JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 10, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 10, 2024

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Denny from Bullard TX

1:36

Hi Eric! The Sun Bowl trophy looked pretty massive. I was glad to see Coach Free hoist it up. ( doubting our last HC could do that) I researched the weights of bowl trophies and got a few but not this one. I assume our knowledgeable chat leader has the resources to find out for us. Thanks

Eric Hansen

1:36

Happy New Year, Joe. And as much as I am flattered by that opening to your questions, you are so deep into the hypothetical, it's usually a question I'd skip. But it was so well crafted, I'll give it a shot. Now keep in mind, Al Golden staying could very well happen. And if he does not, Mike Mickens being promoted, as you pointed out, would be a strong possibility. HAVING put out my disclaimers, the guy I think Marcus Freeman should pursue if he was limited ONLY to an outside candidate and I guy I think would be a possibility is former Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard. If not him, 2023 Broyles Award winner Phil Parker from Iowa. Leonhard, an analyst at Illinois this season, may not be available for much longer. ... And I agree with you, I don't think Jesse Minter would be realistic, though he is outstanding.

Joe P. from Los Angeles

1:28

Happy New Year, Eric! I wish you and your family a fantastic 2024. Thanks again for all of your great work. You're an invaluable resource for all of us avid ND football fans. Let's assume, for purposes of my question, that Al Golden takes an NFL position (which I believe will be the case) and that ND will not replace him from within (although it sounds like Mike Mickens could be a perfect fit for the position). In your opinion, who are the most realistic candidates from whom our next DC will be selected? By "realistic," I mean those candidates who would be seriously interested in the position and who ND/MF would be seriously interested in hiring. I, for one, would like to see Jesse Minter given some consideration, as a legacy coach and a former defensive intern on ND's staff. But I doubt that would be realistic. Thank you.

Eric Hansen

1:28

When you look at blind résumés of the four playoff teams and Notre Dame in five key metrics -- rush offense, rush defense, total defense, turnover margin, pass efficiency -- Michigan looks clearly like the team most likely to win a national title. (top 10 in four of those five and No. 1 in two of them). But you could argue, the No. 2 team among those five was Notre Dame. So why weren't they even a playoff team? Because there performance in big games that they lost was so wildly divergent from their norm. And to me, the biggest reason for that was inexperience at the offensive coordinator position, which is no longer the case heading into 2024.

1:22

Hi Marie, and thank you ... and for the first time ever, we have two Maries asking questions in a chat. I love it. ... So instead of looking at ND's 2023 roster vs. Michigan's 2023 roster, let's look at ND's 2024 roster vs. Michigan's 2023. ... I think ND's secondary will be as good as anyone's next season. I think the D-line is formidable, and could be elite if the pass rush continues to improve. ... If Notre Dame's linebackers mature quickly, that's an exciting position group. So the defense is on paper, without significant injuries, playoff caliber. ... On offense, running back is probably the position that projects as closest to playoff caliber, even losing Audric Estimé. And at the other positions, it's going to depend on injury recovery and player development, and that's why the hiring of OC Mike Denbrock is so significant. Give me some opportunity to watch spring practice, and I'll have a better answer for you. But let me leave you with this thought. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:13

Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week and thanks for keeping the chats going even though the season is over. Watching Michigan win the national championship had to make people realize Notre Dame can’t be that far off. the ND roster is probably just as talented or very close. Taking all that into consideration, looking at each of the position groups at which ones are already good enough to seriously compete for a national championship, which ones are close And what do they need to get over the top to be able to seriously compete, and which ones are the farthest off and what do they need to do to improve and can that happen over the course of the 2024 season? As always thanks for your great insights. Hope you will keep the chats rolling as often as possible in the off-season.

Eric Hansen

1:13

To question 3, Cam Hart and JD Bertrand were outstanding. So was Javontae Jean-Baptiste, particularly from midseason on. And there are others ... but I do think that a defense that finished No. 5 in total defense has a chance to be better in 2024. I think Jack Kiser's return is momentous in terms of his talent but also his knowledge of the system and his ability to bring a long the young talent at linebacker. The young corners, young safeties, emerging D-linemen to go along with the returnees, it's all very promising.

1:10

Hi Mike, thanks to you for being a part of the chats! 1. That's a tricky question. I think with Joe Rudolph making that decision, yes. I think if Harry Hiestand had stayed, Zeke would have had a chance to win it. As it turned out, Zeke did not have the opportunity to return and will be playing for NC State next season. 2. I think the Sun Bowl was hardly a meaningless exhibition when it came to Marcus Freeman's evolution as a head coach. ND's culture was definitely on display and flexed in that game. December was a very good month all around for Marcus Freeman. (more)

Mike, Phoenix

1:05

Eric, Hope you are enjoying the start to another great year! Couple of questions.1. Do you think Craig was beating out Corell for starting center regardless if he left? 2. Do you feel that the bowl game was a possible turning point for head coach MF, based upon he has his coaches in place, players coming back, 3rd year, more confident and comfortable? 3. The D was exceptional in 2023. I know lots of talent back and players tending up but can they replace JD and the vastly underrated Cam Hart? Thank you for the weekly chats to get us thru the week. Cheers!

Eric Hansen

1:04

Hi Ryan. I think safety is the No. 1 priority, and I expect news on that front VERY soon. I think ND has enough talent and quantity inside. I'd be more interested in a tackle. And I think the Irish can wait if they want to let spring football play out and see where they are with the tackles before pursuing one at that point, if it makes sense to do so.

Ryan mars pa

1:02

Good afternoon Eric what other position do we need from the transfer portal tackle and guard go Irish ☘️☘️🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

1:02

Hi Bob. You mentioned Jayden Harrison's kick return prowess — No. 2 in the national last season (30.7 yards per return, 2 TDs at Marshall). As a wide receiver, he's not been wildly prolific, but he has elite speed. And ND needed to add that element. He averaged 14.6 yards per catch, which is right in line with Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse and departed Rico Flores Jr. In just some very preliminary film study, I could see him being effective on the outside in the screen game, with an ability to run for yards after the catch. I don't see him as a starter.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

12:53

Happy 2024!!what do you think of our latest portal addition as a receiver (rather than as a kick returner)?

Eric Hansen

12:52

I think there are some others who are outstanding. Deland McCullough being in so much demand tells you something about his skills. But I want to single out D-Line coach Al Washington. After his first year at ND in 2022, I suggest he had something to prove both on the field and in recruiting. He certainly stepped up, and I want to recognize that. ... And I think incoming OC Mike Denbrock is elite at helping develop players at multiple positions, not just the tight ends, which will be his designated position group.

12:50

Scott, a new subscription and you enjoy Football Never Sleeps? You made my day. And as a reward, I will NOT send you an autographed picture of either of us, so as not to scare any small children or animals that might be lurking around your house. Sincerely, thank you. ... I think among the holdover, the coach with the best track record of developing both the highly touted prospects and the diamonds in the rough is cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens. And that goes back to his days at Cincinnati as well ... and to himself as a player. He's able to get freshmen to play at a very high level and did so at UC as well ... and then continue those evolutions. (more)

Scott, Augusta Ga

12:45

Eric, I hope all is well with you and the family. Always appreciate the great work you and Tyler provide on Football Never Sleeps. Hey, no real questions regarding the players, portal, or recruits. I'm more interested in the coaches and their ability to develop the players. Who do you feel does the best job developing the talent? I think Marcus really has a top staff. I worry about losing good coaches but I think he will recruit good coaches as well as he recruits good players. Thanks for sharing your insight with all of us. By the way, I took the plunge and just got a subscription for Inisde ND Sports. I just retired so this is my new past time.

Eric Hansen

12:44

Hi Tanker, thank doing great here. Notre Dame as of this moment stands at eight scholarship linebackers, with a pretty strong walk-on in Tre Reader, who actually got a handful of snaps last year. Ideally, that number would be nine. The fact that so many of them appear to be ready to contribute eases the number issue a bit. That includes two of the three freshman — five-star Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who starts classes next week as an early enrollee, and Bodie Kahoun, an underrated June enrollee. The other wildcard is Kahanu Kia, who flies in later this week to rejoin the Irish after a two-year mission. He was a standout linebacker at Punahou in Honolulu, but moved to be an undersized vyper end as a freshman in 2021. He may still be able to move back to linebacker. We'll now very soon. If the numbers do become a problem, due to long-term injuries, the Irish can always go the transfer portal after spring practice. But I'd hold off on that if possible just because of all the young, promising talent.

Tanker, Dulce NM

12:30

Hi Eric, i hope all is well. In looking at the roster as it currently stands it appears that the Irish are a bit thin at LB. Are there plans to bring in anybody from the portal even just for depth pieces or is the staff confident in what theyve got numbers wise?

Eric Hansen

12:29

Hi Jerry. I've gotten this from several sources, including longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming and one of my former colleagues when I worked at the South Bend Tribune, Carter Karels. Carter, who now covers Texas A&M for GigEm247, was on WSBT's Weekday SportsBeat recently with Darin Pritchett and me. Carter covered JJ's recruitment. Carter said this on the air: "JJ told me if Notre Dame offered him a scholarship, he would crawl to South Bend to accept it." He was not offered. Tommy Rees went after Tyler Buchner in that cycle instead. Both players were very early in their high school careers when they committed to ND and Michigan, respectively.

Guest

12:24

Jerry M. from Dallas, Tx. Eric, is it true that Notre Dame could have had J.J. McCarthy if a scholarship had been offered to him? If so, who was responsible for that miscue?

Eric Hansen

12:24

Finally, in keeping this focused, is how in step he appears to be on the cutting edge of sports science, athlete workload tracking, injury prevention and recovery. ... What I need to wait and see is how he influences the team culture, his ideas on that. Balis was really, really influential in that aspect. For a deeper dive, I suggest listening to Ryan Harris' interview on our most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast.

12:21

Sean, I am floored at your transformation (and I did get and enjoyed your email). Because of that I elevated you to near the start of the chat. Great question and great focus. I appreciate you! OK, to your question. We'll have a chance to meet an interview Loren soon, I'm expecting, and can drill down a little deeper then, but between talking to head coach Marcus Freeman about him and former Irish O-lineman and current radio analyst Ryan Harris as well, here's what I have gleaned. The No. 1 new wrinkle he brings is the ability and the desire to tailor training and workouts to the individual. Yes, there will be group lifts, etc. But he gets into more position-specific dynamics. I think another aspect I like (and not disparaging Matt Balis at all, I think he's awesome) is his NFL background. That's where these players want to end up, and his experience at that level is attractive. (more)

Sean, Schaumburg IL

12:14

Eric, I'm most interested in the new S&C Landow. What aspects of Balis program do you think Freeman wants to keep/incorporate into new S&C program implemented by Landow? What new aspects does Landow bring? And, like you, I don't make resolutions. I make commitments. I'll commit to being more concise/avoiding diatribes. Happy New Year. Be well. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

12:13

Should they win that, they'd face the winner of 1 vs. 8 in the semis. And if they win that they're in the title game against which ever team emerges from the other side of the bracket, most likely the 2 or 3 seed.

12:12

Hi Marie. I like that you're already thinking about next year's playoff, the first that will feature a 12-team format. Great minds think alike. There's still some tinkering going on with the format due to the Pac-12 turning into the Pac-2. so there will be one more at-large team, but it won't likely affect the answer to your question. The highest seed Notre Dame can be in the new format is No. 5. That goes for any at-large team. You have to be one of the four highest-ranked conference champs to secure a spot 1-4 and a first-round bye. So, if ND finishes anywhere from 1 to 5 in the final CFP rankings, they are the 5 seed. And they remain the 5 seed for the duration. So if they beat the 12 in a playoff home game, then they face No. 4 at a neutral site in the quarterfinals. (more)

Marie - Niles, MI

12:08

I have a question about the upcoming playoffs: Say, for instance, Notre Dame ends up the season being ranked #1. Since they can't get a bye, I presume they would replace the #5 team in the first round, and the #5 team would get the bye. But after that round, if Notre Dame wins, do they go back to being the #1 seed in the pecking order and rankings and play the lowest-ranked remaining team?

Eric Hansen

OK, let's get started.

12:07

Here are the rules.

PLEASE include your name and hometown along with your question(s).

As far as this week's chat ...

12:06

► Finally, we’re rolling into a busy football offseason at WSBT radio season, and Darin Pritchett and I are together this week Wednesday and Friday on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.

► This week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Thursday. On our most recent edition, Tyler James and I invited former Notre Dame offensive lineman and current Notre Dame radio analyst Ryan Harris (2003-06) onto the podcast. Harris is quite familiar with new Notre Dame director of football performance Loren Landow, having done private workouts with Landow during his NFL career. Harris also discussed ND's Sun Bowl performance, the future at offensive tackle with Charles Jagusah and Tosh Baker, what he expects from ND's interior line moving forward, his experience working with Landow, how Landow will fit leading a college strength and conditioning program and motivating players, the excitement of Mike Denbrock returning as offensive coordinator, the addition of quarterback Riley Leonard to the program, Blake Fisher's NFL decision, his role calling ND football games on radio and more.The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google

► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation. Normally it runs Monday nights at 7 ET. This week we debuted on Tuesday night at 7 because of the national championship game. We’ll move back to Mondays next week. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.

12:05

Some quick programming notes:

12:04