JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 19, 2019

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 19, 2019

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Eric Hansen

2:48

OK, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll do this all over again after the bowl game. Happy Holidays to you all and thanks for helping to make this a fun season for me.

2:47

Marie. I'll get to some of those outside candidates after the bowl. By then we'll have a better feel if there are actual ones in play. I don't think there's an urgency to open up the QB position in BK's eyes with recent improvements by Book. Thanks for being a part of the chats.

Marie

2:45

From Atlanta. Happy Holiday Eric. Now the BK has said that he will at least consider outside possibilities for the OC job, who do you think are some realistic candidates, and who would you choose and why? Also, if there is an outside hire, with a fresh set of eyes, do think there would be a chance for a legitimate QB competition in the Spring? As always thanks for all the great coverage.

Eric Hansen

2:44

Not a misprint. Not a probability either. He just left the door open in case the unexpected happens.

Michael from Chicago

2:43

Was this a misprint in Kelly’s transcript, am I overlooking someone or are they considering a transfer in?: “ On if they could add any additional players on between no and the February signing date:

KELLY: “Probably just be on the offensive side of the ball, yeah.”

Eric Hansen

2:42

John, Tom Noie would give me the evil eye if I answered a hoops question, and quite frankly, that one's out of my lane.

John from Hudsonville MI

2:41

Hi Eric- This might be off topic but is that Mike Brey on the Alka Seltzer Plus commercial walking on a treadmill? I hope he is thinking about another career since he is not long for coaching.

Eric Hansen

2:41

Merry Christmas, you got a manifesto through. I'm in a giving mood today.

Irish fan from Irish land

2:40

Merry Christmas Eric!

If I don't ask for anything else this year and I'm good all next year; may I have a ND national championship next year? Or a hula-hoop (I don't want a hula-hoop- I just like saying it.)

I'll start with concerns- coach Long said he prefers to run more than pass. Was that the issue? Was the issue with other coaches? I know Kelly is tight with Quinn- there has been a huge drop off since Quinn took over. False starts are a regularity, getting beat in one on ones, and against physical opponents- we fold the tent.
This was a weak schedule due to other teams having a down year. We have had 9-4 teams that I think may have been better than this group. This is still a great lead team I wish them all the best in the CW bowl.

Recruiting
Now that we have even more depth can we finally have a scrimmage in the spring. I think we waste an opportunity to really practice at a high level ever year. I'm tired of the.. we don't have enough excuse. It's been 10 years- if we don't have it by now we are ne

Eric Hansen

2:39

I think there are different levels of glee/satisfaction/tolerance. BK has raised expectations, so now more people see the playoff as a realistic goal. Some fans understand there are going to be years at ND when that's less realistic and they can live with that. The biggest complaint I've heard this year is being excluded from the New Year's 6.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

2:37

Hi Eric - I am not so sure the fans who are disappointed with the Camping World Bowl are that way because of the word "Camping". Personally, even if it were a New Years Six, I would not be any more excited than I am now (which isn't very). I think the problem is that serious fans, each year, have their sights set on making the playoffs, and in this era where only those two semi final bowl games matter to that end, all other bowls have lost their luster. Gone are the days when big bowl games on New Years Eve and Day determined how everything would shake out for the national title. Any credence to this in your eyes?

Eric Hansen

2:37

Let's look at 2020, because the answers would be different from 2020 to 2021. For 2020, the offensive line must be elite. The running game must surge. Book needs to be better at QB. The raw wide receiver talent must translate onto the field. The cornerback position must find more answers beyond Shaun Crawford coming back.

Chad from Denver

2:35

If ND is to compete for a NC in 2020 or 2021 which position groups need to have the most player development and is it possible with this staff and group of players ND has on its roster?

Eric Hansen

2:35

I chatted with recruiting coordinator Brian Polian yesterday after his press conference, and one of the things we chatted about was the viability of the transfer portal for ND. There are a of things that have to align for ND to dip into that pool that don't have to align elsewhere. The Irish did recruit Tarik out of high school, and if he has maintained a high academic profile. So that's a fit that a lot of other potential transfers don't have. But then you have to weigh fit NOW and need. Not sure of either of those, especially if he has to sit out. ... Crawford coming back very much affects the notion of adding experience at CB through the grad transfer market. He also takes up a roster spot (and deservedly so).

Michael from Chicago

2:25

Any chance ND recruits Tarik Black or any other transfer portal entries? With Crawford applying for a 6th year does ND pass on a CB grad transfer?

Eric Hansen

2:25

So far the answer is a big no. Everyone is planning in playing, If that changes, I will be sure to report it.

Lee from Lancaster, SC

2:25

Eric, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Thanks for doing the chat. Any chance that any of the players players that are expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft choose not to play in the bowl game for fear of injury?

Eric Hansen

2:24

Brian, that's something that has to be done in the offseason, not in the height of recruiting, while there's an OC search going on and bowl prep. I've started to gather info, but not enough to even come close to conclusions. This is not an easy or fast answer.Happy Holidays to you and you'll eventually get your answer, or at least my version of it.

Brian Sontchi

2:23

Brian from Batavia, IL: A few weeks ago I asked if you could find out what transpired in the two weeks leading up to the Ann Arbor meltdown? Have you been able to discover any details from the coaching staff? What do they plan to do to prevent these one-sided losses from happening again? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Eric Hansen

2:22

Denis, your question cut off. So I'm going to guess how it ends ... if all comes to fruition, can ND make a run at the playoff? Yes, the Irish can. Will they without a doubt? That's taking it too far.

Denis from Niagara Falls, On.

2:21

Denis from Niagara falls, On.: Hi Eric, It seems as if Notre Dame could get key players returning such as Kmet, Crawford and even Book. Plus, perhaps some of the incoming freshmen could have an immediate impact next year. if all thi comes to fruition,

Eric Hansen

2:21

I hate to answer with I don't know, but I don't know. To this point, Book has not been competitive (at least statistically) against elite defenses. Iowa State is better than average. That may tell us something new. A new offensive coordinator/play caller may make a difference as well. But until ND plays Wisconsin in October, we're probably all guessing.

Tom (Indianapolis)

2:18

What do you consider our ceiling next year with Ian Book as our QB? To me is a fine college QB, but not one that can beat Clemson in November in South Bend. I could see a top tier bowl, but not a playoff time. This is frustrating because I feel like most of the other parts we need are there.

Eric Hansen

2:18

John, I expect that to get serious after the bowl. We know what the internal candidates look like. BK isn't open to major overhauls in the offensive structure, so he's looking for someone who's more similar to him than not. If the outside candidate pool becomes viable and real in a week or so, we will be sure to report on it. Very good question.

John from Jackson, MS

2:16

Is there any news regarding who/what kind of OC Kelly is looking for? I know people like Matt Canada are out there, but being let go by Ed Orgeron doesn't seem to be the best recommendation in the world

Eric Hansen

2:16

I think he's a box safety, and there are systems that fit him more than others. He's really good on special teams, which can keep you in the league for a while. I do not think he could play linebacker at that level. Just remember he's been underestimated his whole life and he's been able to make that work for him.

Matt in Augusta NJ

2:13

How do you project alohi Gilman at the next level, NFL? Is he a safety, and does he have the speed to play that position in the NFL? Would he be better off putting on 20lbs and playing LB( tranquill)or is he just too small for that? He has been great for ND and I hate too see him go, but I question where he plays in the NFL.

Eric Hansen

2:13

Well liked, yes. Successful? He didn't have a lot of opportunity to find out. He did not call the plays or really wasn't in control of the offense when he was at ND. Then, his short time as a head coach at Western Kentucky raised some red flags. He's at Utah State now as an assistant. I don't see a reunion happening.

Doug from Sunny Florida

2:11

Eric, any talk about Mike Sanford returning as an offensive coordinator? He seemed to be well liked and successful while at ND previously and would probably like the return to the big time.

Eric Hansen

2:11

Don, it's as if we were separated at birth. Couldn't agree with you more.

Don from Texarkana TX

2:10

Relative to recruiting, I get questions about ND's ability to recruit against Southern powerhouses. My response is national schedule, national university and value of degree, all of which argues against joining a conference. Do you agree? Thanks

Eric Hansen

2:09

Tim, I take the vote very seriously and do a lot of research for the preseason, midseason and postseason votes. Keep in mind, the preseason vote is an educated guess. No one has done anything THIS season to earn those spots. The midseason is a sample size of 5-6 games. The final vote is after the season is over and all conference playoffs are done. Making one of those early teams doesn't give you an inside track for the postseason team. Stats mean a lot. Team success can factor in too. Hunter Bryant played on a team that won its conference. He had the best stats of any college tight end. He is on the radar with the NFL folks. And if you think he racked up big numbers against weak competition ... in a 45-21 loss to Ohio State, he had the most receptions (6) and receiving yards (79) of anyone on either team. The next week against UCF, he had 4 for 51. In the league championship game, he had 4-39 and a TD. I hope that helps.

Tim - St Louis

Eric - Very impressed with your status as one of fifteen voters on the AP All-American panel. Knew you were outstanding reporter but this is national recognition that you should be very proud of. My question concerns the amount of time and dedication you put into your selections? (have got to mention some of the 2019 selections were real head scratchers)

even mentioned. How can Bradasy go from no recognition to first team from a Florida Atlantic schedule? Good for him. Also saw he had 1,000 yrds of reception but seriously it look like this was a plan effort verse a team effort. IMO

2:02

Specifically can you discuss the TE vote this year ? You mentioned voting for Cmet on your second team. Who did you vote on the first team ? Have looked up the pre-season and mid season All-American lists for TE and no where (amongst various publications) was Harrison Bradasz - Florida Atantic, Hunter Bryant, Washington nor Charlie Kolar, Iowa State

Eric Hansen

1:57

RC, Happy Holidays to you. We've only talked to the players once since the bowl announcement and hope to again Saturday, but that's a small sample size. I would say the prevailing sentiment is that you'll get a full effort. They found a way to find meaning in five November games after their playoff run ended at Michigan. Why would this game be different? I would say the fan base largely looks at this game very differently and most can't get past the word "Camping" in the title of the game.

RC from Albany

1:53

Hi Eric - happy holidays. I am excited for the last game of the season and the opportunity for the team to get to 11 wins. What is your sense of the team’s mindset? Given the recent coaching changes and the external perception issues related to the Camping World Bowl - will the team be hungry and looking to close out the year strong? I have no doubt that Iowa State will come in ready to play - and despite their 7-5 record the Cyclones are too well coached and too talented at key positions to chalk this game up as an easy win. Thanks and Merry Christmas

Eric Hansen

1:53

Alex, thanks and Happy Holidays to you. For a story I did on player development at ND, Brady Quinn told me the MOST ESSENTIAL relationship for a QB to have a good one with is the offensive play-caller. In Quinn's case, that was his head coach. In Book's case, it would have been Long. At least publicly, Book was supportive of Long. I think they got along fine, but it may have been the relationships with the players around Book with Long that may have affected the Book dynamic somewhat. I'm not going to throw all of that on Long. There were other factors in the regression.

Alex from Jackson, MO

1:47

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mr. Hansen! My question is in regards to the relationship between Long and the QB’s. Specifically Book and Jurkovec. Do you believe the change will be good for them? Book seemed to regress earlier in the year, and there has been speculation that Jurkovec isn’t progressing like the hype would have lead us to believe he would. Any of this on Long, or is that too simple of a thought? Thanks as always.

Eric Hansen

1:46

Terry, you make some good points within your question. I think both of the scenarios you raised are in play ... and a third, hiring a tight ends coach who shares that position and the O-line coaching with Quinn, which may be the best scenario. Who gets the coordinator job will in part influence what happens in your question.

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