JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat May 22, 2020

Notre Dame Football Live Chat May 22, 2020

Eric Hansen

3:01

That's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. I'll definitely be back in June to do this and likely more than once during that month. Everybody stay safe.

3:00

Fred, thanks and I'm going to assume you are from Wisconsin. Betting lines, especially, early ones are not a sign of respect or disrespect, although smart coaches will sometimes use them as motivation anyway. I think Wisconsin is a really good program, but I think they lost a lot of difference-makers from their lineup.

Fred Karam

2:58

Eric, I hope you and your family are well in these trying times, my question is this: the lines and predictions have the Irish as an underdog against Wisconsin, I don't understand the disrespect. We have an accomplished returning quarterback , a strong offensive line, strong talent across the entire team. I watched Wisconsin and have never been impressed and don't believe they have the same talent as the Irish. When they have played the big boys they usually get thumped, I know we have some problems in the past as well, but Coach Kelly has narrowed the gap with talent and coaching as well as strong recruiting classes, what is your thoughts? Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Eric Hansen

2:58

If it had worked, it would have looked very sane. They took a chance. You have to do that sometimes.

Sean

2:58

Eric, hope you and your family are staying safe. Two questions. First, what in the name of all that is holy were the coaching staff thinking by putting all their running back hope in one guy? This seems insane.

Eric Hansen

2:57

Mike, Carter did a story today on predicting how the class will fill out. Here's the link: https://www.ndinsider.com/recruiting/predicting-the-members-of-notre-d...

Mike(Pittsburgh)

2:56

What does a dream 2021 recruiting class for the Irish look like? Can just be numbers, doesn’t have to be all the names. Thanks for doing this!

Eric Hansen

2:52

I'm not sure Brian Kelly's adaptation to selling ND's academic strengths was as long or disjointed as you're portraying. Notre Dame is very much about fit, so you're right in that respect in assuming some coaches who have been successful elsewhere may not succeed at all in ND's environment.

Doug from Sunny Florida

2:51

Eric, a lot has been written about the recruiting challenges at ND and how ND goes after players that can understand the differences and demands that an ND student athlete has compared to most other schools. My question is centered around the coaching staff. It seems like it took BK a few years to understand and accept these challenges but now talks openly about them and tries to use them to his recruiting advantage. How hard is it for him to find prospective coaching hires that understand, accept and can buy into these challenges and can openly recruit with these challenges in mind? How long is the list of prospective coaches that can really recruit and coach in ND's environment?

Eric Hansen

2:50

I'd put Kevin Austin Jr. at the top of that list, followed by Braden Lenzy. I'm eager to see what freshman Jordan Johnson looks like coming in the door and if Javon McKinley can make another leap in his game. I really like Xavier Watts to be a surprise player. I'd like him more if spring had taken place.

Dan, Grand Rapids, Mi

2:45

Another easy one for you, Eric.....Who does ND have as a game-breaker receiver who would strike fear into the defense? Hopefully more than one. Anyone who has size, great hands and speed? The top teams have multiples.....OSU, Clemson, Ala., LSU etc. We need some! Thanks again!

Eric Hansen

2:45

That's a great question for me to ask Jack Swarbrick next time we chat. I would think that's an unnecessary safety risk and would condense the area that players spent time in instead of spreading them out. I'm not sure if I understand the second part of the question, about away games, but I wouldn't think that would be altered.

Tom from Georgia

2:41

Will ND go to Culver? Will ND alter the established timing under Kelly for travel to away games?

Eric Hansen

2:41

Luke, thank you. Spring ball was going to inform us on that question. Since 14 of the 15 got canceled, I'm going to cheat and go with who Troy Pride Jr. told me to keep an eye on, and that's Isaiah Rutherford as the most likely CB outside of the group you mentioned to emerge. I'd keep an eye on Cam Hart too. But keep in mind, this is the position group most likely challenged by the effects of the pandemic.

Luke F. from Cicero, IN

2:35

Thanks for doing the chats. Honestly, they are very insightful and it is nice to hear an opinion from someone who lives around ND and is able to get a perspective from close up! Outside of Crawford, McCloud, and Bracy, who is able - physically and mentally - to step up and play meaningful snaps at corner? Who will be the player to step up and play meaningful snaps in 2020 and beyond?

Eric Hansen

2:35

I like his game a lot. Big, rangy linebacker who can cover in space. His challenge has been staying healthy. If he can in 2020, he'll be in the mix to start at Buck linebacker.

Paul from Hebron, IN

2:34

What is your opinion of linebacker Jack Lamb? Does he have what it takes to play meaningful snaps this fall?

Eric Hansen

2:33

Spindler better chance than Rucci.

Kyle W. from St. Louis, MO

2:31

What are ND's chances of landing OL Nolan Rucci and/or Rocco Spindler?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Jeff, you sound like you're having a bad day. I'll keep this simple. A top five class is an aspiration, not a promise. And I think it's good to have high aspirations. If you put limits on yourself, it usually doesn't end well. I'm not trying to make excuses for ND here, but the pandemic's effect on recruiting is real. As things start to reopen and kids get a chance to take visits, I think we'll see a bit of a shift.

Jeff from York, PA

2:29

Why is Notre Dame doing such a poor job in recruiting? The class is currently ranked 12th. BK promised a top five class which is badly needed after the poor class, ranked 21st, of 2020. Is it because the coaches can't recruit? Is it because the school places too much emphasis on academics? Is it because too many four and five star recruits have juvenile records and a history of bad behavior? A ND football coach is not a good coach unless he wins a national championship or two during his tenure.

Eric Hansen

2:28

I think if the pandemic hadn't happened and he visited ND in March, he would be in Notre Dame's class. The pandemic has prompted a lot of kids to consider staying closer to home. USC's resurgence, when it had been losing elite California kids left and right, is another illustration of that trend.

Jake from Mishawaka, IN

2:27

What went wrong with Will Shipley? Did ND do anything wrong or were they never really a realistic option geographically?

Eric Hansen

2:27

Jack, to your timetable question. it's a big puzzle. One conference's decision is impacted by another's. States reopening at different speeds and to different extents also play into the formula. I think commissioners and presidents want to wait as late as possible to make a decision, because every day it seems like we get more data with which to make those kinds of decisions.

Jack from Oak Park IL

2:24

Looks like ND needs, at least, a “conference-only PLUS one” format to save its season. Do the ACC, Big Ten and PAC Ten, have a timetable, and who decides (conference or each school)? Stay well & Go Irish.

Eric Hansen

2:24

Duly noted.

Robb, Colorado

2:23

Hey Eric, I concur on your optimism on Tyree. I will even go a step further and say he ends up a Freshman AA. Lots of all purpose yards for him.

Eric Hansen

2:23

I think the areas that worry Brian Kelly the most are cornerback and running back, because there are the most unknowns at those positions and not a lot of margin for error if injuries become a factor at those positions.

andy from Ponte vedra

2:22

Hey Eric, what position(s) or parts of the offense or defense worry you the most about this ND team this year? Where do expect to see improvement? Thanks

Eric Hansen

2:22

C'Bo is the safe answer. I'm going to go with Kyren.

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

2:21

Who has a bigger impact this year, Kyren Williams or C’Bo Flemister? Why?

Eric Hansen

2:21

David, thank you for your compliments and your question. I really like the leadership of this team. You don't know for sure what that looks like until you encounter a big puff of adversity, and this team (and the whole world) has. So it will be fascinating to how that shows itself in August. My sense is that it will make a difference in ND's bottom line.

David Kaminski

2:19

David Kaminski Elkhart, IN Thanks for all you do Eric...I always know I am getting accurate information from your writings. My question is how does this Team's chemistry compare to 2012? It appears similar with a bonded Upperclassman leadership group on and off the field, followed by a group of Underclassmen that are buying into the Program and taking Coach Kelly's "Development of Traits" mantra to heart.

Eric Hansen

2:19

We should know that answer pretty soon. I would say no more than half, and likely a little less than that.

Pat, Springfield, IL

2:18

This might be an unanswerable question now but if there is a limit on spectators any idea what will be the maximum number of fans allowed?

Eric Hansen

2:16

Tyler thanks. I think the succession plan would be different with each passing year. If Kelly left after this season, the list of candidates would look different than if he left after 2024. Consider whether Jack Swarbrick would still be AD in 2024, for one. Would Clark Lea have been a head coach, say at Vanderbilt, by that time? If so, was he successful as a head coach. That's why I always dance around this question when I get it, because my mind doesn't work that way. It's not a bad or unfair question. It just the best answer is: nobody really knows.

Tyler - Cleveland OH

2:10

Happy Friday eve eric! Love the work. Seems like BK is finally getting some credit he deserves for getting this program turned around. Lots of people saying he’s a top 5/10 coach in the country. Even if he never wins a national championship I’ll be pleased to see a 10-2 ND team year in and year out than a 7-5 ND team winning a no name bowl. That being said he is definitely on the back 9 of his career. Any news on a succession plan or to early to tell? Love Clark Lea and he is a great fit at ND. Seems to get our culture and can recruit the ND student athlete and more importantly develop that athlete. JOK was a fringe 3 star and now being talked about as a top tier draft prospect. (Imagine him with Jaylon... sigh). ND has to be crazy to not throw a bunch of money at him to ensure he stays right? Was about to lose it when I heard he may be going to BC. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:09

If I understand your question, there's nothing that would prevent the prospect from touring campus on his own, but there wouldn't be much point to it. Wouldn't you want to meet the coaches, the academic people, etc.? I sure would.

Dwight from central Arkansas

2:08

I read Carter Karel's article with interest. I know a recruit must avoid contact at specific times and during this quarantine meeting face-to-face is not allowed. If I understood the article there are loopholes to a prospect visiting a campus. If a 5-star athlete wanted to tour a campus, could he do so legally by contacting a non-coach source such as Carter Karels or yourself or someone not affiliated with ND as long as he did not come in contact with anyone on the coaching staff?

Eric Hansen

2:07

Coaches and fans, very much so. And I will wear one too, because I want to keep others safe from me.

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