Player Roulette – What’s best for the team

We know Brian Kelly plays the best players where he thinks they will help the team the most.  This is not always what the player planned on or what they were recruited as from high school or even have been playing in South Bend.  Several players have switched positions in preparation for the 2011 season.

Austin Collinsworth was recruited by the Irish as a wide receiver out of high school where he not only played receiver but running back and defensive back as well.   As a freshman, Collinsworth saw action on special teams, making a lot of tackles and made the switch at the beginning of spring practice.  Austin has an open mind and a positive attitude about the move and has the football IQ and athleticism to play several skilled positions on the field.  Starting is out of the question for this year, but playing time is definitely in his future this season.  More reps and experience in practice will result more game time.

Another second year player, Bennett Jackson, was also recruited out of high school as a wide receiver and has moved to add depth to the defensive backfield.  As a freshman,  Jackson saw most of his action on special teams, returning kick offs and making tackles on punt coverage.   Bennett was named the Irish special team player of the year and with his great athleticism and quickness, he will no doubt make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.

With so much talent and potential at the quarterback position, sophomore Luke Massa moved from behind center to the wide receiver position.  At 6’4” he will be a big target for whoever is throwing the ball.  As freshman, Massa served on the scout team and did play some receiver in addition to quarterback.   It will take some time to make the transition, but I do expect to see him on the field occasionally this season learning the role.

There has been and will be movement along the offensive and defensive lines, which is usually a standard among interior linemen.  Bruce Heggie is a sophomore who did not see any action during his freshman year, but is switching from the defensive line to the offensive line to serve as a backup center and guard.  Troy Niklas played offensive guard and defensive end in his senior year of high school where he won the LA Times Lineman of the year award, but is listed as a tight end for the Irish this season, a position he played until his senior season in high school.  Although I wish we would redshirt, he is a man-child and will see reps.