JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 7, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 7, 2022

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Dave from Ponte Vedra

1:45

So glad these chats will continue. Best of luck with the new venture. How active do you believe the Irish will be in the transfer portal? Certainly there are a couple of positions that could use immediate help.

Eric Hansen

1:45

Brian, I haven't heard that (yet), and Notre Dame did offer him a scholarship out of high school. But underclassmen are going to be much more difficult to fit than grad transfers because of transferable credits. Brandon Joseph doesn't have that issue. He'd be coming from Northwestern and six of his offers coming out of high school were from Ivy League schools.

Brian (Cincinnati)

1:44

Is there any indication that Mario Williams who entered the transfer portal has any interest in Notre Dame?

Eric Hansen

1:40

Happy New Year, Rich. Thanks for your thoughts.

Rich Key West

1:39

Happy New Year and hope you are settled in nicely at your new workspace. I was very proud of the Irish this past season and they outperformed my expectations. Pretty blatant example of an experienced coach's half time adjustments verses a first timer in the bowl game. An attempt to get the running game going and some time on the field from Buchner would have been nice. Defense was exhausted early in the second half and the offense did nothing to get them a little rest. Freeman seems like someone who will learn from the loss and have some history to draw on in the future. Don't need to see 60+ pass attempts any time in ND's future.

Eric Hansen

1:39

The current contract expires after the 2025 season, but it is my understanding the earliest now an expanded playoff could be implemented would be 2024, as you suggested.

Geoff C, Placentia, CA

1:37

I know that so far, none of the stakeholders can agree on a playoff format, and there's no guarantee that they will do so in time for the 2024 season, let alone sooner. But if the stars suddenly align, is it even possible for this to happen sooner, or is 2024 the best case scenario?

Eric Hansen

1:36

That was the issue, particularly after the safety position group took Ramon Henderson. There was not a cornerback the staff trusted more than Lewis. There are plenty of numbers at that position, including some good incoming freshmen. Building CB and safety quality depth are two huge offseason/spring priorities.

Pat from Orlando

1:35

Clarence Lewis was beat repeatedly. Is there no other CB Coach Freeman could have turned to?

Eric Hansen

1:34

Hey Matt. Thanks! I think Tyler needs a stalker, to be honest. One of the things I've learned about Marcus in the short time he's been the head coach is how self-aware he is about where the growth needs to come. This is not a guy who's insecure and needs to hide behind bluster and BS. My sense is he'll go out and talk to the best head coaches in the game as well as his own staff members. Some will be based on game experience, there's no denying. But a lot can be accomplished this offseason.

Matt from Virginia

1:31

Hi Eric, Happy New Year and best of luck with your new venture. I followed you guys over to Rivals, but I'm not stalking you, I promise! My question is about Coach Freeman's game management (clock management late in the half or the game, "go or kick" on 4th downs, game pace, in-game personnel, etc.). His game management left a lot to be desired vs. OSU. Do you think he has awareness that it needs to be a growth area for him? How do you think he'll go about learning those lessons and improving in the offseason? Or will his learning curve mostly be based on game experiences (i.e. on the job training during the season)? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

1:31

In my opinion, it was a big factor in the game, but Oklahoma State was also with its D-coordinator, too.

Brendan from Pittsburgh

1:30

How much impact did Coach Freeman no longer being the linebackers coach or defensive coordinator have on the defense in the Fiesta Bowl?

Eric Hansen

1:30

He said he would be the lead recruiter and he expected effort and ability to recruit to be part of the other coaches' skill sets. That doesn't eliminate someone like Jon Heacock for DC, because he's not an elite recruiter. It does figure into the entire equation of each hire.

Terry, Ithaca,NY

1:28

Did coach Freeman say all coaches would be good recruiters?

Eric Hansen

1:25

Tyler Buchner, Drew Pyne, early enrollee Steve Angeli and injury recovering Ron Powlus III. I do think ND will look at the grad transfer market, but to do so once spring semester already has started makes the most sense. They're not looking for a potential starter, but rather depth -- if they indeed go that route.

Shaun- Boston

1:23

Who will be in the Notre Dame quarterback room come spring practice

Eric Hansen

1:22

Hi Denny. It was my choice to continue them. Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne both have worked out with private QB tutors in the past, and I would expect that to continue when time allows for it. I think given how little high school experience Buchner had, his growth curve this season was remarkable and actually surprised Brian Kelly.

Denny from Liberty Hill, TX

1:20

Hi Eric, So glad to still get your regular chats. I remember several times in the past reading about various quarterbacks training with certain "QB Gurus". I assume this would still happen but I am not aware of any news. Do you know if Buchner and/or Pyne are doing such to augment their limited experience? I also remember Clawson having some receivers visit in California in the summer to sharpen their chemistry and skills. I'm very high on Buchner's ceiling but wary of his lack of experience. Hoping some development is in store in the off season to surprise us.

Eric Hansen

1:19

Hi Martin. To condense it for the chat format, there was no counterpunch from the offensive or defensive staffs once Oklahoma State made its adjustments. And yes, I'm on record that Tyler Buchner should have played a series or two to maybe chew some clock and give the defense a blow and also give Oklahoma State another challenge to deal with.

martin orlando fla

add no tyler buchner to my previous comment

1:17

Thoughts on bowl game: We were without best defensive and offensive player, we made critical turnovers, we were outcoached in second half. Your response?

Eric Hansen

1:17

Bob, to be honest, if that had affected the outcome of the game, it would have been priority No. 1. Absent of that, it's a detail I regret I wasn't able to deliver for you in the larger context of the season. ... It is my understanding that Marcus Freeman's contract is for six years.

Bob Loganville, GA

1:15

Eric, Were you able to get clarification of the rules from the FSU game on the pass that was ruled a fumble, then reversed on review to a forward pass, which if called correctly, initially, as a forward pass would have been intentional grounding? Also do you know how long MF's contract is?

Eric Hansen

1:15

Given how torn he has been, I think he comes back. and I think it's the right move for him and Notre Dame. There are a lot of elite edge players in this draft. I think he can be one of those guys in the next cycle.

Tim Moy, AZ

1:14

What’s your prediction on Foskey’s announcement tomorrow?

Eric Hansen

1:14

I'm just starting to study schematic fits, because for Marcus, that is important. I kind of lean toward Heacock because of the X's and O's and experience. Banks kind of intrigues me, too.

1:13

Hi Bob, and thanks! The three that were most strongly suggested to me have been Jon Heacock, Al Golden and Chris Ash. We've heard Derek Mason and Tim Banks, too. They range in age from 48 to 61, so there's lot of experience there. All but Banks have head coaching experience. Most have DBs coaching background rather than linebackers, which could mean perhaps Chris O'Leary might shift? I asked around re recruiting and Al Golden is regarded as the best recruiter among the first three I mentioned. But he hasn't been in college coaching since 2015. Marcus and Heacock have some coaching history together. (more)

Bob Rodes

1:03

Manchester, TN Eric, congrats on the new position. I'm now officially a Rivals fan! Can you give us a bit of background on the candidates for the DC position, and who you like and why?

Eric Hansen

1:02

Hello Denis, and thanks. Actually one of our readers/listeners came up with the name. We asked for suggestions and we got a lot of good ones. We're calling this one the Inside ND Sports podcast for now, just to help with branding and people getting used to our new name. At some point, we could change it. ... I would agree with you about Kelly, provided his presence didn't coax additional opt-outs. A big reason is having Marcus Freeman act as defensive coordinator in the game. Also, not having to have Freeman and Rees spend so much time holding the recruiting class together. But I do like the way this coaching staff is moving.

Denis from Niagara Falls, ON

12:58

Congratulations on your move! I guess I won't be missing anything except for only the name "Pot of Gold" which I always thought was so clever and perfect. Two small questions if I may. Who thought of the name? And not that it matters but I think ND wins the OSU game if Kelly was the coach. Do you agree and what would be your reasoning? All the best in your new endeavour.

Eric Hansen

12:56

Bill, thanks, I have six grandkids I can lend you and they all live within about 20 minutes of you! Thanks for following us!

Bill from St Joe

12:55

Eric, Congrats and wishing you and Tyler much success on your new venture!!!
I have become a subscriber but having a bit of trouble navigating your site, but I won’t give up…it might have more than a bit due to my age and not having any you kids around to help me.

Eric Hansen

12:55

Hi Tom. Thanks so much for following us over. ... All three kind of surprised me too. Lugg makes the most sense from a rehab/injury standpoint. All good locker room/chemistry guys. In talking to TEs coach John McNulty, he believes there's a higher ceiling for Takacs than what we've seen, and his leadership will be valuable for a tight end room with a lot of numbers, but not a lot of experience behind Michael Mayer. Among the young ones, Mitchell Evans is the one to keep an eye on. Freshman Eli Raridon too if his rehab goes well. .. re Tyler Buchner. I love his mental makeup. And I do believe that will help him improve greatly in 2022. His growth will come in recognizing coverages and fronts, and his decision-making around that recognition.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

12:49

Hi Eric, continued success in your new venue. I signed up this week and look forward to more of your Insightful info. I was a little surprised that Tackas, Lugg and Griffith all decided to return. I am seeing Lugg as the ultimate 6th man with Spindler and all of the tackles we have available. Tackas would seem to project more as a mentor to all the young TE's rather than a big contributor on the field other than his blocking. I have learned not to question the return of any 5th year player because they always seem to find a way to contribute, but do you think their contributions will be more on the field or in the locker room? The Alabama QB spent a year learning before having a Heisman and possible Championship season. Given the experience that Tyler got this year do you see him having the skills and mental discipline to have a breakout season in 2022? If so, what does he need to improve the most? Thanks and Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

12:45

Defensive back development and recruiting have to improve (and in 2023 it is with recruiting), but that doesn't address next September. Part of the answer will come from pass rush. If Isaiah Foskey returns -- and we should know on Saturday -- that's huge against an OSU offensive line that loses a lot of experience and continuity. Jayson Ademilola today announced he's returning to join twin Justin, so that's a big boost.

Rui from Westchester, NY

12:42

How the heck does our defensive backfield stop these Ohio St wide receivers during their opener? With what we have returning on offense, I have faith that we will be able to score against them but defensively with CB is going to be interesting

Eric Hansen

12:41

Hi Lorne, and thank you for following us over. Much appreciated. And your question is one that I've been rolling around in my mind as well. ... First, getting Patterson back would be incredible and something I thought was a less-than-50 percent possibility. I think it's close to that now. Let's look at it both ways. If Patterson returns, then it's likely Alt and Fisher at the tackles, Kristofic at left guard and Lugg battling Rocco Spindler at right guard. If Patterson leaves, Kristofic could play center and then Lugg and Rocco would be the guards. Remember with Harry Hiestand, he may have a different sense of who the five best O-linemen are. .. Correll and Carmody would compete at the interior positions as well.

Lorne

12:36

Lorne from Reno. I signed up for Inside ND Sports (Rivals) as soon as you moved over and look forward to following you and the Irish on your new home. Congrats. You can't have too many good players, and it's great to have somebody with Josh Lugg's experience and flexibility, but ... I think if he starts next year that means some of our up-and-coming linemen aren't as good as we'd hoped. I think Fisher, Kristofic, Correll/Patterson, Spindler, and Alt is our best line, isn't it? Speaking of Patterson, any word or prediction on his decision?

Eric Hansen

12:36

Hi Marie, and thank you. My biggest takeaways from the Fiesta Bowl (condensed for a chat format) is that the aftermath of the bowl game and what Marcus Freeman does with that is going to much more clearly define him that the game itself. That would have been true had ND recovered the onside kick and pulled out the win. There's a lot to define in terms of Marcus' gameday and weekday roles. Same goes with Tommy Rees. A lot of that will start to fall into place once the coaching staff vacancies are filled. And that includes analyst roles. ... The NIL stuff is scary and very broad. The answer is not going to come form the NCAA, but likely Congress. I still think NIL can be good for college football, and quite frankly Notre Dame, with its strong brand. But there needs to be guardrails, and there aren't right now.

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