JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 20, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 20, 2021

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Eric Hansen

1:48

As it turns out, he ends up with both Freeman and Elston on the same staff, which is the jackpot for Brian Kelly. As for Elston, who's a committed family man, I think there will be a happy ending for him, both personally and professionally. he's just got too much going for him for that not to happen. I'll say this again, he's profoundly affected the trajectory of Notre Dame's program and especially at critical junctures. .. re Freeman and LSU, I wrote in my hiring story about Marcus' affinity for ND during the recruiting process. That hasn't changed. Money wasn't going to be the deciding factor. Fit and family concerns were, and ND came out on top on both of those fronts.

1:44

I think the biggest knock on Mike Elston in BK's mind this time was lack of coordinator experience. Now that seems like a double standard when you consider Tommy Rees didn't have coordinator experience, Chip Long had a year of it basically before he was hired and Clark Lea didn't have any formal DC experience. Not every hiring opportunity, though, is a parallel experience. The circumstances change. Having said that, I think Mike Elston would have done a great job. And we do have a small sample size from the end of the 2016 season to back that notion up. (more)

Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.

1:38

Eric, hoping you and yours are having a great New Year so far. Could you offer your opinion as to the factors that led Brian Kelly to select Marcus Freeman as DC as opposed to Mike Elston. I like the fact that Freeman brings a new voice and a different perspective. Also, he's super energetic and has already shown he can connect with ND players. And I don't believe this is any way a knock against Elston who is a fine coach, leader and man. Also, what was it about Notre Dame that was more enticing to Freeman so that he felt more comfortable going with the Irish instead of opting to head down to LSU? As always, so grateful for these chats. Thanks much.

Eric Hansen

1:37

Dale, thanks. To your questions, no ... there are going to be growing pains at the position. That doesn't mean the growing pains will be severe or the reason ND loses games. But whether it's one of the young guys or Jack Coan, there's going to be adjustments. If it's Coan, he's going to be running a very different offense conceptually and different parts of his skill set that he didn't use at Wisconsin may come into play. With the younger guys, it's the pre-snap chess match at the line of scrimmage that'll be a big hurdle. As far as the O-line, there's certainly talent. And getting a full spring in and informal summer workouts will help a lot. 2020 would have been a terrible year to replace so many O-line starters. Not having Jarrett Patterson in the spring will be a hurdle. If they can commit during spring to which position he'll be playing in the fall, that will help.

Dale from Placerville, Californi

1:30

Eric, I first want to thank all of the Fighting Irish players, coaches and support staff for their commitment this year to have a football season and to bring all ND fans a bright light during this crazy year. They sacrificed so much from June to January to be safe, stay healthy and give us something to cheer about on Saturdays and then talk about on CHAT day! Are there enough weapons around a new QB to offset any growing pains from that position? Even though the o-line replaces many parts, do you think they will be able to ramp up quickly next season (hopefully with spring practices included) to provide a solid running game to help our new QB? Wishing you and your family good health in the coming months. Thanks for the chats.

Eric Hansen

1:29

I do not, but I wouldn't rule out offensive guard Rocco Spindler. ... and again that's not a knock on their talent. Zack Martin, Ronnie Stanley, Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson all redshirted as freshmen and all became first-round draft choices.

Brendan from Raleigh

1:27

Hi Eric - Happy New Year Sir! Do you expect any of the incoming freshmen OL will see meaningful time in 2021?

Eric Hansen

1:22

Every one of them at this time.

Paul - Annandale, VA

1:22

Any of next season opponents still in the 2021 schedule?

Eric Hansen

1:21

Johngipp for some reason your handle struck me of something that would have fit in well on the old TV show, the Waltons. ... With regard to Book, he'd have another elite offensive line and better receivers. But I don't think he'd be top 10. Higher yes than No. 33, which is where he finished. But let me tell you who was No. 11 and 12. Spencer Rattler of Oklahoma and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson and future shampoo commercials. That's how tough it is to crack the top 10. Both Clausen and Quinn did so as juniors after some less impressive earlier years.

johngipp

1:17

Johngipp Lititz,PA Eric, If you are holding chats it means you and your family are well. Muse these thoughts with me. If Book would have played with Alabama, would he be a top ten rated qb. Would ND have been able to hang in much better with a healthy Tremble. Was Patterson the o-line man they could least afford to lose. Was Jordon Johnson voted onto any of the Freshmen All Missing teams. Thanks for the chats and be safe.

Eric Hansen

1:17

Larry, thanks. It's called a one-time transfer exemption and it's not going to go away. It'll be with us for the foreseeable future. I think early on you're going to see lots of movement. I think that will eventually fade a bit, because the novelty will wear off and there will be players who jump into the portal who have trouble finding new homes because of the glut of players trying to move. I've spoken with Jack about this quite a bit and Brian to a lesser extent. There are still lots of parameters to be worked out in terms of how late in an offseason you could transfer and still expect to play in the season ahead, for example.

Guest

1:11

Larry from Topton, PA: Your analysis of the NCAA eligibility changes was really eye opening. I did not realize the impact it was going to have on years 2022 through 2024. My question concerns the no-sit-out transfer rule: is that expected to be a one-time offer, or will the change be permanent? Between the roster challenges created by the extra year of eligibility and the no-sit-out rule, we are going to see college free agency in record numbers. Roster challenges for all teams will lead to players having to find new homes, which will have a domino effect at their new schools. It would be interesting to hear how Kelly and Swarbrick intend to approach roster management post-2021. Thanks Eric!

Eric Hansen

1:11

Harvey. tight ends coach John McNulty is a big fan of Kevin Bauman, and that's what matters most. Because of the pandemic, I haven't seen much of him, but McNulty's word is good for me. Kevin will play a lot next season. ... It's too early to read tea leaves on the Blue-Gold Game. My sense if there is one, it would be just for students/faculty and staff/players' families. Keep your eye on the virus numbers in March, and you'll likely have your answer. I'm much more optimistic about the prospect of fuller stadiums in the fall than anything going on this spring.

ND Harvey from South Philly

1:07

E, Hi hope all is well. Big fan of TE Kevin Bauman, do you see a bright future for him, also I know it’s early but will their be a Blue-Gold game this year and with fans. Thank you. Be Safe. Go Irish

Eric Hansen

1:07

I think Urban Meyer will go down as one of the all-time great recruiters, both in terms of the time he put into it and what he was able to do with that time. Brian Kelly, admittedly, has been more of a closer -- and a very good one. Could BK up his recruiting game? Absolutely. Are there limits on how much that other schools don't have to deal with? Absolutely. Brian Kelly is pulled in a lot more directions than the average head football coach because of Notre Dame's academic mission and those academic powers-that-be requiring his presence in that process. That's just one example of the extra layer of time commitments away from football/recruiting BK has to deal with. Having said that, Brian admitted he needed to be more present earlier in the process with certain key prospects and throughout the process in certain cases. And I think that commitment is starting to pay off.

Justin in Houston

12:58

Eric, you’re the lean, mean ND Insider supreme!!! I have more recruiting questions. I’ve heard from other media outlets that cover ND and some say that Brian Kelly isn’t a dog on the recruiting trail that, for example, Urban Meyer or some of the other head coaches are. From your perspective, is that true to any extent? And are the “changes” in recruiting that Coach Kelly talked about to get the program into the top 5-10 of the rankings include him being more of a grinder? IMHO if Kelly was more than a closer and put in more effort like an Urban Meyer to recruit these elite players, along with his coaching ND would turn back into the juggernaut we all want them to be. Appreciate you being a dog on the ND beat!!!

Eric Hansen

12:57

Sean, coaching visiting other coaches and talking with other staffs is what good and great coaches do. It's certainly something Brian Kelly has pushed during his time at ND. ... You're right about the rules being loose about analysts and support staff. But ND is in a hiring freeze right now when it comes to creating new positions, so this may be something for down the road but would be difficult to pull off right now.

Sean, Greensboro NC.

12:57

Sorry, got cut off. Thanks for your answer,

12:54

Eric, hope you had a good weekend. Since we need to jump start our creative thinking on offense,has Kelly considered outside help to enhance our offensive thinking? Surely he could send Tommy to one of the many fine offensive minds in the college or the pros for some instruction. I see where the NCAA does not limit on the number of analysts and support staff.

Eric Hansen

12:54

Matt. I've not heard him volunteer that stat. I'm pretty sure I asked him about it before then 2017 season, but it's something that I'd like to revisit with him this offseason. Just not sure what our interview opportunities are going to look like yet. How do they get there ... yes recruiting is a big part of it, both with the QBs and WRs and you could throw tight ends, RBs and O-line in there, because they all affect how versatile and unpredictable an offense can be. I think it's more about talent — and DEVELOPMENT — and putting defensive coordinators in tough predicaments than it is about scheme.

Matt from Nappanee, IN

12:51

Eric, thanks for the chats during the off-season! You have consistently said you feel ND needs to be in the top 15 nationally in passing efficiency to get their offense to the next level. One, has Kelly ever talked specifically about this statistic? Secondly, how do they get there? Is it more about recruiting or scheme?

Eric Hansen

12:50

Absolutely, and it comes down to the philosophy of the coordinators/position coaches and the realities of certain position groups. You would not, for instance, want to do heavy rotating on the offensive line, because it would threaten chemistry and continuity. On the defensive line, it's great to bring bodies in waves and to stay fresh. Chemistry and continuity aren't concerns. It's great to rotate WRs, but if the QB doesn't have the timing with some of the peripheral rotation players, you see the OC kind of roll back into a tighter rotation.

Tim in Atlanta

12:47

It certainly seems that more player rotations are utilized on the defensive side of the ball. Thus we seem to have more able bodies per position on defense than on offense. Would you agree? If so, why?

Eric Hansen

12:47

Steve, a couple of things stand out. One, they attack more than Notre Dame has the past few years. Two, they flip to three-down linemen more than ND has since Bob Diaco was the DC. Three, they tend to play more man than ND does. Now Marcus is going to adjust based on ND's personnel, the kind of offenses the Irish face and what Brian Kelly wants. So I'd expect to see some differences but not a total makeover philosophically.

Steve from St. Louis

12:43

Thanks for the chats Eric. Was wondering if you could discuss some of the similarities and or differences we will see with Coach Freeman's defense.

Eric Hansen

12:43

The private jet thing has to do with how much more ground Notre Dame covers in recruiting than its peers, which often have huge talent bases in their backyards. So having a private jet available for assistants would certainly be an asset, especially considering the delays of commercial airlines in bad weather. So I think your ideas kind of fall in between perception and reality. ... I think ND has more of a financial commitment than you have picked up. But I also think there are ways to improve the program that will take an additional financial commitment. Until there's a steady revenue stream -- and that could be in 2021 -- that's a tough ask right now.

12:39

Jules, thanks. I am a bit confused. I did mention Clemson's alleged propensity to steal signals, because Brian Kelly was asked about it and acknowledged it heading into the teams' first meeting on Nov. 7. I did not mention the difference in support staff or the number "75," so that must have been something you read elsewhere. I think your perception about ND and assistant coaching salaries was very much true 20 years ago, but not these days. I think there's a pragmatism to their thinking when it comes to facilities and support staff, so it may be less than say Alabama with support staff but not less than most schools. Right now all athletic departments are reeling financially from the revenue lost due to the pandemic, so I don't see this as a time to expand personnel. (more)

Jules, Joliet, il.

12:33

Erik: thank you for conducting these sessions. It’s a great way for the average fan to communicate with an insider. My questions: 1. several weeks ago you spoke of Clemson’s ability to steal their opponents signals. In that article you mentioned the large number of people on their football support staff. I think it was around 75 . How large is Notre Dame’s staff for comparable positions? 2. My perception is that ND will not spend money comparable to what the elites spend for things like support staff, assistant coaches salaries and other amenities. I seem to recall a podcast from a few years ago that said the top programs had private jets for use by the football staff for things like recruiting trips while ND coaches used commercial flights. Are my ideas on Notre Dame spending perception or reality?

Eric Hansen

12:33

Bill, staying safe here, and you as well. ... You kind of have to call the plays and fit your offense around the players on your roster. ... the healthy and ready players on your roster, that is. Notre Dame had tall, physical receivers at the top of its depth chart last season. Next season, there's a potential to have an abundance of speed at all three WR positions. So the kind of plays were see in 2021 may look very different.

Bill 1000 Oaks Ca

12:29

Do you see an overhaul in the design of ND’S pass plays? We seem to throw too many 50/50 balls and compared to teams like NO CAR, MISS.ST, Alabama our receivers don’t appear to be open as quickly.Maybe it’s question of a lack of outside speed or a combination of lack of speed & design? It is something that jumps out at me as I continue to hope for a strong armed QB.As always I’d value your astute observation! Please stay safe Eric & thanks for the thought you put in these chats. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

12:28

Chad, thanks for the question, but no one — except perhaps someone in the media — has named Jack Coan the starter. Brian Kelly certainly hasn't. Now he may very well end up as the starter, Sept. 5 at Florida State, but he'll have to compete. There are a lot of grad transfer QBs who do not win the starting job at their respective new schools or aren't able to retain their No. 1 status. Even so, if Coan does win the job, the other four QBs on the roster all have four years of eligibility left. That includes junior-to-be Brendon Clark because of redshirting and the COVID exemption year. Why would any of them leave under those circumstances? If they did, what does that say about their competitiveness? Now let's say true freshman Buchner was named the starter and he was extremely successful, that could prompt others to look elsewhere -- or not.

Chad from Toledo

12:22

Hi Eric !
What’s your take on Coan coming in to start in front of our 3 upcoming QBs?To me that’s a bit unsettling because it’s their time now!Why would you stick around when your not sure if the coach is going to bring in a 5th yr transfer with a load of experience? Let’s take are bumps with young gun and develop him??

Eric Hansen

12:22

I do think there's room to establish that early relationship and show legit interest in ELITE prospects without extending a formal scholarship. And if ND's goal is upping its recruiting game — and it is — this is certainly a discussion that needs to happen in exploring whether they could make this work.

12:20

Hi Marie. Thanks for the kinds words and your questions are greatly appreciated. There are a few dynamics in play, the first and most significant of which involves academic requirements. So let's say Notre Dame started extending offers to elite freshmen. But over the course of their high school careers, either their grades didn't sync up with what ND was looking for or they didn't meet the math or foreign language requirements, for example. They'd have to offer a conditional scholarship, which may help build a relationship and may not. The down side is you end up with players who have to decommit -- often at the 11th hour, because they did not meet the conditions. Marquese Stepp is a fairly recent example, and there are more. He would have loved to come to ND. Another factor is what if the player hits his ceiling early and doesn't turn into the prospect you thought he'd be. Do you rescind the offer? (more)

Marie from Atlanta

12:10

Hi Eric, I hope the beginning of 2021 is treating you well.. Not infrequently you will hear in recruiting that ND does not have a chance with a certain player because they were not in early enough. It is often times highly talented/ranked players so it is not as if ND didn't recognize the talent early on. Why is this happening at a place like ND which it seems would have the resources to be in early on as many players as they want. What is the downside of going after a lot of top talent early and casting the net far and wide? I know numbers come into play but even with getting in early, at best you are only going to land a couple of the top talents each year. At the very least it seems like they have the relationships that would allow them to be in early with any highly talented player at a large majority of the Catholic High schools. Would improvement in this area help ND in getting top five classes? Thanks for hosting chats in the off season, it is greatly appreciated.

Eric Hansen

12:10

My colleague, Tyler James, had a really thorough rundown of what's happening, Griffith's options and his timeline:

Notre Dame working to convince safety Houston Griffith to stay with program

In it, it's mentioned that whether he stays or decides to go somewhere else, he'll finish up his a degree work this spring. In the event, he picks another school, he would NOT practice with the Irish this spring.

It would be my expectation that he would start at strong safety alongside Kyle Hamilton at free safety if he decides to return.

Denny from Liberty Hill

12:04

Eric, There are reports that Bryan Kelly and Marcus Freeman are trying to get Houston Griffith to return to Notre Dame in 2021. He is in the transfer portal but enrolled at ND to graduate in May. Can he practice with the team in the spring and remain in the portal pending a decision whether to stay or transfer? Do you think he is the likely starter opposite Hamilton if he remains with the team?

Eric Hansen

The queue is full and still building, so let's get started.

12:03

Last week, I wasn't quite caffeinated enough, and asked for your name and ADDRESS. That level of specificity is definitely NOT required.

Connecting…