JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 28, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Sept. 28, 2022

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Eric Hansen

2:48

Joey. I think Blake is TALENTED enough to play guard or tackle. I don't agree guard is default his best position because of deficiencies as a tackle. I love his length and athleticism. Once he gets his technique down, he's going to be a handful. He still intermittently is. Remember with Harry, it's about who are the best five and then coaching them to a position. Not about who's the next best tackle. Losing Lugg and Patterson after the season would leave you Alt, Fisher and Correll in 2023, with Spindler, Kristofic, Schrauth, Baker and Carmody battling to be Nos. 4-5 (Perhaps Wagner or Chan make a quantum leap and get involved). I'm not sure there's a scenario there that would push Fisher to guard. So no. I am not a fan of that move. Sorry.

Joey G. Phila,Pa

2:39

Hi Eric, I know we’ve only had a small amount of games to judge certain players. But I’ve been watching Blake Fisher closely and I don’t see him as a tackle. He looks more suited for the guard spot. I’ve heard Hiestand was considering this during fall camp.Looking ahead to next year if Fisher is moved to guard say next to L-R Alt, Fisher, Correll, Kristofic,. Who do you see as the front runner for the right tackle spot.? And would you like to see this move?

Eric Hansen

2:38

Thanks Frank. I appreciate you. Deion Colzie, after getting his feet wet on special teams, finally got four snaps at WR against North Carolina, his first of the season. Wilkins has gotten 13, but didn't play against UNC. Those two and Tobias Merriweather will get my full attention to ask about once the coaches are avialable again Monday (Freeman) and Tuesday (Rees/Golden). Yes, the young tight ends might gobble up more opportunities, but it's important to have the capacity to do both -- for balance and unpredictablity in your offense and to take advantage of defenses that struggle against bigger wide receivers. Wilkins, Colzie and Tobias all have size. Wilkins is an outstanding blocker as well. It would be nice to have all those options on the table.

Frank Leehung, Timberland NH

2:33

Hi Eric, I hope all is well and appreciate your work as always. Just curious to get your thoughts on Colzie and what the word is within the program as far as his injury recovery and where he stands in the WR room. Also any word on Wilkins and if/when he will be present/productive for the offense any time soon? Is it more likely that one of those two aforementioned players emerges for the Irish this season, or it is more probable that one of the young talented tight ends earn a larger role in the offense in lieu of WR talent/production?

Eric Hansen

2:32

Happy Wednesday back at you, Teddy. So far Lenzy has 7 receptions for 69 yards in four games. He's certainly been given the opportunity to be productive. Of all the non-offensive linemen, only TE Michael Mayer (261) has played more snaps on offense than Lenzy (234). He's more mentally tough, self-aware and mature than one might think. I really like that part of his game. Because of that, I hold out hope that it can still come together for him, but the window is closing soon and quickly for that to happen.

Teddy Fleishacker, Bonita Springs

2:24

Hey Eric, happy Wednesday to ya! My question is with regards to Lenzy and whether you anticipate him to finally come into his own offensively or just continue to slink into the shadows and be unheard from game in and game out. I don't necessarily get the sense that he is an outstanding competitor and at times he strikes me as a track guy whose physical talents don't necessarily translate to the field. Maybe i'm wrong (hopefully), but would love to get your take.

Eric Hansen

2:24

Hi Jim. This first full cycle of the NIL influence makes predicting the recruiting landscape more difficult. I do not think DE Keon Keeley or OL Elijah Paige will change their minds. Keeley actually jumped off the ship before ND lost a game. I'm not sure if Paige was affected by the two losses. If Marcus Freeman was a long-time head coach with a proven track record, the losses would be less concerning. Even then, an established Brian Kelly lost six commitments during the 4-8 season in 2016. So it matters to some recruits.

Jim from Harrisburg, PA

2:18

Hi Eric, hope all is well. I am concerned about recruiting. We lost a 5-star defensive lineman and a 4-star offensive lineman. Is there any chance these guys will change their minds and sign with ND? Does losing games influence many recruits? We need to recruit talent and the goal should be to have the best recruiting class in the country.

Eric Hansen

2:17

Our recruiting guy, Kyle Kelly, thinks ND wins out, but no slam dunk.

Guest

2:16

Hi Eric, Michael from Atlanta. What is your feeling on if we get Jeremiyah Love, after the aTm visit. Thanks, and great work.

Eric Hansen

2:15

Hi Matt. 1) A significant factor with Moore, less so but still a factor with Keeley, IMO. 2) Not until he proves he is the best of that bunch, and that may be during the 2023 season not at the outset. 3) Offensive line growing pains, which are quickly dissipating; D-cordinators picking their poison and betting against the Irish passing game. The more balanced ND can be, the better play calls Tommy Rees can concoct. 4) Shorter, not as good of a runner. Those two are very close in terms of communicating with each other. 5) I think top 25 is more realistic.

Matt (KC)

2:10

I am back to rapid fire this week, feel free to answer yes/no, true/false, expound however you want, but here are my 5 questions for the week. 1. Was Dante Moore and Keon Keeley moving on from ND purely about NIL? 2. CJ Carr could start over Buchner or Pyne next year if he reclassified, meaning honest competition? 3. Trouble running ball is scheme, bad blocking, or loaded boxes because no one fears our receivers? 4. Pyne seems like Ian Book light (fair description?) 5. Is this a top 10 team by the end of the year?

Eric Hansen

2:10

Yikes. I don't envy either defender. Given the greater weight differential, I'd say the cornerback is the more likely player to be sore the next day and crying Mommy in the moment.

Bob Boldt

2:08

Oxnard CA. Is Mayer heading with a full head of steam on a reverse more of a nightmare to a corner than an unblocked Estime greeting a safety?

Eric Hansen

2:07

I think it's a combination, but I give ND's offense more credit, because the Irish had been struggling and executed very well.

Guest

2:07

Darren, South Bend,Indiana. Do you think Notre Dame looked that good on Offense, or was NC defense just that bad.

Eric Hansen

2:06

Hi Scott. ND had some injury issues at safety Saturday that affected the entire defensive backfield, but indeed the play could have been better. In Mickens' defense, his top three corners were all three-star prospects and he's certainly helped Bracy improve. With Cam Hart, I'm not convinced he's 100 percent physically. Missed a lot of time in spring and even during training camp. Doesn't look the same. Lewis played only 10 snaps vs. UNC but had the lowest defensive grade among Irish players in the game. That is concerning. Mike Mickens had a strong track record at Cincinnati of recruiting and developing CBs. The fact that four-stars Morrison and Mickey are already playing so much is encouraging. Christian Gray and Micah Bell are coming in the next class. Another talent upgrade. I'm going to give Mickens the benefit of the doubt and let this play out a litlte more.

Scott Los Angeles

1:59

Eric, pleasantly surprised by the OL, RB’s, Payne,and DL. Mayer is a beast even when everyone knows your throwing to him. What are your thoughts on DB Coach Mikens? ND’s DB are below average at best. Bracy is a nice surprise this year but nothing before. Lewis, Hart, are horrible. Freshman Morrison/ Mickey have more talent and cover skills. Henderson can’t tackle, Griffith has made about 10 career tackles, and the DB’s that transferred out were not going to see any time, that’s saying something. Riley was supposed to be a stud, same with Barnes, zero time. If it wasn’t for transfers at safety, Gilman and Northwestern kid we would be in more trouble. Mickens job is to recruit DB’s and coach them, I would say grade “D”. NC receiver runs right by Lewis, safety late deep. 4th and 21, Hart is sitting on the 10 yd out, has no clue, receiver runs right by as Bracy is rotating to middle. No clue why defense is in a 2 deep safety on 4th and 21. Hoping for improvement, BYU, Clemson, and USC are salivating. Thank you

Eric Hansen

1:59

Hi John. Zero. Zip. Nada. Buchner was clearly the best QB in practice and won the job fairly. And Drew Pyne might have been Buchner's biggest supporter. Now the team is rallying behind Pyne.

johngipp Lititz, pa

1:57

Hey Eric, After the last two games, I'm wondering if there was any hint of a division in the ND locker room over the starting QB. It seems to me there is a different vibe on the field and sideline since Pyne took over. This includes the early part of the Cal game when he played like me. I have not seen it mentioned but the difference in my opinion has been positive and evident. Have you noticed the vibe or had any inkling of a division?

Eric Hansen

1:57

The last time ND was in the top 20 in total offense was 2009 (8th), Jimmy Clausen's and Charlie Weis' final season. The Irish are 94th and moving up at the moment. ... I can see his rationale for wanting to work hard now, because it's an unusually early bye week. ND will get a break of some sorts in the week leading up to the Oct. 22 UNLV game. That's fall break, so there will be no academic demands that week for the Irish players. Brian Kelly was pretty good at handling bye weeks. He was 14-2 in the games that followed. But after the 2019 Michigan debacle he admitted to giving the team TOO MUCH time off. Not too little.

1:52

Hi Marie. I am enjoying the bye week. Thanks for asking. I think your concerns re Buchner's development are justified. For the third time in the last five years, he'll miss either the entire season or the vast majority of it. And of the two years he did play, he was the starter in only one of those. The best way for him to get better is in actual games. So yes, spring of 2023 will be huge for Tyler Buchner. ... Why North Carolina? A lot of it has to do with offensive coordinator/QB coach Phil Longo's reputation. In six seasons as an FBS OC, his offenses have been ranked in the top 20 all six years (2019-22 at UNC, 2017-18 at Ole Miss). And in the two years before he landed at Ole Miss, his Sam Houston State teams led the FCS in total offense in both 2015 and 2016. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:32

Hi Eric, I hope you Are having a great week. . Now that Buchner is out for the year, are you at all concerned about his ability to reach his potential. The loss of this year Developmentally is huge, And he seems to be somewhat injury prone.Although he seems super talented given the circumstances, are you concerned he won’t meet his potential? Switching gears, North Carolina is average every year often times overrated at the start of the season, how is it that they are able to recruit such talented skill position players when Notre Dame struggles in this area? Finally, Coach Freeman mentioned he would be working the players fairly hard during the bye week, are you at all concerned that this could backfire later in the season or that we could end up with a flat game like the Michigan game of 2019? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and for giving us your great insights.

Eric Hansen

1:31

If there's no portal addition, then I'd assume Marcus Freeman will treat it like BK did in the spring of 2016, with an open competition between Pyne and Buchner (Kiser and Zaire back then). Something dramatic would have to happen for Angeli to get into that mix. A 2023 QB would not be a factor (not with the caliber of QB ND is likely to get at this point). If there's a portal addition, then you're bringing him in with the idea he could win the starting job. That would mean a physical setback to Buchner, or that Pyne doesn't show enough this season to warrant another chance to win the job.

1:27

Hi Bill. I used a text-a-friend lifeline to Kyle Kelly for this question. If CJ Carr comes in during his 2024 cycle, he would come as an early enrollee. But if he reclassifies to the 2023 cycle, it is my understanding he wouldn't be able to enroll until June because of junior year course requirements. So no spring ball. So, I've got to answer your question a little differently. There are a lot of unknowns here that would play into that equation. 1) How Buchner recovers. 2) How Pyne plays over the balance of the season. 3) Whether Angeli sees significant game action. 4) Whether ND brings in a 2023 QB who can enroll early. 5) Whether they add a QB from the transfer portal. (more)

Guest

1:15

This is Bill from Houston. Assuming CJ Carr reclassifies and comes in as a 2022 early enrollee, it will make for a very interesting Spring quarterback competition between Buchner, a rejuvenated Pyne, a promising, intensely-coached (for a freshman) Angeli, and star-in-waiting Carr. Who do you see winning that competition, and who is the backup?

Eric Hansen

1:15

Hi Vernon. Thank you. Especially with injuries to the safety position group, the Irish need Watts to focus on safety now. Nickel/corner TaRiq Bracy had to fill in some there Saturday, and it weakened the Irish at two positions -- nickel and safety. I think the biggest reason for Watts' double duty was the lingering recoveries of Joe Wilkins and Deion Colzie. Colzie appears to be back on track. If Wilkins joins him after the bye, it really negates the need to cross-train Watts. He is a sure tackler, who needs to develop his coverage skills better. He's a likely starter in 2023.

Vernon Freedom, CA

1:09

Hi Eric, big fan of the weekly chats..With Xavier Watts emerging more and more defensively as he gains experience, do you think the experiment to use him offensively will be shelved or are there indications that he may still be utilized on both sides of the ball? Big fan of the X-man and would persoanlly love to see him on the field as much as possible on either side of the ball.Go Irish!

Eric Hansen

1:08

Hi Sean. I feel like Dr. Laura. I would do neither of the options you posed. I wouldn't watch it before BYU, but I wouldn't delete it either. If ND ends up being a much improved team in October and November, then it would be fun to watch that Marshall game in December to see how far the Irish came. And I hope you're getting your wife something great for her birthday. That was a pretty cool gift she got you.

Sean, Portland OR

1:04

Hi Eric - My wife got me tickets to the BYU game for my birthday. After the Marshall game I began to feel guilty that I was no longer excited for the game... but now some of that excitement is coming back. Fortunately, I was busy the Saturday of the Marshall game, but I have the recording on my DVR... should I watch it, or just delete it and pretend it never happened? The team played very well against UNC! I would love to see them clean up the details to reach their potential (~about 3 or 4 plays were the difference between the 45-32 final score and a 30+ point win).

Eric Hansen

1:03

Tom, much appreciated. Thanks for the venting and the questions. I think Merriweather, Colzie and Joe Wilkins all have the potential on the 50-50 balls. Not sure you want to make a living on that, but it's nice to have in your arsenal. Unfortunately, none of those guys have been on the field much yet for various reasons. The post-bye week playing time for those three could offer another dynamic to the offense. Let's see where that goes. I'm in the "let's see more of Tobias" camp. He's healthy. He needs at least a few reps each game moving forward. ... As far as a portal QB, ND needs to be ready to pursue that if circumstances dicatate. Ideally, you'd want someone who could come in for the spring if you were going in that direction (raher than in June). There are a lot of variables in play that could push that decision in either direction, but the key is being prepared in case adding thru the portal is a must option.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

12:55

Hi Eric, thanks again for these wonderful Chats that give us a venue to talk us off the ledge, vent our frustrations through comments we make and then every once in a while ask a meaningful question. I have two question/comments: 1) The current WR room has no one who can win a 50/50 ball. Maybe Colzie at 6'4" will help when he returns. So why not be using Merriweather to run go routes and use his size much the same way we used Claypool to get him some early playing time? Even if it were 3-5 plays he has a skill not present in the other WR's. He wouldn't need to know the entire playbook just a couple of plays/patterns. 2) With Buchner and Pyne we have two QB's in the 6'0 range that need to get out of the pocket regularly, which we did against UNC thankfully. I'm not sure that either QB is going to be much better than above average. Your thoughts on a portal QB for next year to give us a better passing game? Thanks and Go Irish!!!!

Eric Hansen

12:53

Bill, really appreciate the compliments. My oldest son has a built-in excuse. He has six kids. The younger son? He has six dogs, so he should be able to find the time. The defense is a more experienced group and doesn't have the depth issues as any of its positions that the offense has at wide receiver and quarterback. And one of those young tackles, sophomore Joe Alt, is the highest-graded player on the team per Pro Football Focus through four games. There's room for improvement on both sides of the ball. Keep an eye on these give metrics: rush offense, rush defense, pass efficiency, total defense and turnover margin. ND made significant leaps in three of the five last week. If that becomes a trend and they can create turnovers with their defense, the Irish have a chance to be much improved in November.

Bill--Idaho Falls, Idaho

12:47

Eric: I love the content you and the boys are producing for us. I love your Monday night live even if your sons don't ! I feel Tommy Reese would be jealous of how well you guys have "opened the play book up"! I've noted that the Defense, at least until they played North Carolina, appeared to be a stronger unit than did the Offense. The Defense appears to have more players who are 3rd, 4th and 5th year players than does the Offense. The Offense appears to have considerably more younger players, given that the two tackles are both 2nd year players, the best wide out is a sophomore and two out of three running backs are sophomores. Do you think this dynamic has any influence on how well the two units have played this year? As always, appreciate your expertise and keep up the great work.

Eric Hansen

12:47

What Drew Pyne did in the North Carolina game was indeed encouraging and deserves to be recognized as such. Now, here is the challenge for him, moving forward. 1) He will not face a defense that bad for the balance of the season. 2) Now that there's film on him, opposing D-coordinators will gameplan against his strengths and try to force him to play to his weaknesses. ... The good news is that if the offensive line improvement is real, it's going to be easier for Pyne and OC Tommy Rees to counter those challenges.

Bob from Chicago

12:42

Is this the start of the Drew Pyne era? The offense looks much more on track this past weekend. His passing is more accurate & he seems to have a knack for what the defense is doing. He looks more accurate & reads defenses better than the other QB this year. Your thoughts?

Eric Hansen

12:42

Dave, thoughts and prayers to you and all in the line of that storm in Florida. ... I did a story Sunday on the seven players who need to have a productive bye week, and I included freshman WR Tobias Merriweather on that list. He's a hard worker, studies the playbook, and offers some skills no one else on the roster has ... a 6-5 kid with track speed (he was the 200-meter dash champ in the state of Washington this past spring). For Merriweather, it's about being assignment-correct. Maybe it's just getting past the yips and jitters, because he's very intelligent and would seem ready for that challenge. I'll ask about him Monday the next time Marcus Freeman is in front of us.

Dave ponte vedra, fl

12:37

Hello from soon to be very wet Florida. I was encouraged by the emergence of our wide receiver corps last week. My question is, where is Merriweather?

Eric Hansen

12:37

Jim, thanks for the kind words and for your questions. Let's start with the Blake Fisher/Tosh Baker question. Blake Fisher got poked in the eye late in the North Carolina game and had to leave the game. Baker came in for him. Marcus Freeman said after the game that Fisher is/will be fine. ... So the biggest difference between freshmen Eli Raridon and Holden Staes right now is size. Raridon is 6-7, 245. Staes is 6-4 (and this looks like a typo) 226. Obviously, you want to get the ball to Michael Mayer as much as you can. But you can also use him as a decoy if the coverage dictates that, and both of those freshman tight ends can do that job. I think we'll see that start to emerge in the offense sometime after the bye. The surprise to me is how well Raridon has blocked in an admittedly small sample size. Both players, as they grow physically and from a strength standpoint, have the potential to be outstanding COMPLETE tight ends.

Jim, Oakwood, OH

12:28

Hi Eric, Boy, what a difference a week makes for the team - a terrific performance! I reviewed the "Snap Counts" article and your "Analysis: the 7 Players ..." column and had a few questions. It looks like (from the bold) that Holden Staes started but Eli Raridon ended the game with 3x the snaps. Can you explain that as well as the differences between the players and the likelihood of them being targeted as pass receivers or might they be destined to be primarily blockers in the shadow of Mike Mayer? BTW, can anyone stop or limit MM? Secondly, the snap counts reflected that Tosh Baker had 15% of the RT snaps - was that due to an injury to BF or perhaps just a tryout with TB and a motivator for BF? Many thanks for your excellent reporting, enjoy your bye weekend and be well.

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