What Spring Practice will tell us about The Quarterback Position

I am not sure if the spring practices will or even can deliver a lead horse in the position of quarterback.  Even if Kelly sees something in one or the other I am not sure he would tip his hat before the fall.  It will be exciting to hear and see reports of the young guns Golson and Kiel.  Did Golson develop enough to be the super hero Irish fans had hoped for?  Is Kiel the “man child” under center that everyone thinks he is?  Again I am not sure spring practices will answer these questions.  As for Reese the spring can only give him life and a chance to show that he has made the improvements that we were looking for between his freshman and sophomore years.  Andrew Hendrix may get enough meaningful naps this spring to gain Kelly’s full confidence, that along with his more than solid performances last season may vault him towards the top.  Overall I don’t think spring will give us an insight to any clear leader heading into fall.

What Spring Practice will tell us about The Quarterback Position

I am not sure if the spring practices will or even can deliver a lead horse in the position of quarterback.  Even if Kelly sees something in one or the other I am not sure he would tip his hat before the fall.  It will be exciting to hear and see reports of the young guns Golson and Kiel.  Did Golson develop enough to be the super hero Irish fans had hoped for?  Is Kiel the “man child” under center that everyone thinks he is?  Again I am not sure spring practices will answer these questions.  As for Reese the spring can only give him life and a chance to show that he has made the improvements that we were looking for between his freshman and sophomore years.  Andrew Hendrix may get enough meaningful naps this spring to gain Kelly’s full confidence, that along with his more than solid performances last season may vault him towards the top.  Overall I don’t think spring will give us an insight to any clear leader heading into fall.

What Spring Practice will tell us about Linebackers

Guys like Utipo, Rabasa, Grace and Moore will be looking to raise their stock this spring to get in behind Te’o, Fox and Calabrese at the middle linebacker position.  I like Kendall Moore to come out on top for back up time with Jarrett grace looking good as well.  The spring will also give us insight to how the Irish will increase the roles of outside linebackers (multifunctional defensive players) Ishaq Williams and Troy Niklas.  The question is not whether Ishaq and Troy will play but where (Niklas at tight end) and when.   Prince Shembo will use spring to solidify his place at the Cat.  Can Ben Council and Danny Spond use the spring to work their way onto the field?

Jr. Day Recruit Round Up

Offensive Line recruits, 6’6” 305 lb. Steve Elmer, 6’7” 290 lb. Hunter Bivin, 6’7” 280 lb. Colin McGovern, and 6’9” 280+ lb. Mike McGlinchey…are you serious?  The Irish offensive line’s future is so bright I got to wear shades.   Steve Elmer did a great job (I am sure) on Jr. Day influencing Bevin, McGovern and McGlinchey.  Running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers alike should begin to fall in behind these guys knowing the protection will be there.  That seemed to be the case on Sunday when the Irish scored 6’4” 190 lb. four-star dual threat quarterback Malik Zaire out of Ohio State’s backyard.

Jr. Day Recruit Round Up

Offensive Line recruits, 6’6” 305 lb. Steve Elmer, 6’7” 290 lb. Hunter Bivin, 6’7” 280 lb. Colin McGovern, and 6’9” 280+ lb. Mike McGlinchey…are you serious?  The Irish offensive line’s future is so bright I got to wear shades.   Steve Elmer did a great job (I am sure) on Jr. Day influencing Bevin, McGovern and McGlinchey.  Running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers alike should begin to fall in behind these guys knowing the protection will be there.  That seemed to be the case on Sunday when the Irish scored 6’4” 190 lb. four-star dual threat quarterback Malik Zaire out of Ohio State’s backyard.

What Spring Practice will tell us about The Defensive Line

The defensive line and linebackers have their 2012 script pretty well set with maybe the only questions being amount of time either meaningful rotations or end of game mop up based on performance or injury.  Spring will give an opportunity for Kona Schwenke, Chase Houndshell and TonySpringman to step up and show their worth.  Spring will give us insight as to where and how Stephon Tuitt will be used.  Tuitt can play the nose or the end; he probably will play both significantly depending on the situation.  Spring may also shed light on whether or not Sheldon Day will preserve a year of eligibility or get the ball rolling early in his career.