JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 27, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat March 27, 2024

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Eric Hansen

3:05

OK, that's going to do it for today. The day for next week's chat will be up in the air until we know what's going on with the women's basketball team. But I will have a chat next week. Thanks for all the great questions today.

3:03

Hi Kevin. Maybe you missed my answer to Skip's question, though it wasn't specific to Pot of Gold Day, which is a recruiting event for Notre Dame in which the coaching staff sends out scads of offers on St. Patrick's Day. Let me try to quickly fill in some gaps that might have not been in the first question and/or answer. This is really an event that's more about social media than anything else. And building momentum. So it is not a formal written offer. And if you wanted a copy of a written offer, and some recruits will post them on social media when that time comes, it has to come from them. The school could not provide that for us. Nor can they discuss unsigned recruits publicly. Just FYI, you sound like a lawyer ready to pounce.

2:58

Kevin from Orlando

2:56

There appears to be a fair amount of coverage about all the offers that went out to individuals as a result of the Pot O Gold on St. Patrick's Day. I asked a question some time ago about the fact that there are offers and then There Are Offers; the difference being that the latter offers were of a kind that amounted to "We will accept your commitment now." The former group seemed to be, "Yes, we are interested in you as a student athlete, but we aren't really making an offer that you can accept at this time, for whatever reasons. If that is essentially accurate, then it begs the question of, what exactly, did the numerous individuals receivers of "an offer", actually receive ? Was is a written offer? If so, can you get one of the recipients to provide you with a copy of the written offer? Even better, will the football office provide such a copy? Will they acknowledge that there were different levels of offers made?

Eric Hansen

2:53

Hi Tim, I was not at Pro Day this year. Tyler and Charleston covered it for us. I had women's basketball duties that day. But I have not seen anyone but NFL guys there. I supposed your could have another league's scouts come, but it really doesn't seem to be a good investment when they're going to be able to sign players who have been in an NFL camp and cut.

Tim Thompson, Nantucket, MA

2:51

Hello all, daffodils about to open up here, despite chilly temps. Simple question this time, does pro day now include scouts from the alternate league run by Duane Johnson? Are there general scouts who are not employed by any team? Thanks.

Eric Hansen

2:51

Back to Marie and the WBB question. The Sweet 16 betting lines just came out ,, and South Carolina is a 16-point favorite over Indiana. No one else is more than 8 (UConn over Duke). The Irish are 3 1/2-point favorites over Oregon State... Back to football.

2:48

Wow Domer Reef, whenever the word "infested" is used in describing your location, the cold weather up here suddenly doesn't feel so uninviting. ... I think concern is appropriate. Dread is going a bit far. But any missed opportunity to fully immerse yourself in learning the system, timing, chemistry with new teammates is not what you want. However, if the timetable Marcus Freeman described if accurate, back by the end of spring football, then I'd say that alleviates some concerns. And if it's not accurate, then he won't be a spokesman for Holiday Inn Express anytime soon ... and it would be concerning for Leonard as well. But not an impossible, unfixable situation. Just much less than ideal.

DomerReef70

2:41

Eric, greetings from yellow pine pollen infested Montgomery (and only one exclamation point in this post). Should we be concerned about this latest ankle surgery for Riley Leonard? This may be the third? surgery since the injury against the Irish 7 months ago. He has played in only two games since then. Prime time potential but can he stay healthy, since a big part of his repertoire involves his legs. How ironic if an injury against the Irish diminished his effectiveness for the Irish. Thanks for the great work you and Tyler do in keeping us Irish up to date on Irish goings on. Also, really like what Niele Ivy has done with the Lady Irish. Go Irish!

Eric Hansen

2:41

Hi Matt. It hasn't been one constant layering of reasons, though at various times, the ones you mentioned have come into play. But the recruiting game has changed with the transfer portal and NIL. So let's focus on the present. I think the biggest reason a five-star recruit would eliminate Notre Dame in THIS DAY AND AGE and vice versa is fit. Or lack of a fit. So, in terms of academics, it's not necessarily the academic transcript that might fall short, but a prospect's willingness to accept the harder road. And to work for that. Or a kid who comes in and NIL is on the top of his concerns. Or he doesn't want to compete for a starting job. So that's one area. Geography plays a part sometimes, and not just from a weather standpoint, but getting five-stars out of certain states .. there is TREMENDOUS pressure on those kids to stay loyal to their state school. But believe it or not, the transfer portal, at least with grad transfers, can be an equalizer of sorts when used judiciously.

Matt from Austin

2:35

Good day Eric and Happy Easter. I would like your thoughts on recruiting issues, especially as they relate to five star athletes. There seems to be several potential reasons that ND lacks the ability to land them. High academic standards, previous coaching regimes, stringent admission requirements, cold weather, no athletic dorms, athletes must physically attend classes, to name a few. Do you have an opinion on this that you could share with us? Thanks Eric.

Eric Hansen

2:29

Hi J. Thank you. And let's start with the back end of your question, with CJ Carr. With Riley Leonard out and Steve Angeli sick, he got a lot of work in today and really is impressive at this stage in terms of arm strength and accuracy. We update our depth chart fairly regularly during spring, and you can find it here. Riley Mills and Howard Cross are healthy but not taking in all the practices, including today. So that's given D-line coach Al Washington a chance to look at a lot of other players. We have Brenan Vernon slotted third at defensive tackle, behind Mille and Jason Onye. This spring will give him a chance to earn a spot in the rotation if he can grab it. Some other players who are ascending/pushing are DEs Bryce Young and Boubacar Traore. Freshman Sean Sevillano Jr, with Cross out, was running with the 2s behind Donovan Hinish. Keep in mind Gabe Rubio isn't practicing either, so the depth is pretty impressive.

J Buckley, San Diego

2:19

Morning, and once again thanks for the chats. Do you know any more about the depth of the DL, Brendon Vernon and the others? Also, I'm sure you'll let us know when you get to watch another practice, but would love an update on Everything and Everyone, lol but especially how CJ Carr is looking and will he get more meaningful reps with Leonard out. THANKS

Eric Hansen

2:19

Jonathan, I've got news for you. I TOO was young during the Holtz Era ... if 20s and 30s constitutes youth. And there's only me here, so I will answer for all of us ... I think depth of talent on both sides of the ball would be accurate in the post-Holtz Era. If we are just talking the Marcus Freeman years and excluding Brian Kelly's run, I would say the depth at the interior defensive line and at corner is a step up from the Kelly years, and really they're getting to that point at linebacker as well. Running back too. And as we mentioned earlier, if everything develops at the top of the depth chart, then quarterback really is the position that backs up your observation.

Jonathan Wright

I forgot to include Kansas City, MO as my hometown in my earlier submitted question.

2:14

Greetings guys, long time listener here. I was very young during the Holtz era, but it sure seems like the overall depth of talent from top to bottom is more advanced than it’s ever been since Lou left. Would you guys agree or disagree with that and where do see this the most apparent? Second question is what would KVA’s career look like if he finds his full potential? He truly seems like a generational player. Thanks for your time guys you do a wonderful job.

Eric Hansen

2:12

Roger, thanks for the plug on the show. We really enjoy bringing Football Never Sleeps to you. And as far as my Cardinals getting to the World Series, let's just say I'm not too worried about how I'll work that into a very busy football October. ... I think your concern is legit, given he's new to the program, and there are a lot of receivers to build a rapport with, and it takes time. And two more are coming in June. I think it really depends on how long this lingers. If he's back to throwing by the end of April, that's very different than not being able to do that until mid-July. In the meantime, the wide receiver room kind of finding its hierarchy among those players will help some.

Roger from Peoria

2:07

Eric: Happy the day before Opening Day to you! Hope to see your Cardinals and my Guardians in the 2024 World Series, but I am definitely not holding my breath in expectation! I have not had the opportunity as yet to listen to Football Never Sleeps wherein you probably discussed the impact of Riley Leornard being out for the Spring. I intend to do so, but I am most concerned it would negatively impact his opportunity to develop rapport with the receivers. Assuming he is the #1 after fall practice, how much do you think this will impact the Irish in 2024? Tough to hear about Benjamin Morrison, but perhaps this creates the opportunity for others to have more Spring reps and improve the CB depth. Which CB do you believe benefits the most from Benjamin being out this Spring? Thanks and while I have for a long time looked forward to the Live Chats, I now also look forward to Football Never Sleeps where you and Tyler are both very informative and entertaining! GO IRISH!!

Eric Hansen

2:07

And Happy Easter, Len. I got so caught up in my answer, I forgot my manners.

2:06

I think from 1-4, it's the best set of QB skills of any kind they've had in a while. When CJ Carr is your No. 4? I mean even when Charlie had Jimmy Clausen and Dayne Crist together, two five-stars, there wasn't 1-4 depth. And if these guys can be developed, it's pretty exciting where the QB position is headed ... with Deuce Knight next as well.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:02

Hello Eric ! First let me wish you and your family the best of the Easter season. I had a different kind of QB question. In today's college offenses, which usually include a RPO package, the desired QB skills is quite a list. You want your QB to do so much. I wanted to discuss one skill set. From a pure classical passing standpoint the current group of ND QB's IMO have the best collective passing motion, arm strength and accuracy that I have seen in a long time. As a comparison both Ian Book and Drew Pyne had an issues throwing deep. Tyler B had an issue with short passes especially in the flat. Neither had the pure throwing motion or range of throws of any of the QB's in this current group IMO. With Denbrock and Guidugli leading the further development of these players does ND have the best throwing skills of any QB room in a while?

Eric Hansen

2:02

“I think in today's college football, it's important when you get against elite defenses to be able to have some element of that [a QB using his legs] in what you do. It doesn't have to be the major factor. It doesn't have to necessarily be the deciding factor. But there are going to be instances almost in every football game. ... And so, those things will be an element of what we do for sure.”

2:00

Now he was referring to the entire offense, not just the quarterbacks. Whether Riley Leonard was fully healthy or not, the quarterbacks are going to be taught how to be multi-dimensional.

And to do that, you've got to understand the details of what you're doing and why we're asking you to do it, so that you can execute it at a high level.

“Hopefully, I mean, that's ideal, right? So, the ideal is by the end of the spring, I don't have to worry about assignment football anymore. These guys understand how to line up, where to go, how to do it. And then, over the course of the summer, when we reteach it again, they get an opportunity to kind of dig into the details a little bit better, whether that's from how we run routes to how we run the ball or what adjustments we make from a line call standpoint. Maybe in the middle of a play, maybe I do it in the play call or the quarterback adjusted or whatever we're asking them to do. There's more detail and how they handle their job.”

1:59

“I think No. 1 number is getting to know the players better, understanding their skill sets as much as I can while they're running around in shorts and T-shirts. And then trying to, I think, get implemented, so that they have a clearer understanding of what the plan looks like. And try to give them as thorough a baseline as we possibly can right now as far as knowledge of the workings of the offense — how we shift, how we motion, how we align, how we change tempos, different personnel packages that we're going to use.

“And, hopefully, throughout the spring, we kind of get to a point where we can maybe put the assignment football stuff behind us, so that we can — over the summer and in fall camp — begin a little bit more of the dig-into-the-details process, where it's not any more a thought process of what their assignment is, but it turns a lot more towards execution. And I think, playing against good teams and beating good teams is about executing in situational football.

1:58

Mr. McHugh, thanks for the question. Let me give you Mike Denbrock's actual answer to a question along those lines... then I'll add to it:

Sean, Schaumburg IL

1:53

Mr. Hansen, how do you think Denbrock is approaching the skills Angeli/Minchey/Carr have with his goals of how he wants the offense to run/what he wants to see in terms of understanding/application of his offense in the spring window? Leonard injury provides the opportunity for 2 of 3? 3 of 3? to work with the #1 offense/more live snaps. Disappointing Leonard doesn't get to work with #1 offense. Opportunity for other 3.

Eric Hansen

1:53

Hi Ced. Steve Angeli was sick today, so he wasn't at practice (DE Junior Tuihalamaka was too), but I think Angeli when he comes back will make the most of this opportunity.

cederickwalker

1:52

ced Walker saginaw Michigan saginaw pride I'm very impress with our wr and rb during spring practice with the surgery to Riley leonard ankle Marcus Freeman must get Steve angeli to stay at notre dame 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

1:51

Thanks, Steve, and yes I am covering the Notre Dame women's basketball team and toggling back and forth with football. This weekend's Easter break for the football team saved me. ... By rule, as long as a team can roll one player out there, you can continue the game. So yes, 4-on-5 would happen if Notre Dame fouled out four players.

Steve from Brooklyn MI

1:49

Great reporting and always look forward to your insight. Not a football question as I realize you have the women’s bball team as well. With the short bench, if the worst happens on injuries or foul outs, can a team play with less than five? At what point is the game stopped?

Eric Hansen

1:49

Robert, thanks for the compliment. What you stated about a legitimate concern was an argument against a playoff for decades. Eventually money, and access to play for a national title, overtook that argument. But to answer your bottom-line question, I don't see the NCAA adding back 10 more scholarships to get to 95.

Robert, Lansing, Mi

1:45

Eric, really look forward to all of your great insights to Irish football. Thank you. Question with now the 12 and next year 14 game playoff the college game is now close to the NFL in games potentially to play for the national championship. First of all it adds to the physical mental stress for 18-20 yr. old kids with greater chance for injuries. Do you see any possibility that the NCAA removes the 85 scholarship number and maybe return it to the old 95 number to better insure the depth and less ware/tare on young players who are still in the development years?

Eric Hansen

1:44

Happy Easter, Tom. My favorite is good old-fashioned jelly beans. ... Riley Leonard underwent surgery last Friday. He was at practice today (Wednesday), and was on a knee scooter or crutches most of the time .. with a protective boot on his right ankle all the time. He did throw a few passes and was engaged in watching what the other QBs were doing. Even before Riley Leonard has the second surgery, I thought Steve Angel's best path for him was to stay in 2024 and gauge what his chances were of winning the job in 2025 or being ready of Leonard got injured. If he really wanted to go somewhere else for 2024 with a chance to start, December probably would have been the better timeline. So bottom line, I don't think his thinking has changed.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

1:38

Hi Eric, hope that you and the family have a wonderful and Blessed Easter!!! Do you have a favorite Easter candy?? Mine is any kind of Peeps!! Has LR had his surgery and if so will he be able to at least observe Spring practice to have a better handle on the offense before fall camp?? Do you think that LR not being available to compete with SA this spring will have any impact of Angeli's decision to stay or not?? I hate the setbacks for he and Morrison but hopefully they will be stronger for the season. Finally, good luck to the ND women's BBall team. Tough Region. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

1:38

https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/jayvan-boggs-301418?view=pv

1:37

I think all three of the players who have committed a the WR position — Jerome Bettis Jr., Shaun Terry and Elijah Burress — are all prospects Notre Dame feel it's catching on the way up. I am willing to roll with that evaluation as long as they pull in Meadows or Taylor, but especially if they get both. I think they're legitimately in the mix for both, with Meadows probably the more likely. A wild card is four-star Jayvan Boggs, who recently decommitted from Ohio State and has a strong interest in ND suddenly.

Matt from DC

1:28

What are your thoughts on the 2025 WR recruiting so far? Do you feel any of the commits are underrated? How do you like ND’s odds on Derek Meadows and Talyn Taylor?

Eric Hansen

1:28

I think one huge reason we are not seeing as much 12 personnel (two tight ends) in our very limited practice viewing so far is Mitchell Evans is out, Kevin Bauman is out and Eli Raridon is limited. I also think Marcus Freeman and Denbrock went to sift through a large number of new wide receivers (and the old ones too). When we get to fall camp, when we get to the season, will there be "a lot less" 12 personnel. Not a lot less over the run of the season, but maybe a lot less in certain games where other formations could better exploit a defense.

1:23

Hi Joe. I think the biggest trap sometimes for those of us covering spring football, me included, is extrapolating too often and too extremely impressions or things we see in practice into concrete conclusions. I know Mike Denbrock well enough that he likes to do some experimenting in spring, too, and not all of those still have life when fall camp rolls around. So now that I've framed your question, let me try to answer it (more).

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