JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 18, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 18, 2021

Eric Hansen

3:06

That's going to do it for this week. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll take a bye next week, but we'll be back in February.

3:05

I do not know that, but will ask when we talk to Sam next month. My guess is Sam talked to Jack before he committed to ND, The DE from Wake to whom you're referring is Rondell Bothroyd, and he's headed to Oklahoma. .. BTW winter, other than a few days around Christmas, has been ok so far. Knock wood.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

3:02

Hi Eric, thanks for continuing with your world-famous Chats!!! Do you know if the ND football office has put Hartman in contact with Jack Coan for any questions or anything that Coan might be able to help Sam with his transition to ND. Not so much in the locker room but just adjusting to campus and SB?? Also, is ND still recruiting the grad DE from Wake? Do you expect any commitments anytime soon from the recent Junior Day?? Thanks and good luck surviving another SB winter. Go Irish!!

Eric Hansen

3:02

Jeff, I am going to disappoint you, I have a feeling. If there was a question I wanted to ask about 2022, I asked it. And Marcus was incredibly candid with his answers. I must not have done a good job of conveying the answers re post-Stanford, but it was asked and answered. Maybe you're looking for something a little more behind the scenes. I wish there was a magic moment to share, like they all tried a gluten-free diet at the same time and that turned the season around. For me, my curiosity is what's next at this point. And I have a whole bunch of topics already percolating I'd like to ask Marcus about ... next month when we get access again.

Jeff from Phoenix

2:56

Good morning Eric! If you had a chance to ask 1 question to Marcus Freeman about the 2022 season, what would it be? What would you think of something like…”What changed for you and the program on Oct 15, based on the result of the Stanford loss?” There have been a lot of comments about culture changes that saved the season, but I haven’t heard a lot of specifics straight from the best sources (you and MF). Hmmmm…..Apologies if I led the witness…. Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:56

Mike, you're asking me for fashion advice? The guy who picks out a tie based on the fact there's not a spaghetti sauce stain on it? This is WAY out of my comfort zone and purview. If Tommy is up in the booth, he's probably not as cognizant of his gameday outfit as he would be if he were on the sideline. And the team meeting was kind of an impromptu thing. Not sure he was thinking about the cameras. I get it that people notice and judge. It's the same reason if you want to be perceived as unbiased as a journalist, you stay away from team logos in your own wardrobe. If it makes you feel any better, I do feel comfortable second-guessing Tommy Rees' play-calling.

MikeMcFadden, Williamsport, PA

2:47

Hi Eric, I believe I have a legitimate concern over the football coaches attire during the now internationally televised games, specifically Tommy Rees. Here is the biggest game of the 2022 year, a very young first time head coach going after his very first major bowl win, live TV Nielsen ratings at over 6.5M which is 6th out of 43 games and here is our Offensive Coordinator wearing a long sleeve PLAIN WHITE tee shirt with 2 initials on the collar, not 'ND' but rather advertising a large clothing company called "UA". Coach Rees spent 4 years playing QB for Notre Dame, held the most important coach as QB, and finally head OC, and he does not wear or display the ND logo he is actually coaching? Tommy did the same thing when meeting the players for his announcement to the players last year. My question is, with the high salary coaches receive, don't their contract require purchase and wearing of such during public appearances?

Eric Hansen

2:46

As long as it fits in a headline, I'm game.

Dave from Houston

2:46

How about Kaleb the Elder and Kaleb the Younger? Nice medieval flavor.

Eric Hansen

2:46

My guess is Billy Schrauth and Andrew Kristofic, but Rocco Spindler and others are right in the thick of that competition.

Guest

2:45

David, Jackson MI Who would you predict fills the two starting guard spots on the OL next year?

Eric Hansen

2:45

Hi Bruce. We tend to use NIL and illegal but unenforceable acquisition fees as interchangeable, and they're not. And that's where ND is different from some of the schools it competes with for elite recruits. ND will tout its NIL OPPORTUNITIES. Some of its competition will guarantee players upfront money to sign. It's becoming more and more apparent that the only way to really implement NIL in its intended form is an act of Congress, which would also solve all the different state laws. But when?

Bruce, Centralia, IL

2:41

Hello Eric, I hope all is well. On NIL, can you say a little about how ND’s approach differs from some of its competitors? In the long run, does ND need the NCAA and/or the conference to put more NIL ground rules or risk being at a competitive disadvantage, because there are things ND isn’t comfortable doing? Thanks as always.

Eric Hansen

2:41

If I were a defensive coordinator in 2023, the one who would concern me the most in that regard is Tobias Merriweather. I think that will be apparent this spring and this fall. If Lorenzo Styles gets himself right mentally, he'd also be near the top of that list. Of the freshman, I think Braylon James has the best speed, but he's also the most raw of the three.

Bob (Oxnard CA)

2:39

Which ND receivers (current or incoming freshmen) have enough long speed and ball-tracking skills to threaten defenses deep?

Eric Hansen

2:39

I'll start with the back end of your multi-part question, Marie. Nice to hear from you and I still owe you an email. ... Here's kind of a check list. 1) Sam Hartman is what we expect him to be. 2) The defensive line is the (pleasant) surprise position group of the spring. 3) The linebacker situation sorts out with the best players on the field. And if Jaylen Sneed is good enough to start, that's an added bonus. 4) The wide receiver corps reflects its talent more than its relative inexperience. 5) No bad surprises at safety or nickel. ... Your first question, the EEs I'm most excited to see play -- all three receivers, CB Christian Gray and QB Kenny Minchey. ... and LB Drayk Bowen playing baseball.

Marie from Atlanta

2:34

Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. Now that the early enrollees are here, who are you the most excited to see and do you think any of them will push for legitimate playing time in the 2023 season? What specific things do you need to see happen in the spring for you to consider Notre Dame a legitimate playoff contender for next year? As always thanks for the great insights and for hosting the chat.

Eric Hansen

2:34

Ced, I'm going to hold you to that prediction. And I think it's one that NEEDS to happen.

ced walker

2:33

ced walker saginaw michigan same town former notre dame basketball player tory jackson the biggest surprise this spring practice will be tyson ford helping out in the inside this kid will special this season god bless the golden standard rally we are nd go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen

2:33

I've been consistent in my assessment of Al Washington in that I think he has something to prove both on the field and on the recruiting trail this spring/summer. That's not a prediction he won't excel either place, but I think there wasn't enough overt progress in either area during his first season at ND. If he can reel in five-star DT Justin Scott on Jan. 31, there's a huge step in the right direction on the recruiting trail. If Riley Mills becomes dominant, if Jordan Botelho rounds into an every-down player, if we see Tyson Ford and Aiden Gobaira and Josh Burnham make significant strides in the spring, then there'll be plenty of momentum to change the player development perception.

Bob, Manchester, TN

2:28

Eric, it looks like there's some fan negativity around Al Washington right now: got fired from Ohio State, recruited very well but has to show he can develop players, and so on. Do you have personal concerns about how well Washington is doing? And what are your expectations for him this coming year?

Eric Hansen

2:28

OK Len, thanks for the compliment. I'm going to combine your question with this one, because the answers are going to synch up.

Len from the Jersey Shore

2:27

Hello Eric, Late to the queue. First and most importantly I wanted to to let you know how much I have enjoyed your, Tyler's and Kyle's updates and thoughts over the last few weeks. I can't recall anything you missed. Personally I think even in positions that are in question (as has been covered) there is enough talent if developed and coordinated exceptionally well to have an incredible playoff year. Especially offensively. Question-which coach is least likely to obtain the player development needed for this team to soar as I expect the team will? And what needs to happen for that position group to soar as needed?

Eric Hansen

2:27

Hi John. We had Tommy on our podcast a few weeks back. He was a quality control coach for Western Michigan this past season, focusing primarily on special teams. Now that people are aware he has dipped his toes into coaching, there is quite a bit of interest in him this offseason. I'll keep you all posted once his next step comes to fruition.

John Elkhorn, Nebraska

2:24

Hi Eric- recently heard that Tommy Zbikowski was being interviewed for a coaching position at Western Michigan . Any knowledge of his potential hire? Thanks! Always enjoy your comments.

Eric Hansen

2:24

It is confusing. Why is the guy under the hood when he's not making the decision? I can see why some people would have that impression.

Bob - Loganville, GA

2:23

Thanks Eric, Maybe by watching on TV I have interpated this incorrectly. By watching it looks like the ref has to go to the sideline every time play has been stopped for review. In many cases watching the replays on TV we know the correct call before the ref reaches the sideline (slowing down the play of the game). Based off your answer the ref is going to the sidelines for communication with the booth not to review the play. Thanks for the clarification. I appreciate your knowledge!

Eric Hansen

2:23

Hi Tanker. You da man, too! When ND first offered him a scholarship, I assumed he was a depth piece. After watching some of his tape, he's growing on me. He's got decent speed to go along with his size. I honestly think he'll compete for a starting spot. I will be surprised if he does not. At the very least, I like the concept of a veteran helping guide all those young receivers.

Tanker, Dulce NM

2:16

Hey Eric, thanks for continuing the chats in the off-season, the hardwork is much appreciated by fans like me. My question is about Kaleb Smith Sr. (ha). I haven't seen any tape on him and only really know that he is a big bodied receiver. Are you able to provide any color to what he brings to the WR room and what kind of player he is in terms of production, talent, and potential? You da man!

Eric Hansen

2:14

Thanks, Pogo. I have been in South Bend since 1988 and with ND football as my primary coverage responsibility since 1997, so that's a long timeline. The other facet of the question that's difficult is Sam Hartman can impact ND for one year. Manti Te'o, for instance, impacted for multiple years-- even influencing Jaylon Smith to come to ND. Hartman, though, is a missing piece. At the most impactful position on the field. So, yes I would put him in the top 10 given all those factors. Where in the top 10 I can answer AFTER the season.

Pogo from Madison

1:59

Eric, Love the chats and read the articles as soon as they come out. If you had to compare the arrival of Hartman to any other single recruit (not just transfer) since you have been covering, would you anticipate it could make the top 10 in impact? Personally, I feel it is one of the most seismic events that has happened to Notre Dame football since I graduated in 96, along with Manti signing. I'm sure I'm missing many others, but hoped you could provide better perspective.

Eric Hansen

1:58

The booth official CAN stop the games and HE makes the decision, not the official on the field. So if you have a follow-up, please submit it.

1:56

Bob, I think I am misunderstanding your question. Here's who is on the booth: The NCAA Football Instant Replay System will have three officials in the booth: 1) The Instant Replay Official, who will make all decisions regarding replay; 2) The Communicator, who will assist the Instant Replay Official with such duties as obtaining the video replays and in communication; and 3) The
Technician, who will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the operating condition of the
equipment throughout the game. (more)

Bob - Loganville, GA

1:49

Eric, Have you heard of any discussions or revisions on how replay and/or possible challenges might change? As fan, although far worse in basketball, we typically have seen multiple angles of a play and the obvious call before the ref gets to the sideline to review. This is annoying and time consuming. Seems they need to give authority to someone in the booth to stop play, review these obvious calls and relay it to the ref on the field. If in some instances the play needs adjustments to the clock, yardage etc or needs more review than the obvious, allow the ref to then take a look under the hood. It’s never made sense to me that the booth can stop the game, have the ref go to the hood to look at the play but don’t have the authority to review the play, make the decision and relay that to the ref on the field.

Eric Hansen

1:48

Hi Tony. I want to do that story too, but I want Lorenzo's voice in it. So, I'll wait to do it at that time. My sense is that when he first started having trouble with drops, it kind of took on a life of its own. He's a talented, hard-working wide receiver with a lot of career ahead of him. It's a fixable problem. It's a big spring for him, because how there is more competition, both in quantity and quality. As far as the podcast with Conor O'Neill, I'm not sure he was downplaying Sam Hartman's potential with ND as much as he was pointing out what needs to be his area of improvement/focus if he's going to continue to be an ascending player. My personal biggest concern/reservation is how he handles the increased scrutiny/demands of being the face of the Notre Dame football program. Not saying he won't handle it well, but it will be an adjustment. I think Conor's point was ND is getting a very good QB, but the Irish are not getting Tom Brady.

Tony, Lake Mary

1:39

Hey Eric, really trying to understand what happened to Lorenzo Styles this past season. Would be interested if you have had a chance to really dive deeper on if his struggles, a combo with rapport with Drew Pyne, was he just deep in his head, etc.? Did he not show up in practice? was it bad rapport with Coach Stuckey? Also, the podcast on Hartman, the wake Forest beat writer did not make him seem like he was going to really be the savior a lot of outlets are assuming and that he is way to cavalier with the ball. Did you get a similar take?

Eric Hansen

1:39

Hi Arnie. College athletes are allowed to have NIL agents. High school kids are too in some states. ND women's basketball signee Hannah Hidalgo, a senior from New Jersey, already as NIL representation.

Arnie

1:38

Hinsdale ,IL- Are athletes allowed to have NIL agents or does the NCAA require high schoolers to negotiate multi million dollar deals without the support of financial experts?

Eric Hansen

1:35

Haha. Love it. John, I'll probably do these every other week or every third week until we get to March, based on news flow and interest. ... I think ND will pursue undergrad transfers, and they were pursuing both CJ Williams and Anthony Lucas. They just decided they wanted to go elsewhere. In most cases, grad transfers make the most sense. You're going to be plugging holes or adding depth with the transfer portal, not building a team with it. But if you can get an ELITE underclassman, who's an academic fit, ND will go for it.

John, Scottsdale, AZ

1:32

Eric, love the chats and hope you enjoyed the bye week. Will your chat schedule have 2 bye weeks like the Irish? Or will you be incorporating many more than 2? Now the serious question. Do you think ND will continue to only utilize the portal for grad transfers due to the difficulty of getting undergrad credits to transfer over or will a compromise be reached so players like CJ Williams and Anthony Lucas, who were recruited by ND and are transferring after one semester, become an option?

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