Sunday, July 10, 2016

A Preseason Take


This is the time of year that all the pre-season college football publications come out, with team synopses', player reviews, and rankings.  Most of these dedicate one page to each team along with others containing pieces on position rankings and player and game rankings.  We will sift through s few of these and share the Notre Dame highlights so you don't have to.

We'll start with the Athlon Sports College Football 2016 Preview which has the Irish ranked 8th overall in their preseason poll.


As part of their publication Athlon ranks teams by units and the Irish appeal on several of lists.  #4 of top quarterback units and with physical talents like Kizer and Zaire it's no surprise.  #18 of top running back units, with Folston returning, Josh Adam's impressive freshman year and Dexter Williams potential they could be ranked much higher at the end of the season.  #13 for top offensive lines, which is pretty impressive considering that some starting spots are not even secured yet.  That speaks to the depth across the line.  #21 for top defensive lines which is accurate if Jarron Jones stays healthy and a little low if the second string guys step up.

Of all the incoming freshmen to South Bend here are their top ten #1 OT Tommy Kraemer, #2 OT Liam Eichenberg, #3 WR Javon McKinley, #4 DE Daelin Hayes (early enrollee), #5 WR Chase Claypool, #6 DL Khalid Kareem (early enrollee) , #7 CB Troy Pride, #8 DE Julian Okwara, #9 DB Donte Vaughn & #10 RB Tony Jones. 

Their overall evaluations covered;

Offense; How to handle the quarterback situation, the running back situations in good hands and the receiver position is deep with talent.  The Irish are young but deep at the receiver position.

Defense; the loses at linebacker leave a lot of question marks.  The strength on this side of the ball is defiantly the line.

Special Teams; solid in placekicking and punting.

Analysis; With Kelly's contract set, depth improved and a forgiving schedule a 10 win season is attainable.

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