I totally recognize that it's spring ball, but I cannot recall a more optimistic picture of ND football in the spring since 2006 going into Weis' 2nd season.
Last year was a very good year. 10 wins including a New Years Day bowl victory over an SEC opponent is great. Our late season stumbles are tough to entirely explain, but most would agree that regression by Wimbush was a big factor.
Looking ahead to 2018 after the bowl victory, I had 4 major concerns. Many of these have been debated in this forum. I no particular order: development of a starting QB, filling gaps at LB, emergence of a go to receiver, restocking an all-time O-line. Along the way, some coaching changes certainly added some angst. Now, we are seeing very positive steps in all of these.
1) QB (+)
The worst thing you can say going into the fall is that we have 2 starting quality QBs. Clearly Wimbush has the talent to be very good, and it sounds like he has made noticeable progress. Book can step in and may win the job outright. I don't see any way QB is worse than 2017. Either Wimbush works out his issues and takes the next step or Book takes over and provides the leadership we need.
2) LB (-)
I still have the most concerns about this unit. I think Tranquil will be an excellent Will if he stays healthy. Coney needs to make progress at Mike. Rover is now a bit of a question mark. Basically, old faces in new places.
3) WR (+)
We may not have an EQ anymore, but it sounds like these guys are all stepping up, and they have length! Sounds like Boykin may be turning into that go to guy, but I think WR is deep and talented. Any one of about 5 guys could potentially step up. This is an upgrade.
4) OL (-)
I'm not sure you could ever get a + in this group. If they can just be close to last year, we're alright. The most recent practice report from telx was very encouraging. It sounds like they are circling in on an optimum use of talent across the line. The emergence of Eichenberg is VERY encouraging, as it allows for others to slot into more natural positions.
As for the other position groups, it's pretty clear that D-line will be improved and the secondary has a chance to be shut down. TE can't get any worse, and all reports are very encouraging there. RB was never a huge concern of mine. Unless you have transcendent talent (nobody on our roster), they'll find very good RBs to pick up yards. Think of some of the plug ins at RB for us in the past who turned out great.
So really, right now my biggest concerns come down to coaching and the schedule. Not a Kelly basher here, but he has evolved into a program manager. I'm good with Long calling the offense. Lea calling D for his first time is a concern. Will we ever decide to coach special teams?
The schedule will be tough. Not 2017 tough though. Opening with Michigan is the biggie. If we can get through that, we are primed for a run. Home against FSU is nice. USC on the road will be scary after the beatdown last year.
This could be the year. Again, it's been a long time since I had that feeling in the spring.
Last year was a very good year. 10 wins including a New Years Day bowl victory over an SEC opponent is great. Our late season stumbles are tough to entirely explain, but most would agree that regression by Wimbush was a big factor.
Looking ahead to 2018 after the bowl victory, I had 4 major concerns. Many of these have been debated in this forum. I no particular order: development of a starting QB, filling gaps at LB, emergence of a go to receiver, restocking an all-time O-line. Along the way, some coaching changes certainly added some angst. Now, we are seeing very positive steps in all of these.
1) QB (+)
The worst thing you can say going into the fall is that we have 2 starting quality QBs. Clearly Wimbush has the talent to be very good, and it sounds like he has made noticeable progress. Book can step in and may win the job outright. I don't see any way QB is worse than 2017. Either Wimbush works out his issues and takes the next step or Book takes over and provides the leadership we need.
2) LB (-)
I still have the most concerns about this unit. I think Tranquil will be an excellent Will if he stays healthy. Coney needs to make progress at Mike. Rover is now a bit of a question mark. Basically, old faces in new places.
3) WR (+)
We may not have an EQ anymore, but it sounds like these guys are all stepping up, and they have length! Sounds like Boykin may be turning into that go to guy, but I think WR is deep and talented. Any one of about 5 guys could potentially step up. This is an upgrade.
4) OL (-)
I'm not sure you could ever get a + in this group. If they can just be close to last year, we're alright. The most recent practice report from telx was very encouraging. It sounds like they are circling in on an optimum use of talent across the line. The emergence of Eichenberg is VERY encouraging, as it allows for others to slot into more natural positions.
As for the other position groups, it's pretty clear that D-line will be improved and the secondary has a chance to be shut down. TE can't get any worse, and all reports are very encouraging there. RB was never a huge concern of mine. Unless you have transcendent talent (nobody on our roster), they'll find very good RBs to pick up yards. Think of some of the plug ins at RB for us in the past who turned out great.
So really, right now my biggest concerns come down to coaching and the schedule. Not a Kelly basher here, but he has evolved into a program manager. I'm good with Long calling the offense. Lea calling D for his first time is a concern. Will we ever decide to coach special teams?
The schedule will be tough. Not 2017 tough though. Opening with Michigan is the biggie. If we can get through that, we are primed for a run. Home against FSU is nice. USC on the road will be scary after the beatdown last year.
This could be the year. Again, it's been a long time since I had that feeling in the spring.
