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Eric Hansen

12:45

I think it depends what his role is. Some other candidates would be C Colin Grunhard and CB Temitope Agoro.

Steve from St. Louis

12:43

Does Allen’s scholarship go to Leonard now?

Eric Hansen

12:43

Do I get Miss Cleo's 900-line revenue if I do that? It's going to be difficult to beat Book's standard. There is so little film on Buchner, because of injury. And a year ago, I probably would have said Jurkovec. I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say Buchner edging out Book.

Justin from SB

12:41

Eric, put on your Miss Cleo hat and look into the future of the Notre Dame quarterback position. Knowing who we have now and coming in (Book, Jerkovec, Clark, Pyne, and Buchner) who do you project as the QB who will have the most success in their time at ND? I feel like this question is just as much about the other weapons in the offense as it is about the QB. Love me some Ian Book but whoever wins the job when Chris Tyree and Jordan Johnson are here should have a field day.

Eric Hansen

12:41

I think he'll get strong challenges from TaRiq Bracy and Shaun Crawford. Bracy has a really good day last Saturday. I'm eager to see the two of them play this Saturday.

Kyle from Orlando FL

12:40

Eric - thanks for the chats!! What’s your confidence level that Vaughn holds down the starting cb position?

Eric Hansen

12:39

All those times were recorded at the NFL Combine, ND Pro Day or both. ... For the record, Troy Pride Jr., was recorded at 4.32 seconds this past spring as timed by the coaching/strength staff.

Will Fuller WR 4.32 2016
Darrin Walls CB 4.39/4.42 2011
Bennett Jackson CB 4.40/4.51^ 2014
Golden Tate WR 4.42 2010
Miles Boykin WR 4.42 2019
KeiVarae Russell CB 4.43 2016

12:38

Megat, thanks for the question. Ever is a long time, but I'm confident at least when it comes to documented speed, Rocket is the fastest. Of the players who have completed their eligibility in the Kelly Era, here are the six fastest:

Megat Muzaffar, Malaysia

12:34

Hi Eric, who is the fastest Notre Dame player ever? Was Raghib Ismail faster than Troy Pride?

Eric Hansen

12:30

By surprise, I'm assuming you mean someone who hasn't fully emerged yet. In that light, I'll go with RB Kyren Williams in a reserve role and DT Jayson Ademilola on defense. My breakout players are C Jarrett Patterson and rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but they've already emerged,so they're no longer surprises.

Cliff from Battle Creek

12:27

Who's your pick for biggest surprise player on offense and defense?

Eric Hansen

12:27

Why wouldn't you start your starters, both of whom are senior captains -- Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott? What have they done to deserve a demotion? What a terrible message to send to your team. Kyle Hamilton is good enough to carve out a key role and EARN it. He doesn't have to start to make an impact this season.

Bob Rader

12:26

Will Kyle Hamilton start at safety against Louisville? Isn't that the perfect game to test a freshman?

Eric Hansen

12:25

Steve, thanks. I think Jay Bramblett does look more comfortable, more consistent and stronger than he did in the spring. His hang time is good. His distance is acceptable. Kelly thinks the bright lights won't bother him, and I wouldn't argue with that. Tyler Newsome had a stronger leg. I'm eager to see how good Barmblett is with placement. Newsome's weakness was not being able to pin opponents inside the 10. As far as the place-kickers, it looks like Harrison Leonard is being tutored on getting the ball up quicker and with a higher trajectory, so expect some growing pains with that. The hope is those clear up before the season starts. Jonathan Doerer looks more fundamentally sound than before, but we won't know if that's lasting until he does it in actual games. Overall, I see progress, but I see ND going for it on fourth down more this year.

Steve from Pittsburgh, PA

12:20

Eric- I hope you're well and enjoying what's left of your summer! One of if not the biggest area of concern for me heading into the season was special teams, specifically the punter and placekicker. It's never easy replacing two highly experienced veterans and Jay and Jonathan's questionable spring did nothing to quell these concerns. Coach Kelly has had a lot of positive things to say about their development so far during camp. What is your independent analysis? Is there reason for optimism as coach suggests?

Eric Hansen

12:19

I don't think the staff would have gone either of those directions. You have two very strong starters and Studstill wasn't a schematic fit once VanGorder left, even though he was a good teammate. The only thing that might have changed is wither looking at someone like WR Cam Hart as a backup or auditioning one of the corners, perhaps Houston Griffith.

Michael from Chicago

12:17

If Derrick Allen’s decision to transfer had happened in the spring or summer do you think ND would have encouraged someone to stay that departed (e.g. Studstill) or taken a grad transfer?

Eric Hansen

12:16

I do not see a national championship contender when I watch practice at this juncture. I do see elements of one. The good news is I see a team capable of pushing toward a higher ceiling. The tricky part is how much and how soon? I don't think wide receiver is a concern, provided Chase Claypool stays healthy. And this team needs good luck with health at most position groups. The cornerback situation is starting to look more promising. My biggest questions remain with the linebackers and special teams, and to a lesser extent how the starting interior linemen will hold up.

12:12

Stan, if you aren't an agent already will you be mine?

Stan from Chester

12:11

If you haven't won the national sportswriter of the year award, there is no justice. Thanks for your insight. Now that you have had more visits to practice, do you see the team coming together into one that can be expected to compete for the NC, or are there still areas of concern, IE linebacker and wide receivers?

Eric Hansen

Let's get to the questions.

12:11

Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN with your questions. 40-time is optional.

12:10

A full transcript will be available at ndinsider.com later this afternoon.

12:09

These are the rules.