Good Bye Golson

Well we were on answers to Question #11 in our series 20 Questions for Notre Dame Football in 2015 however the announcement from Everett Golson has preempted that article.



Everett Golson

I can't say it is a total shock that Golson has decided to take his 5th year of eligibility elsewhere, however once we got past the Blue Gold Game I thought the chanced of him leaving went down substantially.   Golson must have seen or heard something throughout spring practice and or the scrimmage to make him think that he was not the solid number one signal caller in South Bend.

Malik Zaire

This had made things a bit easier in regards to naming a starting quarterback for the Irish however the new concern is who will serve as a competent back up under center.  Before even if Golson started the season he had Zaire motivating him to keep his game up and if he faulted most people felt good about Malik stepping in.  If the Blue Gold taught us anything redshirt freshman quarterback DeShone Kizer will serve as a good placeholder but that is it and  even though walk-on Montgomery VanGorder looked fair I do not want to bank on him to lead us to any victories this season if needed.  Incoming freshman Brandon Wimbush may have to show his skills at least in practice sooner than later to make Irish coaches and fans alike sleep better at night.

In the end Malik Zaire will get what he wanted; a real chance to show that he can lead this team.

Question #10

On January 16th UND.com posted an article "20 Questions for Notre Dame Football for 2015".  This is question 10.

10. Notre Dame played cleanly early in 2014, then suffered from all kinds of turnover woes late in the year. The Irish only won the turnover battle four times all year (they were plus-eight in that category after the first three games) and not once from the Sept. 13 Purdue game until a turnover-free effort in the Music City Bowl against LSU. Can the Irish return to their mistake-free form in 2015?

Answer;

With Everett Golson having numerous fumbles and 14 interceptions in 2014 he will be the key to this answer.  Golson's interceptions increased as the season went on; September 2, October 4 and December 8.  It is kind of interesting if not ironic that the word "return" is used in the question as the previous seasons quarterback Tommy Rees was given the nickname "Tommy Turnover".

If Notre Dame cannot improve on their turnover issues (image if it actually go worse) any hopes of a successful season will not be likely. 

Notre Dame Draft Wrap Up

It looked like the Irish might get blanked in the 2015 NFL Draft but Ben Koyack ensured that would not happen.  Although Koyack may have the only Irish drafted several former Notre Dame made NFL connections after the draft.

Ben Koyack was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 12th pick in the 7th round (229th overall) making him the 486th Notre Dame player ever drafted.  Koyack becomes the 6th straight Notre Dame starting tight end and 28th overall to be drafted into the NFL.  His selection extends the Irish's streak of 78 straight years (longest ever) with at least one player with a NFL draft pick (including supplemental draft)

Cody Riggs signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent.

Kyle Brindza signs as a free agent  with the Detroit Lions.

DaVaris Daniels joins the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent.

Cam McDaniel has been offered minicamp opportunities be several teams.

Former Notre Dame Quarterback  Andrew Hendrix has signed  as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders.

Notre Dame has 19 of 22 starters returning in 2015 and just 1 of the 3 seniors got drafted.

 

The NFL Draft Preview; Irish Style

There is a lot of talk around this year's NFL draft, just not much that includes Notre Dame.  There are not many Irish players leaving South Bend to begin with and those that are may find themselves on and NFL roster (or practice squad) via free agency. 

DaVaris Daniels

Each year ESPN has a pretty comprehensive list of colleges and their prospects.  This year's list for the Irish is unique to say the least: Danny Spond, who hasn't played in two years and because of medical issues won't be playing in the future.  DaVaris Daniels, who was suspended last season and chose not to return.  Cody Riggs, arguably one of the best Irish players in this draft was a fifth year transfer only at Notre Dame for one year.

Cam McDaniel

There will be no Irish players selected in the first round to be sure however don't expect Notre Dame to be blanked during this year's draft.  DaVaris Daniels should make a decent NFL receiver and expect him to go somewhere after the 4h round. After Daniels Cody Riggs might be the Irish's best bet to be drafted.  I wouldn't be overly surprised to hear Ben Koyack's name called by a team looking for a tight end with good hands.  Christian Lombard and Kyle Brindza will likely sign free agent contracts as soon as the draft is over.  Cam McDaniel and Austin Collinsworth will be invited to camps, with Cam possibly making a team.

The Blue Gold overall impressions.

C.J. Prosise

C.J. Prosise is a VERY important player of the Irish heading into the fall.  After Folston and Bryant there was very little at running back with the exception of an incoming freshman and a couple of walk-ons.  Prosise may not be an experienced commodity at running back but he has proven himself to be an athletic football player on both sides of the ball during his time in South Bend.  A solid third running back option is very important in case of the first two (and until the spring the only two) options is unproductive or injured.  Prosise looked more than up to the task and should not only serve as a solid reserve but should work into the regular rotation as the number three or in specific packages.

Durham Smythe  seemed to solidify his position as the number one tight end.  He may have not had a huge game numbers wise but he ran clean routes and made good catches. 

I am one of those who, as much as I like Malik Zaire, feels that Golson is still the starting quarterback for the Irish.  Now that may change come fall but heading into the spring game it was still Golson's job.  Zaire however did close that cap in my eyes, not so much with his passing game but with his confidence and especially his ability to run the ball.  Zaire has a long way to go in his passing game but the Irish should have enough talent on offense to make his job easier.  Golson was good, not great.  good enough to hold onto the number one spot through the summer.

The offensive line, for the most part, did what expected of them.  There were a few penalties that will need to be tightened up before the season but overall the looked as good as promote. 



Justin Brent

The receivers will be as good as the quarterbacks ability to get them the ball.  There is depth, talent and quickness, the only real question is wall will the ball distribution look like.  With the likes of Fuller, who looked as good (better) as any receiver on the field and Cory Robinson along with up and comers Corey Homes, Chris Brown and Justin Brent look for opposing defenses to be spread out to cover all areas of the field.  And let's not forget about slot receivers; Amir Carlisle and Torii Hunter Jr.

The defensive line starts with Sheldon Day who came back for his senior year.  Day's best work was displayed early on in his colligate career with injuries nagging him later on.  However the main story of the spring on defense has been early enrollee  Jerry Tillery.  Tillery played well (fantastic for a kid who is still supposed to be in high school) and gave us a glimpse into the future of his potential.  He is very big and strong and realizing that he has not even been exposed to Paul Longo yet it is a little scary of what this kid could develop into.  Injuries to Joe Schmidt and Jarron Jones kept them of the field for the Blue Gold but they are expected back in time for the summer. 

The return of Jarrett Grace proved to be important in terms of experience and mature leadership in the middle  at linebacker.  Grace has to work to continue to knock the rust off but with him, Schmidt, Morgan and All American Jaylon Smith the linebacker position seems secure.

The defensive backfield is expected to be a strength of this Irish team, something it has not been for a number of years.  Max Redfield look as comfortable and confident on the field as I have seen him since he arrived in South Bend.  Cole Luke will be a leader and I give him credit for taking on Ronnie Staley making an open field tackle on the big man right before the end of the first half.



With no kick offs and only fair catch punt returns one of Notre Dames biggest problems over the past two years was not addressed during the scrimmage.  Since it really could only get better and having some athletic talent as his disposal Brian Kelly should have better results in the kick return game this season.



DeShone Kizer

Giving the holding responsibilities to redshirt freshman quarterback DeShone Kizer will at least give him something to do while Golson and Zaire battle it out.  With all the problems the Irish has last year with holding for kicks Kizer looked like a very good option.  ITs not often a player is applauded for his holding skills in the scrimmage but last year's problems proved how important that role can be.

Tyler Newsome handled all the kicking responsibilities during the Blur and Gold, however Kelly has already said incoming freshman Justin Yoon will take of the place-kicking duties when he arrives on campus this summer.  Newsome did fine with place-kick however his punts left much to be desired, too short on open kicks and too long when he needed to drop them in before the end zone.

Overall I would have to consider the Annual Blue Gold Game a success; no injuries and with the exceptions of a few miscues the players performed well.  No one played incredibly well, not that anyone usually has a break out performance that carries over to the regular season anyway.

Blue Gold Game Second Half Review

The Irish opened the second half with a play submitted via twitter by a fan.  The Inebriated Irishman play may have been an unusual gimmick but was not lost on me was the concept of having Golson and Zaire on the field at the same time may be a good one.

The red jerseys were back on the quarterbacks meaning unlike the first half it will be tow hand touch when it comes to the signal callers.

The defensive pressure has defiantly picked up in the second half.

Hunter Bivin struggles a bit.

I am not sure why players who aren't playing because of injury are suited up like Joe Schmidt and Jarron Jones.

C.J. Prosise continues to impress.  He runs north and south with physicality but also has nice open field speed.

DeShone Kizer looks as inexperienced as he is.

VanGorder looked halfway decent for a fourth string quarterback.

I like when guys like Senior running back Josh Anderson get a chance to showcase their talents and make the most of it.

Blue Gold Game First Half Review

It looked like a beautiful day in South Bend for the game, or anything else for that matter.  Initial thoughts include; there looked like there were empty seats in the bleachers moved in for the game (probably invited individuals who have wondered down to the field level).  Brian Kelly is going for a new look with the goatee and I like it.

Going into this game we are looking for individual success in game like execution and of course no injuries.  Of course all eyes are on the quarterback play of Everett Golson and Malik Zaire.  Of course Kelly has to keep Golson engaged enough to keep him from transferring.

Again this was not a true scrimmage with two full teams.  Although I do not like the format used the scoring set up is better is better that recent years.  Brian Kelly had eluded to this issue earlier in the year saying they now had enough offensive lineman to make that work making me think that is might be a full scrimmage but apparently it was not the case.

Of course the commentators mistook the Kid 'n Play kick-step for an Irish jig.

TO no big surprise Golson gets the first set of reps in the game.  Of course I hope an offside's penalty by Steve Elmer is not a peak for things to come this season.

Folston got the first carry because he probably should be the number one running back sharing carries with Bryant and Prosise.

Golson looks good (not great) running the ball.  He looks better when he switches to pure instincts.  I am hoping it is because of the great play of the offensive line.

The defense did not look overly good on the first drive.

Durham Smythe, who releases very nicely into the flats  is probably not happy that Golson slips on the turf as Smythe was wide open for a touchdown.

DeShone Kizer looked good as the place holder for the extra point.  This was a problem last season.  I like to see a receiver with good hands but a quarterback adds an extra element of a fake or reacting if there is a problem with the exchange.

As good as Zaire looks running the ball he looks just as shaky throwing the ball.

I will ride Justin Brent (holding) because of his off the field escapades (dating porn stars) and because he has all the physical potential in the world.

Notre Dame is used to having players with famous family members, although most are sports related I don't think Jon Bon Jovi will be a big distraction with his son Jesse playing.

I am looking forward to Jay Hayes this year, he has added 20lbs and has personality.

I will also give credit to Justin Brent as earned; nice catch and run for a touchdown.

$400,000,000 construction project?  The largest construction project in Notre Dame history?  I guess I did not realize how big the scope of the project was.

I know there were a number of key coaching changes during the off season but when I saw them all together on the television screen it was a pretty big overhaul.  I do like to see former Irish football stars coming back to join the coaching staff; Autry Denson and Todd Lyght.

Amir Carlisle can't seem to get his career going in South Bend.  I have not counted him out by any means.  I look forward to seeing him return kicks but don't be surprised if he has a breakout season.

Tyler Newsome is already not going to be doing the placekicking, that assignment has already been given to incoming freshman Justin Yoon.  If Tyler does not improve his punting Yoon might get that too.

Malik Zaire showed his arm strength and potential accuracy with a BIG 68 yard touchdown pass to Will Fuller.

I like being reminded that the opening match up against Texas on September 5 pits two of the most winning teams in college football history; Notre Dame at #2 with 882 wind and #3 Texas with 881 wins (Michigan #1 with 915 wins).

I replayed the field goal with 3:50 left in the first half at least a dozen times and I still don't know what Brian Kelly was screaming at Tyler Luatu about.

Jerry Tillery; "Once in a lifetime talent" -Brian Kelly, "The talk of the Notre Dame defense" -NBC Commentators, "The story of spring..." -NBC Commentators, "He's going to be one of the all-time greats here" -NBC Commentators, "I can't handle him" - Nick Martin (starting center).

Depth with size on the offensive line: Sophomores Alex Bars 6' 6" 315lbs and Quenton Nelson 6' 5" 325lbs.

Absolutely love the pass play to Ronnie Stanley.  Nice catch and run.  Would you like to have to

tackle him as a cornerback?