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Impact freshman players...

irishcatman

Posts Like A Champion
Dec 5, 2004
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Tell me who you guys think will be the players from this years class to make the biggest impact..Mine is Darnell Ewell...This kid IMO is going to see the field often this season..if he stays healthy..could be in the rotation all season..thoughts??
 
We have a ton of returning players so it is hard to break into the rotation. Defensive line and safety seem to be where we are the most shallow. Those are hard positions to break into the rotation as freshman though. Ewell and Isaiah Robertson have a chance.

Doerer is the guy I think that has the best chance to see the field right away. He has a booming leg for KOs and I want to protect Yoon's leg for FGs.

After that, I think Ewell has a good chance because guys like Mokwuah, MDT, Taylor and Tiassum have not stepped forward. Ewell could allow Tillery to play more 3T.
 
Safety Isaiah Robertson. Big and long safety looked great at the Blue Gold game.
Robertson needs to put on some weight first but he may be the best talent in the class. I don't think I trust the 2 safeties we signed in 2016. Especially studstill, but Robertson may get the nod if he gets big
 
Robertson needs to put on some weight first but he may be the best talent in the class. I don't think I trust the 2 safeties we signed in 2016. Especially studstill, but Robertson may get the nod if he gets big
Not sure I agree with this. Studstill did a nice job last year playing as a freshman. Elko demands more of his safetys and Studstill is learning to play a different position.
 
Robertson needs to put on some weight first but he may be the best talent in the class. I don't think I trust the 2 safeties we signed in 2016. Especially studstill, but Robertson may get the nod if he gets big

I think Studstill was injured a lot last year both in the spring and then the season. We will see how well he does now that he can tackle without worrying about his surgically repaired hernia.
 
Ewell and Robertson will play in the 2-deep at their respective positions as freshman. Doerer will likely handle the kickoff duties. Tagovaiola-Amosa is a kid they'll want to redshirt, but if injuries were to happen, he might have to burn his redshirt shirt.

Polian is likely going to have access to as many freshman as he needs to run on his teams. I expect Robertson, Genmark-Heath, Owusu-Koramoah, Armstrong and possibly White, to be staples on the running teams as ND needs to get a hell of a lot more athletic there and help Claypool, Fertitta and Jones out.
 
The 2017 Irish are loaded with upper classman with exceptional talent so the frosh will have to wait their turn !! With that said David Adams will be a standout on special teams ! A FUTURE AllAmerican linebacker in 2020 !

Bodi,

I'll actually be shocked if Adams isn't redshirted. He recently had surgery and won't be full go to lift for a while. I think the staff will be cautious with him and give him a full year to recr9ver from the surgery. I think he'll see his first real action next year in spring practice.
 
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Bodi,

I'll actually be shocked if Adams isn't redshirted. He recently had surgery and won't be full go to lift for a while. I think the staff will be cautious with him and give him a full year to recr9ver from the surgery. I think he'll see his first real action next year in spring practice.

Thanks. I did not know that. Definitely a good year to redshirt him .
 
Adams needs to play this year. There is no depth at linebacker. Its May. How long does it really take to heal?
 
Adams needs to play this year. There is no depth at linebacker. Its May. How long does it really take to heal?

He had a two part surgery and he won't be able to lift with that shoulder for weeks. Probably won't even be cleared to lift fully in his upper body come time to report. He's going to lose a lot of strength.

I don't buy that we lack linebacker depth. ND plays with two total linebackers in their scheme.

Mike: Nyles Morgan
2. Greer Martini
3. Jamir Jones
4. Johnathan Jones
5 Josh Barajas

Buck: Greer Martini
2. Te'Von Coney
3. Asmar Bilal
4. Drew White


How many teams are playing more than about 5 linebackers in their rotation? Not many. And those teams have at least 3 linebacking spots with a SAM in place of ND's Rover, which will be manned by Tranquill, Crawford, Bilal and Owusu-Koramoah.

Of the linebackers I listed, Clark Lea probably feels good about playing Morgan, Martini, Coney, Bilal and Jamir Jones. The rest will have to continue to develop, as is the case for every linebacking group, on evey campus in North America.

Adams doesn't need to play this year and they weren't counting on a true freshman Mike linebacker.
 
We have a ton of returning players so it is hard to break into the rotation. Defensive line and safety seem to be where we are the most shallow. Those are hard positions to break into the rotation as freshman though. Ewell and Isaiah Robertson have a chance.

Doerer is the guy I think that has the best chance to see the field right away. He has a booming leg for KOs and I want to protect Yoon's leg for FGs.

After that, I think Ewell has a good chance because guys like Mokwuah, MDT, Taylor and Tiassum have not stepped forward. Ewell could allow Tillery to play more 3T.
Freshman may have more opportunity than we think. Yes, many returning players from a 4-8 team. Experience does not necessarily translate into improvement.
 
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He had a two part surgery and he won't be able to lift with that shoulder for weeks. Probably won't even be cleared to lift fully in his upper body come time to report. He's going to lose a lot of strength.

I don't buy that we lack linebacker depth. ND plays with two total linebackers in their scheme.

Mike: Nyles Morgan
2. Greer Martini
3. Jamir Jones
4. Johnathan Jones
5 Josh Barajas

Buck: Greer Martini
2. Te'Von Coney
3. Asmar Bilal
4. Drew White


How many teams are playing more than about 5 linebackers in their rotation? Not many. And those teams have at least 3 linebacking spots with a SAM in place of ND's Rover, which will be manned by Tranquill, Crawford, Bilal and Owusu-Koramoah.

Of the linebackers I listed, Clark Lea probably feels good about playing Morgan, Martini, Coney, Bilal and Jamir Jones. The rest will have to continue to develop, as is the case for every linebacking group, on evey campus in North America.

Adams doesn't need to play this year and they weren't counting on a true freshman Mike linebacker.

I agree with your premise, but I'd count the ROVER position as an LB spot (for this discussion) and I'd also analyze the DROP END position with the LBs (again, just for this dicussion) because I expect that position to affect the depth chart projections of some payers listed as LBs.

I expect the depth chart to shake out a little differently.

DROP END (DE/OLB Hybrid)
1. Dealin Hayes
2. Julian Okwara
3a. Ade Ogundeji OR
3b. Jamir Jones

MIKE LB
1. Nyles Morgan
2. Greer Martini
3a. Jonthan Jones
3b. Josh Barajas

BUCK LB
1. Greer Martini
2a. Tevon Coney OR
2b. Asmar Bilal
4. Josh Barajas

ROVER (LB/S Hybrid)
1a. Drue Tranquil OR
1b. Asmar Bilal
3a. DJ Morgan OR
3b. Jeremiah Owusu
 
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Freshman may have more opportunity than we think. Yes, many returning players from a 4-8 team. Experience does not necessarily translate into improvement.

Returning defensive players who will be Surefire contributors this year.

SDE Jay Hayes
SDE Andrew Trumbetti
SDE Khalid Kareem
WDE Daelin Hayes
WDE Julian Okwara
WDE Ade Ogundeji
NG: Daniel Cage
DT: Jerry Tillery
DT: John Bonner
Mike: Nyles Morgan
Mike: Jamir Jones
Buck: Te'Von Coney
Buck: Greer Martini
Rover: Drue Tranquill
Rover: Asmar Bilal
FS: Nick Coleman
FS: Devin Studstill
SS: Jalen Elliot
CB: Nick Watkins
CB Julian Love
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Donte Vaughn
CB: Troy Pride

Potential freshman contributors.

NG: Darnell Ewell
SS: Isaiah Robertson
Specials: Jordan Genmark-Heath
Specials: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Offensively, Brock Wright could see time as the 3rd / 4th tight end behind Mack, Smythe and in a battle with Weishar. And both freshman wide receivers may see special teams work. CJ Holmes would have also seen time on specials teams, but his shoulder injury makes him an obvious redshirt.
 
I agree with your premise, but I'd count the ROVER position as an LB spot (for this discussion) and I'd also analyze the DROP END position with the LBs (again, just for this dicussion) because I expect that position to affect the depth chart projections of some payers listed as LBs.

I expect the depth chart to shake out a little differently.

DROP END (DE/OLB Hybrid)
1. Dealin Hayes
2. Julian Okwara
3a. Ade Ogundeji OR
3b. Jamir Jones

MIKE LB
1. Nyles Morgan
2. Greer Martini
3a. Jonthan Jones
3b. Josh Barajas

BUCK LB
1. Greer Martini
2a. Tevon Coney OR
2b. Asmar Bilal
4. Josh Barajas

ROVER (LB/S Hybrid)
1a. Drue Tranquil OR
1b. Asmar Bilal
3a. DJ Morgan OR
3b. Jeremiah Owusu

Agreed entirely, with one exception. In obvious passing situations, Shaun Crawford or Julian Love will play in the Rover spot as what essentially equates to a nickel back in place of the would be SAM backer. Elko already mentioned in the spring that Shaun would see time as as that slot defending Rover as soon as he was cleared.

Otherwise, I agree with your depth chart entirely.
 
Returning defensive players who will be Surefire contributors this year.

SDE Jay Hayes
SDE Andrew Trumbetti
SDE Khalid Kareem
WDE Daelin Hayes
WDE Julian Okwara
WDE Ade Ogundeji
NG: Daniel Cage
DT: Jerry Tillery
DT: John Bonner
Mike: Nyles Morgan
Mike: Jamir Jones
Buck: Te'Von Coney
Buck: Greer Martini
Rover: Drue Tranquill
Rover: Asmar Bilal
FS: Nick Coleman
FS: Devin Studstill
SS: Jalen Elliot
CB: Nick Watkins
CB Julian Love
CB: Shaun Crawford
CB: Donte Vaughn
CB: Troy Pride

Potential freshman contributors.

NG: Darnell Ewell
SS: Isaiah Robertson
Specials: Jordan Genmark-Heath
Specials: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Offensively, Brock Wright could see time as the 3rd / 4th tight end behind Mack, Smythe and in a battle with Weishar. And both freshman wide receivers may see special teams work. CJ Holmes would have also seen time on specials teams, but his shoulder injury makes him an obvious redshirt.

Thank you IIO for all of your informative posts.
 
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Adams is not physically ready to play. He needs probably 2 years of physical conditioning.
Ewell had better not be 'needed' in '17.
None of the Fr. are close to being contributors for '17.
If 1 is thought of as a possible contributor it might be CJH.
 
Adams is not physically ready to play. He needs probably 2 years of physical conditioning.
Ewell had better not be 'needed' in '17.
None of the Fr. are close to being contributors for '17.
If 1 is thought of as a possible contributor it might be CJH.

Disagree that Ewell can't contribute, especially on running downs. I'm not saying 40-50 snaps per game, but he can give you 20 snaps. There is a reason that he had more offers than any other NG in the nation. He'll probably report at 6'4, 305lbs and he's physically stronger than just about any other kid his age you'll see. Looks 35 years old. Technique will be a work in progress, but man is he friggen strong. I really hope he gets snaps each week and more and more as the season progresses and he's able to handle it.

Agree entirely with Adams. He's a down the road guy.
 
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Well, when they report, we can revisit the 'vital stats'. And if Ewell has to play in '17 then that does not bode well for the ND depth chart. And, Ewell is more run stop than pass rush.
 
Adams is not physically ready to play. He needs probably 2 years of physical conditioning.
Ewell had better not be 'needed' in '17.
None of the Fr. are close to being contributors for '17.
If 1 is thought of as a possible contributor it might be CJH.

Also, if you didn't think Isaiah Robertson looked like a contributor in the spring game, I don't know what to tell you. He's ND's biggest, hardest hitting, safety and he might be the best guy in coverage as well. He'll get 3 more months with Balis and be out there on Game day in some capacity.
 
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Well, when they report, we can revisit the 'vital stats'. And if Ewell has to play in '17 then that does not bode well for the ND depth chart. And, Ewell is more run stop than pass rush.

Hence my suggestion that he'll play on run downs primarily.

Even if he reports at 295lbs, he'll play. Really hoping he's been taking the Balis plans seriously though. Expecting him in the 300-305 range.

For the record, at his signing day press conference, Kelly stated that Ewell was up to 310lbs and was competing as a member of his school's swim team. Even if Kelly was exaggerating by 10-15lbs, that will be 4'ish months ago by time he reports. He very well could be all of 310lbs by time he reports.
 
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We have quantity at LB but not a lot of top notch proven players. I think Tranquil should move to linebacker and Isaiah Robertson should start at safety. Our D overall does not have elite talent with the exception of a few guys.
 
geez, you guys post raves about talent and this guy and that guy, and in the next post your saying a kid in the program a few months is going to be a big contributor right out of H.S. And your not even talking about a kids recruited in the Top 100 or Top 5 at his position. What are you saying about the upper classmen you raved about last summer?
 
Keep in mind, i have never seen Adams or the other new guys play. But given the fact that no one is proven other than Morgan then i would not red shirt him. Adams was considered an elite prospect so we need him now. His shoulder will have plenty of time to heal over the summer. After a 4 and 8 season you gotta go full throttle.
 
member: 8250"]Keep in mind, i have never seen Adams or the other new guys play. But given the fact that no one is proven other than Morgan then i would not red shirt him. Adams was considered an elite prospect so we need him now. His shoulder will have plenty of time to heal over the summer. After a 4 and 8 season you gotta go full throttle.[/QUOTE]
The kid won't be ready to compete. Why would you send him out there?
 
geez, you guys post raves about talent and this guy and that guy, and in the next post your saying a kid in the program a few months is going to be a big contributor right out of H.S. And your not even talking about a kids recruited in the Top 100 or Top 5 at his position. What are you saying about the upper classmen you raved about last summer?

Where are these "raves" about the 2nd and 3rd string 3-Tech that you're referencing?

I've seen people Ben cautiously optimist about Bonner becoming a "solid" player. What about that makes you think there wouldn't be room for a rotational role (for an unusually ready Frosh) behind him?

Are you really suggesting that only Top100 players make quality rotational contributions as freshman?

I'm assuming you weren't fan of the contributions of guys like Jalen Hurts, Elijah Hicks, or even a Julian Love?
 
Keep in mind, i have never seen Adams or the other new guys play. But given the fact that no one is proven other than Morgan then i would not red shirt him. Adams was considered an elite prospect so we need him now. His shoulder will have plenty of time to heal over the summer. After a 4 and 8 season you gotta go full throttle.

I hope he can recover quickly but I am not optimistic. I recall looking into his injury and the surgery after I read that he was going under the knife.. It was going to be a year before he could start lifting again. Actually, I concluded it would be two years before he was ready to go and compete for a spot. Plus, I read you only get 80% mobility back after the surgery. It was pretty sobering when I read about it. It unfortunately made me think of Baratti. I thought he was going to be great but shoulder surgeries

Isn't the surgery on both shoulders? I placed him on the 5 year plan after I read about the surgery. Future likely MLBs right now seem to be Morgan and Martini. Coney, Jamir and Jonathon Jones after that.
 
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