining in the game, Tuck rallied his defense on the sidelines.<br />
<br />
"I think a lot of guys had their eyes lit up," he said. "I said 'This is what we've been working hard for all year, and we've got 57 seconds left to be world champs."<br />
<br />
Tuck has one more year on his five-year, $30 million contract signed in January 2008. Whenever his career is over with the Giants, he's going to be missed by the organization. He's planted himself firmly in the New York Giants' & Notre Dame Fighting Irish storied annals.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-71072969516074303452012-01-30T08:10:00.000-08:002012-02-07T05:34:28.360-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Specialists<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000HyX_HuPVaPY/s/600/600/Blue-Gold-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000HyX_HuPVaPY/s/600/600/Blue-Gold-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior kicker Nick Tausch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the 13th of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the punters, kickers and long-snappers: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>On the roster</b></u><br />
<b>Specialists departed:</b> K-David Ruffer, H-Ryan Kavanagh<br />
<b>Specialists returning:</b> Sr.-Ben Turk (P, 1), Sr.-Jordan Cowart (LS, 1), 5th-Braxston Cave (SS, 1), Sr.-Nick Tausch (K, 2), Soph.-Kyle Brindza (K/P, 3), Fr.-Scott Daly (LS, 4)<br />
<b>Possible position switch:</b> None<br />
<br />
<u><b>2012 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Committed specialist recruits:</b> Scott Daly<br />
<b>Specialist offers (2011-12):</b> None besides Daly<br />
<b>Specialists on the ND board:</b> None<br />
<br />
<u><b>2013 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Junior specialists verbally committed: </b>None<br />
<b>Junior specialist offers (2012-13):</b> None<br />
<br />
<u><b>Analysis</b></u><br />
The incredible career of David Ruffer, the former walk-on transfer from William & Mary, didn’t have the storybook finish that the start of his career offered. But his consistency throughout the majority of his last 29 games in a Notre Dame uniform was rather remarkable.<br />
<br />
After making the first 23 field-goal attempts of his career - five at the end of 2009 and then the first 18 of 2010 - Ruffer missed his final attempt of the season in the Sun Bowl against Miami, and then struggled out of the gate in 2011. He missed four of his first seven attempts in ’11, made the next seven, and then missed his final two, including a 20-yarder against Stanford and 47-yarder in the first quarter of the Champs Sports Bowl. Still, it was a remarkable story, and his 33-of-40 field goal attempts in his career (.825) will be very difficult for his predecessors to duplicate.<br />
<br />
The duties now fall to the toe of senior-to-be Nick Tausch and sophomore-to-be Kyle Brindza. Lost amidst Ruffer’s incredible run was the fact that Tausch set a Notre Dame record for consecutive field goals (14) during his freshman season before a leg injury opened the door for Ruffer. Despite being “Wally Pipped” by Ruffer, Tausch - who preserved a year of eligibility in 2011 - enters his final two years of eligibility with a career 15-of-18 mark on field goals.<br />
<br />
One of the most improved players on the 2011 roster was punter Ben Turk, who averaged just 38.3 yards per punt through his first two seasons (94 attempts) before bouncing back with a solid junior season. He opened with just a 33.8-yard average through his first nine punts of ’11, but then averaged 41.6 yards per his final 44 attempts of the season.<br />
<br />
Holder Ryan Kavanagh, who played an integral role in Ruffer’s success in 2010-11, must be replaced. Long-snapper Jordan Cowart enters his final season of eligibility with the Irish as incoming freshman Scott Daly waits in the wings. Cowart missed four games in 2011 with a hand injury. Braxston Cave should return to short-snapping duties in the fall after recovering from a season-ending foot injury suffered in the ninth game of the season against Wake Forest.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-57292363894469398822012-01-30T05:45:00.000-08:002012-01-30T05:45:36.660-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Safties<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000cwp_TaCvUuI/s/600/600/Champs-Sports-Bowl-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000cwp_TaCvUuI/s/600/600/Champs-Sports-Bowl-10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamoris Slaughter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the 12th of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the safety prospects: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>On the roster</b></u><br />
<b>Safeties departed: </b>Harrison Smith, Dan McCarthy (could be granted a fifth year)<br />
<b>Safeties returning:</b> 5th-Jamoris Slaughter (1), Sr.-Zeke Motta (1), Jr.-Austin Collinsworth (2), Soph.-Eilar Hardy (4), Fr.-Chris Badger (4), Fr.-Elijah Shumate (4), Fr.-Nicky Baratti (4), Fr.-C.J. Prosise (4), Fr.-John Turner (4)<br />
<b>Possible position switch:</b> Jamoris Slaughter and Eilar Hardy have some cornerback play in their backgrounds, as does incoming freshman John Turner. Slaughter also has a successful track record as a Dog (outside) linebacker.<br />
<br />
<u><b>2012 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Committed safety recruits:</b> Elijah Shumate, Nicky Baratti, C.J. Prosise, John Turner<br />
<b>Safety offers (2011-12): </b>Shaq Thompson (Sacramento, Calif.; Cal commit), Alex Carter (Ashburn, Va.; Stanford commit), Travis Blanks (Tallahassee, Fla.; Clemson commit), Deon Bush (Miami, Fla.; Miami commit), LaDarrell McNeil (Dallas, Texas; Tennessee commit), Jordan Diggs (Cape Coral, Fla.; South Carolina commit), Jarrod Wilson (Akron, Ohio; Michigan commit), Demetrious Cox (Jeannette, Pa.), Reggie Daniels (Chandler, Ariz.; Oregon commit)<br />
Safeties on the ND board: None<br />
<br />
<u><b>2013 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Junior safeties verbally committed: </b>None<br />
<b>Junior safety offers (2012-13):</b> Su'a Cravens (Murrieta, Calif.), Marcell Harris (Groveland, Fla.), Leon McQuay III (Seffner, Fla.), Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Dymonte Thomas (Alliance, Ohio; Michigan commit), Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio), Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Analysis</b></u><br />
With the return of veterans Jamoris Slaughter and Zeke Motta, the development of Austin Collinsworth, the promise of red-shirt freshman Eilar Hardy, four incoming freshmen, and the arrival of Chris Badger this summer, Notre Dame's future at safety looks as promising as it could following the departure of mainstay Harrison Smith.<br />
<br />
Slaughter is an established playmaker, regardless which position he plays, and Motta has a ton of experience. Still, without Smith - who concluded his Notre Dame career with 51 games played, 47 starts, 309 tackles, 18 ½ tackles for loss, 28 passes broken up and seven interceptions - the Irish lose the leader of the operation, a role which now falls on the shoulders of Slaughter (and Motta to a lesser extent).<br />
<br />
Motta is the key man on the last rung of the defense. He concluded his junior campaign with a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the Champs Sports Bowl, and now has 38 games and 16 starts under his belt. Consistency has been an issue at times, which is a concern without Smith to direct traffic.<br />
<br />
Collinsworth would appear to be the next in line at safety, although virtually all of his playing time the last two seasons has been on special teams. He played some dime back for the Irish in 2011, but remains inexperienced as a safety after converting from receiver during his freshman season.<br />
<br />
The Irish could use a healthy spring and fall from Hardy, who preserved a year of eligibility in '11 after suffering a knee injury. Hardy should be ready to go this spring with an opportunity to make a mark at safety. He is a candidate to balance out the depth chart at cornerback, although his best position probably is safety.<br />
<br />
All four true freshman safeties and Badger won't arrive until the summer, so it's difficult to evaluate which of the five might make an impact in 2012. Elijah Shumate appears to be the most physically prepared of the incoming freshman quartet and, for what it is worth, is the highest rated of the group.<br />
<br />
If the Irish have scholarship room when the recruiting campaign wraps up Wednesday (or beyond, depending upon Davonte Neal's timetable), Dan McCarthy could be in line for a fifth year, although virtually all of his previous playing time is on special teams. Chris Salvi, a safety by trade and an extraordinary special teams performer, has indicated that he will return in 2012.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-32123936296201843682012-01-30T05:40:00.000-08:002012-01-30T05:40:52.702-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Cornerbacks<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uhnd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/lo-wood-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://www.uhnd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/lo-wood-full.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lo Wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the 11th of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the cornerback prospects: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>On the roster</b></u><br />
<b>Cornerbacks departed: </b>Robert Blanton, Gary Gray<br />
<b>Cornerbacks returning: </b>Jr.-Lo Wood (2), Jr.-Bennett Jackson (2), Soph.-Josh Atkinson (3), Soph.-Jalen Brown (4), Fr.-Tee Shepard (4)<br />
<b>Possible position switch:</b> Two players listed among the safeties have cornerback experience - fifth-year senior-to-be Jamoris Slaughter and sophomore-to-be Eilar Hardy. Slaughter would figure to be more of a candidate for the Dog linebacker position than a cornerback prospect. He likely is considered too valuable of a strong safety/drop linebacker to isolate at a cornerback position. Hardy missed the 2011 season with a knee injury. Safety probably is his best position, but he arrived at Notre Dame with some cornerback skills. Verbal commitment John Turner, who won't arrive until this summer, is listed as a safety but has a background at cornerback.<br />
<br />
<u><b>2012 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Committed cornerback recruits:</b> Tee Shepard<br />
<b>Cornerback offers (2011-12):</b> Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla.), Ronald Darby (Oxon Hill, Md.), Brian Poole (Bradenton, Fla.; Florida commit), Yuri Wright (Ramsey, N.J.; Colorado commit), Geno Smith (Atlanta, Ga.; Alabama commit), Ishmael Adams (Westlake Village, Calif.; UCLA commit), Donaldven Manning (Miami, Fla.; Virginia Tech commit), Armani Reeves (West Roxbury, Mass.), Terry Richardson (Detroit, Mich.; Michigan commit), Marcus Rios (Elk Grove, Calif.; UCLA commit), La'Darius Newbold (Lancaster, Texas; Texas Tech commit), T.J. Davis (Tallahassee, Fla.; Auburn commit), Will Hines (Waco, Texas; Arkansas commit), Anthony Standifer (Crete, Ill.)<br />
Cornerbacks on the ND board: Ronald Darby, Brian Poole, Marcus Rios, Anthony Standifer<br />
<br />
<u><b>2013 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Junior cornerbacks verbally committed: </b>None<br />
<b>Junior cornerback offers (2012-13):</b> Cameron Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio; Ohio State commit), Kendall Fuller (Olney, Md.), Mackensie Alexander (Immokalee, Fla.; Tennessee commit), Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla.), Eli Woodard (Voorhees, N.J.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Analysis</b></u><br />
The Irish lose two experienced, talented cornerbacks in Robert Blanton and Gary Gray. Blanton played in 50 games, starting 26, while Gray played in 46 games, starting 33.<br />
<br />
While most Irish observers would say that Blanton was a productive cornerback for the Irish with 193 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and eight interceptions, the general impression of his running mate is summed up in two words for some - good riddance - and that's a mistake.<br />
<br />
While Gray certainly had his issues in coverage, particularly in 2011, he was a productive, physical cornerback who did many more positive things than the naked eye revealed. He finished his career with 176 tackles and six interceptions, and stabilized a cornerback corps that was solid if not spectacular during the first two years of the Brian Kelly regime.<br />
<br />
Without Gray and Blanton, the Irish are very short on experience, knowledge of the system and depth at cornerback. The heirs apparent at cornerback are a pair of juniors with two years of eligibility remaining - Lo Wood and Bennett Jackson. Both played sparingly at cornerback in 2011. Wood began the season as the No. 3 cornerback, but that role fell to Jackson by the end of the campaign.<br />
<br />
At 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Wood doesn't have the size that defensive coordinator Bob Diaco typically looks for in a corner. He is, however, the most experienced cornerback on the roster. He turned an opportunity against Maryland into a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown, although he also lost his job on the kick coverage unit after some early-season problems. Jackson has a couple of inches on Wood and has shown his physicality on the kick coverage units, but his experience as a cornerback is considerably less than Wood's.<br />
<br />
Three unknowns enter the picture this spring with sophomores-to-be Josh Atkinson and Jalen Brown competing for playing time with Jackson/Wood, as well as early-entry freshman Tee Shepard. The potential productivity of the two sophomores-to-be is underrated because that's what happens to freshmen that do not make an impact at an offensive or defensive position.<br />
<br />
Atkinson emerged on the kick coverage units while Brown, a notable 6-foot-0 ½, 198 pounds, should provide some physicality at the position after preserving a year of eligibility. At 5-foot-11 ½, 185 pounds, Atkinson has a reputation for physical play.<br />
<br />
Shepard is the shiny new toy to admire, and considering the wide-open nature of the position, he has an excellent opportunity to make an immediate impact, particularly since he'll get his feet wet in the spring. Look for Atkinson and Brown, however, to raise some eyebrows this spring as well.<br />
<br />
Just how much depth the Irish have at cornerback this fall depends greatly upon the handful of cornerbacks still on the board. Brian Poole (Florida commit) and Marcus Rios (UCLA commit) have reaffirmed their pledges in recent days, and Ronald Darby (a Notre Dame de-commit) appears destined for somewhere other than South Bend (probably Florida State). That would leave Anthony Standifer, a physical cornerback who fits the Diaco mold.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-32072930384349576162012-01-30T05:35:00.000-08:002012-01-30T05:35:23.177-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Middle LB<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mantiteo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/manti-teo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://mantiteo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/manti-teo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning All-American MLB Manti Te'o</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the 10th of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the Mike and Will linebackers: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>On the roster</b></u><br />
<b>Inside linebackers departed:</b> Anthony McDonald, David Posluszny<br />
<b>Inside linebackers returning:</b> Sr.-Manti Te'o (1), Sr.-Dan Fox (2), Sr.-Carlo Calabrese (2), Jr.-Kendall Moore (3), Jr.-Justin Utupo (3), Soph.-Anthony Rabasa (4), Soph.-Jarrett Grace (4), Soph.-Joe Schmidt (4)<br />
<b>Possible position switch:</b> If the Irish are looking to balance out the numbers at outside and inside linebacker, two current inside guys that have a background on the outside are junior-to-be Justin Utupo and sophomore-to-be Anthony Rabasa.<br />
<br />
<u><b>2012 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Committed inside linebacker recruits:</b> None<br />
<b>Inside linebacker offers (2011-12):</b> Brian Nance (Euless, Texas; Baylor commit)<br />
<b>Inside linebackers on the ND board: </b>None<br />
<br />
<u><b>2013 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Junior outside linebackers verbally committed:</b> None<br />
<b>Junior outside linebackers offers (2012-13):</b> Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga.; Auburn commit)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Analysis</b></u><br />
Notre Dame didn't actively pursue inside linebackers in this year's recruiting cycle because all eight return for the 2012 season, including standout Manti Te'o, who decided earning his degree and following through with his commitment to the Irish was more important than the money that awaits him on the next level. Te'o followed up his 133-tackle sophomore season with another 128 stops in 2011, including a team-leading 13 ½ tackles for loss and five-and-a-half sacks (No. 2 on the team).<br />
<br />
Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese formed a pretty good one-two punch at the Will linebacker spot for the Irish, combining for 85 tackles. Consistency tackling remains the No. 1 goal with Fox and Calabrese. Both have two years of eligibility remaining and should have their best seasons ahead of them.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see how the pecking order shakes out with the other five inside backers. Junior-to-be Kendall Moore was listed as Te'o's back for most of the season right through the Champs Sports Bowl. He turned some heads with his physicality on special teams. Brian Kelly is on record praising sophomores-to-be Jarrett Grace and Joe Schmidt, the latter a walk-on, during the 2011 season. Grace fits the prototype of a Mike linebacker. Schmidt's lack of size/leverage works against him, particularly in a 3-4 alignment, but he's as a tough kid.<br />
<br />
Another sophomore-to-be, Anthony Rabasa, preserved a year of eligibility in 2011, and then had shoulder surgery in November with the hope of being ready for participation in the spring. Junior-to-be Justin Utupo arrived at Notre Dame as a defensive end/outside linebacker prospect, and then moved inside for the 2011 season. He's still searching for his niche on defense, but was a productive performer on the kick return unit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-18325791498841454612012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:002012-02-01T00:49:12.900-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Outside Linebacker<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Player/303/275884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Player/303/275884.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning OLB Prince Shembo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the ninth of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the Cat and Dog outside linebackers: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>On the roster</b></u><br />
<b>Outside linebackers departed:</b> Darius Fleming, Steve Filer<br />
<b>Outside linebackers returning:</b> Jr.-Prince Shembo (2), Jr.-Danny Spond (2), Soph.-Troy Niklas (3), Soph.-Ishaq Williams (3), Soph.-Ben Councell (4), Fr.-Romeo Okwara (4)<br />
<b>Possible position switch:</b> With seven inside linebackers returning (eight including non-scholarship ILB Joe Schmidt) and what looks like five outside linebackers (Okwara likely will end up at defensive end), there is a chance the staff will try to balance that out by moving one of the inside linebackers outside. Junior-to-be Justin Utupo arrived as an outside linebacker, but seems better suited inside. Sophomore-to-be Anthony Rabasa, who preserved a year of eligibility in 2011, was listed by most as an outside linebacker coming out of high school. He might be a good fit at Cat linebacker where Prince Shembo is expected to shift from the Dog to join sophomore-to-be Ishaq Williams. Although Jamoris Slaughter was a situational Dog linebacker last year and likely will continue in that role at times, he is expected to be a starter at safety.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>2012 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Committed outside linebacker recruits:</b> Romeo Okwara, although he'll likely end up on the defensive line.<br />
<b>OutsIde linebacker offers (2011-12):</b> Noor Davis (Leesburg, Fla.; Stanford commit), James Ross (Orchard Lake, Mich.; Michigan commit), Ken Ekanem (Clifton, Va.), Brian Nance (Euless, Texas; Baylor commit), Reggie Northrup (Jacksonville, Fla.; Miami commit), Jamal Marcus (Durham, N.C.), Joseph Jackson (Jacksonville, Fla; North Carolina commit)<br />
<b>Outside linebackers on the ND board:</b> Ken Ekanem<br />
<br />
<u><b>2013 Targets</b></u><br />
<b>Junior outside linebackers verbally committed:</b> None<br />
<b>Junior outside linebackers offers (2012-13):</b> James Hearns (Tallahassee, Fla.), E.J. Levenberry, Jr. (Woodbridge, Va.), Jaylon Smith (Fort Wayne, Ind.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Analysis</b></u><br />
The Irish seem to have plenty of talented players vying for spots at the Cat and Dog linebackers, but very little experience beyond Prince Shembo, who probably will flip sides this spring from Dog to Cat. That will require a learning curve, although the Cat spot is probably a better position for him over the long haul.<br />
<br />
Whether Shembo emerges as the answer at Cat or not, the Irish need sophomore-to-be Ishaq Williams to begin to flourish like highly touted classmates Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt did at defensive end. Williams saw very limited action last season behind Darius Fleming, but the Irish need him to tap into his immense potential in that 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame. Williams playing at peak effort would be a bear to contain.<br />
<br />
The front-runners for the Dog position are junior-to-be Danny Spond and sophomore-to-be Troy Niklas, although the former never did work his way onto the field at Dog during the 2011 season. In fact, when Prince Shembo missed the Michigan State game due to his father's illness, it was Niklas, not Spond, that started against the Spartans. This should be one of the more interesting battles of the spring, although Niklas' physical gifts would appear to give him the edge.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-39458061385644664012012-01-29T04:04:00.000-08:002012-01-29T04:04:05.886-08:00Fighting Irish Position Analysis: Defensive ends<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width/hash/70/75/70751bbcf77100a617ecb82e73b47c93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_full_width/hash/70/75/70751bbcf77100a617ecb82e73b47c93.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All-American Freshman Aaron Lynch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the eighth of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the defensive ends: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>ON THE ROSTER</u></b><br />
<b>DEFENSIVE ENDS DEPARTED: </b>Ethan Johnson<br />
<br />
<b>DEFENSIVE ENDS RETURNING:</b> 5th-Kapron Lewis-Moore (1), Jr.-Kona Schwenke (2), Soph.-Aaron Lynch (3), Soph.-Stephon Tuitt (3), Soph.-Chase Hounshell (3), Fr.-Jarron Jones (4), Fr.-Romeo Okwara (4)<br />
<br />
<b>POSSIBLE POSITION SWITCH:</b> Junior-to-be Kona Schwenke could be a candidate to help balance the depth chart at nose guard. Although there's been no indication that he'll change positions, sophomore-to-be Chase Hounshell has the frame and improving strength to move inside, particularly if the Irish were to land the Armstead brothers (Armond and Arik) from California. Incoming freshman Jarron Jones could be an interior player, or perhaps even an offensive tackle. Sophomore-to-be Ishaq Williams is needed at Cat linebacker, but he'll also likely line up in a three-point stance at defensive end in certain pass-rushing situations, as will junior-to-be Prince Shembo. Incoming freshman Romeo Okwara also could play outside linebacker for the Irish.<br />
<br />
<b><u>2012 TARGETS</u></b><br />
<b>COMMITTED DEFENSIVE END RECRUITS:</b> Jarron Jones (also listed as a defensive tackle), Romeo Okwara (also listed as an outside linebacker)<br />
<br />
<b>DEFENSIVE END OFFERS (2011-12):</b> Noah Spence (Harrisburg, Pa.; Ohio State commit), Adolphus Washington (Cincinnati, Ohio; Ohio State commit), Tyriq McCord (Tampa, Fla.; Miami commit), Se'von Pittman (Canton, Ohio; Ohio State commit), Ifeadi Odenigbo (Centerville, Ohio; Northwestern commit), Troy Hinds (Kaysville, Utah; BYU commit), Tom Strobel (Mentor, Ohio; Michigan commit), Josh Dawson (Tucker, Ga.; Vanderbilt commit), Kenderius Whitehead (Lithonia, Ga.; N.C. State commit), Alex McCalister (Clemmons, N.C.; Florida commit), Michael Richardson (DeSoto, Texas; Texas A&M commit), Channing Ward (Aberdeen, Miss.; Mississippi commit), Arik Armstead (Elk Grove, Calif.), Javonte Magee (San Antonio, Texas; Baylor commit), Jelani Hamilton (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Miami commit), Michael Starts (Waco, Texas; Texas Tech commit), Michael Moore (Hyattsville, Md.; Virginia commit), Greg McMullen (Akron, Ohio; Nebraska commit), Martin Aiken (Bamberg, S.C.; Clemson commit), Gimel President (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; Auburn commit), Courtnye Wynn (Norfolk. Va.; Virginia commit) <br />
<br />
<b>DEFENSIVE ENDS ON THE ND BOARD:</b> Armond Armstead, Arik Armstead<br />
<br />
<b><u>2013 TARGETS</u></b><br />
<b>JUNIOR DEFENSIVE ENDS VERBALLY COMMITTED: </b>None<br />
<br />
<b>JUNIOR DEFENSIVE END OFFERS (2012-13):</b> Jason Hatcher (Louisville, Ky.), Garrett Sickels (Little Silver, N.J.), Taco Charlton (Pickerington, Ohio), Marcus Farria (Peoria, Ariz.)<br />
<br />
<b><u>ANALYSIS</u></b><br />
What used to be an area of anxiety has become a strength, and could get even stronger if things fall Notre Dame's way down the home stretch of recruiting. Gone is veteran defensive end Ethan Johnson, who had a solid if not spectacular career with the Irish. But everyone else returns with some reinforcements on the way.<br />
<br />
Veteran Kapron Lewis-Moore is expected to return for a fifth-year after losing half of his senior season with a knee injury. He enters his final year of eligibility with 29 career starts, 140 tackles, 13 ½ tackles for loss, six sacks, three fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered. He should be primed for a stellar final season with the Irish come September, and he'll be surrounded some of the top young talent to come to Notre Dame at the defensive end position in quite some time.<br />
<br />
Sophomores-to-be Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt were difference-makers as first-year players for the Irish in 2011, and now that they have some experience under their belts, look for both to really take off.<br />
<br />
Lynch played in 12 games, starting six, and finished with 33 tackles, a team-leading 5 ½ sacks and 14 quarterback hurries, seven tackles for lost yardage, two passes broken up, two passes defensed and a fumble forced. His 14 quarterback hurries were twice as many as the No. 2 man (Darius Fleming) on the defense.<br />
<br />
Sophomore-to-be Chase Hounshell moved past junior-to-be Kona Schwenke on the depth chart during his rookie season in 2011. He saw action in seven games, beginning with Air Force in the sixth week of the season. Schwenke needs a solid spring because Hounshell is an up-and-comer, and Jarron Jones and Romeo Okwara are on their way.<br />
<br />
The Irish have a chance to turn a strength into something even more special if they can land the Armstead brothers - Armond and Arik. The former is a potential transfer from USC and the latter is a defensive end/offensive tackle standout who also could lend a helping hand in the paint for Mike Brey's basketball squad.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7281156431848950536.post-2298624241858710582012-01-29T03:48:00.000-08:002012-01-29T03:48:33.861-08:00Fighting Irish Positional Analysis: Nose guards<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu9-enjBmfCv-aRxCJdyqgiNGB83YaDpTOzXGMHyotMHfl3aLZ40UoHTXfU0IjjeWAJW8fUfusXyJEWXKjLxCdGm2AQt4oc1fMFFVNsyD6gf8fNMijQUy16wWMFJrpepBghjC9bfgmvdA/s1600/louis-nix-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsu9-enjBmfCv-aRxCJdyqgiNGB83YaDpTOzXGMHyotMHfl3aLZ40UoHTXfU0IjjeWAJW8fUfusXyJEWXKjLxCdGm2AQt4oc1fMFFVNsyD6gf8fNMijQUy16wWMFJrpepBghjC9bfgmvdA/s320/louis-nix-full.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louis "Irish Chocolate" Nix III</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the seventh of a 13-part series, looking at each position prior to signing day on Feb. 1, here is a quick rundown of the nose guards: those departed, those still on hand, those recruited, what the future holds among current junior recruits, and what the future holds at the position.<br />
<br />
(Note: The number listed in parenthesis is the years of eligibility remaining and the listing of a player's class is based upon the upcoming 2012 season.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>ON THE ROSTER</u></b><br />
<b>NOSE GUARDS DEPARTED:</b> Sean Cwynar, Hafis Williams, Brandon Newman<br />
<br />
<b>NOSE GUARDS RETURNING:</b> Sr.-Tyler Stockton (2), Jr.-Louis Nix III (3), Soph.-Tony Springmann (4), Fr.-Sheldon Day (4)<br />
<br />
<b>POSSIBLE POSITION SWITCH:</b> There has been some speculation that junior-to-be Kona Schwenke could move from end to the middle. Sophomore-to-be Stephon Tuitt is a defensive end, but he often slides to the middle of the line in pass rush situations. Sophomore-to-be Chase Hounshell has some nose guard/tackle characteristics. Incoming freshman Jarron Jones is a huge body that could help on the interior.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>2012 TARGETS</u></b><br />
<b>COMMITTED NOSE GUARD RECRUITS:</b> Sheldon Day<br />
<br />
<b>NOSE GUARD/DEFENSIVE TACKLE OFFERS (2011-12):</b> Mario Edwards (Denton, Texas; Florida State commit); Eddie Goldman (Washington, D.C.); Tommy Schutt (Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Ohio State commit), Carlos Watkins (Forest City, N.C.; Clemson commit), Korren Kirven (Lynchburg, Va.), Jordan Watkins (College Park, Ga.; Stanford commit), Paul Boyette, Jr. (Humble, Texas; Texas commit) <br />
<br />
<b>NOSE GUARDS ON THE ND BOARD: </b>None<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>2013 TARGETS</u></b><br />
<b>JUNIOR NOSE GUARDS VERBALLY COMMITTED:</b> None<br />
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<b>JUNIOR NOSE GUARD/DEFENSIVE TACKLE OFFERS (2012-13):</b> Jaynard Bostwick (Port Saint Lucie, Fla.), Henry Poggi (Baltimore, Md.), Billy Price (Youngstown, Ohio)<br />
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<b><u>ANALYSIS</u></b><br />
Defensive line coach Mike Elston helped develop a pretty effective one-two punch at nose guard last year with veteran Sean Cwynar opening the season as the starter and Louis Nix III coming off the bench. But a broken hand suffered by Cwynar put Nix III in the starting lineup for the third game of the season against Michigan State, and he answered the bell over the last 11 games of the season. They combined for 68 tackles, including 20 solos, which are pretty impressive numbers coming from the nose.<br />
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It appears that Cwynar will bypass a fifth-year of eligibility after meeting with Brian Kelly shortly after the bowl game. That means the future of the position is in the hands of Nix III, who has three years of eligibility, sophomore-to-be Tony Springmann (four years of eligibility) and Sheldon Day, an incoming freshman who joined classmates Gunner Kiel and Tee Shepard as early enrollees.<br />
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Irish fans may recall Kelly's praise of Springmann during the pre-season when it looked as if Springmann might be part of a three-man rotation at the nose. But Hafis Williams emerged as a capable No. 3 man behind Cwynar and Nix III, and Springmann was able to preserve a year.<br />
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Notre Dame chose to go with Day over Tommy Schutt, a tenacious, proven performer who verbally committed to Ohio State, which tells you quite a bit about what Kelly and his staff think about Day. The margin for error would appear to be pretty slim numbers-wise, but the Irish have options/flexibility with players such as Kona Schwenke and Stephon Tuitt, and perhaps even incoming freshman Jarron Jones, who at 6-foot-7, 308 pounds is a mountain of a young man who could help clog the middle. Jones also could be a pass-rushing force as a three-technique in a four-man front.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13348871739066012278noreply@blogger.com0