Big Fish

Brain Kelly and his crew have reeled in their biggest prospect commit for the class of 2013 in Jaylon Smith.  As Notre Dame’s lucky 13 verbal commit for the class of 2013, Smith, a 6’3” 220 lb. outside linebacker (also has played defensive end and cornerback) with 51 tackles (18 for a loss) and eight sacks, who also rushed for over 1300 yards and had 25 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball during his junior year, is rated as a five-star recruit.  Jaylon, who is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a 4.44 40 time and is ranked the #4 overall recruit for 2013 by rivals.com. Jaylon has already made it pretty clear he will be a recruiting recruit, hopefully luring other talented players to South Bend.  Names being circulated as those Smith may attract include CB Vernon Hargreaves III, LB Alex Anzalone, and LB Michael Hutchings.  All are very important as this class is already pretty set on the offensive side of the ball.  I feel comfortable with his commitment to Notre Dame and we will see him suited up for the Irish in the fall of 2013.  Smith cites his comfort level at the school and the family atmosphere for his decision.  Smith was high on the coaching staff as he told ESPN, "Every (Notre Dame) coach has the same stand character wise," Smith said. "Other coaches tell you what you want to hear, and I saw that with my brother" (his brother attends OSU).  I may think that the self-imposed nickname the 2013 recruiting class has - “IrishMob13” is not up to South Bend Class, but I do like the team spirit this group has with each other.

Back for a Fifth Year

When the Irish begin the 2012 season, seven players will be graduates after being asked back for a fifth year.  Having this kind of experience and maturity in the locker room and on the practice field can be a real asset.  As far as being able to contribute and translating that maturity and experience into production and wins, that may be a little more of a gray area.  If the high talent level was there, they most likely would have moved on to the next level by now.  Coaches have to balance slots of incoming freshmen potential and returning fifth year experience.  This year’s crop of fifth years will not only contribute, but several will compete for starting roles.

Thanks to an injury his freshman year where he saw very little and short lived action as a long snapper, Braxton Cave is coming back to retake his starting role at center.  Cave has played in 35 games in his career with 22 starts.  Braxton brings experience, leadership and strength to the middle of the offensive line. 

Mike Golic Jr. played the backup role at center for two and half years and stepped in for Braxton Cave when he went down last year with an injury.  Golic will either back up Cave again or compete for time at guard.  Mike is a talented lineman who would be starting on almost any other program’s line and the Irish are fortunate to have him in the ranks.

John Goodman needs the 2012 season to prove he is as talented as people have been saying since he came to South Bend.  John never seemed to live up to his supposed potential and after last year’s problems receiving punts, I was a little surprised to see him back.  With his speed, hands, experience and size along with the team’s need for a leader at wide receiver, 2012 could the season in which John could shine. 

Notre Dame Fans couldn’t be happier to have a 6’4” 305 lb. defensive end who has played in 32 games with 29 starts returning to the lineup.  Kapron Lewis-Moore was another lineman whose season was cut short last year due to injury and will be looking to finish off a solid career in South Bend is dominating fashion.

Dan McCarthy’s experience and leadership will be needed desperately in the defensive backfield this season, although most of McCarthy’s play (appearances in 24 games) has been on special teams and as a back up

Along with Braxton Cave, Jamoris Slaughter may the best and most important fifth year the Irish have.  With 16 starts and 36 games played, Jamoris may be the most experienced defensive back the Irish have.

Normally a 6’7” 300+lb. 5^th year offensive lineman would be a probable starter, or at least in the rotation.   This is not the case for four year walk-on Dennis Mahoney who saw his first ever game action last year against Air Force.  I not sure how or why he’s coming back for another year, but after reading his story I have some idea.

Ready or not here they come

The Irish redshirted a number of freshmen last season which allowed them to become acclimated to the college game while preserving a year of eligibility.  Some were redshirted because they may have needed to develop their football skills and others were redshirted because their services were not needed last season.  No matter the reason, the clock is now ticking on their four years of game action.  Most will be eased onto the field and will not see significant action for at least a year or two.  Either way, performing at a high level is important now if they want to break into the depth chart sooner than later.

At 6’1”, 200 lbs., cornerback Jalen Brown has good size to play in a Division I defensive backfield and the second year player out of Texas will need to provide help on the field or at least motivate others to keep their starting roles at the start of the 2012 season.

Offensive lineman Brad Carrico will not crack the starting lineup this season, but if he wants to play in the future, he needs to work to move up the depth chart and make his presence seen as the O-line is beefing up for years to come with young talent.

Ben Councell had a great spring practice and an impressive showing at the linebacker position that should get him on the field regularly in 2012.  With good size, talent and potential, Ben is being counted on by the Irish to be a solid contributor for years to come.

Darvaris Daniels joins a number of Irish receivers who are defined as inexperienced but have good to great potential.  Daniels comes with a NFL pedigree (his father had a 15-year NFL career at defensive end).

Matthias Farley  came to South Bend as a receiver after only two years of high school football experience (played soccer his freshman and sophomore years).  Farley has been moved to safety to help bulk up a depleted defensive backfield and showed his natural athletic ability this spring and is a quick learner, but it will be very interesting to see how his college career plays out.

Everett Golson made the most of his redshirt year, being chosen the 2011 Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year.  Many Irish fans are anxious to see this kid on the field, as he was so highly touted coming out of high school.   His six foot listing may be a little exaggerated and as a supposed running / scramble running back at 185 pounds, can he fend off injuries at his level?   He seems to have a good head on his shoulders and should be excited to show what he can do in a game.

Jarrett Grace is another linebacker looking to back-up Te’o, Fox and Calabrese, and probably will see game action to gain experience and develop in addition to special teams work.

Safety Eilar Hardy gave Kelly little choice in redshirting him as he was recovering from a knee injury.  Hardy will have to perform soon to help shore up a suspect defensive backfield.

6’5” 305 lb. offensive lineman Conor Hanratty will work to get onto the depth chart this season and push starters.  Hanratty would be working on a starting role at this point with many other programs, but with Notre Dame’s strong line he will have to work very hard.

Matt Hegarty game to Notre Dame with an impressive resume and stat sheet, including being a finalist for the Anthony Munoz lineman of the year.  I look for Hegarty to be a contributor in the next couple of seasons.

Nick Martin is competing for not only playing time but possibly a starting position this year.  Nick is hoping to follow the blueprint of his older brother Zack who made his presence felt his second year after redshirting his freshman year.

Nate Nichols is entering his third year of college football but has yet to see game action so I will put him is this group.  At 6’8” and 320 lbs. he is a mountain of a young man and should contribute this season, but with such a stable of talent for the O-line it may or may not be as a starter.  I compare him to Golson in the sense that I am very anxious to see this kid play.

Flip flopping from committing to Notre Dame, then signing with Florida State, then transferring to Notre Dame, Jordan Prestwood was a highly recruited lineman out of high school and now must show why.  He will definitely add depth and see the field this season.

Linebacker Anthony Rabasa turned heads this spring and will get his opportunity to back up the starting crew of linebackers and position his career for the future.

Third year running back Cameron Roberson was redshirted his freshman year and was recovering from a knee injury last season, so he has ground to make up time in a hurry.  I am not sure how Roberson will fit into the backfield this season, but we do need to remember he did receive the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year award as a freshman.

In state talent Tony Springmann  should have a solid year and see the field throughout the season, rotating in to give Nix and Schwenke a break.

Overall, there is some good potential becoming available for the Irish although most will serve as special team help and in back up roles saving a year of eligibility, giving these athletes and the team an opportunity develop and to contribute for four more years as opposed to three.

I suspect the defensive backfield players may see more action sooner as depth is needed there.  Wide receivers will be shuffled in to try to figure out how to fill the gap left by Floyd and of course depending on who the quarterback is, the style of play may contribute to who plays and who plays most.  Offensive linemen, although talented, are trying to compete with a very talented and experienced pool.

Help on the Horizon

Graduation, transfers, injuries and arrests have all taken their toll on the Notre Dame Football team.  As I have mentioned before, it’s important to focus in on who we have and not who we do not have.  There has been a lot of discussion of who has moved on to the NF (congratulations); those who have transferred (good luck - or good riddance for you spiteful types) ; injuries (get well soon); arrests (shape up or ship out - most likely the latter).

Looking forward, reinforcements are on their way.  We have over a dozen players coming to South Bend on June 17^th as freshmen getting ready for the fall.  Although I am not expecting too many of the incoming freshmen to contribute at a high level right away, and several may not compete seriously for a starting role until their junior season, there is light on the horizon.

Here is a quick look at my predictions for the timelines of the incoming freshmen.  Please note that I am a believer in redshirting whenever possible.

*Gunner Kiel - hopefully will redshirt, because although he is physically developed now, he can and should take the year to learn the college game.  He will be ready for the field next year.

*Sheldon Day - had a great spring and should get reps this fall.

Davonte Neal - he had one of the best if not the best high school highlight film I have ever seen.  He is needed for the fall and will be able to contribute.

Elijah Shumate - the Irish need to add depth in the defensive backfield and he definitely has the skills and talent to take the field in the fall in a backup and special teams role.

Keivarae Russell  - after Woods and Atkinson, the Irish thin out a bit at running back and Russell can help add depth.  It would be minimal though, so I hope Kelly is able to redshirt him.

Jarron Jones - a big fish in a little pond, much like Ishaq Williams coming out of New York State (which is not known as a football powerhouse), Jones should redshirt and learn how to use his 6’7” 300+lbs. at the college level.  Although he was recruited as a defensive lineman, don’t be surprised to see him end up on the O-line.

Ronnie Stanley - great talent and good size would have him working early but with starting and back up roles set by the fall and a big and talented incoming class of offensive lineman behind him, he will redshirt and then better battle for a backup spot in 2013.

Romeo Okwara - even with the departure of Aaron Lynch, the defensive line does not need Okwara to jump in right away.  I look for Okwara to redshirt and could be another of Kelly’s athletic recruits who is moved to a position of need.

C.J. Prosise - not unlike Elijah Shumate, the Irish do need to add depth in the defensive backfield.  However, but he is not quite at the same level and should redshirt, but he may see action.

Justin Ferguson - Notre Dame already has a lot of potential and inexperience at wide receiver, so burning a year of eligibility to add one more won’t help in 2012.

Chris Brown - similar to Justin Ferguson we need to save eligibility and build our young receiver corps for the future.

Nicky Baratti - being so versatile, it may take a year for Kelly to decide where to play him, so he will likely redshirt him.  He ran the wildcat at quarterback at high school, but will probably end up on the defensive side of the ball.

William Mahone - like Keivarae, redshirting would be best but being thin at running back in 2012 could thrust him on the field early especially if injuries hamstring the Irish.

Mark Harrell - another decent lineman recruit being sandwiched between the current solidified offensive line and the 2013 O-line all star recruits.  I say he redshirts next year and fights for time in 2013.

John Turner - good player out of high school that would redshirt at most programs to become a very good player at the next level.  South Bend will be no exception, look for him in 2013.

Scott Daly - most scholarship specialists as good as Daly usually start on special teams right away. However, since that was true for current Irish Long Snapper Jordan Cowart, he may either split punt and field goal/extra point duties or redshirt for a year and take over when Cowart leaves.

*Denotes early enrollee

An even dozen

Notre Dame picked up their 12^th verbal commitment from the class of 2013.  6’4” 220 lb. four-star tight end Mike Heuerman has chosen the Irish over national power houses including Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Florida State, LSU and Ohio State (where his brother plays), among many others.  Although Brian Kelly seems overstocked on tight ends, he did not get one from last year’s recruiting class.  Technically, the Irish have another tight end commit from the class of 2013 in Jacob Matuska (out of Urban Myers backyard of Columbus Ohio), but at 240 lbs. as a high school junior, he may end up being an end on the defensive side of the ball for the Irish.   After watching video on Mike Heuerman, he is a decent receiver and a monster blocker, physically pushing defensive linemen around.  Getting Heuerman out of the state of Florida is another example of Tony Alfred’s recruiting abilities.  Scott Booker (tight ends coach) will have to continue to develop the relationship with Heierman to ensure he does not have any second thoughts. Even though he has said he is a solid commit and is not going to take any other visits, I am sure Urban Myer will not give up that easy. 

Next man in on the next level

Three more former Irish players reached their goal of becoming NFL players this weekend after the draft ended.  Notre Dame had four players drafted, two in round one and two in round five leaving several former Irish looking to go the free agent route.

Initially, Ethan Johnson was not sure that he would make himself available for the draft and instead take a year to work out and develop into what he considered a NFL caliber player.  Although Johnson started off playing all 13 games during his freshman year and looked as if he would be an all-time great in South Bend, personal issues and injury made for a rocky ride.  Ethan was a more than solid contributor on defense and does have the potential to be a solid NFL defensive lineman as the Kansas City Chiefs sent him a free agent contract.

It was a bit surprising that Taylor Dever was not chosen late in the NFL draft, but what was not surprising was that after the draft was finished he had several teams vying for his services.  The Buccaneers, Jaguars, Bills, Giants, Chargers and Cowboys were all interested but Dever felt that Dallas gave him the best chance to make the team.

Jonas Gray came to South Bend highly toughed but underachieved during his first three seasons. Gray’s senior season showed a lot of promise as he amassed 791 yards and 12 touchdowns before a season ending injury put his football future in jeopardy.  Jonas said he was at 80% when interviewed at the annual Blue and Gold scrimmage earlier this month and felt he could contribute to a NFL team next season.  The Miami Dolphins have told Gray they are going to be patient with him "It’s in the contract that they’re going to be patient with me. That was something that was huge for me, my family, my agent and my business manager to go to a team that would put it in writing."

Draft Review Irish Style

The first round on day one of the NFL draft was good to the Irish on Thursday when for the first time in over a dozen years, two Notre Dame Players were picked in the first round.  Over the years, 63 former Irish football players have been chosen in the second round.  It was little to no surprise that Michael Floyd went in the first round and there was some chatter that Harrison Smith might go late in the first round.  What is more of a surprise is that Smith may be an impact player sooner than Floyd. 

Harrison Smith from Knoxville, Tennessee was taken by the Minnesota Vikings as the 29^th overall pick, where he will join fellow former Irish players Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and John Sullivan.  Harrison Smith had a more than solid career in South Bend, initially coming to play safety before moving to outside linebacker under Charlie Weis and back to safety under Brain Kelly and crew. Having a fifth year after being red-shirted his freshman year gave him an opportunity to show his leadership ability as he was the sole team captain last season.  Smith started in 47 of the 51 games he played while leaving his mark in the Notre Dame record books; finishing 2^nd in career pass break ups and 9^th in tackles.

It is expected that Harrison Smith will play right away for a Vikings defense that needs help in the secondary. The fact that Minnesota traded up with the Baltimore Ravens to get the pick they used to get Smith speaks volumes as to how they feel about him.  Vikings’ head coach Leslie Frazier had an opportunity to get to know Smith while spending a week coaching the North at the Senior Bowl in January.

SMITH'S PLACE IN THE IRISH RECORD BOOKS

·  Career Pass Breakups (2007-11, 28, 2nd)

·  Career Tackles (2007-11, 309, 9th)

·  Career Tackles By Defensive Back (2007-11, 222, 5th)

·  Single-Season Interceptions (2010, 7, t-6th)

·  Single-Season Pass Breakups (2011, 10, t-6th)

·  Single-Season Tackles By Defensive Back (2010, 93, 5th)

·  Single-Season Tackles By Defensive Back (2011, 90, 8th)

·  Single-Game Interceptions (Dec. 31, 2010 VS. Miami, 3, t-1st)

Compliments of UND.com

Michael Floyd was considered by many to be the second best wide receiver available in a receiver rich draft (284 were eligible) this year.  Floyd’s impact on the Notre Dame record book is well documented during his four years in South Bend.  Out of the 28 career and single game receiving records, he is in at least the top 10 in all of them, top 3 in eighteen of them and 1^st in seven of them.

FLOYD'S PLACE IN THE IRISH RECORD BOOKS

·  Career Receptions (2008-11, 271, 1st)

·  Career Receiving Yards (2008-11, 3,686, 1st)

·  Career Touchdown Receptions (2008-11, 37, 1st)

·  Career Receiving Yards/Game (2008-11, 85.7, 1st)

·  Career 100-Yard Receiving Games (2008-11, 17, 1st)

·  Career Touchdowns (2008-11, 38, 3rd)

·  Career Scoring (2008-11, 228, 8th)

·  Career All-Purpose Yards (2008-11, 3,760, 10th)

·  Single-Season Receptions (2011, 100, 1st)

·  Single-Season Receptions (2010, 79, 3rd)

·  Single-Season Receiving Yards/Game (2009, 113.6, 3rd)

·  Single-Season 100-Yard Receiving Games (2009, 5, 4th)

·  Single-Season Touchdown Receptions (2010, 12, 4th)

·  Single-Season Receiving Yards (2011, 1,147, 4th)

·  Single-Season 100-Yard Receiving Games (2008, 4, t-7th)

·  Single-Season 100-Yard Receiving Games (2010, 4, t-7th)

·  Single-Season 100-Yard Receiving Games (2011, 4, t-7th)

·  Single-Season Receiving Yards (2010, 1,025, 8th)

·  Single-Season Touchdown Receptions (2009 and 2011, 9, t-9th)

·  Single-Game Yards/Reception (Sept. 5, 2009 vs. Nevada, 47.3, 1st)

·  Single-Game Receptions (Sept. 11, 2011 at Michigan, 13, t-2nd)

·  Single-Game Touchdown Receptions (Oct. 16, 2010 vs. Western Michigan, 3, t-2nd)

·  Single-Game Touchdown Receptions (Sept. 5, 2009 vs. Nevada, 3, t-2nd)

·  Single-Game Receptions (Oct. 1, 2011 at Purdue, 12, t-4th)

·  Single-Game Receptions (Sept. 3, 2011 vs. USF, 12, t-4th)

·  Single-Game Receptions (Nov. 27, 2010 at USC, 11, t-8th)

·  Single-Game Receptions (Oct. 30, 2010 vs. Tulsa, 11, t-8th)

·  Single-Game Receiving Yards (Sept. 5, 2009 vs. Nevada, 189, 10th)                                                             Compliments of UND.com

This is a good situation for Michael Floyd for several reasons.  If Michael had gone to Buffalo, Kansas City or Miami he would have been looked to as the “go to” receiver on the field, obviously in Arizona with Larry Fitzgerald he does not need to be and will not be the “go to” guy off the bat.  Floyd will be able to deflect some defensive attention from Fitzgerald, learn the Pro Game and be mentored by one of the league’s best wide receivers.  On a side note, both Floyd and Fitzgerald are from Minnesota, they already have a relationship where Floyd has communicated with Fitzgerald for years now when he needed advice.

It appears that the Cardinals have done their homework on Floyd dispelling any concerns about his character stemming from his off field issues involving alcohol and choices. 

“We really put a lot of work into this besides just spending time with Michael and finding out his background,” Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “That involved our scouts spending a lot of time talking to people at the school and his background. I think one of the things that struck me about him was his honesty. We asked him some pretty tough questions about his past and he was honest.” Compliments of Fort Wayne News-Sentinel

Of course being able to throw out a large number of players drafted benefits Notre Dame recruiting but it is also where they are drafted.  Floyd’s first round selection connected with incoming freshman Davonte’ Neal, who, shortly after hearing Floyd’s name called donned a Cardinals cap.  This sends a great message as to the character of Notre Dame Football alumni and how they stay connected to the program.

The second day of the draft brought the sound of crickets as it pertained to Irish players in rounds two and three.  Things got moving going again on Saturday in the fifth round when Robert Blanton joined former defensive backfield teammate Harrison Smith after being picked by Minnesota Vikings with the 139 overall pick and again when the San Francisco 49ers selected Darius Fleming with the 165^th overall pick.

Robert Blanton was not expected to make an early impact on an NFL team but the Vikings’ dismal performance defensively last season against the pass (although Robert is probably a better against the run then he is against the pass) may give Blanton an opportunity to contribute sooner than later, most likely on kickoff and or on punt coverage.  At the very least he will be able to give reputable depth in the secondary, as Blanton’s experience (starting 50 of 51 games played) will cut down on the learning curve this fall.

Darius Fleming looked like an easy choice for San Francisco who did not take up a lot of clock time picking him in the fifth round.  It is seemingly obvious that the 49ers do not need immediate help at the linebacker spot with All-Pros Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman and promising rookie Aldon Smith already in place.  To make the team, Fleming will have to show his value on special teams.

Four Irish players chosen in this year’s NFL Draft (two in the first round and two in the fifth), was a respectable showing.   Although the draft may be over, there are still plenty of opportunities for college players including those from South Bend to make an NFL team through free agency.  I would expect to see Jonas Gray and Taylor Dever signing a free agent contract as soon as Monday, and possibly David Ruffer will as well.  Ethan Johnson, Gary Gray, Trevor Robinson and Steve Filer may work their way into a camp and have a chance to impress a team the hard way.  As for Nathan Robinson, ESPN has still not been able to give Talking Irish anymore information so we must assume he had a long weekend waiting to hear his name called and now must wait to see what free agency brings.