JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 14, 2022

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 14, 2022

Eric Hansen

3:13

And Happy Holidays to everyone else. Because of National Signing Day next Wednesday, we'll take next Wednesday off from chat, but I'll be ready for your questions Wed., Dec. 28 at noon ET. Thanks for all the great questions (and great lurking) today.

3:12

Sean, I did read your comments in the two screens that preceded this one, but you're getting into manifesto territory and that's not the aim of these chats. So I took it in privately and will give you the last word, even though I disagree with much of it. ... to your questions. I think there's value to this bowl game, especially when it comes to finding out about the quarterbacks remaining on the roster and some developmental opportunities for the young tight ends, CB Jaden Mickey. DE Jordan Botelho and others. There were also four practices devoted primarily to younger, developing players. That helped them and the coaching staff. I'm not sure it's fair to frame this bowl game as a referendum on Buchner's fragility or lack thereof. Who can be a breakout player? Mitchell Evans, Deion Colzie, Jordan Botelho, Jaylen Sneed. Those would be my candidates off the cuff. Merry Christmas to you.

Sean, Schaumburg, Il

3:07

Self imposed restrictions. It's deflating. Now, my question. What do you expect to see vs South Carolina? Top receiver is gone. Top DE is gone. There's value in this game. Like Tyler said on Monday Night. Where is the value? Who can be a breakout player? Can Buchner disprove his fragility vs an SEC team? Thank you. Merry Xmas. GO Irish!

Eric Hansen

3:06

Lorne, I think your read that Marcus Freeman was honest with Drew Pyne, because it was the right thing to do, is the correct read here and consistent with how Freeman has done business since he's become Notre Dame's head coach. I don't think McCall is interested in ND at this point, but I suppose things could change. Thanks for your question.

Lorne

3:04

Lorne from Reno. As always, thank you for the chats -- it is great to get your insight on the issues of the week. I imagine that there is no prohibition against a student at another school contacting ND’s staff (though I also suspect the staff can’t contact a player who has not entered the portal). This makes me wonder if Marcus Freeman’s very public explanation of leveling with Drew Pyne about Freeman’s intentions re the portal also had the effect of waving an “open for business” sign for QB’s around the country who are considering transfer options. For example, Grayson McCall could call Rees or Freeman and see if there is any interest before deciding to enter the portal (though he likely would anyway). I have nothing but respect for Coach Freeman, and believe he truly was just being honest with Pyne because it was the right thing to do, but do you think there may have been this other reason for being so open about it? And speaking of McCall, any interest from ND?

Eric Hansen

2:57

Notre Dame is banking on the combination of 4-for-40 academics, player development for the NFL AND NIL opportunities -- not guarantees for one of the biggest brands in sports. We'll see if that works. A week before signing day, ND has the No. 3 class.

2:56

Irish Rob. I have said this before and will continue to say it until no one asks the question anymore. 1.) No one, except perhaps Miss Cleo on her 900 number, knows what's going to happen with this in the future. 2) You can't take one situation where a kid is getting paid an extrapolate if to include everyone. Nor can you assume everyone but a select few or doing things above board. 3) What I can tell you is that there will be adjustments/corrections and changes. Texas A&M had the No. 1 class in the 2022 recruiting cycle. There were a tsunami of allegations about improper NIL payments in that class. Now a year later, 20 Aggies are in the transfer portal, including 12 from that recruiting class. So was that a good investment if indeed there were guarantees? Would boosters be willing to invest like that again? (more)

Irish Rob, Scranton PA

2:49

Good morning Eric. I have a question based on some information I have been hearing in my neck of the woods concerning a player currently in the transfer portal who played HS ball locally. The numbers I am hearing he is being offered are impressive and I do not in any way slight a young man for taking any offer from a school that makes billions off their hard work. My question is, will this be how the system works indefinitely? This system basically seems like what would get programs in trouble back in the day, yet is now the norm of college football, and I would guess to a lesser degree, basketball. I would assume what's happening more often than not is boosters are giving kids, out in the open, what they used to give them behind closed doors. I know what happens when one assumes, but that's what it seems like from an outsider's perspective. Follow up, can a Catholic, faith based university compete at that level? Is that an area you foresee them having to catch up on moving forward..?

Eric Hansen

2:49

Hi Smitty. I'm not sure that would solve the problem. Kids that were unsure or who wanted to play the system would still sign as late as possible. Some kids may sign early, then a coach leaves and they'd sure to get out of their written commitment. What if there were no deadline? I just don't see the dynamic changing or at least changing for the better.

Smitty, Tempe AZ

2:47

Eric - Is there any rhyme or reason as to why high school recruits can't sign until certain "signing" days in Dec and Feb? In other words, why can't an athlete "sign" once they commit? If they aren't willing to sign upon committing, this would be a clear signal to coaches that the athlete isn't completely committed. This would seem to alleviate a lot of the headaches around athletes de-committing or flipping schools.

Eric Hansen

2:47

I Dennis, Merry Christmas. I have not had a chance to talk to Drew and don't intend to try until he's found his new school. I'm not sure universally how his departure sits with his teammates, but he received a lot of Twitter love upon his announcement. He will not leave Notre Dame with a degree if he plans on being elsewhere for spring semester. We do know he plans to visit BYU.

dennyrickert@comcast.net

2:42

Denny from Beaverton Or. I wish Drew Pyne the best after watching his struggles and triumphs during the past season. I think he gave it everything he had and that he recognized his future playing time would be limited. He is a competitor and that would be difficult to accept after what he had experienced. Have you been able to talk with him? Any idea what his teammates think? Will he leave Notre Dame with a degree? Your hard work and professionalism is appreciated. Merry Christmas!

Eric Hansen

2:41

I said up to three years remaining. Doesn't mean he has to use them all.

Andrew, D.C.

2:41

In regards to Card, I believe he has 3 years to play 2. He redshirted during COVID (but gets that back) and then played 2 years.

Eric Hansen

2:38

Of those three you mentioned, I think C.J. Carr has the best CHANCE to elevate the program based in his skill set, but that doesn't mean the other two can't or won't be able to. ... Year three has been extremely predictive when it comes to ND coaches pretty much forever. I do not expect it to change now.

2:37

Adam, Merry Christmas to you and sorry if I sometimes come off like the grinch. It's not meant to be personal. Thanks for being a good spot. Now this week's question ON MY GOD! I kid. I kid. ... I think behind the scenes Notre Dame's athletic department will continue to work with the academic side to find some middle ground that both can live with. But I liked Marcus' answer about what the present looks like. He's not offering excuses in case ND isn't as successful in the portal this year as they'd like. I like that he's telling the world he's up to overcoming that and will embrace the hand he's been dealt. ... I do think ND will land a quality QB from the portal. Not sure who it is yet. And when it gets close, I think things will be VERY FAST. ... I need to see Buchner play in the bowl game and know who the transfer is before I'm willing to assess who No. 1 will be next year. Buchner is fascinating, because there's so much potential and so many unknowns about him still. (more)

Adam, Dayton, OH

2:31

Eric, appreciate you! Sorry I sometimes frustrate you with my questions! I don't mean to. Last week, Marcus Freeman had a press conference and a portal question was asked, and his response was that nothing had changed in the admissions process (something like that). Was that just a non-answer/something they he isn't going to publicly admit, or is Notre Dame just going to be ok with the fact that the portal is another competitive disadvantage? (Your take on the situation.) Are you hearing anything positive with a transfer qb? If you had to place money on the situation, do you think Tyler Buchner will be qb1 next year, or the transfer qb? Between Buchner, transfer qb, Minchey, and Carr, who do you think is most likely quarterback that can elevate the program? Finally, do you think the "year 3" metric for successful coaches at ND will apply to Marcus Freeman as well? In other words, when do you think we fans will know if he is the guy or not? If I don't get another chance to say it, have a Merry Christmas sir!

Eric Hansen

2:29

Hi Bob. The first-round games, of which ND would have to be a part of, would be played Dec. 21 in 2024. Exam week in fall semester of 2024 is Dec. 16-20, so ND would have to have the players take exams early ... or after Dec. 21. It is tricky timing and I'd imagine it is for some other schools.

Bob Loganville, GA

2:25

Eric, Do you know the scheduling details when the playoffs expand to 12 teams in 2024? Curious how ND's academic schedule correlates. I have heard the 1st round could be scheduled for the weekend after completing finals.

Eric Hansen

2:22

Jake this is really quite the moving target, but if you're going to pin me down, I would say greatest odds would be a QB who's not even in the portal yet -- Sam Hartman of Wake Forest. So that should tell you about how hard it is to come up with even an uneducated guess at this point. Hudson Card would be No. 2, but stay tuned.

Jake Saratoga Springs

2:21

If you were to guess who do you believe is the most likely of the portal QB’s that could end up signing with ND? This has to be a huge win if ND wants to compete at the highest level and a position that has not been recruited well since prior to Brian Kelly.

Eric Hansen

2:20

Merry Christmas, George. Word is he struggled this year behind the scenes, both kicking off and on place kicks.

George El Segundo

2:20

Hi Eric: do you have any info on the status of Josh Bryan, the scholarship place kicker from So Cal? I'm wondering if his ship has sailed since the Irish have taken place kickers from the portal two years in a row? Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Eric Hansen

2:20

Hi Tom. The answer to the first question is Flintstone Vitamins? I kid. I kid. Thank you for such a glowing preface to your questions. If ND can run the ball and stop the run against South Carolina, two Gamecock weaknesses all season, then I envision a strong start for the Irish. If they can't, then it's going to take to the second quarter to make some adjustments. So much depends on ND's readiness at quarterback. As far as halftime adjustments, ND has something to prove. ... especially on offense. The Irish scored 52 third-quarter points in 12 games this season. That's an average of 4.3 points. I would say at this point in the season, they should be up to the challenge ... but we'll see.

Tom from Toronto

2:12

Hi Eric, How did you get to be so smart? For years you have been writing about how important excellent quarterback play is to winning a national championship. Then the Heisman Trophy selection committee names three of the finalists from three of the four teams in the college football playoff. While I don't think that you needed the validation, it was good to see. My knowledge and appreciation of the game has gotten better reading your work and that of Tyler James. One other point and then my questions. Reportedly Tyler Buchner is really ready to play. I seem to remember that movie earlier this year and it did not turn out well. I think I will not get my hopes up until I see for myself. As to my questions, do you think that ND will be well prepared and not take a quarter or so to get started at the Gator Bowl, as has happened too often in the past? Second, will we see some positive adjustments at halftime on both sides of the ball, or will it be same old, same old? Thank you for your insights.

Eric Hansen

2:12

Wait, you're named after a TV show? ,,, Wide receiver Kaleb Smith is front and center with a visit coming up this weekend. WR Keagan Johnson from Iowa committed to Kansas State. WR Dante Cephus from Kent State is piling up more offers, including from Georgia, and recently visited Penn State. K Spencer Shrader (USF) visited then committed to ND. DT Braden Fiske of Western Michigan has visited ND and will visit Florida State this weekend. Tom Zbikowski, who coached at Western this past season, told us on our podcast that Fiske is good enough to play for anybody. There will be more offers and visits, but keep in mind a dead period for transfers is coming up next Monday and running through Jan. 4.

Rizzoli Isles, Tampa FL

2:03

Hi Eric, any word on likely transfer portal roster additions or have the offers that have gone out sort of fizzled thus far with regards to QB and WR namely? Additionally, who do you peg to be the offensive and defensive breakout players next year?

Eric Hansen

2:01

Hey Tim, a pleasure to have you too. So when you bring up names like Zane Heesmoth and Brennan Wicks, you're talking about walk-on players who paid their own way to ND knowing playing time EVER was going to be highly unlikely. Obviously, there are exceptions like Davis Sherwood, Matt Salerno and Zac Yoakam, who rise through the ranks. And there have been walk-ons (rarely) who jump into the portal and get a scholarship opportunity. K Harrison Leonard is one. If those guys have their degrees, though, they usually move onto the real world and start making way more money than you and me (or at least me).

Tim Thompson

1:58

Nantucket, Mass. So, always a pleasure to join the chats. With all the current noise with the transfer portal, there are several upperclassmen on the roster, with eligibility left, about whom we rarely hear or see, who would seem the most likely to want to move on, especially with a degree. Is it possible some players are simply content to be practice-squad participants with little expectation of more? Some examples would be Zane Heemsoth, Brennan Wicks, et. al.

Eric Hansen

1:58

Hi Jack. The projected payout per team this season is projected to be $5.35 million. South Carolina's share will go directly to the SEC, who then divvies up all postseason revenue among its schools. ND, as an independent, gets to keep the entirety of its share.

jJack Bates

1:52

When Notre dame and South Carolina meet in the Gator Bowl what will each team receive as dollar amount for their participating in the game?? Jack Bates Shorewood, Illinois 60404

Eric Hansen

1:49

Hi Rudolph. I think we saw in the Blue-Gold Game especially (and in practices before that) that Jadarian Price is most dangerous when you get him the ball in space and let him run. I could see him catching screens out of the backfield and also motioning out to the slot in two-back formations. In fact, we may see more two-back formations next year given the glut of quality running backs and no Michael Mayer at TE. I think Jeremiyah Love is very similar in skill set to Price and can be used the same way. If Chris Tyree does indeed move full-time to wide receiver, than Price and Love could get some carries in the traditional running back sense.

Rudolph Rinderer, Cambridge MA

1:45

Hi Eric, what do you think is the most likely way that the Irish offense utilizes Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love next year, given the current full house at RB. The offense is clearly in need of a jolt and some speed and athleticism to put strain on opposing defenses and I feel there is a lot of room for creativity in how the Irish get lots of talent on the field at the same time and puts speed in space. Obviously premature but i'm excited for next year and the future in general with the influx of serious speed and talent. What's your vision?

Eric Hansen

1:45

The situation is very fluid, but only a few QBs have actually committed, to new schools. I believe it's five.

1:42

Back to McCall, I don't think he has interest in ND at this point. He is reportedly visiting Auburn this week.

1:41

If Pratt and/or Sam Hartman of Wake Forest join in, I could see there being strong interest from ND. ... But back to Card. There's a question from Irish Mike in Altoona that I'll address here. Card has up to three years of eligibility remaining. While ND's approach seems to be get the very best QB, not the very best QB with one year left, I think bringing in Card could be a bad move ... because of the ripples it could create. It's one thing to bring in a QB with one year left, and Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr all be on board with that. But if it's a potential three-year starter -- and Tyler Buchner with multiple years left, I'm not sure how that would play with the young QBs.

1:34

Hi Tom. There are a lot of you with similar questions. This one kind of simplifies it, so thanks. Let's start big picture, then narrow things down. Two things I have noticed about ND's portal QB recruiting vs. even other positions. 1. They're casting a very wide net. ... at least making contact with some QBs I can't imagine ending up at ND. That's smart. Do your research, make early contact. 2. ND is very guarded about who they're looking at. VERY. I even wonder if some of the info that is being spilled is necessarily on point. 3. Grayson McCall would be my No. 1 choice, followed by Michael Pratt of Tulane, who isn't yet in the portal and may not enter, and then Brenan Armstrong. 4. We've heard Hudson Card of Texas right from the beginning. At some point there's been interest in Devin Leary (NC State), Armstrong (Virginia). (more).

Tom from Virginia

1:25

Hello Eric. Thanks for all of your hard work. You are absolutely the best in a crowded field. What’s the latest on the QB portal possibilities? I see Grayson McCall is visiting Auburn.

Eric Hansen

1:25

Jim, thanks. We enjoy doing them. Tom Zbikowski this week is a must-listen. So enjoyed that. ... Spencer Shrader at USF was 11-of-13 as a junior and 9-of-13 this year. I would not be overly concerned about the misses in 2022. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason is excellent when it comes to both creating competition and recognizing raw talent with fixable issues. Punter Jon Sot, for instance, was significantly better at ND than he was at his final year at Harvard. Shrader will have to compete with Zac Yoakam and presumably Josh Bryan if he stays at ND. If he does not, I'd expect Mason to find a quality walk-on who can be competitive for the job.

Jim Tal, Valley Center CA.

1:11

Hi Eric, really enjoy the informative podcasts with Tyler by the way. Since next year's schedule looks to be a challenging one and more than a few games could be close, field goal kicking might loom large. Can you give us some insight as to what were the prime reasons the staff brought South Florida grad transfer Spencer Shrader onboard. Though he did very well as a junior, his senior season wasn't nearly as solid. And the fact that he converted just five of eight from 30 to 49 yards is somewhat worrisome. And does Shrader's arrival mean that young holdover Bryan doesn't have much of a chance to win the job? Thanks as always for your splendid work.

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