JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat July 3, 2024

Notre Dame Football Live Chat July 3, 2024

Eric Hansen

2:47

OK, that's going to have to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll plan on doing this again in two weeks, Wednesday July 17 at noon ET. Chat with you then.

2:45

Hi Jeff. ND hasn't brought in consistent difference-makers as the position relative to the other positions, and some of that has been the production of the passing game an inconsistency at QB. Let's see how the rest of this cycle plays out. If ND finishes that position group in this cycle with two of three at least of Meadows, Hines and Robinson, that's a strong position to be in. And given who will be competing to be the starting QB in 2025, I think you'll see portal WRs take a longer look at ND.

Jeff Higgins

2:43

I believe the WR’s are going to be better this season, but what or why are the Irish struggling to bring in great WR’s? The recruiting has been awesome. You look at this year through the next two, 3 years and ND is bringing in the top talent at every position but WR. I would have thought that having Carr, Deuce and others that this issue would be fixed. Sorry about dragging this out. I am just questioning why the Irish aren’t bringing in top talent at wide out. Thanks guys, love the show!!

Eric Hansen

2:42

Given ND's commitment to putting Marcus Freeman and the program in a great position in a rapidly changing college football world, I'd expect Notre Dame under Freeman to be challenging for national titles under its current trajectory ... not necessarily winning them, but making a run.

Lyle Littleton, CO

2:40

Thank You for these chats. Coach Freeman seems to be learning and evolving as a coach each year. Give me your vision of where the program is with him three years from now.

Eric Hansen

2:40

Hi Frank. Without doing the math quickly (and I can't take off my shoes to count my toes), I have a hard time putting a percentage on it, but it happens more than you might think. ND doesn't like to float that out there and usually the kid doesn't want to make a big deal of it either. But with how early now ND extends scholarships, there's some good and bad in that. Good in that ND can let a kid know exactly what he has to do to get his academics on a trajectory for Notre Dame to take him. Bad, because not every kid will buckle down and do that ... and then ND has to let him go and it looks like they might have lost him for other reasons. What I can say it has happened at least once in the current cycle.

Guest

2:36

Hello Eric, Frank from Wayne IL here. How often is it that a "decommitment" is actually the result of an athlete failing at the 11th hour to meet the necessary criteria (grades) for admission and ND covering for the kid?

Eric Hansen

2:36

T-Har-v ... hometown next time please, but thanks for your question. For the record, there have been 13 1,000-yards (or more) receiving season in ND football history. Four of those were players who did it twice ... so nine total players. The last to repeat was Will Fuller (2014-15). I think the prevalence of players coming out as juniors would lessen that possibility moving forward in terms of multi-year receivers. I also think the depth at WR on this team and the time shares make it less likely. So does throwing to the backs and tight ends as much as ND does now. Is there a player on the roster who could have multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Maybe Jaden Greathouse? But you're right, the QB position now and moving forward looks strong.

T. Har-v

2:26

We have had some good receivers over the years, most with decent careers, some with exceptional 1-year breakouts; ala Boykins, Claypool, TJ Jones, etc... when are we going to have another 1,000 yd multi-year WR like Tate, Samardzija, or M. Floyd? Do you think we have one of those guys on the team right now? I realize we need a solid deep ball QB to throw them the ball (Clausen and Quinn were phenomenal at the deep and short/out route), but I feel like we finally have that type of QB now.

Eric Hansen

2:26

Minchey has a fighting chance. If I had to handicap the 2025 QB race, I'd pick Carr. Minchey has some skills, though, that Carr and Angeli don't have. He can be spectacular at times. He is also the most unfinished and the least consistent. So that's where his focus this fall should and will be. Beyond that, I'd be throwing darts with a blindfold on. My psychic powers are not full developed.

2:22

Blair, the "no shoes" rule goes double for you, in that you didn't include your hometown. But since you share the name of one of my grandsons, you are forgiven this time. ...Unless this really is Blair, who is 7. ... I think even defining Minchey's next full year is challenging. Here's my best guess. He'll start training camp as No. 3. And barring injury, he'll stay at 3 and then be in the mix with CJ Carr, Steve Angeli and Deuce Knight to be the starting QB in 2025, that is if he doesn't jump in the transfer portal in December. (more)

BLAIR

2:19

What do Kenny Minchey's next three years look like?

Eric Hansen

2:18

Hi David. Marie from Atlanta already pressed me on those guys individually, so let me go to your last part ... about the Holtz class comparisons. Let me say two things about that. I think Marcus Freeman and company are doing a great job, but some of those Holtz classes set a such a high bar. So no, I don't think it will be as good or better than the best of the Holtz Era. HOWEVER, Marcus Freeman is living in a different world than Lou Holtz was. Building through recruiting and supplementing through the transfer portal all must be factored in ... and roster retention, keeping those elite players on your campus and in your locker room. Marcus has done a great job with that. So the bar isn't about the Lou Holtz classes. It's about can Marcus Freeman get ND closer to a national title... and with a class like that -- and everything else factored in -- it appears to be moving that way.

David -NY

2:14

Eric! Thanks so much for the chat and happy early 4th! My question. Looks like Rivals has Blair, Boateng, Hines, Meadows and Faraimo listed as 100% Irish. What percentages would you give each? If we land all of them, this feels like a class you can put up next to the best of the Holtz era!

Eric Hansen

2:13

Hi Ryan. There's lot of depth at the WR position, and Riley Leonard is healthy and having a very good summer so far. Those two things need to keep going as we get into training camp season in a few weeks. .. actually four weeks from today.

Ryan mars PA

2:11

Good afternoon Eric i think The new receivers and the ones that are still with us will have a good season year with Riley what do you think GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈

Eric Hansen

2:11

ND will have a complementary running game, which will help, and tight ends ... but the offensive line evolution, as I've mentioned in earlier questions, also plays into this.

2:10

In knowing how Mike Denbrock likes to maximize his personnel, I can see him getting his speedier slot guys to the outside and in some mismatches through motion. So look for Jordan Faison to do that some. Beaux Collins for me is a wild card. ND has a lot of experience and promise at the boundary receiver in Jayden Thomas, Deion Colzie and spring surprise Micah Gilbert. But there's something about Collins a really like and can't wait to see him in practice in August. Part of that whole equation is Riley Leonard becoming a more consistent passer. He has the arm, and he's at ND to take that next step. So far this summer, he's definitely trending in the right direction (more).

2:07

Hi Mike. I think ND is hoping it can produce a deep threat from all three receiving positions -- boundary, slot and field. But an elite field receiver really can most significantly open things up for the rest of the offense. Think Will Fuller or even Kevin Stepherson in spurts. The players who are at that position for ND are all unproven at least in an ND uniform. The hope is the FIU transfer Kris Mitchell, who surged last season at his old school, will be that guy. Sophomore KK Smith and freshman Cam Williams are the other players there. (more)

Mike from Rockville, MD

2:00

Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! Who is the ideal WR to fit the role of a long-passing threat at ND right now? Is your concern about the long-passing game due to Riley Leonard's efficiency, the ability/speed of the WR, the chemistry between WR and QB? Thanks!

Eric Hansen

2:00

Hi Don. You know me all too well. Steaks over hot dogs, and they are thawing as we speak. But there will be multiple hot dog lovers here on the 4th. Hope you have a good one. Averaging 4 TDs and 60 yards rushing? Notre Dame will be the 5 seed in the playoff and hosting a home game on Dec. 20/21. I say that because I expect that to be paired with a top 5 defense and excellent special teams.

Don in Scottsdale

1:57

Eric, Hope there's hot dogs, apple pie, cold beer and fireworks for you on the 4th..of course some steaks and watermelon are probably a better bet. My question is for you to finish the sentence; if Reilly Leonard averages 4 passing TDs per game and 60 yards rushing ND will...............................Thanks to you and the staff for the great content.

Eric Hansen

1:57

Hi Denny, because the communication will shut off while the defense is still adjusting and moving around, there will still be some need for offensive signals at times ... just not as many as not as often. As far as crowd noise, only one player per side of the ball will have the helmet communication, so that player still has to communicate to his teammates in potentially a noisy stadium. That won't mitigate the challenge all that much. Having an experienced offensive coordinator in Mike Denbrock, who has successfully coaches in noisy stadiums (including Kyle Field), is going to be a significant asset.

Denny from Bullard TX

1:52

Hi Eric! I know the helmet communication is finally in for College Football. ( thanks to Skunkbear scandal) This will greatly help with the signals being secure. My question is there any significant help with the crowd noise and trying to run the offense. Kyle field will be very challenging.

Eric Hansen

1:48

Hi Roger. Happy 4th to you and thanks for the compliment. .... I think two things that have to happen this season that started trending in the spring and into the summer are improved quarterback play and improved performance at wide receiver. The hiring of Mike Denbrock as offensive coordinator kind of ties all of that together and is/was extremely significant. The evolution of the offensive line remains the biggest piece of unfinished business. There is not a dead end here that the Irish will need to work around, but it's not likely to look like a finished product on Aug. 31. But it must get consistently better throughout the season. The luck would be staying away from significant injuries and having a couple of player surprise, like Kris Mitchell at WR and Aamil Wagner at RT.

Roger from Peoria

1:43

Eric: The wait for the return of "Live Chat" is finally over! The only wait that is more challenging is the wait for the ND season opener. Few teams go undefeated during the regular season. Notre Dame fans often seem to be disappointed if that does not happen for the Irish which is rather unrealistic. I sense the possibility this year, but we have to be realistic and somewhat lucky. What are the things that must happen for the Irish to go undefeated? Similarly, what are the things that cannot happen for the Irish to go undefeated? Finally, what would be characterized as "lucky" which would add to the possibility for the Irish to go undefeated? Have a great 4th holiday to celebrate the great country we live in!!

Eric Hansen

1:42

Coaches in June had some access to OTAs, which are drills that don't use a football, etc. Most of what goes on, only Loren Landow and his strength staff can be present for. There are some players-only workouts and team leaders run those and monitor those. ... The freshmen and even new transfers have mentors. Rod Heard II, for instance, talked about how much Ben Morrison and Xavier Watts, have helped him get adjusted. I hope that wasn't too overly simplistic, but I did answer all parts, I believe.

1:39

Hi Denny, nice to have you back too ... and I'll give you the no shoes allowance if you forgive me for trying to answer your near-17-part question as succinctly as I can. Yes, all 86 scholarship players and preferred walk-ons are on campus and taking classes. It's not universal where everyone lives. Some live in dorms. Some in houses. Some in apartments. But they're groupings, especially for freshmen, will be different in the fall, as more student are around then and ND tries to give them a chance to live with non-football players too. ... There is a 20-hour limit on required football activities, most of which are with Loren Landow in the strength/speed-training world. Everything else ... and there's a lot of that too ... is voluntary. (more)

Denny from Beaverton Or.

1:31

Hi Eric: It is nice to have you and the chat back. I am curious about what is going on with the team during these summer months. Are all 85 scholarship players and preferred walk on's all on campus? Are they all registered and taking classes in summer school. Do they live in their normal dorms or are they grouped together in the same living arrangement? Is there a certain number of hours a week required on the practice field or football classroom or weight room? I believe coaches are not allowed to be present so do the seniors and other team leaders establish and monitor what needs to be done? And finally this regimen must be difficult for the Freshmen coming in. Do they have an older mentor that helps them adjust? I kept within the 16 question rule but I do admit I have bare feet since Portland will be hitting several days of 100 degree temps this week. Not looking forward to it as it was just 3 years ago we hilt 116 degrees here and it was not fun! Thanks Eric

Eric Hansen

1:31

For his size, he can really move. He was a prolific running back in high school in addition to being an elite linebacker.

BCND

1:30

BCND from Boston: Is Drayk Bowen weirdly fast? I saw that baseball was pinch running him from 2nd in extra innings and was impressed.

Eric Hansen

1:30

I think there's the most competition for Meadows. I talked to Robinson after his ND visit and it was a game-changer. But his choice involves a position difference. ND and Utah are recruiting him as a WR, Washington and UCLA as a DB. He said his chemistry with the team and the coach means more than the position, so that's why I feel good about ND.

1:28

Finally, to your recruiting question, I'm a little uncomfortable with the 1 to 10 scale in recruiting for a few reasons, not the least of which the nature of recruiting makes 10s hard to give. I also don't want to blow a kid's moment by giving him a 10 before he announces. And lastly, the only two kids I've spoken with personally on that list are Blair and Robinson. Tyler James is way more into the weeds there than I am. But let me meet you halfway here. I think ND leads are is at least even for all of them. So I will put them in order of confidence they will commit to ND from most likely to less likely: Blair, Faraimo, Owusu-Boateng, Hines, Robinson, Meadows. (more)

1:24

I had the chance to talk to James Rendell in person a couple of weeks ago, and to some of the other newcomers, some of whom raved about Rendell's punting. Given his experience and age and maturity level, I think ND is in good shape there. As far as what can happen in the summer beyond improvements that come in the weight room and team chemistry ... among those are timing between QBs and receivers, everybody getting into the playbook and film study deeper. And there are things defensive players can do just in going against the receivers and doing drills. The summer time is when Kyle Hamilton and Ben Morrison made their moves as June-arriving freshmen. (more)

1:19

Hi Marie. Great to see you here. And Happy 4th to you. Let me start with your Benjamin Morrison question. I don't think you can ever put a 10 on injury recovery for anyone, but if Notre Dame was concerned about him not being ready for the opener, they wouldn't have moved freshman Karson Hobbs to nickel already and they'd probably cross-train Jordan Clark or Rod Heard II at corner this summer. They could still do that later if there's a setback, but they're not doing it now. So put me down for an 8. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

1:15

hi Eric, so glad the chat is back this week and happy Fourth of July. With it getting to crunch time for the 2025 recruits, on a scale of one to 10 how confident are you that Notre Dame lands the following: Blair, Faraimo, Meadows, Hines, Robinson, and Boateng? On that same scale of one to 10 how confident are you that Benjamin Morrison will be ready for the opener at A&M? What have you heard about James Rendell’s punting since he got on campus? In the next several weeks before fall camp when there’s not a lot of coaching going on, what are some realistic improvements that can occur , and which would be the most helpful for the team in the fall? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and the great insights.

Eric Hansen

1:15

Hi Kagan. I wrote about Guerby Lambert earlier this week, and there is an expectation that he could find his way into the two-deeps. He's that good. But I think you are selling the other guys short, especially Wagner. It's always been about body mass and not skill with him. He's very athletic, very smart and he's now 6-6, 290. Still has to get bigger, but he's doing it gradually but decisively. I do think Sullivan Absher had a good spring, but I think Wagner is going to be the starter. And Lambert is coming.

Kagan From Angola IN

1:10

Hey Eric, still concerned about our right tackle situation I am not sure Baker or Wagner are capable of manning that side of the line for a full season and having the success in the run game Notre Dame prides itself on and also being able to keep Riley Leonard upright all season. My question is how long of a leash do these two have to figure it out before Lambert or Sullivan get a look. I really like Lambert's size and IQ and think he should be a contributor sooner rather than later. Thanks as always for your time! Go Irish!

Eric Hansen

1:10

I recently wrote about Heard and his transition. He has safety size and cornerback speed but most of his experience at Northwestern was at nickel. The expectation is that he will be the starter and he will be an upgrade over last year's starter, DJ Brown. But there's also the expectation that Shuler and Talich have surged enough to be rotational players. There's really a safety net at both positions if neither player plays as advertised, with Josh Burnham and freshman Bryce Young ascending behind Oben.

1:06

Having said that, there's an expectation from the Irish coaching staff that both Oben and Heard will play their best football to date at ND in 2024. And Marcus made a good point recently that even with experienced players, there's an initial adjustment to learning a new system. Sophomores Adon Shuler and Luke Talich at safety know Al Golden's system much better than Heard does. We saw Oben, for instance, surge the final week of spring after being sort of non-descript for much of spring. I do think there are some parallels that he could give ND what JJB did last year. (more)

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