ND's Offense in 2016?

[IrishInOntario]

QB: Malik Zaire or Deshone Kizer
2. Malik Zaire or Deshone Kizer

RB: Tarean Folston
2. Josh Adams

WR: Demetris Robertson
2. Miles Boykin

WR: Equanimeous St. Brown
2. Corey Robinson

Slot: Torii Hunter Jr.
2. CJ Sanders

TE: Aliz'e Jones
2. Durham Smythe

LT: Alex Bars
2. Hunter Bivin

LG: Quenton Nelson
2. Colin McGovern

C: Sam Mustipher
2. Tristen Hoge

RG: Steve Elmer
2. John Montelus

RT: Mike McGlinchey
2. Tommy Kraemer

Looks like a great offense. Can't say I'm half as excited about the defense, but ND should be able to put points on the board for the foreseeable future.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

A lot to be excited about for sure. I really don't even care who starts at QB. This offense will be very explosive with ANY QB including Wimbush. The offense really made strides this year in two areas: play clock and the run game. We didn't see much of making last second adjustments until the final second only to have delay of game or burn a timeout. And this was easily the best offense in terms of running the ball in the Kelly era. The biggest improvement I'm looking to see is the performance in the red zone. I really hope Kelly and staff look for ways to improve by watching film on other teams, going to clinics, and lastly incorporating more of it in practice. I think Kelly mentioned they don't practice red zone offense much and admitted they need to increase time spent on it.

 

[Pennick4]

I think if he comes to ND Robertson is in the slot and Tori moves outside.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

I think if he comes to ND Robertson is in the slot and Tori moves outside.

I was thinking about that. There's pros and cons to both. If Robertson has the ability to be a deep threat and stretch the field, then it's usually best to put that WR on the single WR side, which is where Fuller lined up. What this does is it stretches the defense and brings a safety to the help the corner, should the WR go deep. This allows for more one-on-one match ups for the TEs, slot WR and outside WR on the opposite side of the formation. It also can give you a 7 man box to face the defense making it easier for run plays.

Now moving Robertson to the slot is in a sense ideal as he is of the small, quick footed, elusive athlete making it a matchup nightmare for LBs to cover him. Defenses would likely counteract by putting in a nickel corner to cover him or using the safety to assist the LB. This does not however stretch the defense and is easier to adjust to.

Again, if Robertson has the hands to be that deep threat like Fuller is, then I think it's best he be out wide on the single side. I already really like HUNTER at slot any way, as the guy has reliable hands and great route running skills.

 

[Bodizephax]

I think Josh Adams will be the number one back and T Folston will split carries as the second back.
Josh Adams is on another level. Size and Speed and toughness.

 

[artemis gordon]

I think Josh Adams will be the number one back and T Folston will split carries as the second back.
Josh Adams is on another level. Size and Speed and toughness.

I agree. Sometimes great minds think alike. Well at least my mind is great.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

Folston and Adams are two very different backs. Folston is the typical RB used in a spread offense; explosive, quick, elusive, and can be used as a receiver out of the backfield. Adams is big, strong, not elusive, but difficult to bring down, straight ahead runner with the speed to take it to the house. Knowing that Kelly likes to throw the ball to his RBs and sometimes have them line up as a WR, I say Folston gets the start.

I also look forward to seeing what Dexter Williams can do. It'll be tough for him to get carries, but hopefully he gets a chance to shine here and there.

 

[88ND]

Kizer
Adams
Hunter Jr
Robinson
Sanders
Jones

The starters come fall at the skill positions.

Robinson will be critical as a huge third down over the middle when we need 12 he gets 12 1/2...but he will get starting reps no doubt. He us slow but if used right a tremendous asset as a possession guy.

 

[BGI User 348]

Folston and Adams are two very different backs. Folston is the typical RB used in a spread offense; explosive, quick, elusive, and can be used as a receiver out of the backfield. Adams is big, strong, not elusive, but difficult to bring down, straight ahead runner with the speed to take it to the house. Knowing that Kelly likes to throw the ball to his RBs and sometimes have them line up as a WR, I say Folston gets the start.

I also look forward to seeing what Dexter Williams can do. It'll be tough for him to get carries, but hopefully he gets a chance to shine here and there.

IMO it has been a LONG time since ND has had a RB that RAN TO DAYLIGHT like JOSH did. IMO Folston will start as a senior but Adams will be the rushing leader. Folston reminds me of Armando & Riddick & Walker----no breakaway speed but reliable. JOSH is our Eric Dickerson!!!

 

[88ND]

IMO it has been a LONG time since ND has had a RB that RAN TO DAYLIGHT like JOSH did. IMO Folston will start as a senior but Adams will be the rushing leader. Folston reminds me of Armando & Riddick & Walker----no breakaway speed but reliable. JOSH is our Eric Dickerson!!!

Eric Dickerson? One nice freshman season and anointing him a top 5 back of all time? I like Adams but wow.

 

[IrishMike409]

Is Robertson really good enough to start as a true freshman?

 

[Nocalirish]

Is Robertson really good enough to start as a true freshman?

No, he isnt. May get to play, but wont start next season. ND is deep with exp. rec.