Here is a quick look at 6'2" 180lb Safety out of South
Oak Cliff High School in Dallas Texas Prentice McKinney.
Videos
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Highlights and notes from Coach Kelly's Press Conference after the third spring practice 3/19/14
There is allot of talent along with excitement as well as a
need for growth as some players now have new roles.
He will use allot of sub-packages and they need to evaluate
players to put players in those roles.
Sophomore James Onwualu (who moved from
receiver to safety)might be able to handle roles on offense and defense.
Timing was off a bit today after returning from spring
break.
Christian Lombard has a sprained wrist from his last drill
today from position work.
They won't run Golson to get three yards they will run him
when the defense gives them the opportunity to get big plays. They will use him to set up big plays.
Kelly sees Sr. tight end Ben Kayak as a veteran will be a
guy who will settle the offense down if needed and is a reliable receiver.
Greg Bryant has handled himself well and has settled in well
at Notre Dame off the field and can now focus on football. Now he needs to learn the offense.
Jaylon Smith is being given a number of different looks
(inside / outside), moving him all over the place.
Sophomore offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey used his
reps in practice last season has accelerated his learning curve.
Jr. Linebacker Romeo Okwara has been extreme strong
in the weight room but has some work to do.
Incoming freshman Johnny Williams has been on the sidelines
for practice. He has put on some weight
from being in the weight room.
Look to see Amir Carlisle be more of a receiver this fall.
On the left side of the O-line Elmer and Stanley are working
well.
Max Redfield has a learning curve to work on although he is
an incredible athlete.
Malik Zaire is doing well, Kelly likes the track he is on.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Class of 2015 Targets
With spring practice under way and the Annual Blue &
Gold Game coming up all eyes are on the current players and the fall of
2014. However if you want to take a peek
into the future here are a handful of Irish targets for the class of 2015. These are recruits that are both desirable to
Notre Dame and have legitimate interest in coming to South Bend. Keep in mind Brian Kelly and his crew make over
100 offers each year.
Current Class of 2015 Verbal Commits; Offensive
Guard Tristen Hoge, Quarterback
Blake Barnett Offensive
Tackle Jerry Tillery
Of course there is plenty of time for recruits to gain and
lose interest in and by Notre Dame.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Bold Predictions
We saw some good BOLD predictions for the Irish in 2014 on Rockne's
Roundtable and we thought we would share some and comment on them. We passed on the too bold of predictions
posted, i.e. undefeated season, Heisman Trophy talk, National Championships and
so on.
Malik Zaire will have
at least one TD pass and one rush TD in non-trivial game situations, meaning
not when the game has already been decided. This could be either due to Golson
injury or wrinkles introduced in the offense with 2 QBs in the game. The latter
is preferred. - from NDPR
Although I don't think this is a bold prediction I do think
and hope that Malik Zaire does get some playing time as an opportunity to see
what he has, prepare for the future and build up some confidence. Of course this should happen because we want
it to not because it has to because of injury or poor play by Golson.
Ben Koyack will be
out-performed by Durham Smythe. - from ND89
I doubt it. However
It having Smythe emerge as a very effective number two tight end would be nice.
Greg Bryant will lead
the team in rushing yards. - from Tom Loy
Possible but not probable with McDaniel and Folston
returning.
Jaylon Smith will earn
All American honors - from Tshea
No. At least not
first team. A more realistic bold
prediction would be an Honorable Mention somewhere or a long shot of third
team.
Golson announces after
Bowl Game he's turning pro with a mid to late 2nd round grade. - from BMD
Possible, but he would be more likely a later lick than 2nd
round.
Russell wins the
Thorpe award for best DB. - from Amosirish03 & Russell becomes a consensus All
American. - from BMD
It looked like that may be a fair thought after his freshman
season however his sophomore campaign would make me think twice about either one
of these.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Pre Spring Practice Press Conference
Now that Spring Practice has kicked off here is a snapshot
of Brian Kelly's Annual Spring Practice opening Press Conference.
Because of the cold temperatures the team will begin
practices inside.
This in the earliest practices have started. There will be 2 practices then spring break
and back for the remaining practices before Easter. (There are a total of 15 practices)
There are new coaches on both sides of the ball, notability in
the coordinator positions. Mike Denbrock - Offensive Coordinator/Wide
Receivers and Brian VanGorder - Defensive Coordinator/Inside
Linebackers. There have also been
some coaching responsibility changes.
Kelly describes the team as "a talented team but inexperienced
in a number of areas"
On Golson; he is a hard workier and they are going to work
on consistancey and communication.
Although Nick Martin is listed as a guard/tackle his IS a center.
Matthias Farley was moved from Safety to Cornerback. Farley came to South Bend as a Receiver.
James Onwualu was moved from Receiver to Safety.
Areas of inexperience as stated by Brian Kelly; quarterback,
defensive line and inside linebacker.
On starting left tackle.
Kelly mentions Elmer, Stanley, McGlinchey and Lombard. Although Kelly does not buy into the blind
side left tackle. Mentioning most athletic
and size Ronnie Stanley, most comfortable and time there it's Steve Elmer. They mostly identify players as a tackle not
a left or right.
Ishaq Williams will play like Prince Shembo coming off the
edge with his hand on the ground but he can and will drop back into coverage.
Injury Status as it pertains to contact
Nick Baratti everything but full contact
Nick Martin - No contact
Ben Council - No contact
Devin Butler - out for spring
Jarrett Grace - slow progress, still healing.
Tony Springman - out for spring
Positions are up for grabs this spring. There are no guaranteed positions.
On Jaylon Smith. Looking
for more consistency and leadership.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Notre Dame's First Jr. Day
This Saturday Brian Kelly and his crew will be hosting its
first Junior Day of the year at Notre Dame.
Only one invitee holds an offer from the Irish; Elijah
Taylor a 6'3" 275lb Defensive Tackle from Moeller High School in
Cincinnati Ohio. Taylor currently holds
offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Maryland to name a
few. This kid really gets after it and
does not give up until he gets his man.
Offenses better block him on every play until the last whistle. Check out his highlights. Of course I am sure that several others will
leave South Bend with offers after Saturday.
Some other reported notable invitees:
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)