JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat April 2, 2021 | 4/2/2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat April 2, 2021

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James from Hermosa Beach

Sorry, I messed up my question earlier. Trying again. So after reading Tyler’s article promoting Liam’s athletic ability then hearing Kelly speak at pro day, is BK just brutally honest for the media? Could this be viewed as head scratching remarks? He said “Those who are going to draft him are going to get a plug-and-play guy on the right side. He’s probably not a left tackle. If you’re talking about that kind of athleticism, you could make the case that maybe he’s not a left tackle.” Why would a coach sabotage his players like that? Maybe I just expected more optimism and positivity on pro day.

1:58

Listening to Brian Kelly’s remarks from Pro Day regarding Liam Eichenberg have me a little confused. He said “Those who are going to draft him are going to get a plug-and-play guy on the right side. He’s probably not a left tackle. If you’re talking about that kind of athleticism, you could make the case that maybe he’s not a left tackle.”

Eric Hansen

1:57

He did struggle late in the season, but had a spectacular 2019 season and start to 2020. He's certainly been in deeper, darker spots than this and worked his way through them. That would be my expectation this time, that he rebounds. If not, walk-on Harrison Leonard and freshman Josh Bryan are waiting in the wings.

Joe Asbury Pk Nj

1:53

Is Doerrer automatically our PK next Fall ? He really struggled late in the season .

Eric Hansen

1:52

Erik, thanks for being here and having a cool first name. I think the biggest reason for optimism is that Jack Coan showed up as the player and leader they thought he was. Another is how players are adapting and learning the new defensive scheme. There's good leadership, good vibes among the players, the opportunity to have the team fully vaccinated before the end of the semester and lots of young, dynamic players. But again, spring is about impressions and not conclusions. So no brake-pumping necessary as long as you accept that and know more work is ahead in the summer.

Erik (Granger, IN)

1:47

Thanks for being here! What have you seen so far from the brief practice clips and from talking to your sources that should make us feel optimistic about the season? Have you seen or heard anything that makes you want to pump the brakes on the bandwagon?

Eric Hansen

1:46

Travis thanks. Remember, you are seeing 180 seconds of each two-hour practice. So contest can be very wonky. We may see the best or worst pass attempt of the day in these videos. ... From what I've heard, Tyler's worked hard on his release before coming to ND in February, has continued to do so and that it is not being viewed as a problem with the coaching staff as this time.

Travis from Newport Kentucky

1:44

Hey Eric Happy Easter to you. Like, you've mentioned, we've only seen small clips of film on the first three practices. I like how accurate both Coan and Pyne seem to be so far and I've seen Justin Walters appear in several clips making plays, so i love that taste of the future. I did notice a slightly off release on Tyler's throw. Specifically on a long ball in practice 2 (i think) I know there was concerns about his release being off at elite 11. Have you heard anything on if they've been working to reform his release even more than he did this offseason?

Eric Hansen

1:43

Hank, thanks for your question. If we are excluding Isaiah Foskey as one of the older guys (and Howard Cross and Jacob Lacey too), I'd put Jordan Botelho at the top of that list. Rylie Mills, Gabriel Rubio ... Devin Aupui if he can make big gains this summer in the weight room. ... I like where Alexander Ehrensberger is headed. I'm just not sure he arrives in 2021, especially with MTA moving out to the big end spot.

Hank from Grand Rapids

1:37

Any thoughts on the younger D Linemen we should be keeping an eye out for? Mills showed flashes last year and I thought Botelho and Alexander Ehrensberger both had their moments. Thanks for this Eric!

Eric Hansen

1:36

Early enrollees have an advantage, getting a start on football and academics early, and especially at certain positions. But if there's an opportunity and/or the player is that advanced, the June arrivals can make their cases for playing time. Among the June arrivals I think will have a chance to get long looks because of those factors are CBs Chance Tucker and JoJo Johnson, safety Khari Gee, WR Deion Colzie and LB Prince Kollie. .. As far as early enrollees who could compete for playing time, I'd still include Tyler Buchner in that mix. Lorenzo Styles Jr. at WR would be high on that list. Also OG Rocco Spindler, CB Philip Riley, maybe DT Gabriel Rubio.

1:28

Surprises in roles? Maybe Blake Fisher starting out at left tackle, though I remember as freshmen Aaron Banks started out as a left tackle and Robert Hainsey as a left guard before they flipflopped and eventually Hainsey moved to the right side (more).

1:27

Nate, Notre Dame stages practice No. 4 of 15 and Saturday and second in pads. Abd to be clear, we've seen 180 seconds of video from each of the first three. I'll have a better sense of the answers you're looking for after we talk to Brian Kelly Saturday. But based on my sources, my expectations and those tiny snippets of video, I'll do my best to answer your questions. NO MAJOR TAKEAWAYS yet. Too early. Remember for coaches, spring practice is more about asking the right questions than finding conclusions at most roster spots. It's about impressions. And it's fluid (more).

Nate from south bend

1:17

There’s obviously only been a few practices but have there been any major takeaways from what you’ve seen (or heard) in these spring practices? Any surprises as far as who’s been playing what roles? Also how much do these practices affect the early enrollees compared to the kids that show up in Summer? Who are a couple true freshman you expect to compete for playing time? Thanks for the chats and the insight.

Eric Hansen

1:17

Ken, Happy Holidays to you as well. In talking with Mike Renner, lead draft analyst for Pro Football Focus, Book's athleticism that he showed at the Pro Day (and on game tape) could be a selling point to teams whose starting QBs have similar athletic traits. So that's a positive. He's still 6 feet tall and doesn't have elite arm strength, so that's what's going to likely keep him in the same draft range (day three, rounds 4-7). Again, I don't want to sell short how well he tested and that CERTAIN teams (not all) will value that.

Ken - Pensacola

1:13

Eric- A "Good Friday" & Happy Easter to you and yours's. Was extremely surprised and very excited to see how well Ian did at Pro Day. Do you think his performance helped him move up some in the upcoming NFL Draft? Thanks & GO IRISH.

Eric Hansen

1:13

Eamonn, thanks for all the kinds words. Your whistle and clipboard are in the mail. ... The interior defensive line right now is stacked with talent and pretty spread out between classes, so there won't be a mass exodus of talent. So there may only be one and probably no more than two takes in the 2022 class. Anthony Lucas from Arizona is probably ND's top target in this cycle. Kurt Hinish's younger brother, Donovan, may end up at ND, especially if the Irish end up taking two interior guys. Defensive end was the bigger and more immediate need in this cycle.

Eamonn from Portland, OR

1:02

Hey Eric! Thanks so much for continuing these chats. I had to laugh a few months ago when a gentleman wrote on here how special they feel when you post our questions....it's true! Anytime you answer one of my questions, I tell everybody that I'm basically part of the program now. Might as well give us a clipboard and whistle. I wanted to ask about interior defensive line under Freeman and 2022 recruiting. How do you see the staff approaching this position in the 2022 class? How might the quantity of interior DL players change under Freeman (if at all)? A lot of the publicly available recruiting headlines seem to show more activity surrounding DEs and I'm wondering if that reflects a philosophy change. It may not, but that's why I'm asking you! Thanks for any insight you can give this Irish fan!

Eric Hansen

1:01

Mario/Jon, Happy Easter to you too, and thanks for the follow-up. I incorrectly assumed your were basing your prediction on nostalgia and the memory of the elder Ron Powlus being the No. 1 prospect in the nation coming out of high school. To put that kind of expectation on Ron Powlus III is unfair as is being totally dismissive of his future because he only had two other FBS scholarship offers. ... I think for him to be the starter next year, he needs to be getting meaningful and plentiful practice reps sooner than later. I would not rule out that RP3 could be a depth chart surprise to some extent down the road, but I think for that timetable, to be 2021 or 2022, doesn't fit where he is right now.

Jon

12:52

Mario from Stafford VA Eric thank you for taking my questions last week. You asked why I thought RP2 would be the starter next year. Size and knowledge, he is 6-3 215 now and will grow. His has a former ND QB & QB coach who has schooled him. Look at Tommy Rees A 3 star kid, other QB's were considered more talented coming out of High School but he won the job in large part to smart decision making. Ian Book was another 3 star recruit with good instincts and decision making. Just looking at the pattern of QBs passed. Thanks again for your time and a Blessed Easter to you and your loved ones.

Eric Hansen

12:52

Zac, thank you. Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming told me this week that had Buchner played for La Mesa (Calif.) Helix High this fall and performed as expected, he would have been rated as a five-star QB. That perceived high ceiling will drive interest among the fan base and media, just as it did Phil Jurkovec, Gunner Kiel, Dayne Crist and Jimmy Clausen. ... Again, I'm open to being surprised and a lot can happen AFTER spring, but my expectation is that Jack Coan opens the season as the starter if he's healthy.

Zac Patterson

12:48

Havre de Grace, MD .. Appreciate all you do and hoping you and your family are doing well. I’ll get straight to the point I’m wondering who is going to be the starting QB I know many say Jack Coan but why isn’t Pine more of a talk I feel like there’s even more talk with Buchner then Pine

Eric Hansen

12:48

Hi Tyler. With Jarrett Patterson out for spring anyway, it's less about trying to foster chemistry at this point and more about figuring out who O-Lineman 4-5-6-7 are behind Patterson, Correll and Lugg. So playing Lugg at a tackle allows O-line coach Jeff Quinn to really vet all his guard options, including some players who have been at tackle. With Patterson out, Quinn can run through a lot of tackle options as well. ,.. Riley Mills, I think, has a bright, bright future.

Tyler - Cleveland OH

12:44

Thanks for the time Eric! BK mentioned during his press conference that Lugg will be at RT and then slide in to one of the guards spots this fall. I can’t make sense of this. What’s your thoughts? Wouldn’t it be better to have lugg settle in at guard since he’s bounced around so much and get him and Correll on the same page. Is this solely to give older guys (Dirksen & Gibbons) a shot and then let them know by end of spring if they will start so if not they can transfer? Also I see rylie mills being a stud. Does he get bigger every time I see him?

Eric Hansen

12:43

Lee, Chris had to work on becoming more powerful to go along with his speed. He's done a very good job of that so far since the end of last season. He knows Kyren Williams transforming his body helped Kyren ascend to the top of the depth chart. Tyree just needs to keep doing what he's been doing. It's up to the coaching staff, in my opinion, to figure out ways to best utilize what I consider two of the top 8 players on the entire roster. Yes, you could run more two back. You could also shift out of that presnap and motion one of them out wide. There's also the possibility that Tyree will be involved in punt returns. But yes, ND needs to find ways to take advantage of those two.

Lee from Lancaster, SC

12:39

Hi Eric, Chris Tyree is working to have a bigger role in the offense this year. What skill must he improve upon in order to get more opportunities to carry the ball or catch more passes? Also, do you expect the Irish to use more two-back sets in order to take advantage of the playmaking abilities of both Kyren Williams and Chris?

Eric Hansen

12:38

I think his size (5-11 1/2) and arm strength are two things that fans look at that make them want to dismiss him. His assets are his accuracy and really understanding coverages and the mental part of the game. It will be interesting to watch his progression this spring (although mostly remotely).

Caleb from Charlotte

12:36

Hi Eric, Drew Pyne was rated higher by the recruiting gurus than I realized. His rating was comparable to Tyler Buchner's coming out of high school. Yet, most ND fans don't consider him a serious contender for the starting QB position in 2021 or beyond. Why do you think that is? Is the fact that he's physically smaller than the other qb's play a part in the evaluation?

Eric Hansen

12:36

Rees had a transformative summer with a lot of hard work. He moved up to No. 2 early in the fall and then led ND to four straight wins at the end of the 2010 season after Dayne Crist went down with an injury. ... Ian Book's summer of 2018 is another example. So don't get locked into a mindset that Buchner is destined for a lost season. No matter where he is on the depth chart now, I think he'll make the best of that experience.

12:34

In the spring of 2015, DeShone Kizer was such an afterthought during a starting battle between Everett Golsopn and Malik Zaire and so ineffective in his few opportunities, he actually questioned whether he had picked the wrong sport. Then he put an end to his pity party, put in some serious work and was a completely different QB in the fall. Golson had transferred in the meantime. Then Zaire got hurt. ... In 2010, Kelly was so taken aback by Tommy Rees' physical immaturity in the spring as an early enrollee, he had fellow freshmen Andrew Hendirx and Luke Massa arrive two weeks early for summer school. (more)

12:30

First, Brian Kelly wasn't expressing a rooting interest in Drew Pyne, even though that's exactly what initially came out of his mouth. He later clarified that he wanted him to practice at a level to compete to be the starter. ... Now to your hypothetical. If Pyne beat out Coan, I would assume Coan would be the backup. Tyler Buchner is not necessarily the future starter. He is an immensely talented kid who didn't get to play a senior season in the fall because of COVID-19 rules in California. As diligent as Tyler was to offset, that could alter his timeline and trajectory. But surprises happen in the QB room good and bad. (more)

Paul, Lititz Pa

12:21

Hey Eric - Happy Easter. Coach Kelly’s comment about wanting Drew Pyne to be the starter made me wonder. If Pyne beats out Coan to be the starter then who is the backup? If Coan wins backup spot then what happens to the “future” starter Buchner? He will get very little live action leaving him at a deficit to compete next year with Pyne for the starting job along with the rest of qb room. Help, my head hurts.

Eric Hansen

12:20

Hi GB. Manti Te'o had a couple of things working against him. He has the whole girlfriend thing blow up after the National Championship Game and before the NFL Combine. How he'd fit into an NFL locker room suddenly came into question. Also, there were questions about his speed. With pass coverage being a bigger part of the NFL game than college, there were questions over whether he could be an every-down linebacker. Those two factors knocked him down to a second-rounder.

GB from Wasilla Alaska

12:17

Eric. I just saw that JOK will probably be the first LB from ND drafted in the first round. Since Bob Crable. I know that Jaylon had a bad injury that affected his draft pick. My memory is rusty why Manti was picked in the second round Can you refresh my memory?

Eric Hansen

12:17

Jules, thanks for your question and thanks for being here. It's a curious chain of events, although I never remember there being an actual release. What happened was there was a story from the Cincinnati Enquirer reporting that Chad Bowden, who had been a valuable member of Cincinnati's recruiting staff, would be following Freeman to ND in similar role. Notre Dame has pretty strict vetting protocols in place for new hires, so that was the first problem. The second was the hiring freeze, which still is in effect. However, in talking to AD Jack Swarbrick about this -- and not specifically addressing Bowden -- he said ND could replace people that left their positions and that those positions could be reimagined, restructured. Recruits mention Bowden frequently, so he's obviously working at ND. So I'm not sure what the holdup is in terms of an official announcement. Perhaps that will come soon.

Jules W

12:07

Joliet, Illinois. Mr Hansen: Thank for conducting these chats. We fans sincerely appreciate it. Question: Shortly after Marcus Freeman was hired there was a release that said ND had hired a defensive recruiter ( sorry, I don’t remember his name) from, I believe, Cincinnati. Shortly after , the story was rescinded and it was announced that due to a hiring freeze this hiring would not take place. Is there any update on this hiring?

Eric Hansen

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12:06

Here are the rules.

12:05

Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, post-April Fool's Day, post-yeah-it-snowed-here-yesterday edition.

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