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.

Draft the Irish

Playing college football does not guarantee that you will be drafted into the NFL but it can help.  This year, ESPN has 12 Notre Dame prospects listed on their draft tracker.  Of course, the majority of the hundreds of players listed on ESPN’s draft tracker won’t get drafted; most won’t even make it to a training camp.  Below are the Irish players listed with the grade given to them by ESPN, along with a grade I gave them (grade scale at the bottom of the article), with my take on each player.

Robert Blanton: Talking Irish Grade 49 / ESPN Grade 65 - I like Blanton and am sure he will end up in an NFL camp.  He should make a team this fall, although he may have to work his way up from the practice team.  ESPN has him graded higher and I hope he does better than I am projecting.

Taylor Dever: Talking Irish Grade 34 / ESPN Grade 30 - I like his effort and size, but the draft is most likely out of the question.  His best shot his the free agent rout and to prove himself with his heart.

Darius Fleming: Talking Irish Grade 50 / ESPN Grade 51 - Fleming has a really good shot of being drafted in a later round and make an NFL team this summer.  Darius rushes the passer at a very high level and could be useful to a defense looking to improve quarterback pressure.

Michael Floyd: Talking Irish Grade 91 / ESPN Grade 93 - No doubt, Floyd is a first round pick.  I have seen him projected as high as 8 with the Miami Dolphins but Buffalo at 10 may be more accurate.  We know he is talented and still has room to grow.  Floyd should play right away and could be an impact player with the right team, system and coaches.  Long term, he has to keep his head on straight.

Gary Gray: Talking Irish Grade 15 / ESPN Grade 30 - Gray was a good college player. I just don’t know if he can play at that same level in the NFL.  I hope he proves me wrong.

Jonas Gray: Talking Irish Grade 49 / ESPN Grade 51 - If Jonas got it in gear earlier in his career, these grades would have been higher.  Of course, his injury status may also make some teams gun shy.  He might be a little bit of a gamble, but he could be a big payoff.

Ethan Johnson: Talking Irish Grade 21 / ESPN Grade 30 - Ethan Johnson may not have been as great as people had hoped for in his four years in South Bend, and Ethan has said he is going to take a year to work out and apply for the draft next year.

Mike Ragone: Talking Irish Grade 11 / ESPN Grade 30 - Since he is currently enrolled at Kansas and has been given a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, I am sure we will not hear his name called.  I have never been a fan of Mr. Ragone and don’t see him playing in the NFL unless he has a great 2012 season thanks to Dayne Crist.

Nathan Robinson: Talking Irish Grade NA / ESPN Grade 20 – Since I had no idea who this is I decided to contact ESPN for more information.  I was told that he must be part of the Notre Dame program and or participated in there pro day.  I contacted Notre Dame’s Athletic Media Relations Department leaving a message explaining my inquiry.  Brian Hardin who is the Director of Football Media Relations called me back and was as confused as I was.  He stated he checked the ESPN website and does not know who Nathan Robinson is.

Trevor Robinson: Talking Irish Grade 20 / ESPN Grade 30 - Although Robinson was not invited to the NFL Combine, I can see him being successful taking the free agent route.

David Ruffer: Talking Irish Grade 21 / ESPN Score 30 - Ruffer hit 23 consecutive field goals in 2010, which could be attractive to NFL teams.  The fact he was not as successful in 2011 will probably push him to the end of the draft or free agent market.

Harrison Smith: Talking Irish Grade 65 / ESPN 89 - If Smith had 2010 numbers in 2011 my grade would be higher.   I have heard his name mentioned as high as a late first rounder.  I like Smith’s effort, leadership and determination; I just don’t see an NFL star. 

*Special thanks to Brian Hardin in the Notre Dame Athletic Media Relations Department.

Grading Scale

• 90-100 Rare Prospect
  Player demonstrates rare abilities and can create mismatches that have an obvious impact on the game. Is a premier college player that has all the skill to take over a game and play at a championship level. He rates in the top 5 players in the nation at his position and is considered a first round draft prospect.
• 80-89 Outstanding Prospect
  Player has abilities to create mismatches versus most opponents in the NFL. A feature player that has an impact on the outcome of the game. Cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. He rates in the top 10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect.
• 70-79 Solid Prospect
  Still a standout player at the college level that is close to being an elite player. He has no glaring weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchups, but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the country. He will usually rate in the top third of players at his position and is considered a third round draft prospect.
• 60-69 Good Prospect
  This player is an good starter that will give a solid effort week in and week out, but he is overmatched versus the better players in the nation. His weaknesses will be exposed against top competition. He is usually a prospect that is missing something from his game. For example, he has the size and skills to be an outstanding prospect, but lacks the speed. He will usually rate in the top half of the players at his position and is considered a middle round draft choice.
• 50-59 Adequate Prospect
  These are usually players that play at a high level in college, but lack some measurables or skills to play at that same level in the NFL. He may be a player that has a lot of developmental qualities, or could be a player that will contribute right away on special teams or in a situational capacity. He will usually rate in the second-third at his position and is considered a fifth round draft choice.
• 21-49 Borderline Draft Prospect
  These are players that teams like something about, but certainly do not have the full package in terms of NFL talent. A lot of times, teams will take chances on character players or developmental type athletes with this grade. And often, these are players that come from smaller schools or did not standout at the college level. NFL teams are looking for 'diamonds in the rough' with this type of prospect. He will usually rate in the bottom third of players at his position and will be considered a late round draft choice or un-drafted free agent.
• 20 Free Agent Prospect
  These are players that did not make our original 'evaluation list' but are prospects that need to be monitored. Especially in the pre-season, these players will fluctuate up and down depending on performance in their final year of eligibility.
• 10 Not a legitimate Prospect
  These are players that lack NFL measurables and/or skills. They are players that we feel would not even make a solid contribution as a training camp body.

Blue and Gold at a glance

No major injuries, check. Positive plays, check. Negative plays, check. No starting positions overwhelmingly decided, check.  Overall, a successful finish to the spring practice season.  Obviously, if one aspect during the scrimmage yields positive results, there must be an equally negative result on the other end, right?  For the most part, that is correct, but we can come away with some overall positives for individual players.  It was a beautiful sunny day for football in South Bend, helping give on campus recruits a perfect picture of how gorgeous Notre Dame truly is, which turned into one class of 2013 commitment.

The first half had a better feel of game play and pace, as the clock stopped as it would during a regular contest, whereas the second half was running time.  Making the quarterbacks live definitely helped the coaches evaluate them in as realistic game situations as possible.

At quarterback, the first half showcased Rees, Hendrix and Golson.  Nobody expected any of the quarterbacks to play themselves into a starting job during this game and that held true as the afternoon progressed.  I would say the incumbent Tommy Rees may have played his way out of the starting position with his play on Saturday afternoon. 

In the “they played as well and impressively as they were and are supposed to category - Theo Riddick, Cierre Wood and Tyler Eifert.  Of course, much of that was due in part to a unit that also fits into the same category - the offensive line.”  On the defensive side of the ball, Louis Nix III was impressive at the nose tackle position, making plays while being double teamed.

 Golson continues to look like a great, physically talented football player with the word potential attached to him, but also continues to struggle with learning and managing the game at the college level.

Ishaq Williams showcased his off-season development, looking as if he is ready to make an impact this season on defense for the Irish, both against the run and the pass.

Sheldon Day showed that he can play with the big boys right off the bat.  As much as I like redshirting young talent and not burning a year of eligibility unless you need to (and I am not sure the Irish need to with Day), I think he could be a valuable contributor to the Notre Dame defense in 2012 as a true freshman.

Cam McDaniel, who converted from running back to defensive back, looked really good for a kid playing in a new position. He seemed to have a nose for the ball and gets after it.  He does need to learn more technique but there is some diamond in the rough type potential there.  Of course, if Brian Kelly didn’t burn a year of his eligibility on a small handful of plays last year, the Irish could develop his talent for further down the line.

George Atkinson looked like he is on his way to being a decent backup for Wood at running back.  We knew he had speed and quickness based on his returns last year, and it showed in the backfield on Saturday.  He does have work to do to be sure, especially with holding onto the ball.

For a kid who should be getting ready for his senior ball, Gunner Kiel showed that he could take the field and not get himself killed or totally embarrassed.

Oh yeah, the commitment.  Another massive offensive lineman joined a stacked class; 6’5” 298 lb. John Montelus made is verbal commitment during the weekend.

The Blue and Gold

Brain Kelly revised the format for this year’s Blue and Gold Game (team spring practice scrimmage).   Over the years coaches have changed up the scoring and the way the Irish would play.  Although I am excited and looking forward to getting my Notre Dame Football fix, it’s important to remember what this game is, and perhaps more importantly, what it is not.

What it is: an opportunity to evaluate players, to showcase the program to fans, to pitch the program to recruits, to expose early enrollees and redshirt sophomores in a nationally-televised game scenario.

What it is not: a chance to get hurt or aggravate an injury, a game that will decide the starting quarterback (or any other position).

For casual and obsessed fans alike, the Annual Blue and Gold Game offers opportunity for cheering, jeering and insight to the fall and the 2012 season.  Although you should enjoy the game, don’t take it too seriously.  Keep things in perspective; if the offense is doing great should we be concerned about the defense, and if the defense is a stone wall should we be concerned about the offense?   Here are some things to look for:

Consistency - whether running routes, making blocks and tackles, or reading keys, consistency may be the most important thing to watch for by player, position and team. 

Technique - at this level we know these guys can play, but have the players paid attention to what their coaches have taught them?  Mistakes (or lack of them); this includes turnovers and penalties.

Whatever you take away from this year’s Blue and Gold game, realize you will not see the boys in game action until Dublin, so get your fill.