Hey guys. I listened to Mike Frank's Power Hour tonight ( heckuva social life I've got), and when it finished, I was pretty bummed out.
Mike and the group sounded pessimistic and concerned about depth at: WR, LB, DB, Edge Rusher, and on the right side of the OL. Did anyone else hear the podcast? Is there really reason to be this concerned? I'm pretty optimistic heading into summer/fall, but Frank and co (who I always enjoy listening to) got me worrying. I guess I'm hoping that one of the regulars or more knowledgable posters can talk me off of the ledge and make me feel better about how we're positioned as we get into summer camp.
I don't listen to this guy but everything you just mentioned sounds correct to me. We have lost a lot of talent at WR and LB, it will be almost impossible to replace Jaylon and Fuller this coming season. I think at WR there is more depth so hopefully if Robinson comes back and improves his play we will be okay. Plus I think receiver is one of the easier positions for a freshman or sophomore to jump in and make a difference, especially if they have size and speed. LB though I don't see anyone replacing Jaylon but I hope Nyles at least improves as well as some of the others and the depth can help out.
In terms of DB and DE I have made the same point for the past 2 years and you can check my posts, if that is possible. ND unfortunately never has a solid secondary and honestly I have no clue why this happens. The last team I recall with a tough group of DB's and safeties was back with Holtz on the NC team, that is a long freaking time ago. We have had some solid players over the years since then but never a "group" that can shut teams down. That has always been the problem with our defenses overall really, no great talent at each level and more off no multiple stars at least at 1 or 2 levels. If you don't understand what I mean it is basically like we have 1 good LB, a good nose tackle, and then 1 average DB while on the field. Look at teams like Bama or Ohio St, they are loaded from d-line to safety, particularly Bama. Of course that is why Bama is winning titles and they will continue to do so when they can get the 1 or 2 recruiting classes every year for 9 straight seasons. I think Saban is a great coach but you switch him with Kelly and he isn't winning a title at ND, don't care what anyone says.
Anyway the other major concern is definitely DE. We haven't had a solid pass rush for years! I said this a lot over the year because people want to blame Van Gorder for everything but there is seriously nothing he can do if he has to blitz 8 guys to get pressure on a QB. Last stud we had was Tuck and that was a long time ago as well, not a strong position at ND in recent times. I really hope at least 1 of these new kids can step in and make a difference but that is a spot, unlike WR, that is tough for a freshman to jump in immediately and dominate because of the size and strength. Got to hope it happens though because I have no faith in the secondary and teams get time to throw they will tear us apart.
I am sure some will get bitter at my reality check but I have just gotten to be realistic about our program since the 80's. So many on here still think this is ND from the 50's or 60's when it isn't and other programs are getting the recruits we use to get. Look at Stanford as an example, they have done a great job in recruiting over the past 5-7 years and these are the kids who can get into ND academically as well as play great football.
Still think our QB position will be unclear for this coming season. I think we have 2 potential Heisman candidates in Malik and Kizer but only time will tell. That is why I really hope Kelly runs the ball more because I think our O-line is one of the stronger positions, although the loss of Elmer to retirement really hurts. RB's look good as well and it is just a fact at ND, check any stats you want, that if we run the ball well we win games.
Overall it is amazing the job these coaches have done the past 6 years and I will defend them all. Kelly has taken this program back to a NC game and big bowl game with basically no top level QB while he has been here, that is impressive. Then you look at the amount of injuries, suspensions, transfers, even kids retiring, and I the coaches really deserve praise. I mean can you imagine how good we would have been the past 3 years if these things didnt happen? Even just a few instances were erased, it would have made a huge difference on so many levels.
Oh well I like to stay positive regardless and just hope for the best. I use to think championship every year, like many on here still do and shouldn't, but unless I see a guaranteed number of studs out on the field then I believe a 10 win season plus a bowl win is very nice. 2017 looks more promising in my mind for a possible shot at a title, assuming things don't go wrong like I mentioned, but who knows maybe this will be a magical year!
