JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 12, 2020 | 3/12/2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 12, 2020

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Eric Hansen

Thanks for all your great questions and for trying to add some normalcy to this very unusual circumstance we are experiencing.

1:53

Unless there are more questions, I'm going to end things here. At the top I mentioned doing the chats weekly through the spring. Until there is news that dictates otherwise, we'll suspend the chats for now. We will be working on story lines pertaining to ND athletics in the meantime. So be sure to stay connected to ndinsider.com.

1:40

The bar at Notre Dame is national titles. And ND doesn't believe being a premier academic institution and football excellence are mutually exclusive. In fact, they're proud that they strive to do both.

Lee from Lancaster, SC

1:39

Brian Kelly's teams win 10 games a year and most of his players graduate. Why does he have to win a national championship to be considered a great coach, particularly since ND prides itself on being a premier academic institution and not a football factory?

Eric Hansen

1:38

Here's Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick's response when I asked him that question:

Expanding this two-game Wisconsin series to four games, and including games on the respective campuses, was intriguing but not practical.

“The available inventory is such that you would be so far out that it was better to focus on what we could do right now,” Swarbrick said.

“We would love to do that. We think getting to Madison would be great. But when you’re trying to find these windows — we did an unusual deal recently with Arkansas, where the games are split by so many years (2020 at ND, 2025 at Arkansas).

“Most schools don’t want to do that, so you’ve got to find two windows that are right back to back, and we don’t have a lot of those.”

Murph, South Bend

1:38

Hey Eric! Thanks for your time. Why is the ND/Wisconsin series not taking place on campuses? My assumptions are money and money. Sure you can make the argument a shamrock game helps with local recruiting, but overall these neutral site games are a travesty. Not getting to experience Madison for an ND game is sad...but hey, SOLDIER FIELD!

Eric Hansen

1:34

I would imagine there will be other teams that follow this pattern, so that eventually everyone is in a similar situation ... so no competitive disadvantage. The unknown is how long does this last? A month? A few months? Into September? I'm sure they are working a different contingency plans as we speak, depending on the length of suspended activities. Certainly doing some of this in the summer is a possibility if we're back to normal by then.

Ken - Pensacola

1:31

Eric - How do you think that they missed practices effect the team as we get ready for the new season?

Eric Hansen

1:26

Matt we answered a couple of those on the Pod of Gold podcast, as you requested. With Tony Jones, he would have been welcomed back, but he knows more tread on the tires is not necessarily a plus for running backs who aspire to play in the NFL. So with degree in hand, he bolted. He knows he's a long shot, but he may have been even more of a long shot had he stayed. That isn't the case with some of the other positions, like offensive linemen.

Matt from DC

1:21

(A) Did BK really want Tony Jones, Jr. back? I was surprised that he left a year of eligibility on the table, when it was pretty clear he was a long shot to get drafted. Did BK tell him he wouldn’t be the starter next year, and nudge him in that direction? (B) How will ND handle the (totally bogus) vacated wins in their official records, and why? For example, is BK closing in on the Holtz/Rockne win total, or not (if the wins are taken away)? How will ND handle that awkwardness? (C) I still don’t get why ND won’t consider a lawsuit to recover those wins. Jack told you that wasn’t an option, but Penn State successfully sued to restore JoePa’s wins. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

1:21

I think they're position themselves to support your argument. They still have less margin for error than the Alabamas and Clemsons of the world, but the better they recruit, the better their chances.

Neil from Grand Rapids Michigan

1:20

With our 2020 recruiting class set, our 2021 and 2022 recruiting classes potential trending up right now, I personally think that Notre Dame will not only make the CFP, but they have a great chance of winning the whole thing in 2023. I know there are a lot of variables that go into recruiting but I just wanted your opinion on the realistic chances that our Fighting Irish can win a National Championship by 2023.

Eric Hansen

1:19

I outlined the grad assistant role a little earlier. Analysts can do many of the same things coaches can do EXCEPT actual on-field coaching. When Jeff Quinn was an analyst, he brought a lot of analytics to the table, which in turn helped the coaches make better in-game decisions. Christian Parker spent a lot of time talking to players directly, so his analyst role was a bit different. They can't go out on the road recruiting, but they can talk to recruits during visits, I believe. So there are restrictions on them, but it's not a one-size-fits-all in terms of responsibilities beyond those restrictions.

Jim Toledo

1:15

Good to have Chris Watt and Kerry Cooks back , could you expand on the duties/responsibilities of grad assistants and analyst or even the # of them at any given time of year

Eric Hansen

1:15

Notre Dame has fewer analysts than Alabama, and Brian Kelly does not feel that has put them at a competitive disadvantage. Jeff Quinn, for instance, was a senior analyst before he succeeded Harry Hiestand as offensive line coach. There are other very valuable roles that are not analysts. Bill Rees is director of scouting, for instance. Dave Peloquin is director of player personnel. Again. in these types of roles, Alabama has more, but ND is happy with its quality.

https://und.com/staff-directory/sports/football/

1:10

Brian, here's a link to ND's entire football staff:

Brian from St.Louis-

1:10

Eric, You see teams such as Alabama, LSU and most of the SEC add former head coaches (Charlie Strong to Alabama) and offensive/defensive coordinators (Chip Long to Tennessee) of Power 5 programs to their off the field staffs. Where does ND stand in this regard and do they have the same number off the field positions of some of these SEC schools? If so who are they? The only name I've heard is Bill Rees (director of player personnel) Tommy's father and most recently former DB coach Kerry Cooks as a defensive analyst.

Eric Hansen

1:10

I think Rocco was closer to a decision than Will, and Notre Dame is very much in play for both. Because recruiting has also been suspended, both on-campus visits and coaches going out on the road for the spring evaluation period, I would think both decision would be delayed.

Neil from Grand Rapids Michigan

1:08

Eric, is there any update on the recruitment of Will Shipley and Rocco Spindler, do you know when they plan on making their decision?

Eric Hansen

1:03

He is an ascending player, so this answer could be a little different come fall. Jaylon played only one year outside, though he would have been great there, had he not moved inside out of necessity. Danny Spond was really good on the 2012 team. Remember, Notre Dame ran a 3-4 through 2013, so Darius Fleming, Prince Shembo, etc., were outside linebackers. But that feels like an apples-to-oranges comparison given the vastly different duties Jeremiah has vs, those guys. I would say if he's not there yet at the top of the list, he will be there this fall.

Mark from PGH PA

12:56

Eric, interested to know where you would rank JOK in ND OLBs for the last decade. Seems to me right now he's as good as anybody aside from Jaylon Smith and he still has an upside.

Eric Hansen

12:56

Marie. thanks. I would say Xavier Watts and Joe Wilkins would be the most camera-ready to make the switch to defense, though I'm not predicting either at this point. Still, haven't talked to Avery, but I did talk to someone close to him who expects he'll stay on offense and that Avery likes that. I think where he is right now, slot receiver, is the clearest path to playing time for him. ... In the one practice we saw, McNulty only worked with tight ends, and BK kind of suggested that's one reason he liked that hire, to give tight ends full attention. That doesn't mean McNulty's coordinator experience and experience coaching other positions won't be valuable in the meeting room, including pertaining to quarterbacks.

Marie from Atlanta

12:51

Hi Eric, thanks for having the chat. Which players if any, do you think are the most likely candidates to switch from offense to defense this season? Avery Davis has been the ultimate team player, it would be great if he could see some meaningful playing time this year. Which position do you think gives him the best chance for that? Do you ever get to talk to him and ask him where he would like to play? One final question. It may be too early to tell but can you get a sense of how involved Mcnulty will be with helping to coach the Quarterbacks? Quarterback development has not been strong in the Kelly era, hoping maybe he will be able to help give it and upgrade. As always thank for the great coverage.

Eric Hansen

12:51

Manny!!!!!! I have been worried about you. Glad to have you on the chat. For now spring practice is suspended and not canceled, which means theoretically it could resume at some point if conditions warrant that. Keep in mind. we really don't have a precedent for this, so I think the tendency by those making the decisions -- at ND and elsewhere -- is to lean on the side of overreacting, rather than risk not doing enough.

Manny from San Pedro

12:48

Eric!!!!!!!!!! Love that the chat is back. This virus stuff is crazy. Any chance spring practice gets cancelled or any other off season activity?

Eric Hansen

12:48

Unlike an analyst role, graduate assistant coaches can do actual on-field coaching. They can help with breaking down film. Essentially they're a coaching in training. Chris will work with the offensive line. Once, normal activities resume. we'll make sure to tease out that story line a little more for everyone.

John St Pete Fl

12:46

Eric, thanks for the chat. I like the addition of Chris Watt as a GA, what duties and responsibilities can a GA perform? I also am assuming he will be very involved with the offensive line, is that a correct assumption?

Eric Hansen

12:43

We're like everyone else --- going day to day. This is a new set of circumstances I've never encountered during my career. If you could tell me how long this will last, I'd have a better answer for you. Certainly there will be stories about how players are coping/training at home, if there could be practices in the summer, etc. Right now it's so now and it seems to change every hour.

Lee from Lancaster, SC

12:40

How will the anticipated spread of the coronavirus impact your coverage of the ND football team?

Eric Hansen

12:40

There wasn't a lot of clarity on the note the family sent out to the media. It seems this enhances his path to enrolling early, not detract from it. It didn't state this in the release, but this does give him a chance to play again much higher-level competition during the regular season. That in turn would better prepare him for competing for the starting QB job in 2021 as a true freshmen -- theoretically.

Drew (San Diego)

12:33

what are your thoughts on Tyler Buchner's decision to transfer from Bishops' in San Diego to Helix High (Reggie Bush's school) for the Fall? will this affect his decision to enroll early at ND?

Eric Hansen

12:29

Joe, I know you submitted this before the news today. I think the school wanted to take its time. There was no advantage in making a quick and/or rigid decision. Remaining fluid as things return back to normal is going to be key as well.

Joe from Georgia

12:23

Unprecedented peril for coaches now. What they do, or fail to do, will be harshly judged in hindsight. Imagine being judged by future recruits/families based on this Corona panic. The only "safe" course is a complete shutdown and providing for free transportation home for all who want such. Trying to "split the baby" as ND did by allowing sweaty practices while canceling all physical classes will cost dearly down the road. Now, at ND, add Declan. Not fair. Not logical. Yet there it is.

Eric Hansen

12:19

Bill, thanks. It depends how you define the term search. Absolutely, Brian Kelly kicked the tires on outside candidates. Did he ever seriously consider one of them could beat out Rees? I think he set out to do that. I'm not sure in practice that's what happened. I do know at this point he is very happy with his decision.Not to get too deep into the Chip Long question, not everyone responds to a coach in a similar fashion.

Bill 1000 Oaks Ca

12:15

Did ND really conduct a nationwide search for an OC? One of Fr Hesburgh's favorite sayings was" age alone is no real guaranty of quality unless one is considering wine or cheese." Wish Tommy luck!! Claypool seemed to respond to Long's coaching.Could the real problem lie with the line coach teaching fundamentals? You're the best so your opinion is valued!!

Eric Hansen

12:14

Raymond, please include your hometown next time. We're not certain how long the suspension of activities will last. If there's a point later in the spring that there can be an abbreviated practice schedule, I'd imagine that could be considered. I doubt they would hold the Blue-Gold Game. They might be working around exams, though they did that during bowl prep. One compromise might be having an open scrimmage in August at the stadium.

Raymond Haines

12:09

I wonder if there will be a spring game next month or not due to virus?
I am thinking about attend that game Thanks

Eric Hansen

12:09

I'll get to your questions. PLEASE remember to include your name and hometown.

12:08

So spring practice is suspended and so is recruiting visits for Notre Dame football.

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