JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Aug. 11, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Aug. 11, 2021

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Eric Hansen

3:02

Vegas almost agrees with you. Notre Dame is currently favored in every game by Wisconsin in Chicago, and the line is very small in that one. I filled out my AP preseason ballot over the weekend, and I had North Carolina, USC, Cincinnati and Wisconsin all ranked fairly close to -- but below -- ND. The margin if error is small. If I had to pick a record today, I'd say 10-2, but I will have a better body of information to make that call in a couple of weeks.

Rick Dierolf

2:59

Rick from Sinking Spring Pa. My questions is this, if the o-line can gel and we get great deals pay from our wide outs this team is gonna be a real tough team to beat. I am calling for. 12-0 regular season. Do you guys agree if those 2 position play good football

Eric Hansen

2:59

Yes, the deadline was July 1. Next year it moves to May 1.

Frank Serra

2:58

If a player transfers now, does he have to sit out a year?

Eric Hansen

2:58

If you're talking position coaches and coordinators on the same side of the ball, that happens daily. If you're talking about on opposite sides of the ball, that's not so much an in-season thing as it is spring/offseason/training camp. I wrote in depth about Rees' quest for improvement earlier this summer. Here's the story in case you missed it.

Mike from Toronto

2:51

Eric, how much, if any, do the position coaches and/or coordinators consult each other regarding players, schemes, game planning, half time adjustments, etc. For example, would Rees consult with Freeman on the best way to attack a certain type of defense? Or, would a D coach ask the O guys what is the most effective blitz package for a type of offense? Does the whole staff typically put together a game plan or does it depend on the HC's comfort level?

Eric Hansen

2:50

Hi Jeff. I think if ND simply handed the grad transfers the starting positions, there might be some resentment. But they don't do that. Those guys have to earn those spots. Offensive guard Cain Madden, a second-team All-American last season at Marshall, lined up with the 2s on Saturday -- the first day of camp. Jack Coan has had to earn the No. 1 spot too. And the players see value in those grad transfers. Nick McCloud was an important piece in ND's playoff run last season, for instance.

Jeff - Cincinnati

2:45

Eric….I hope you and your family are doing well. With regard to adding grad transfers to the roster, I certainly understand they fill a perceived gap at selected positions, but don’t you think it could also corrode morale among returning upperclassmen (and by extension, the whole team) who invested their blood and sweat in their first few years at ND, only to be surpassed by an “outsider” ? Thanks for taking my question

Eric Hansen

2:37

In terms of arm strength, from what I've heard and SEEN, I'd go Buchner, Coan, Pyne in that order — with Pyne improving over the summer.

Jake from Saratoga

2:36

Hello Eric, a few days ago I read an article where the journalist was discussing Jack Coan and Drew Pyne and he/she stated that if Coan struggles to get the ball downfield that Kelly may turn to Pyne who has the bigger arm of the two in order to stretch the field. Now I believe that Buchner has the strongest arm on the team but have you heard that Pyne has a stronger arm than Coan because I had not heard that prior. Thank you.

Eric Hansen

2:33

Hi Denny. If ND gets one of those two, Brian Kelly should do cartwheels. And I think one is realistic. Lucas is the more difficult read. ND made the cut to his top 5. I think ND is probably in Kanu's top 2. So that's the more likely addition. ND will have to work hard for both of those guys.

Denny from Liberty Hill, TX

2:30

Hi Eric! It seems like recruiting is really strong this year and we will be filling out the 22 class, as well as, the 23 class with elite players. Do you think our chances are good to get both Anthony Lucas and Hero Kanu this cycle? Which one would be the priority and which one most likely in the event we take only one?

Eric Hansen

2:29

Stan, thank YOU. We've seen only minimal drills and stretching. Thursday. we'll see a full practice, including a scrimmage, and the following Thursday another full practice. So my answer next chat will be much more comprehensive that what I can provide today. I'm eager to see with my own eyes.

Stan from Chester VA

2:27

Offering heartfelt thanks for your hard work in keeping us Irish fans up on what is going on with all things Irish. I would like your impressions of the incoming class and if anyone in particular is jumping out as yet. And, do you have an update on the captains? Thanks again...

Eric Hansen

2:27

I think they're already setting themselves up for that possibility.

Ed Palm Beach

2:24

Thanks for your reporting .....Since money drives the College football train do you see ND having it's own steaming platform to include all ND athletics....no need for a conference affiliation....

Eric Hansen

2:23

There's also the two interior defensive linemen, but will simplify the math and leave them out of this. Of those five, I'm going to go out on a limb and say three is the most probable outcome -- O-linemen Billy Schrauth and Aamil Wagner and one surprise --- Safety Xavier Nwankpa from Iowa. ... Next time I'm in Georgie, how about you, Marie and me going out for a beverage?

Tom Kennesaw, GA

2:20

Hi Eric, great to have the Chats back on a regular basis. Thank you. ND is having a very good recruiting year this year. They are still on the radar for 5 very good players, 3 OL, the DE from Vegas and the S from Iowa. What is your guess as to how many of those 5 will commit to ND? My percentages are 5=0%; 4= 10%; 3= 30%; 2= 50%; 0 =10%. Thanks for all your great articles and Go Irish!!! As a side note Marie from Atlanta always asks the best questions!!

Eric Hansen

2:18

The defensive line is Notre Dame's best position group, hands down. Safety Kyle Hamilton is far and away ND's best player. IF the cornerbacks and other safeties step up, this can be a really good defense. Not sure about lockdown, given the string of elite quarterbacks the Irish will see, but I think the defense will have fewer growing pains than the offense. The early returns on the wide receivers is encouraging.

Jim Tal, Valley Center CA.

2:16

Eric, great to be able to reconnect and get your always insightful feedback. In your estimation, given the personnel, potential and energy that Marcus Freeman seems to be bringing to that side of the ball, can the ND defense ascend to the level of being a lockdown unit that can carry the team and be the rock upon which a highly successful season is built? In other words, can it make up for some possible growing pains or inconsistent play from the offense?

Eric Hansen

2:15

I think the campus is prettier, the academics less daunting and the food in the dining hall tastier when you've been to the College Football Playoff two out of the past three years. I also think BK rebooting the culture after 2016 shows up on visits. Recruits see the brotherhood as authentic.

Dan from Vernon Hills

2:13

Hi Eric,
Do you think Notre Dame is emphasizing the uniqueness of the school more now than in the past? Recruits seem to mention the culture, smaller size, sense of community, etc. more than in the past. Or are they just communicating it better?

Eric Hansen

2:13

Hi Larry, thanks for being here. Now that Brian Kelly and O-Line coach Jeff Quinn have settled on where Jarrett Patterson is going to play (center), they need to let the competition play out at a couple of the other positions. I think chemistry is going to be an incremental thing. It's not going to be great in September. It's probably going to look pretty good in November. It needs to surge forward when the Irish play Wisconsin and Cincinnati, in particular. I really like the talent and the leadership in the group. That doesn't make for greatness, but it should be understated either.

Larry from Millersville, PA

2:09

Hi Eric - It's great to be having these chats again. How is the offensive line progressing? Do you think they will be good enough to run block and pass block so we can have a balanced offense?

Eric Hansen

2:09

Hi KJ. I don't think the ND-Florida State matchup will be as lopsided as the last couple, but I'm not envisioning at this point an upset or even a nail-biter, either. Maybe I'll feel differently after watching a couple of full practices in the next eight days. ND is short on experience, but not on talent. Florida State has been fighting a culture problem for a while, Check back in with me in a couple of weeks.

KJ near the Channel Isles

2:04

Greetings from the blue Pacific Eric, where it's also muggy, but quite tolerable. This FSU opener has me really worried. A full crowd (hyped to honor Coach Bowden); new quarterback for FSU (Milton) with a comeback story for the ages; new O-line, defensive coaches for ND, etc. Yikes! For game prep, will CBK bring in the sound machines and other wild distractions to get a new team up to speed?

Eric Hansen

2:03

Rick, that's more of a calculus question that straight math. Typically Rivals and 247Sports designate 30-32 5-stars. But it's late in the cycle before they name all those. So let's play with the top 32 in both lists. WR commit C.J. Williams is No. 29 on Rivals. So as long as he stays in that area, he'd be a 5-star. LB Jaylen Sneed (No. 46) has been ascending for a while, so there's a chance he'd end up in the top 32. Among uncommitted targets the Irish are chasing: OT Zach Rice, S Xavier Nwankpa, DT Anthony Lucas and DE Cyrus Moss are top 32 in one or the other or both. ND is in play for all four legitimately, but probably not the favorite for any of them. Where ND is very well positioned to pull in multiple five-stars is in the 2023 class.

RK from Sartell, Minnesota

1:52

What a great job on the recruiting this year! I am pumped! Realistically, will the Irish land a 5 star? If so, who is the most likely? Question 2, is Coan going to be a star? Thanks for great chats!

Eric Hansen

1:50

Jeremy. That's a question that's been percolating with me as well. Once Brian Kelly names the starter (likely Thursday), then Buchner's role becomes easier to define. At the end of spring, BK didn't rule out Buchner having a niche role. I'd imagine that's still on the table, but I'd be surprised if he acknowledges that at this point. Clark is still about a month away from really getting back to being 100 percent from his knee surgery. He's missed a lot of time. The staff really likes him, and they'll bring him along carefully. I agree with you: Buchner should not run the scout team, at least not on a regular basis. If he's No. 3 and not 4, he can learn a lot more being up with the 1s and 2s. By the way, Powlus is injured at the moment.

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

1:44

I am curious on the plan to develop Buchner this year. Will he be splitting #2 reps with Pyne? How does Brendon Clark fit into this equation? I assume Powlus will be running the scout team. I feel it would be a mistake to stick Buchner on the scout team if he’s realistically going to be able to make a run at earning the starting QB next year.

Eric Hansen

1:44

I'm back!!!! And thanks for your patience.

1:15

Hey all, this is Tyler James. Eric lost power at his home and is working to relocate to continue the chat. Please continue to submit questions, but it may be a bit until he's able to answer them. Apologies for the inconvenience.

12:49

So ND has to read two things ... if Williams or C'Bo are coming back and if Penn State RB commit Nicholas Singleton wavers on his commitment. If neither of those things happen, the Irish can try to add someone late in the cycle or wait an pick up a grad transfer after the season. So there are options. I'll have a better idea how to answer the question re Estime on the next chat. By then I will have seen him in two full practices. He looks good stretching, though.

12:46

Jeff, wait, I thought Phoenix was a "dry heat" and that's what made 130 degrees tolerable? I think if Kyren had the kind of year he had last season or better, he's likely to leave. C'Bo is a tougher read, but I'd say there's a better than 50 percent chance he would move on too. If that happens, the current one running back commit is probably not enough, because that would give you only four in 2022 -- Chris Tyree, Audric Estime, Logan Diggs and current recruit Jadarian Price. (more)

Jeff from Phoenix

12:37

Good morning Eric from a very sticky Phoenix. My question/concern is about running back depth. What do you think is the likelihood of losing both Flemister and Williams at the end of this year? Where could the freshman Estime be used this year and do you think he is ready for FSU or more of a November/December addition to the rotation? And finally, is the current 1 RB commit for 2022 enough? (I realize I havent mentioned Tyree and Diggs). Much thanks and rock on!

Eric Hansen

12:36

I believe it will be Thursday after practice. The media originally was going to get OC Tommy Rees and offensive players Thursday, and BK on Saturday. But they flip-flopped that. So I think we'll not only get captains named, but we'll have a No. 1 QB named as well.

Ryan mars pa

12:34

Good afternoon Eric when are they naming captain’s go Irish

Eric Hansen

12:33

Hi Joan. I'm glad you asked. I've received many emails from Irish fans in Canada, and this may help me catch up on answering them. The good news is there is a solution that's legal and ready to go (but a premium stream). And that's supposedly for everyone outside the U.S, The squirrely news is those in charge haven't officially released that info yet and won't share it with us until they do. Rest assured a solution will be revealed sometime fairly soon.

Guest

12:28

Joan from Vancouver BC Hi Eric, any update on how us Canadian ND fans can get access to the Toledo game? Would love to be able to watch it. Keep up the great work.

Eric Hansen

12:28

As far as O-Linemen, my best stab at that is that ND will get at least one of those three, and possibly two. If the Irish completely whiff, I think they'll expand the board and look for an ascending prospect who's having a great senior season to add to OL commits Joey Tanona, Ty Chan and Ashton Craig.

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