20 Questions #4

On January 16th UND.com posted an article "20 Questions for Notre Dame Football for 2015".  This is question 4.

4. It’s hard to imagine a Notre Dame position area that grew up more than the Irish receivers did in 2014. Will Fuller became a bona-fide star. Corey Robinson proved to be a matchup nightmare. Chris Brown emerged as a dependable, if under the radar, staple. C.J. Prosise showed he could both catch and run (see 50-yard touchdown on jet sweep vs. LSU, the longest run by an Irish receiver in two decades), as did Amir Carlisle. Now that Torii Hunter Jr. is healthy, expect him to be a force. And Folston has proven he can catch the ball out of the backfield. All those players return in 2015. What’s the next step for Notre Dame’s passing game?

Answer;

The next step is now.  The Irish have a full stable of talented receivers with good experience right now.  The issue may be play calling and proper distribution of the ball.  What I really like about this group is the diversity in their styles, abilities and the strengths each receiver brings to the game.

Will Fuller

At the wide receiver position Will Fuller stepped up and took over the vacant number one spot (s a sophomore) after the suspension of DaVaris Daniels and should be a leader among the receivers again this season (2 more years eligibility).  Chris Brown my only have one year of eligibility but I expect even though he has been a solid contributor  I don't think he has lived up to his full potential and I expect the best is yet to come. After being hampered by two years of injuries Torii Hunter Jr. should be an important part of the Notre Dame's passing game for the future (3 more years of eligibility).  Corey Robinson showed impressive growth from his freshman to his sophomore seasons and anticipate impressive growth over the next two years as well.

C.J. Prosise

When it comes to the slot receiver position like Chris Brown, Amir Carlisle has had some solid performances but I still think his best game are ahead of him and with only one year of eligibility left the clock is ticking. C.J. Prosise came to South Bend to play defense but after redshirting his freshman year he switched over to receiver for his sophomore season.  Prosise came into his own this past year and since he has two more years of eligibility to continue to develop and contribute.

The unknown X factor is Justin Brent a freshman who redshirted last year whole finding him in the tabloids for dating older women.  He looks like he has all the tools to be  great college player and we will get a look this fall.  The Irish also have commits who have good potential four-star prospects C.J. Sanders and Providence Catholic’s Miles Boykin (who may end up a tight end).

Miles Boykin

Overall depth, diversity and potential best define the future of the receiver position at Notre Dame.

20 Questions #3

On January 16th UND.com posted an article "20 Questions for Notre Dame Football for 2015".  This is question 3.

Jimmy Byrne

3. Even with Ronnie Stanley, Nick Martin, Steve Elmer, Mike McGlinchey and Matt Hegarty back in the fold, there are a host of young Irish offensive linemen in the mix. Consider the likes of John Montelus, Colin McGovern, Quenton Nelson, Sam Mustipher, Jimmy Byrne, Hunter Bivin and Alex Bars—most all of them highly regarded when they showed up on campus. Can any of that group develop into a major contributor by the time the 2015 campaign unfolds?

Sam Mustipher

Answer;  We addressed some of this in question #2, however this questions has us look a little more in depth into specific two deep and back up players.  Kelly believes it is always most important to have the best football players on the field, positions are secondary.  He and Offensive Line Coach Harry Hiestand want to get the right combination of men along the line the good news is that the players they have and move from position to position along the line.  I hope they can figure out that combination sooner than later this upcoming season.

The probable starting line check in at 6' 5.5" 315lbs, 6' 4.5" 295lbs, 6' 5.5 315lbs, 6' 7.5'" 315lbs and 6' 4.5 295lbs for an average of 6' 5.5" and 307lbs.  The possible two-deeps listed above come in at 6' 4" 310lbs, 6' 4.5 313lbs, 6' 4.5" 325lbs, 6' 2" 305lbs, 6' 4" 295lbs, 6' 5.5" 296lbs and 6' 6" 305lbs for an average of 6' 4.4" and 307lbs.  Physically there is not much of a drop off in size about an inch on average and 0 in pounds.  There may not be much of a drop of in ability or potential but there would be a drop of in game experience.

John Montelus

If they can stay healthy and Nick Martin and get back to form I presume the expected starting line up to start against Texas.  However if those five don't get the job done Kelly and Hienstand won't hesitate to give another guy, or five a chance.  Out of all the secondary options at offensive line I expect Montelus, Nelson and Bivin to definitely see the field next year maybe even getting considerable time.