JotCast | Notre Dame Football LIve Chat

Notre Dame Football LIve Chat

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Eric Hansen

1:53

Also laziness and also because it's hard to quantify. How do you measure Hainsey's excellence unless you watch hours of film and/or talk to Jeff Quinn? And then every other lineman? Speaking of Quinn, he was available for the first time 9and probably the last) during camp on Wednesday, He called Hainsey "the most technically sound player I've ever coached." Eichenberg did get some love from Dan Brugler of The Athletic. He has him listed as the No. 4 draft-eligible offensive tackle in all of college football this year.

Phil from Chicago

1:46

I have seen a lot of preseason love for Tommy Kramer by national media, but very little for Eichenberg and Hainsey. I get that a big part of the Tommy Kramer love is the national media being lazy, but why aren't the others (who could be high draft picks) being talked about more?

Eric Hansen

1:45

He's got the leg to do so. He's stronger physically than the past couple of seasons. Jonathan still has to clear the mental hurdle of executing that in games ... and yes, even on kickoffs.

Jon, Mishawaka IN

1:45

Hi Eric, Do you think Doerer, barring bad weather, consistently get touch-backs on the Kick Off

Eric Hansen

1:44

Julian Love was really good at it. I think I've seen some stretches in practices where the CBs excel in that area, but it's very, very difficult to win those when it involves Chase Claypool playing WR.

Joe from Georgia

1:43

Would you agree that making plays on the ball in the air/winning more 50/50 balls has been an obvious DB improvement under Lyght's tutelage? Has that trend accelerated since Clemson?

Eric Hansen

1:43

Jeff, not for the 2020 class, which is almost full. There are two DBs set to visit for the Sept. 28 game with Virginia: Ramon Henderson -- 6-2, 183 from Bakersfield, Calif., and Collin Gamble -- 5-10, 185 from Argyle, Texas. Absolutely, flips are possible. No previous Kelly class at ND has fewer than two flipped recruits in it.

Jeff from Phoenix

1:39

Hi Eric. Regarding recruiting, will most recruiting visits revolve around the USC weekend? Can you name ~2 recruits that are still in play and would be great fits (I assume primarily at safety/corner), ...any recruit flips possible?

Eric Hansen

1:35

The more talent you have, the greater margin of error you have, but it's not just about talent, it's about fit and player development as well. Aaron Lynch wasn't at fit at ND back in 2011, so was it worth bringing him in for a year? And remember the star system is an inexact science. Hamilton was a three-star prospect for a long time.

Nick from Coldwater, OH

1:33

Eric, I'm stoked to hear about the potential that Hamilton has for us as a Freshman, after reading up on recruiting do we need to have 4-5 of those caliber players to compete with Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State ect…?

Eric Hansen

1:33

I think Crawford earned that. Vaughn and TaRiq Bracy are in the mix as well. Vaughn has also taken reps at boundary CB.

Guest

1:32

Eric, it sounded like Crawford was lined up with the 1s at CB due to Vaughn coming off injury?

Eric Hansen

1:31

Warren, thanks. This will be an oversimplified version. All three linebackers in ND's scheme play in space more and have to be at least adequate in coverage. Big 250-pound downhill LBS won't exist in this scheme. The middle linebacker plays in the most-congested space. He generally also makes the defensive calls. The buck plays on the weak side of the formation, so on the side where there isn't a tight end lined up in general. Similar run and pass responsibilities to the MLB, but with more space to cover. The rover generally plays in the strong side, where the tight end lines up. He may end up covering the right end or a slot receiver. He man rush the passer. He must be strong in his run fits. he plays in space more than the other two.

Warren

1:28

Layton, Ut Eric-great job. How about a little Football 101? Educate me re the linebacker positions -the latest vesion. What are responsibilities, abilities, who plays where, etc. Thanx.

Eric Hansen

1:27

Michael, it's hard to know which ones you want to hear about besides Ajavon. I don't know which ones aren't being talked about. Remember, some positions lend themselves to more opportunities than others. For example, Isiaiah Foskey at DE is really good, but there isn't a lot of opportunity at the moment for him.

You mentioned S Litchfield Ajavon. I don't see him getting high-leverage snaps at safety this year. He tackles well (and hard). I think you'll see him a lot on special teams. Coverage is where his area of potential growth exists as this stage.

Michael from Chicago

1:24

Any positive updates on the other freshman that aren’t as widely talked about (Ajavon, etc.)?

Eric Hansen

1:24

The gong show of seven contestants has been pared to two -- incumbent Chris Finke and sophomore Lawrence Keys III. The Irish ranked 56th nationally at 9.8 per return on 20 returns last season. ND values ball security above all else on punt returns and the Irish were turnover-free in that area. Minnesota led the nation at 22.2 per return on 12 returns. CFP teams Alabama and Oklahoma were about 5 yards better than ND on returns, Clemson a couple of yards worse.

I could see modest gains in this year's return game, but I don't think ND will be elite in that area.

Scott from Charlotte

1:17

Any chance we can be dynamic on punt returns this year? And if so, who’s the guy?

Eric Hansen

1:16

RC, Kory's comments surprised me a bit too. I used to hear them often, fairly or unfairly, during the Charlie Weis regime. Reggie Brooks has been an asset in the Kelly Era of keeping most alums feeling included. Maybe Kory slipped through the cracks. Great guy, and definitely worth rectifying that situation.

You and I kind of look at the Griffin situation similarly, But Crawford has looked good wherever they plug him in. I think you'll see Crawford play safety, nickel and corner this season. On Wednesday, he was lined up as the No. 1 field CB during 11-on11 and 7-on-7 periods.

RC from Albany, NY

1:12

Hi Eric - I hope that you are well. I really enjoyed the last couple of podcasts with the former players. Kory Minor's comments about ND not doing enough to reach out to former players was very interesting. You have covered several ND head coaches - do you agree with Kory's perspective? In your opinion has Kelly made less of an effort to foster a culture that actively engages former players? I would think that this would be a valuable tool to help in recruiting - as well as promoting positive 'traits' with the players currently on the roster. Second question for you - I have been scratching my head that Griffith has been taking reps at corner while Crawford has been at safety. Given the promise Griffith showed at safety last preseason and Crawford's strong play at nickel & corner in prior seasons, do you expect them to switch positions anytime soon?

Eric Hansen

1:09

Theo Riddick.

Matt from St. Louis MO

1:08

Eric, Which previous ND running back does Kyren’s style/ability most remind you of?

Eric Hansen

1:08

Thank you. Hasn't crossed my mind.

Henry from Stockton

1:08

Hi Eric. Good to be back. Still enjoying your reporting! Don't think of retiring!

Eric Hansen

1:08

No, he's still competing for it. He had a quad injury that limited his contact periods in practice.

Henry from Stockton

1:07

1) Vaugh seems to have disappeared. Is he out of contention for a starting CB?

Eric Hansen

1:07

I think this offense has a quarterback who will have a higher efficiency rating. The offensive line collectively is very good. Kmet is a better TE option than anyone on the 2015 team. The slot and boundary receivers are much better than 2015's. ... As far as the food questions, shoot me an email, and I'd be happy to share (ehansen@sbtinfo.com).

1:04

Stephen, thanks for the kind words AND the interest in beer brats! To your football question. I think you're thinking about 2015 and not 2016 when you're talking about best Kelly offenses. Actually, the 2017 numbers are a little better than 2015, notably in scoring, red-zone offense and turnovers lost. What it lacked was balance, and that came back to bite ND in the games when it really needed to throw the ball.

As for the 2015 strengths, you had three future first-round draft picks starting on the O-Line (Nelson, Stanley, McGlinchey), a second-rounder (Nick Martin) and a guy who would have played in the NFL (Steve Elmer) had he not chosen a business career.

You had an elite WR, first-rounder Will Fuller, who could stretch a defense and open the other offensive options up with his speed. You had a multi-dimensional quarterback with a good efficiency rating.

Stephen from Toledo OH

12:50

Hey Eric! I gotta tell ya I’m a huge fan of your writing and info on NDFB! I got 2 questions for you. First question is more of a comparison between Book and Kisers offenses. I believe it was the 2016 season with Kiser under center that had probably the best Kelly offense to date. I keep hearing how this offense has the potential to be Kelly’s best. Comparing the two what is it that you think is the key parts that will be better and a few that fall short. Second question is can you please share your beer brat recipe lol you seem to know good with the taco bars and all the best bbq spots around the county so I gotta try these brats! Thanks again and go Irish!

Eric Hansen

12:49

The confidence has grown tremendously in both the past couple of weeks. Now, games are different than practices. Justin Yoon told us this week on the Pod of Gold Podcast that one of the most difficult kicks of his career was a 38-yarder in a 38-3 game. ... because it was his first in a game situation. .. I'll agree with the coaches. Doerer and Bramblett have improved a lot during trainiing camp. Harrison Leonard, too. That kid can punt, too.

Tim, Franklin Park NJ

12:46

How much confidence does the coaching staff have in Jay Bramblett and Jonathan Doerer? If they are struggling, do you expect Brian Kelly to be more aggressive and go for it more on 4th downs as a result?

Eric Hansen

12:45

If Jafar Armstrong goes injury-free, I think it has the potential to be surprisingly good. If he misses a large stretch of the season, I think it will be slightly below average. The depth is good, but Armstrong is key.

Jake from Carlisle KY

12:44

Hey Eric, how solid do you believe our running game will be this year ??

Eric Hansen

12:44

I think you'll see a rotation of five guys inside, but my educated guess at the starters are Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (rover), Asmar Bilal (buck) and Drew White (middle).

Brian- Detroit

12:43

Who will be the starters at LB against Louisville?

Eric Hansen

12:42

The Irish started going to scout or demo teams for the first time on camp on Wednesday, to work against the No. 1 and 2 units. Kevin Austin is getting work on the scout team against the No. 1 and 2 defenses. That's pretty consistent with previous players who started the season with university-imposed suspensions.

Mike, Cincinnati OH

12:41

Eric, I am assuming no news is bad news here.. but any update on Kevin Austin status.. Is he getting practice reps?

Eric Hansen

12:40

Having had a son who broke his collarbone playing football, as a dad I wanted to blame the defender, but it was really about how my son landed awkwardly. I think the same holds true having watched both the Kmet and Young injuries happen live. They were both on 1-on-1 drills. Both involved diving catches. I can't remember the defender on the Young play, but I didn't see anything that would cause me to blame the defensive player for either injury. Gilman didn't cause Kmet to land awkwardly. He did land on him, but not in the shoulder area to my recollection.

Kaz from Grand Rapids

12:37

Hi Eric: About a week ago BK said that, though Claypool and Pride were competing at a high level during practice, they were careful not to hurt the other guy--"they keep the other guy up". So when it came to Kmet getting hurt when Gilman landed on Kmet, was Gilman too aggressive in his coverage? And I don't think we ever heard just how Young was hurt. Was the defensive back involved in the injury? From the outset I didn't like how Kmet was injured, and especially feel this way after hearing BK's comments re Claypool and Pride. Your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

12:36

Thanks, Stan of Stancakes fame. Book has a natural quick delivery, which is accentuated by his quick decision-making and extensive knowledge of the offense. Jurkovec is a longer-lever guy at 6-5, but I've noticed a better comfort level in his game with each passing week, including his delivery. Haven't watched Clark that much. He looks like a guy trying to find his way. If I were grading him, I'd give him an incomplete, which is expected.

Connecting…

Message History

On Off

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Eric Hansen hosts a chat