back from spring game...few thoughts

[irishcatman]

Just settling in from the trip back here's my take....

Quentin Nelson l think is the LARGEST man l've ever seen up close, saw him from our lower level seats and he's just enormous.

I liked the starting OL....They seemed to be very quick off the block that left side is SOLID..Thought Alex Barrs looked somewhat slow, perhaps he was battling an injury or something..either way no need to worry IMO about that area this year

Mica Dew Treadway makes a very nice interior Dlineman..he's quick with decent lateral speed..not sure where he fits in this year but he'll be in the rotation for sure..I actually think the defense looked very good. That Crawford kid isn't big but he's got a nose for the ball.VERY impressed with Drew Tranquil the kid is fast and showed zero signs of pain from his injury, he's so reactive that he often times overplays himself, once he gets a little more instinctive he'll be the whole package.
Hard to say much about the LBers, didn't really showcase a lot.Nyles Morgan does look bigger this year but he was really outplayed by Barajas l thought.
Finally for the defense, l really thought the DBs actually looked better than they did last year (which isn't saying much) but Max Redfield looks really focused and the rest of the defensive backfield fed off of that.

As far as the QB's ...Clearly DK has more of a command of the offense right now coming off of last years run..I heard MZ say to Mike Samford on the sideline that he's "shaking the rust off, l'll be fine" and l think as the half wore on Zaire got into his groove..kid has a strong whip like arm ... those who say he's got a weak arm are just nuts..kid can wing it.

Dexter looked terrific at RB today ...LOVED that Stepherson kid he's long and gets great separation...still not a gamebreaker at the WR spot ..this team is REALLY...REALLY going to miss Will Fuller..talent is there but it's raw
Josh Adams looked slow and disinterested ...not sure why but he was a shadow of what l saw last year IMO he doesn't pick it up he'll get buried on the depth chart and quick.

Overall l think this team (regardless of who's under center) can win 9 games..The real question is what kind of team does Kelly want? If he's looking at a more Pro style, drop back offense the clearly DK is the man..if he's looking to run more read option then Malik still runs that more fluidly (by far IMO) than DK does..well that's my take

 

[greengael]

Thanks for that had to miss it for a lacrosse game, oh well.

 

[perseverare]

Just settling in from the trip back here's my take....

Quentin Nelson l think is the LARGEST man l've ever seen up close, saw him from our lower level seats and he's just enormous.

I liked the starting OL....They seemed to be very quick off the block that left side is SOLID..Thought Alex Barrs looked somewhat slow, perhaps he was battling an injury or something..either way no need to worry IMO about that area this year

Mica Dew Treadway makes a very nice interior Dlineman..he's quick with decent lateral speed..not sure where he fits in this year but he'll be in the rotation for sure..I actually think the defense looked very good. That Crawford kid isn't big but he's got a nose for the ball.VERY impressed with Drew Tranquil the kid is fast and showed zero signs of pain from his injury, he's so reactive that he often times overplays himself, once he gets a little more instinctive he'll be the whole package.
Hard to say much about the LBers, didn't really showcase a lot.Nyles Morgan does look bigger this year but he was really outplayed by Barajas l thought.
Finally for the defense, l really thought the DBs actually looked better than they did last year (which isn't saying much) but Max Redfield looks really focused and the rest of the defensive backfield fed off of that.

As far as the QB's ...Clearly DK has more of a command of the offense right now coming off of last years run..I heard MZ say to Mike Samford on the sideline that he's "shaking the rust off, l'll be fine" and l think as the half wore on Zaire got into his groove..kid has a strong whip like arm ... those who say he's got a weak arm are just nuts..kid can wing it.

Dexter looked terrific at RB today ...LOVED that Stepherson kid he's long and gets great separation...still not a gamebreaker at the WR spot ..this team is REALLY...REALLY going to miss Will Fuller..talent is there but it's raw
Josh Adams looked slow and disinterested ...not sure why but he was a shadow of what l saw last year IMO he doesn't pick it up he'll get buried on the depth chart and quick.

Overall l think this team (regardless of who's under center) can win 9 games..The real question is what kind of team does Kelly want? If he's looking at a more Pro style, drop back offense the clearly DK is the man..if he's looking to run more read option then Malik still runs that more fluidly (by far IMO) than DK does..well that's my take

MZ is probably the better runner of the football; but try to understand that DK is NOT going to look to take off and run in a spring game the way he has done in an actual game! He runs more than well enough to operate the entire offense. The team is as potent through the air as on the ground with him at QB. He actually fits the prototypical designed offense Kelly had in mind. Kelly's QB has to be mobile enough to extend or make something of busted plays, or roll out. His offense is not the Ore. Dennis Dixon type offense.

It is very hard to assess any of the defensive players in a game like ths. All one can really look at is size and agility; there is little actual combat evaluation opportunity. I expect the D to struggle all season long, as it has mostly struggled recent seasons. The weak schedule will help, a bit.

 

[scotchirishblood]

Seldom can you take much from the spring game (a glorified scrimmage) with non-contact jerseys. Spring allows a coach to evaluate backups, identify leadership, and find diamonds in the rough. This team and its depth will look very different come September. With few exceptions like a player or two who will blossom over the summer and a freshman impact player or two Kelly already knows, barring injury, who his likely starters are.

 

[pikehead]

MZ is probably the better runner of the football; but try to understand that DK is NOT going to look to take off and run in a spring game the way he has done in an actual game! He runs more than well enough to operate the entire offense. The team is as potent through the air as on the ground with him at QB. He actually fits the prototypical designed offense Kelly had in mind. Kelly's QB has to be mobile enough to extend or make something of busted plays, or roll out. His offense is not the Ore. Dennis Dixon type offense.

It is very hard to assess any of the defensive players in a game like ths. All one can really look at is size and agility; there is little actual combat evaluation opportunity. I expect the D to struggle all season long, as it has mostly struggled recent seasons. The weak schedule will help, a bit.

MZ is probably the better runner of the football; but try to understand that DK is NOT going to look to take off and run in a spring game the way he has done in an actual game! He runs more than well enough to operate the entire offense. The team is as potent through the air as on the ground with him at QB. He actually fits the prototypical designed offense Kelly had in mind. Kelly's QB has to be mobile enough to extend or make something of busted plays, or roll out. His offense is not the Ore. Dennis Dixon type offense.

It is very hard to assess any of the defensive players in a game like ths. All one can really look at is size and agility; there is little actual combat evaluation opportunity. I expect the D to struggle all season long, as it has mostly struggled recent seasons. The weak schedule will help, a bit.

 

[pikehead]

Most of the runners were at half speed and were not very active. I guess perserserve was watching another game...Or does not understand the rules for spring football..."look but no touch" but that is typical of his views,,,,,

 

[coolirish9]

didn't see the game because of turning off directv until I get some remodeling bills paid off but I read on another irish board that the d-line lokked really stout. did anyone that saw the game think the d-line did look stout against the run

 

[perseverare]

Most of the runners were at half speed and were not very active. I guess perserserve was watching another game...Or does not understand the rules for spring football..."look but no touch" but that is typical of his views,,,,,

hiding behind a new ID? added your new ID to the continuously growing list ...

you are truely a borish pathetic thing!

 

[Telx1]

Only saw the first half, but it was by far the most entertaining Spring game and format that I can recall. Agree with Ara that there were several long throws by both QBs that were either dropped or interred with. Thought both were very accurate with the long ball. MZ really struggled during first qtr while DK was on target and in full control. However, MZ got into a grove and I think he ended up with slightly better stats by the end of the half, and both performed well. DK had better protection and that has to be factored in as well.

Everything I had read about Stepherson when he committed suggested this young man has a huge upside, and he was impressive for sure. Crawford was the most impressive defensive player in my opinion. Cage made some big hits, and it was great to see Tranquel playing with no apparent effects from last season's injury.

Glorified scrimmage for sure, and very hard to get a read on the DL, especially the interior linemen. My main take away is that Crawford and Stepherson and Dexter Williams are young guys that are going to contribute.

 

[NDCap]

Stepherson has a lot of Fuller in him but actually is a ahead of schedule. Fuller as a Freshman as not a factor. I think ND best WR has not arrived yet and that is Javon McKinley. He will push Boykin and Robinson for PT day one. . One thing I do hope to see is a better rotation at WR. I do think that going into Texas I would like to see MZ at QB because the run game is going to be very important to set up the pass game. Don't go by this scrimmage . MZ brings more to this team offensively than DK from a playmaker standpoint and this team needs that . I don't see why BK has to decide ? Play them both . These guys luv ND and want to win a championship . Let them do it together.

 

[BGI User 348]

Stepherson has a lot of Fuller in him but actually is a ahead of schedule. Fuller as a Freshman as not a factor. I think ND best WR has not arrived yet and that is Javon McKinley. He will push Boykin and Robinson for PT day one. . One thing I do hope to see is a better rotation at WR. I do think that going into Texas I would like to see MZ at QB because the run game is going to be very important to set up the pass game. Don't go by this scrimmage . MZ brings more to this team offensively than DK from a playmaker standpoint and this team needs that . I don't see why BK has to decide ? Play them both . These guys luv ND and want to win a championship . Let them do it together.

AMEN to "PLAY THEM BOTH!!!!" BK has already stated that ND can run the SAME offense.......IMO they are both THE key leaders on this team. Just tell them that you expect them BOTH to play and both to lead and both to win. Uhhh...remember last year...an injury changes everything and a dual-threat QB will take hits. If one starts slow the other can stay in and lead.

JUST WIN!!!!!

 

[shooter1977]

The WRs didn't seem to be getting a lot of separation compared to last year. I guess that happens when you lose 4.4 guys in Fuller, Procise and Brown. So Kelly will have to grind out more drives this season, similar to 2011-2012. Jones looked good at TE or whatever position he plays.

Zaire looked a step slower than remembered, but maybe it was rust. He'd still be my QB1, but its real close. Kelly has a tough call to make.

 

[Pennick4]

Stepherson has a lot of Fuller in him but actually is a ahead of schedule. Fuller as a Freshman as not a factor. I think ND best WR has not arrived yet and that is Javon McKinley. He will push Boykin and Robinson for PT day one. . One thing I do hope to see is a better rotation at WR. I do think that going into Texas I would like to see MZ at QB because the run game is going to be very important to set up the pass game. Don't go by this scrimmage . MZ brings more to this team offensively than DK from a playmaker standpoint and this team needs that . I don't see why BK has to decide ? Play them both . These guys luv ND and want to win a championship . Let them do it together.

There is play making ability up and down the offensive skill positions. Don't think BK wants to play 2 QB's. Decide on 1 and go with it.

 

[NDCap]

There is play making ability up and down the offensive skill positions. Don't think BK wants to play 2 QB's. Decide on 1 and go with it.

Who do you think are the playmakers ? The talent is there no doubt but speed wise Fuller and CJ were 2 of the fastest players I have seen at ND in a long time. I believe that this offense will become exceptional by seasons end and the playmakers will emerge and 2017 will be ND's best offense in the BK era. Going into Texas Malik gives the offense that playmaker . If he is 100% he should start because of that intangible. I like both QB's but just a hunch MZ causes more havoc to the Texas front seven.

 

[IrishBlessings]

Stepherson has a lot of Fuller in him but actually is a ahead of schedule. Fuller as a Freshman as not a factor. I think ND best WR has not arrived yet and that is Javon McKinley. He will push Boykin and Robinson for PT day one. . One thing I do hope to see is a better rotation at WR. I do think that going into Texas I would like to see MZ at QB because the run game is going to be very important to set up the pass game. Don't go by this scrimmage . MZ brings more to this team offensively than DK from a playmaker standpoint and this team needs that . I don't see why BK has to decide ? Play them both . These guys luv ND and want to win a championship . Let them do it together.

Javon McKinely IMO will need a year or two. Watched him in the State Championship game vs. god competition and he was disappointing IMO. He had physical DB's going against him and he folded pretty easily. He dropped a couple balls and short armed a couple of others in the 2nd half as the opposing DB's were in his dish hard. College DB's will be much more physical and tougher than any HS DB. He will need at least a year to get accustomed to the speed of the game and how too not let a physical defense affect him when he runs routes or focuses to catch balls.

 

[mbd11]

Who do you think are the playmakers ? The talent is there no doubt but speed wise Fuller and CJ were 2 of the fastest players I have seen at ND in a long time. I believe that this offense will become exceptional by seasons end and the playmakers will emerge and 2017 will be ND's best offense in the BK era. Going into Texas Malik gives the offense that playmaker . If he is 100% he should start because of that intangible. I like both QB's but just a hunch MZ causes more havoc to the Texas front seven.

We have plenty of playmakers. In addition to the 2 QBs, Adams is a proven playmaker. Jones should be a matchup nightmare for defenses. At WR, the jury's still out as to who will step up and be the go-to receivers this year. I think Hunter and Stepherson may be two of them.

 

[perseverare]

it will be interesting to see how the WR's are paired or affected by the choice at QB. JMO, but all the recieving talent would be secondary to emphasis on the QB being the 1st option.

 

[D_Master]

I am torn on who should be the starting QB. I like many see MZ as the better playmaker, but this is a big time road game and DK has been tested and performed well on the road. MZ has started in a neutral site bowl game, a home game and a road game vs Virginia, and in that UVa game he wasn't exactly tearing it up. He was playing well enough to be ahead, but i dont remember a great stat line. To me DK is probably the safer choice at least for the week 1 start.

As for the offense, we'll be fine. I expect between Folsten, Adams and Williams we'll get some good production at RB if the Oline comes together. WR Hunter is the obvious choice for playmaker, and i think St Brown, Jones and Stepherson will all contribute quite a bit. It will take a step back early on in the year trying to replace Will, CJ, Amir and Brown. But by the end of the year we will have it going again.