JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat June 12, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat June 12, 2024

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Eric Hansen

2:56

Ok, seeing no further questions, I want to thank you all for all the great questions today. We'll pick this back up the first week of July with the next chat.

2:55

First, I want to say thanks to everyone who signed up for our special offer that ended Monday night. And speaking of Father's Day, consider a gift subscription to insideNDsports.com. They come in 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year and multi-year increments to fit any budget. Here's the link to check it out: https://notredame.rivals.com/gifts/purchase

2:53

OK, last call for questions as I've cleaned out the queue.

2:52

Hi Guest and Happy Father's Day. It's difficult to divorce myself from Notre Dame's situation, because it's not one size fits all. So, I will try to make this as generic as I can. I'd start with No. 3 coaches/coordinators, because great leadership can drive/solve/enhance a lot of the other factors on this list. No. 2. would be High School recruiting, 3. academics and grad rate, 4 Portal, 5. NIL, 6. Facilities, 7. Conference.

Guest

2:46

Hey Eric - Happy Fathers Day to you and all the ND Dads. (I'm expecting my annual "The Shirt") Thanks for these June chats. Its great to be aboard. Wanted to ask you a hypothetical. If you were a HC or AD at a Power conference how would you prioritize your spending in order to build an elite Natl Champ team? Divorce yourself from some ND constants and tap your experience with covering many programs over the years. (Dabo, Sabon, Day, Smart) How would you rank these priorities: 1) High School Recruiting 2) Facilities 3) Coaches/ Coordinators 4) Portal 5) NIL (inside/ outside funding) 6) Conference 7) Other (Academics/ schedules/Graduation rate) Thanks again for the great work you do.

Eric Hansen

2:44

Hi Gordo. Given that a walk-on did that last year, I think it's a fair question. Whitman is a 6-2, 194-pound sophomore who did not play last year. Given the depth at wide receiver, I don't see there being a path to playing time there in 2024. Maybe on special teams, but there's tons of competition for those spots too.

Gordo

2:43

Does walk-on Alex Whitman find a way to use his size and speed to make a contribution at WR or special teams this year?

Eric Hansen

2:42

Here's what Marcus Freeman had to say, that Greathouse was the most improved WR on the roster from the end of last season to the start of summer school. And it looked that way in the practices we saw. He shares the slot position with AT LEAST one other receiver, in Jordan Faison. And they complement each other. Faison has more speed. Greathouse is a really good route runner with a powerful build who's very dangerous in the red zone. So that probably isn't the definition of No. 1 in your book, but I think he'll be very productive for the Irish this season.

2:39

Oh Guest, please remember name and hometown next time ... and as punishment, you need to include your 40 time ... unless it's fast. ... I'm not sure how you define No. 1 receiver. The way the NFL does and the way college does it is quite different, because of the difference in where the hashmarks are on the field. It really defines at the college level, boundary and field receivers -- for those lining up outside. And Greathouse is a slot/inside guy. So when you say No. 1, are you asking me to project the guy with the most catches? Or the most difficult to defend, which might not be the same receiver? (more)

Guest

2:36

Do we really think Greathouse is a no 1? I don’t think he has the burst and athleticism to be more than a 2nd WR

Eric Hansen

2:36

Hi Ced. I have been asked this question a lot, and probably have had different answers at different points this offseason. I mentioned the freshman who could surprise earlier as CB Karson Hobbs. As far as the whole roster, there are fewer potential surprises since most of you saw the Blue-Gold Game. So I am digging deep and avoiding more obvious ones like Adon Shuler and Billy Schrauth. I'll go with RB Kedren Young and LB Jaiden Ausberry.

cederickwalker

2:33

ced Walker saginaw Michigan aka sagnasty saginaw pride with Summer workouts starting win loren landow this week who do you think will be the biggest surprised player of this season & how many true freshmen do u see playing here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

2:32

Hi Geoff. Marcus Freeman talked to the team leaders (and his wife) about whether to let Buchner back on the team before it actually came to pass. For those who missed my story on Freeman explaining the backstory, you can read that here. Just because he is listed as a WR doesn't mean he won't be able to help elsewhere. He may help signal in plays (yes, that's still a thing even with helmet communication coming this fall). I would expect him to be the scout team QB during Army and Navy weeks. He is willing to help in any way that he can. He is giving up fall lacrosse to do this, though he will play in the spring. I think this is going to end well.

Geoff from Orange County, CA

2:28

Hello Eric,

I was on Campus for my wife's 25th reunion when Buchner's letter was published. It was an informal topic of discussion at some of the dinners and the "refreshment hub." The letter seems to have gone over very well with most of the alums I spoke to. I thought it was very well written and spoke to what a special place Notre Dame is. More directly on the topic of Buchner's return to the football programs, what do you make of him being admitted as a WR? I can get why they wouldn't want to list him as a QB, but it seems like his most use right now would be on the scout team as a QB. Do you think this was just a case of, "Well, we've gotta put him somewhere, and this is best from an optics standpoint," or is it possible he could get into the rotation as a WR?

Eric Hansen

2:28

Hi Smitty, good question (not that the others aren't). IN GENERAL, that would be the case. Because Ivan lost his future position coach (Chris O'Leary), because he had been so good and clear in his communications with the staff, because he's still planning to visit this weekend AND because they believe he's worth it, there rule has been somewhat relaxed in his case. And ND does have contingency plans in place in case Taylor does veer off somewhere else. For now, even after his Alabama commitment, he is saying that he is firm in his ND commitment.

Smitty, Tempe AZ

2:24

Eric - to expand a bit on Marie's question regarding Taylor's recent Alabama visit... if this was an "official" visit than doesn't ND consider him uncommitted? What does that even mean since the commitment isn't binding anyways? For a commitment such as Terry, it looks as if ND is willing to mutually part ways. But for a class gem like Taylor, does he get more leeway? Can't ND recruit backup Safety options just in case, while not parting ways with Taylor?

Eric Hansen

2:24

If there's some follow-up questions you'd like to ask, I'd be happy to answer. Just not sure where to dig in.

2:23

I think you have to get away from the arms race mentality and see the Jack and Kathy Shields Family Hall for what it is -- a nod to pragmatism. In other words, a much needed facility that will help Notre Dame be better on the field through a new weightroom football won't have to share, through recovery facilities, through the latest in sports science, etc. Not because of a slide or a video game system or excess luxury. Functionality is what it's all about.

2:20

Hi Sean, I realize we haven't had a chat in a while and you have a lot on your mind. You made a lot of statements without posing many questions and most of them don't link together. So let me try my best to at least answer the question you did ask. Let me try to simplify this at the risk of being oversimplified. Under the new model, schools will be able to pay players directly, which has nothing to do with NIL. There will be a cap. And teams don't have to spend the entire cap. Notre Dame will spend it. Then on top of that, there will be NIL deals that individual players can make with say car dealerships, etc. And given the Notre Dame branding and exposure, Irish players stand to be in good shape there. So, the point of what we were saying is 1) Marcus Freeman isn't dreading this aspect of the changing model. He's embracing it. 2) So is Notre Dame, and Freeman feels very supported, whether it's facilities, finding middle ground with transfer admissions, etc. (more)

Sean, Schaumburg, IL

2:14

I forgot to add the 1983 NC State Men's Title winning basketball team suing the NCAA and the $2.8 billion settlement adding to the craziness of an ever-evolving departure/outright abandonment of "amateurism" of college athletics. Thank you, Eric. Be well.

Mr. Hansen,

2:13

Mr. Hansen, stupid fat fingers. The warp speed changes coming to college athletics is crazy. I think having a new President and AD is beneficial to get away from the staid/stodgy approach by generations past. I imagine a lot of grumbling from the older BOT members. I was hoping you could expound on your thoughts from FNS last night. What was unsaid by Freeman in the interview was how much Notre Dame was willing to pay. The new football facility being built shows a commitment to the "arms race" of facilities. Title IX is an issue. This isn't an equal sum game. Football/Men's basketball carry the financial load. In my view, the fencing team, track team athletes don't deserve as much as the football team. Sorry. We live in capitalistic society. Life isn't fair. Also, Florida State is agitating. I don't see them staying in the ACC. Clemson will follow. Maybe, Miami. No point in being in the ACC if that happens. O-line remains a huge concern for TAMU game. There's no working your way into the season by week 3/4.

Eric Hansen

2:12

Len!!!! Another Jersey Shore questioner. When are you guys going to invite me out or hang out with each other? ... And thanks for the kind words... to your questions ... Let's start with your last question about QB running threats on the roster. Leonard and Minchey are the two best by a good margin. Angeli and Carr and better and more willing runners than Hartman. As far as opening things up, I do expect this to be a lower-scoring game, given A&M's strengths, given the blind-date aspects that will take a while to tease out, given ND's offensive line evolution and given how good ND's defense is going to be. ... Keep in mind, Texas A&M was a really good defense in 2023. The Aggies were 19th in total D and 13th in rushing defense, so slowing down opponents' run games was something they were constructed to do and did so on a regular basis. Good research on your part.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:03

Hello ERIC!!!! I hope you had a nice time off and will enjoy your next days off coming soon. You and Tyler work very hard and deserve these few days away. I looked at last years Texas A & M versus LSU game. I wanted to see how Mike D Offense faired. I was surprised to see that it wasn't until late the Daniels and Nabors hit some big plays and moved the game to the win column. Throughout the game LSU running backs went no where. Daniels had over 100 yards running. I know ND has issues moving the ball on Mikel E Duke team. Will ND be able to open it up deep as LSU did? What QB's besides Leonard pose a real running threat?

Eric Hansen

2:03

Good tidings to you too, Bill and thanks for the compliment! I do NOT think it's a serious advantage, and I'll tell you why. First, Mike Elko is a good enough defensive mind to be able to study film of a QB he hasn't faced and try to get him to play "left-handed." Second, Riley will be in a different offense, with a different coordinator and with different personnel around him. Maybe if he were still at Duke and Duke was playing A&M ... There's going to be some blind-date aspects to this matchup, with Denbrock's new offense and a new staff at A&M. Love the question, just don't think it will be a big factor.

Bill from the Jersey Shore

1:57

Good tidings, Eric! Thank you for all the great coverage. It is an exciting time to be Irish! One question from the Texas A&M football game. Do you think it represents a serious advantage that Mike Elko was Riley Leonard's head coach that past few years? That is, he knows Riley very well, strengths and weaknesses. It would seem he'd be in an incredible position to take away the things Riley does well, and force him to do the things he doesn't do so well. To "play left-handed," so to speak.

Eric Hansen

1:57

Dave, I want proof that your middle name is Omer. If so, I'll get you something better than a Tyler James autograph for your trouble. ... The recent settlements between the NCAA and a handful of litigants is going to shift the pay model beyond NIL. Now, while that isn't finalized yet (a federal judge must still approve it), fewer or no walk-ons and smaller roster sizes appear to be where the new model is pushing. So it's going the opposite direction from what you're suggesting. There are a lot of coaches who don't want to see that and are pushing back, so buckle up for some lively debate there.

Dave Childers

1:53

Dave from heat stricken Jacksonville. Middle name is “Omer”. Which makes me D-Omer. Thoughts on NIL funding “preferred walk-on’s with tuition, fees, books, spending money to grow the rosters? Thanks for all the great insights and keeping the light bright in the dead space.

Eric Hansen

1:53

Hi Ryan. Donovan's production and versatility puts him in this deep rotation at the interior lines positions. Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III will be the starters, with next men in Jason Onye and Gabe Rubio. Then it's Hinish. They'll all play. ... Haven't really thought a lot about the captains, because there are so many good candidates and you never know how many they'll name. You mentioned some good candidates. Xavier Watts, Mitchell Evans and Ben Morrison are some other who warrant strong consideration.

Ryan Mars PA

1:48

Good afternoon Eric Where do you think Donavan Hinish will be on the depth chart come season and who will be the captains my guess captains will Be Cross Leonard Kizer and someone Else GO IRISH 🏈🏈☘️☘️

Eric Hansen

1:48

Hi Matt. This is getting into the weeds a little more than I normally get with recruiting, and my phone-a-friend is on vacation, so I'll do my best. Notre Dame has extended five offers so far to tight ends in the 2026 class. They are ranked by position, No. 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8. Mike Denbrock is recruiting that position. So, yes I like ND's chances there.

Matt, Salem, OR

1:44

In 23 and 24, TE U, got the #17 TE in each class. In 25, the #10 TE right now. With a loaded class of 26 for TE, do you think ND can get one or two of the top 5 TEs?

Eric Hansen

1:42

Hi Don. Assuming both of them left, you would at least need three on scholarship. So yes, a portal backup or Buchner. Because he had a medical redshirt year in 2022, Buchner does retain football eligibility in 2025, whether it be at ND or somewhere else ... and it sounds like he wants to stay at ND for football and lacrosse until he is done with college. Marcus Freeman did not want to reintroduce Buchner to the QB room for 2024, but '25 might be a different story given your scenario.

Don from LA

1:38

Following up on the QB question earlier. If CJ does look like the heir-apparent to Riley, and if Steve and Kenny decide to grab a starting position elsewhere, (I know a big hypothetical) ND goes into 2025 with CJ and Duece at QB. Is it portal time for the backup or does our LAX star Tyler Buchner have another year to be our backup?

Eric Hansen

1:38

So, maybe that's the most concerning stress point at the moment, but we need to see it play out. When the Big East imploded (before reinventing itself without football), the Irish found the ACC and the five-game football agreement. But if the ACC goes away, that doesn't mean another conference wouldn't take ND on similar terms. That was the case last time.

1:36

Let me boil down the "is Notre Dame ever going to join a conference?" conversation to very clear factors. There are three that would prompt ND to consider giving up football independence. 1) A blocked path to play for the national title. The 12-team and proposed 14-team playoff both provide a clear path. 2) A non-competitive media rights deal. Notre Dame's recent extension with NBC, combined with its ACC money, per Bevacqua, puts ND in the same financial stratosphere with the Big Ten and SEC schools. 3) ND doesn't have a place to house its basketball and Olympic Sports teams. (more)

1:30

“What I will say about both of those series — the Notre Dame-Southern Cal game is one of the great matchups in the history of sports,” Bevacqua said. “It’s fundamentally important to us that we continue that rivalry, and we know that USC feels the same way.

“We also want to continue the Stanford rivalry. It’s had a great history of its own, and universities like Notre Dame and Stanford, we need to play each other. It's great to play each other. It’s important to play each other. Two top-ranked academic universities that also happen to put a real emphasis on athletics.

“Again, the exact times and locations and when that will happen, that could vary over the course of the next decade, but we start with the principle that we absolutely want to continue to play Southern Cal every year. We want to continue to play Stanford every year. And we don’t think they agree — we know they agree.”

1:25

Hi Kagan. Thanks for your questions. I don't get too wound up about what national pundits are talking about in June. Their job is to come up with provocative topics, and they don't have any power in determining whether USC and Notre Dame continue to play for not. Let me start with what Pete Bevacqua told me about playing USC and Stanford when I had a 1-on-1 with him this spring: (more)

Kagan From Angola IN

1:22

Hello Eric, I was wondering what your thoughts were on some of the national media like Joe Klatt and Colin Cowherd saying that USC should back out of it's annual game with the Irish? To me this would be detrimental to the history of CFB, but I also understand why they would with the B1G expansion and the slate of teams they will play in their own conference year in and year out. My second question is do you think this is what ultimately pushes Notre Dame to join a conference? Once FSU and Clemson leave the ACC could the B1G and SEC just say hey we aren't gonna schedule you anymore unless you are going to join? That would leave us with a weak B12 and whatever is left of the ACC to schedule which would be detrimental to out playoff hopes. Thank you for the great insight and as always Go Irish!

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