JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat August 9, 2023

Notre Dame Football Live Chat August 9, 2023

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Eric Hansen

2:01

As far as receivers you hear about. I'm not sure if you're reading our premium message board or getting the info elsewhere or a combination thereof, but we've mentioned way more receivers than Matt Salerno and the two tight ends. Thanks again for the chuckle.

1:59

As far as guards, I asked Joe Rudolph recently about possible rotating starters, and his preference is not to do that. Pat Coogan deserves credit for surging into contention. I just think Schrauth is the better prospect. ...

1:58

Wow Roger. I did not see that last line coming. you know how people type LOL, and don't actually do that. I did LOL, really, 'til it hurt. So, thanks for that, ... To your questions, yes I noticed Luke Talich right away, and not necessarily because I was seeking him out. He's tall -- legit 6-4 and very fast in drills. It takes me a while to learn all the new and changed numbers, so I found myself saying, "Who's No. 28?" I asked safeties coach Chris O'Leary about him the other day, and he said in part, "A bright future. A really high ceiling.
He’s a freak. He’s 6-4, and he’s about as fast as you can get back there. He’s just learning the defense and figuring it all out right now. He’s getting stronger. But what he has in his skill set, he can be how ever good he wants.” (more)

Roger from Peoria

1:50

One certainly can be impressed by a young man who eschews a few football scholarship offers in favor of the opportunity to walk on at Notre Dame. I understand Luke Talich did exactly that. Have you seen him at the limited practice opportunities afforded to you and, if so, what is your impression? Where do you think the connection between Sam Hartman and the receivers currently stands? I keep looking for positive reports, but the names that seem to show up are Matt Salerno and two tight ends, Staes and Evans. I believe you have previously addressed the uptick by Rocco Spindler at RG this fall. Now I see an unanticipated appearance by Pat Coogan at LG with less time for Billy Schrauth. Do you see both of those players having starts this season at LG as you have commented about Kristovic and Spindler at RG? On an unrelated, but surely groveling topic, since the legendary 16th Century Erik the Great was also known as Erik Longbeard, would you as the current Eric the Great also be known as Eric Shortbeard?

Eric Hansen

1:50

None of those schools you mentioned was in the top 45, in part because of dismal transfer rankings. Notre Dame's No. 10 combined ranking comes from a No. 11 recruiting ranking and a No. 50 transfer ranking. ... Here's my thought on possibly diluting an ND degree. Let's say ND took a player who was a sophomore at say, Louisville, who had an very good GPA. It stands to reason that his toughest classes, and in his major, are ahead of him. So if he can handle those at ND, he's earned that degree? Right? Just a thought.

1:47

Bob!!!! More exclamation points, I love it. ... Have fun in Ireland, and I heard somewhere doing yoga may improve your golf game or at least put you at peace with it. To your questions, Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman, is recruiting faster, more athletic defenders. And Al Golden is finding a way to use the younger ones even if it's not in a full-time role. Once ND gets past Navy and Tennessee State (odd offense then an FCS team), I think you'll start to see those show up. The portal question is interesting, and worth answering. I don't have the time right now to take a deep dive, but I do know Stanford has similar academic bars. Not sure about the others you mentioned. But what I can tell you is only Cal among them was fairly competitive in the transfer market. Rivals has new comprehensive team rankings that combine recruiting rankings with transfer portal rankings. Notre Dame finished 10th in 2023 in the combined rankings. (more)

Bob Gorman Oak Park IL

1:35

Eric!!!! Imho, ND needs more speed on the D side of the ball than we showed last year. That defect was particularly manifest when we were chasing Caleb all over the field. Have you observed in fall camp any quick and fast players on the D side of the ball that are playing smart and pushing for more playing time? I have another question that is not about x's and o's. Feel free to punt (the most important play in football) it to another day...I am wondering how some of the other academically elite schools handle the transfer portal and preserve the integrity of their degrees. For example, do Stanford, Boston College, Wake Forest, Northwestern, California or Duke accept transfers of student athletes for their junior or senior years? Thanks for getting us through the off season with so much great content. I am getting ready to go to Ireland with some friends to play lots of golf and watch a little football. Can't wait!

Eric Hansen

1:30

Hi Jay. CB Christian Gray if the cornerback position weren't so deep.

Guest

1:30

Jay from Cincinnati. Is there a freshman that has a chance to be this years Ben Morrison, excluding the wide receiver room?

Eric Hansen

1:29

I did really enjoy it, in part because it was staged at a venue (School Field) where my kids played in games years ago and it's right next door to one of my grandkids' middle school. And the weather was beyond perfect, if that's even a thing. OK, now that I've almost lulled you to sleep, two things I'm excited about in terms of boosting the team's playoff chances are 1) that the front seven hasn't taken a backward step in its progress throughout spring and preseason camp, and 2) the special teams specialists. I'm extremely impressed with kicker Spencer Shrader and punter Bryce McFerson ... as well as the contenders to win the return jobs. Concerns? How soon and how thoroughly the offensive line chemistry comes together (not concerned about its talent), and I'd like to see more consistency from Tobias Merriweather at WR.

Marie from Atlanta

1:17

hey Eric, I hope you had a great week and you enjoyed watching practice on Tuesday night. Now that you have seen a complete practice in pads what are one or two things that you’re most excited about and that you feel will help the team get to the playoffs and what are one of two things that you are most concerned about and that you feel will need to demonstrate significant improvement in order for this team to make the playoffs? As always thanks for your great insights and for hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

1:17

Apparel deals are revenue-generating giants for some of the most elite college athletic departments. In normal cases, apparel companies pay an annual licensing fee ranging from $5-10 million in cash for some of the powerhouses in college football and men’s basketball. In other deals, the school receives a cut of royalties from merchandise sales (usually 10-15%). Most agreements require the company to outfit that school’s athletic teams with $2-5 million in gear each year, as well as discounts in merchandise purchases.

1:16

Larry, what a nice compliment. I would have answered your tax questions with a lead-in like that. Then again, that might have been devastating for your financial situation. In any event, we believe the deal is mostly cash (sometimes stock shares are involved). Ross Dellenger, one of the top reporters on college sports, recently joined the Yahoo Sports/Rivals family that we're a part of. He's very well-versed on these apparel contracts, so let me share his words:

Guest

1:12

Larry from Topton, PA. Greetings Eric! Thanks for the chats, and it has been great to hear you back on the WSBT airwaves!! You and Darin have a wonderful on-air rapport, and listening to you both talk ND football brings back good memories (and I personally want to thank you for the return of the Soap theme). I know you do not like apparel questions, but I have a question about the Under Armor deal from a business perspective. We all hear that ND will receive $10MM from UA, but what does that really mean? Does ND get $10MM worth of apparel and equipment? Do they get $10MM cash? Do they Get $10MM cash, but have to pay for the apparel/equipment they use? Do they get $10MM cash plus all the apparel and equipment they need? I would appreciate if you could clarify.

Eric Hansen

1:10

Kevin!!!!!! The ACC is possibly looking to add, perhaps Cal and Stanford and maybe SMU. Another topic addressed in the Inside ND Sports Podcast. Florida State is certainly publicly whining, but is it more bluster and substance? It seems to be for now.

Kevin-Sleepy Eye,MN

1:09

Eric!!!!!!!!!!!…that enough 😂. ACC: where’s it going and more importantly will the changes affect us? Go Irish ☘️

Eric Hansen

1:08

Absolutely at the moment. The three pillars that hold up Notre Dame's desire to remain an independent in football are: Playoff access to play for a national title, a media rights deal that keeps Notre Dame competitive financially, and a place to house the basketball and Olympic sports teams. You blow any one of those up, and ND has to strongly consider joining a football conference full time. I suggest listening to our latest Inside ND Sports Podcast with Dennis Dodd, who thinks the Irish are on solid ground in all three of those phases as we stand now. Just take us on your next walk, jog, drive.

Dan, Granger, Indiana

1:03

Do you think the ND AD's biggest concern with all this conference musical chairs nonsense is not about football at all but where all the olympic sports might land?

Eric Hansen

1:03

Our Rivals national analysts have reached out to a lot of the Pac-12 recruits, and the prevailing sentiment is that most want to stay put for now and see where things are headed. Notre Dame would certainly make room for Elijah Rushing, but I don't know that Arizona going to the Big 12 would be seen by him as a reason to question his commitment. Mosely is really good and Stanford is more in a state of flux. It would be harder for ND to make room for him. Another WR in the 2024 class is not the same priority as pulling in one of the elite edge players in the 2024 class, even with Mosley's ND connections.

Matt from Long Island, NY

12:58

At the risk of sounding like a vulture circling around the Pac 12 as it lay dying in the desert, is there any chance of ND getting back in the hunt for Elijah Rushing (DE committed to Ariz) or Emmett Mosley (WR committed to Stan, and son of two ND varsity athletes)? The 2024 class is almost complete, but those two sound like players for whom you make room. Thanks, as always, for the great work.

Eric Hansen

12:58

Hey Ced. I'm going to eliminate special teams from my answer and give you the freshmen who I think who have the best chance of playing at a position on offense or defense in a rotational role and in more then the redshirt cutoff of four games: WRs Jaden Greathouse and Rick Flores Jr., RB Jeremiyah Love, DE Boubecar Traore, LBs Jaiden Ausberry and Drayk Bowen, CB Christian Gray, S Adon Shuler. So eight of them. Others sprinkled in on special teams and in blowouts.

ced

12:52

ced walker saginaw michigan how many freshmen do u see playing this season trust the process god bless the golden standard rally we are nd go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

12:52

I don't know Joe Klatt and I didn't personally hear him say that, so let me take it on the premise that those words were uttered to you by a random stranger at Lizard Tail Brewing. I would agree that dynamic passing game play, the lack of elite skill at QB and and the lack of a depth of elite skill at WR, has held some of the really good Brian Kelly teams back. On paper, at least, this team does not fit that mold. There is a better QB than ND has had since pre-Kelly and there is better skill at WR than any time since the Charlie Weis Era. There are questions that have to be answered on the field about this team before it plays the first of those big three Sept. 23, but I don't think WR speed will top the list of concerns or even be close.

Chris in Abq

12:46

Hey Eric, less than 3 weeks baby! As I listen to more college football talk the "experts" like Joe Klatt say the lack of elite speed at wr could be what keeps up from have a great season. From what you have seen and/or heard do we have the wr's needed to beat OSU, USC and Clemson?

Eric Hansen

12:46

Matt, when you say "receivers", I am going to assume you want me to include the wide receivers in my answer as well, as well as the running backs? If I misinterpreted, you can call me a big dummy and re-ask the question next week. Let me start with TE Holden Staes. Especially with Kevin Bauman having missed so much camp and Eli Raridon coming back slowly. his opportunities has expanded. And Staes has taken advantage of it. He grows on me every time I see him. But I think junior WR Jayden Thomas is the No. 1 receiver on this team and soph WR Tobias Merriweather the freakiest. I believe Thomas will lead ND in receptions and he'll be a big security blanket on third down and in the red zone. Given the many options of WRs, TEs and RBs, I think once you get past Thomas, there will be a lot of parity from a stats standpoint.

Matt, Salem oregon

12:41

Really enjoy your chats. Hear so many things about the receivers. It sounds like TE Staes is a great receiving option. It appears that the ball could be spread around a lot. Do you think that 3-4 might all have similar numbers of catches to lead the team, or might there be 1 that pulls away significantly from the rest? Would you be worried if a true #1 doesn't separate?

Eric Hansen

12:40

Sophomore linebacker Nolan Ziegler has not been at practice in recent days due to a personal situation for which he's asked for privacy. There is every expectation that he will return to the Irish roster. We just don't know when, and perhaps neither does he yet.

Frank from Royse City, Texas

12:37

Eric, is Nolan Ziegler back with the team? If not does ND have any idea if he is even coming back?

Eric Hansen

12:33

Two kinds of depth here to look at -- depth as in how large and how effective the rotations will be. Depth as in losing a starter or two for a long stretch to injury. ... I'm increasingly bullish on No. 1. The reason, players who are non-starters who are playing at a high level. Jason Onye is the No. 1 example. But even guys down the depth chart like Tyson Ford, Boubecar Traore and Brenan Vernon look this part. The second part of the depth question ... I think it would be a blow to lose Jordan Botelho, Rylie Mills or Howard Cross for a long stretch. Not that ND couldn't survive it on most games, but the Irish need all the tumblers to click into place when they play three top 10 opponents this season.

Dave, Ponte Vedra, FL

12:28

How would you assess the depth on the defensive line at this point? I’m fearful this could be our weak link.

Eric Hansen

12:27

Thanks, Bill. There is a recurring theme today with the O-line. I'm not denying there's work to be done. But I also know what I saw Tuesday night wasn't meant to be the finished product. Worth watching, not worth panicking over at this stage. There is talent -- and depth.

Bill from St Joe, MI

12:25

Eric, I thought you recent article on Sam Hartman was amongst your best which is a high bar! So, going into preseason practice, I thought that ND’s overall success would hinge on how good the DL would be and to a lesser extent the safeties. But I’m beginning to be concerned about the interior of the O-Line. Should I be concerned?

Eric Hansen

12:23

Hi Len, and thank you. I see Zeke Correll at THIS stage of his career as more of an answer than a question. He's more powerful, reads fronts and coverages well. And remember those guards are also playing next to one of the best tackles in college football, no matter which side they're on. Tracking Joe Rudolph is new to me, so his timetables and methods I'm learning in the fly. In talking with him, he's very clear on what he prioritizes and he has a very good player development record from his days at Wisconsin, so he gets the benefit of the doubt from me. For now. It's better that he ends up with the right offensive guards, builds depth now, and gets the growing pains over now than carry those processes into the season.

Len from the Jersey

12:18

Hello Eric, Great coverage of camp by you, Tyler and Charleston. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Every ND fan knows many things need to gel or go right for this team to really fly. On O the team needs a QB to flourish, young WR's to grow and contribute early, developing backup RB's and deciding on the best TE rotation from a talented pool. But the O line was a given and as close to a known as these things can be. As was pointed out this is not the spring or the beginning of training camp. And it appears the O line laid an egg in the open scrimmage on Tuesday. Particularly the number of times someone on the line was physically beat. Last year JP was a positive influence on the players of the O line and especially those playing next to him. I keep wondering if Zeke C is the best option at center. Are the failing of the guards partially caused by a center that gets blown up by the D line too often? Nothing messes up a guards footwork as badly as a retreating center. Your take is appreciated.

Eric Hansen

12:17

I wrote about my impressions Tuesday night and will expand on those two areas now. There's a certain inherent mirage effect of an open practice even this deep into training camp. Unintentionally, because there's still tweaking and personnel experimenting going on. And intentionally, because they know the media is going to report what they see, so they make things vanilla. Having said that, the defensive front continues to be the surprise storyline of both spring and preseason camp. They're deep, they're loud, they're confident, but are they for real? I'm becoming more convinced of that and the whole front 7 but still exercising some caution in my optimism. The offensive line has really great individual pieces. It still does not look like a cohesive unit. There has been a lot of mixing and matching of the guards. There's work to be done here, but there's not a lack of talent.

James from Columbus

12:10

Hi Eric. What are your impressions of both fronts after watching the live practice Tuesday? Strengths of the team, cause for concern, or somewhere in between. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

Let's get the chatting going.

12:09

Here are the rules.