JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Feb. 13, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Feb. 13, 2020

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Eric Hansen

2:14

Jim, thank you. Mayer, Tyree and WR Jordan Johnson were big wins on the recruiting trail. And that does have to translate onto the field, if Notre Dame is going to evolve into a program that more consistently is in the playoff picture. And they also need to recruit more players like that. with the 2021 cycle off to a very good start in that direction.

Jim Tal

2:12

Eric, great work as always. If ND demonstrated your kind of consistent production, we'd be talking national championships. My point will be brief. I don't see the Irish making a strong push towards the playoffs unless the marquee freshman Michael Mayer and Chris Tyree have a major impact. Do you agree or am I exaggerating their potential impact. Thanks again for all your hard work and insights.

Eric Hansen

2:12

Jack, I'm comfortable projecting. I'm less comfortable playing Miss Cleo. And without seeing spring practice, I'm not doing this question justice. Can we revisit it then?

Jack from Oak Park

2:10

Jack from Oak park, IL. With next year's season all about the Wisconsin & Clemson games for so many reasons, any analysis from the crystal ball on how we match up/keys to victory (beyond Book becoming a top-5 QB in 2020 which is a given)? Thanks & hope this question makes the cut for the Sportsbeat radio segment! Go Irish.

Eric Hansen

2:10

Passing efficiency is one of the five key metrics in which national champions tend to excel. Of the 22 national champs in the BCS/Playoff Era, all but four were top 20 in pass efficiency and more than half were top 10. The lowest ranking was 37. Conversely, ND's top ranking in team pass efficiency in the Kelly Era was 20, this past season. They were 74th when they played Alabama for the 2012 national title. Now can Book be a top 10 guy? We're all going to find out Oct. 3 in Green Bay, Wis. His pattern to his point doesn't suggest that's part of his ceiling. Then again, Joe Burrow improved leaps and bounds from 2018 to 2019 .. so ...

George (Philly)

1:55

I think Ian Book is a fine serviceable QB, but I think the ceiling is probably around 10-2 with the talent we have around him. If you look at the QB's who made the playoff last year (Lawrence, Burrow, Fields and Hurts), they are all superstars. I know Ian made it in 2018, but a lot of things broke right for this Irish that year and we had an outstanding D. It seems like it is becoming harder and harder to make it without an elite QB. Do you think Ian can lead the Irish to the promise land?

Eric Hansen

1:54

Steven, I'm not sure I agree with your assessment of ND's strength of schedule, but I can illuminate the school's scheduling philosophy under Jack Swarbrick: ND's 12-game schedule must compare favorably to other teams' 13-game schedules. It worked out well in 2018, so I'm not sure what your beef is.

Steven- Long Island

1:52

My question and it has been for years is why does Notre Dame play such a difficult yearly schedule. Having ACC games, playinf a USC, Wisconsin now It puts your team in a bind to play perfect with little room for error. The last three years they have had a perennial top 15 schedule and unlike other big name teams rarely have gimme games. I understand its ND but there not doing themselves any favors. This team this year was a great team who beat multiple bowl teams but the tough game on top of tough game takes a toll.

Eric Hansen

1:52

Peter, thanks. The whole scout team element makes this question relevant, because it is an adjustment for that QB. I still think Book gets the overwhelming amount of reps with the 1s this spring. We can't overlook the opportunity to try to coax him from a top 25 guy in passing efficiency to a top 10 guy.

Peter in Provo

1:50

How do you see the 1st team reps shaking out between Book and Clark this spring/fall? Will Clark receive an inordinate amount since he will need to be brought up to speed since being on the scout team last year? Thanks Eric- you're the best!

Eric Hansen

1:50

There's going to be a lot pf shifting during spring. But here's the entire depth chart as we see it going into spring: https://www.ndinsider.com/football/depthchart/

Joey Buscareno, South Bend IN

1:48

Hi Eric, I was wondering what you think our depth chart will be when it comes to Wide Receivers and Running Backs.

Eric Hansen

1:48

Bill, every day I gather more and more info, and sometimes when I'm not even looking for it. It falls in my lap. The fact that Chip Long isn't on the staff anymore is going to end up being a key piece to that puzzle. Until I talk to Brian Kelly, the story isn't going to be complete. ... and thanks for listening.

Bill from Stevensville mi

1:47

Thanks for all you do. I listen everyday, However, I am still waiting for the answer to what exactly happened to ND at the Michigan game ? How does that even happen? and FYI, I am all for Brian Kelly and his staff.

Eric Hansen

1:46

I love what I do so much, I really haven't given it any thought. Covering a team with such a largely intelligent and savvy fan base and one that cares so much is right where I want to be. Plus it keeps me close to my six grandkids, which is an amazing blessing. I guess if they didn't exist and Notre Dame got sucked through a hole in the Bermuda Triangle, I'd pick LSU football.

Steve from St Louis

1:42

Youve been able to cover IU basketball and ND football. If you could cover any other team/sport who would it be and why?

Eric Hansen

1:42

All set for spring practice. Expected to be ND's No. 1 receiver in 2020.

Joe Dag

Middletown, N.J

1:41

what is going on behind the seens with Kevin Austin is he all set for spring practice and if so what kind of impact do you expect from him

Eric Hansen

1:41

Our recruiting guy, Carter Karels, could probably give you more nuanced thoughts on the March 20-22 recruiting weekend. It's significant no doubt and another sign Notre Dame understand how to play the game with the new accelerated recruiting cycle. ... As far as Kelly's changes, Pete Sampson of The Athletic did a nice piece on it. I think most significant of the changes are Kelly's increased involvement, evaluating and offering elite talent earlier, and making private air travel available to the assistant coaches.

Bruce from Dayton, Ohio

1:37

Hi Eric, what are your thoughts on the big recruiting weekend planned in March? There is some very high level talent coming in. These are the type of players the Irish need to sign to get in that top 5 as Kelly has stated as a goal. It's great to get them on campus as obviously that's the first step but can they actually sign most of them to get to that next level? Kelly mentioned recruiting changes being made to get there but besides Kelly himself being more involved what other changes are being made? Thanks.

Eric Hansen

1:36

I would consider ND and Clemson the front-runners for this talented 2021 running back from North Carolina.

Greg from South Bend

1:34

What are the "realistic" chances ND will land Will Shipley? Will if you're listening, ND is the place you wanna be. ND is locked and loaded going forward. Not a Stanford fixer upper, a wounded Clemson, and the Great Lakes are salt and shark free. No need to even call an Uber at SBN, I'll pick you up.

Eric Hansen

1:33

I think his name will come up a lot in the next hiring cycle. I also think he'll be picky and look for a Power 5 job where he thinks he has a chance to win. If there is a opening at DC, I think Mike Elston is an excellent choice.

MPolge

1:29

Syracuse, NY - Eric, thanks for the chats. Keeps me sane in between games. I know that Clark Lea is beginning to get some attention for head coach positions. What do you think the long term projections for Clark Lea are and if he does leave, who takes over as defensive coordinator?

Eric Hansen

1:29

Paul, thank you. I hope I am understanding your question correctly. I think you always play for the season that you're in. What effect that decisions have on the following season aren't insignificant, but they need to be decidedly secondary to winning games in 2020. So Book's continued development takes precedence over Clark's and/or Pyne's.

Paul - Lititz

1:26

Eric - love these pre-spring chats. Can you share your thoughts on Brendan Clark Getting more playing time during the season than Phil J. got. Granted it all comes down to game time scores. However there seemed to have been times that Ian was left in the game longer than necessary. As this is Ian’s last season it would appear to criticaL that Clark has sufficient live game time experience. Thank you for your time, your knowledge and insight.

Eric Hansen

1:25

He absolutely was front and center during the recent evaluation period. Whether that was in response to the article or some other motivation, it was apparent that he was very involved.

Tim - Pleasant Prairie WI

1:24

Eric, have you detected and change in BKs approach to personal efforts on one-on-one recruiting since he was criticized for not enough personal involvement after losing a couple of kids?

Eric Hansen

1:24

Denis, he might not be an every-down player as a FRESHMAN. He is 180-185 now. Let's see what he looks like in August. Keep in mind, his stats were suppressed this season because of a chronic ankle injury. I'm not sure all those who rated him took that into account. I love his speed, his attitude and his drive to want to get better. Now ND needs to recruit more like him, with elite speed.

Denis

1:21

Denis from Niagara Falls, On.: Hi Eric. A bit concerned about Chris Tyree. Apparently he may not be an every down player. What does he, if anything, need to do to become one. And if so, how long would it take for him to become an every down player. Do you expect that to ever happen. also, do you travel to Ireland next august. Thanks very much for all.

Eric Hansen

1:20

I'll stick to the games I've covered. and it's the Bush Push game of 2005.

Joe from Georgia

1:20

The unreal Duke/UNC game last weekend prompts me to ask what the craziest finish was to a CFB and/or CBB contest you've seen (in-person or otherwise)? Details would be welcome.

Eric Hansen

1:20

Shaun Crawford and Kyle Hamilton.

Lee from Lancaster, SC

1:19

Besides Ian Book, who is the one player ND can least afford to lose to injury during the upcoming season?

Eric Hansen

1:19

Marie, McNulty's background includes minimal experience coaching tight ends, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the aptitude to do so. Having extensive experience as a receivers coach and offensive coordinator could be significant assets. I'm really eager to ask those very same questions to Rees and Kelly.

Marie from Atlanta

1:17

Part 2. Do you think John Mcnulty will be a good technical coach for the tight ends? Although our tight ends have been very productive recently, I think it can be argued that a lot of this was attributable to pure talent as opposed to coaching. Whan watching the games this year there were more than a few times that blocking by the tight ends was poor and a lot of it seemed to be due to bad technique. Thanks for your thoughts.

Eric Hansen

1:16

Stan, glad you could be a part of the offseason chats. They're fun for me. You guys make it fun with good questions, good senses of humor and minimal whining. ... I think Henderson is a terrific athlete who is a project at cornerback. He needs to work on technique. Watts could do it, but I still think he'll start spring on offense, and then they'll see what they have at corner. I expect the redshirt freshmen to have an inside track to being the third corner.

Stan from Rockford IL

1:14

Do you see either Xavier Watts or Ramon Henderson, both early enrollees, becoming leading candidates for the third CB next Fall? Do you think the returning impressive pass blocking OL will be complemented by Rees/Taylor better addressing the ground game with Quinn now that our past OC is Long gone? THanks for continuing these chats. They help to get through this dead time between recruiting and Spring practice.

Eric Hansen

1:13

I know on punt returns, Notre Dame values possession of the ball (sure hands) over all else. Finke was 19th nationally, so that's not bad. ND in fact, was better at it than three of the playoff teams. In kickoff returns, none of the playoff teams was in the top 35. If you have a dynamic return man, you can overcome a lot of things. Maybe Lenzy or Tyree becomes that guy. Don't get me wrong, I do think there's room for improvement schematically. I should point out, ND's coverage teams were really good this year.

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