Spring football update !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bodizephax]

CJ Holmes separated his shoulder and will be out the rest of the spring. Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg are battling it out for right tackle. My intuition tells me Tommy wins because he is a punishing beast who will be a tremendous help in the running game. Coach Kelly said Ali'ze Jones is virtually uncoverable in many situations. He also said Brandon Wimbush is the obvious number one QB. The Martin brothers were at practice helping Coach Harry Heistand develop the MONSTER oline !!! Former Irish players Jaron Jones and Deshone Kizer both said that the Irish are being worked extremely hard every day---much harder than last year !! Word from everyone in the know is that Tony Jones Jr. is playing great at RB-- including pass catching and that he will get reps this season. Also Josh Adams looks like he is in total BEAST MODE !! The Irish will have one of the best running back squad in the nation !! A three headed Monster--- Adams ! Williams ! and Jones !! Every thing is going on schedule for a National Championship season !! I am joining IrishGranduer in predicting a 14 and 0 season !! Go Irish !! Here is a photo ( got to get those visuals !!) of a moment that changed ND history !!

 

[NDIRISH53]

Montgomery Vangorder should be starter!

 

[scubastevefl]

"this team being worked harder than last year" I thought it was Camp Kelly, not Club Kelly?

 

[Telx1]

Good summary Bodi. Jones was unstoppable in today's practice. He will definitely get touches, and not sure Adams or any single RB is going to consistently be our best back on any given Sat. Three headed monster is right. Not pulling for Kraemer or Liam, just get the feeling that Kraemer might be best at guard and Liam best at RT, which would put Kraemer behind Bars, and first to sub either. Everything we read suggests this team is motivated and being worked very hard with a commitment to playing physical from the first play to the last. First time in years I'm optimistic that we're going to play with attitude across the board.

 

[Bodizephax]

Good summary Bodi. Jones was unstoppable in today's practice. He will definitely get touches, and not sure Adams or any single RB is going to consistently be our best back on any given Sat. Three headed monster is right. Not pulling for Kraemer or Liam, just get the feeling that Kraemer might be best at guard and Liam best at RT, which would put Kraemer behind Bars, and first to sub either. Everything we read suggests this team is motivated and being worked very hard with a commitment to playing physical from the first play to the last. First time in years I'm optimistic that we're going to play with attitude across the board.

Let us have a "Gentlemens BET Telx. I believe Kraemer is going to be a legend at ND and will be a starter day one at Temple. They are just keeping him hungry IMHO. You make some good points though. Iam Eichenberg is no slouch and is very athletic.

 

[Telx1]

Gentleman's bet it is. I agree that Kramer might prove to be one of our great OL, but at guard, not tackle. Regardless, what a great problem to have.

 

[Pennick44]

Let us have a "Gentlemens BET Telx. I believe Kraemer is going to be a legend at ND and will be a starter day one at Temple. They are just keeping him hungry IMHO. You make some good points though. Iam Eichenberg is no slouch and is very athletic.

Bodi,
No talk about the defense? I have a man crush on Coach Elko. Everytime I hear him speak I get a "chubby". He is the anti BVG.

 

[NDIRISH53]

Where can I find some spring practice vids men?

 

[Pennick44]

Where can I find some spring practice vids men?

und.com

 

[Bodizephax]

Bodi,
No talk about the defense? I have a man crush on Coach Elko. Everytime I hear him speak I get a "chubby". He is the anti BVG.

I am saving my Defense talk for the Fall. Elko has a Manhatton type project going on. All Hush Hush.. And then BANG ! The Irish go Nuclear !!

 

[theskibro]

I am saving my Defense talk for the Fall. Elko has a Manhatton type project going on. All Hush Hush.. And then BANG ! The Irish go Nuclear !!

TelX and Bodi
Youse guys are getting me a bit excited. Maybe there is sumtin to cheer about

 

[Tru2Irish]

Where can I find some spring practice vids men?

I hope ND players go out every game with a chip on their shoulders. Utterly decimate the competition. Dominate each quarter. No sideline dances like last year. Just tough lunch pail in hand business.Get em ready coaches. Man that makes me sick about CJ. I root for that young man.Go Irish!

 

[BGI User 348]

Bodi....I am ALL IN with you!!! ( and ABBY......FOX baby!!!!)

 

[Ara64]

Coach Long was asked the other day about how it felt to have so many weapons at your disposal? He said it was like driving a worn out car and given a Ferrari. Everybody who's watched them live talks about the change in their bodies, attitude, and attention to detail. The coaches aren't letting anything get past them either. They correct every mistake on the spot like Ara and his staff use to do according to Theismann. I remember Terry Hanratty saying a few years back that Coach Parseghian still scares him.

 

[Toby Smart]

My question is this. Where was this attention to detail the past few years? Same HC. Why are attitudes different now? Hasn't BK been monitoring and implementing this philosophy since day one or has he re-invented the wheel since 4-8? II'm happy to see practice improvements which has to translate to game improvements.

 

[Telx1]

Toby, At some point, we need to get beyond asking why things are being done better with the same HC. We can either obssess with BK and find new fault with his not making these changes previously, or appreciate the comprehensive retooling he has orchestrated and the changes that are underway and enjoy the ride. I prefer the later.

 

[Telx1]

TelX and Bodi
Youse guys are getting me a bit excited. Maybe there is sumtin to cheer about

Hi Ski... everything I read emphasizes the demand Elko and Long make for physical play. Add all the stuff being said by players about their level of commitment and the really demanding work being put in under Balis and his S&C program, etc... really have me excited over the level of effort and physicality we'll see this year. I think we'll have a dominant offense with the best running game in years, with more catches out of the backfield and screens than we've seen since Holtz; and I think we'll have a really active and effective back seven on defense. The key to whether this translates into double digit wins rests with the development of our DL. Lots of question marks there, but also a ton of untapped upside.

 

[sshulk]

Talk is cheap ... I've been a die hard fan since 86 my freshman year and Lou Holtz first year. I saw what a real turnaround looks like. Since Holtz retired from ND we've had about 10 returns to glory in the spring ... glad to hear the optimism now let's see the lasting results.

 

[Bodizephax]

I hope ND players go out every game with a chip on their shoulders. Utterly decimate the competition. Dominate each quarter. No sideline dances like last year. Just tough lunch pail in hand business.Get em ready coaches. Man that makes me sick about CJ. I root for that young man.Go Irish!

CJ's injury is not a serious one. He should be 100% in the fall.

 

[Pennick44]

Toby, At some point, we need to get beyond asking why things are being done better with the same HC. We can either obssess with BK and find new fault with his not making these changes previously, or appreciate the comprehensive retooling he has orchestrated and the changes that are underway and enjoy the ride. I prefer the later.

Well said.

 

[Irish Grandeur]

CJ Holmes separated his shoulder and will be out the rest of the spring. Tommy Kraemer and Liam Eichenberg are battling it out for right tackle. My intuition tells me Tommy wins because he is a punishing beast who will be a tremendous help in the running game. Coach Kelly said Ali'ze Jones is virtually uncoverable in many situations. He also said Brandon Wimbush is the obvious number one QB. The Martin brothers were at practice helping Coach Harry Heistand develop the MONSTER oline !!! Former Irish players Jaron Jones and Deshone Kizer both said that the Irish are being worked extremely hard every day---much harder than last year !! Word from everyone in the know is that Tony Jones Jr. is playing great at RB-- including pass catching and that he will get reps this season. Also Josh Adams looks like he is in total BEAST MODE !! The Irish will have one of the best running back squad in the nation !! A three headed Monster--- Adams ! Williams ! and Jones !! Every thing is going on schedule for a National Championship season !! I am joining IrishGranduer in predicting a 14 and 0 season !! Go Irish !! Here is a photo ( got to get those visuals !!) of a moment that changed ND history !!

Let's get 'er done!

 

[Toby Smart]

Toby, At some point, we need to get beyond asking why things are being done better with the same HC. We can either obssess with BK and find new fault with his not making these changes previously, or appreciate the comprehensive retooling he has orchestrated and the changes that are underway and enjoy the ride. I prefer the later.

Sorry, but these are legit questions and asking questions is not "finding fault". Asking a simple question is not obsessing unless some want to pretend that the past (his countless mistakes) never existed. Would he have had this epiphany at 10-2? 7-5? Don't forget the part where I end my comments by saying that I am happy with the new attitude BUT this has to translate to game day success. Not a single thing obsessive or degrading thing about my comments. Let's hope that taking first possession no matter the circumstance, throwing three straight corner fades into the end zone, throwing in gale force winds etc etc etc, and seeking employment elsewhere (again) are all behind him and this new BK will rub off on his staff which in turn rub off on the players.

 

[57Patrick]

Toby, your questions are absolutely legitimate. Head coaches like everyone else make mistakes, hopefully learn from their mistakes, and evolve. Kelly appears to have a large ego, which you could probably say for most D1 Head Coaches. He appears to be strong willed and I think he believes in himself and his system. However, last year was a disaster and it appears it shook him to the core. I give him credit for making tough decisions and changes. Let's hope they work for ND. Go Irish!

 

[Telx1]

Sorry, but these are legit questions and asking questions is not "finding fault". Asking a simple question is not obsessing unless some want to pretend that the past (his countless mistakes) never existed. Would he have had this epiphany at 10-2? 7-5? Don't forget the part where I end my comments by saying that I am happy with the new attitude BUT this has to translate to game day success. Not a single thing obsessive or degrading thing about my comments. Let's hope that taking first possession no matter the circumstance, throwing three straight corner fades into the end zone, throwing in gale force winds etc etc etc, and seeking employment elsewhere (again) are all behind him and this new BK will rub off on his staff which in turn rub off on the players.

We won't agree on my point or your reply, but we can agree on hoping all this leads to better results on the field.

 

[Bodizephax]

We won't agree on my point or your reply, but we can agree on hoping all this leads to better results on the field.

Telx, I am reading a book about Chest Puller (I just finished the part that dealt with the battles of Guadalcanal.
Chestys leadership style of leading from the front and how he engaged with the enlisted man and how they fought so hard under his command reminds me of what Coach Kelly is trying to emulate in his leadership style this year. Kelly and many of his players from last year said he was unapproachable and distant from the players--letting his assistants do most of the communicating. That was a big mistake. Now Kelly is having breakfast with the players and talking with them more. He now has an open door policy for players who need to ask him about something after practice. This should pay off with great dividends this fall I believe. The players always liked Coach Kelly but didn't think he really cared about them. You have to walk the walk. Lead from the front!!
Go Irish !! Go Marines !! Go Kelly !! Be like Chesty !!

 

[gkall24]

Toby, At some point, we need to get beyond asking why things are being done better with the same HC. We can either obssess with BK and find new fault with his not making these changes previously, or appreciate the comprehensive retooling he has orchestrated and the changes that are underway and enjoy the ride. I prefer the later.

great post

 

[Toby Smart]

I certainly do not want to get in a heated debate with some of my fellow Irish pals, but, after following Irish football religiously for well over 50 years (closer to 60), after attending more regular season and Spring Games than I can remember, after spending more of my blue collar money for tickets, parking, concessions, bookstore, alumni dinners than I can keep track of.....I reserve the right to question the Irish football staff, their decisions both in game and out, recruiting, philosophies, play calling, player development, and latest philosophy adjustments. I've long since given up following the HC armed only with blind faith. Sometimes changes are acts of desperation. Sometimes changes are legit. If an open door policy has the players tackling better, blocking better,passing better, and developing Special Teams into a high end unit, then I'm all for it. I've seen BK's gimmicks before, therefore, as a lowly humble nobody fan, BK and his staff need to show me development and improvement on a consistent basis, starting in 2017. I support and believe in the players 100%. The HC and staff are not afforded the same with me. Show me in September, then October, then November, then January. Sorry this was so long fellas, but this is how I feel. Once bitten, twice shy.

 

[Telx1]

Good morning Toby. Nothing you wrote here is contrary to my thinking, or likely that of the vast majority here. BK doesn't deserve a free pass, and I wasn't suggesting one. I've been very critical and outspoken about his decision to place his friendship with BVG above the interests of the program, and I was all for firing his ass and moving on. It didn't happen. What did happen, was one hell of an impressive review of every facet of the program, and a plethora of decisions that look exceptional at this point. Short of starting over with a new HC, don't think we could have asked for a better response to our collective frustration. We all have earned the right to question BK's abilities, and question whether this level of retooling will deliver good results on the field, where it counts. My only point has been that I see little value in asking why it took BK so long to make these changes, and I see no value in leveling this as a new failing sort of speak. The fact is it took too long, and we paid a serious price. That said, I simply choose to look forward at this point and judge Kelly on the results of thus effort, and not look backwards and judge him for taking too long. He already lost that judgement.

 

[AdvanSix]

is this a satirical post? Is it fake news? Exactly what is it supposed to be because there's no way on God's green earth you're serious, right?

 

[Telx1]

Telx, I am reading a book about Chest Puller (I just finished the part that dealt with the battles of Guadalcanal.
Chestys leadership style of leading from the front and how he engaged with the enlisted man and how they fought so hard under his command reminds me of what Coach Kelly is trying to emulate in his leadership style this year. Kelly and many of his players from last year said he was unapproachable and distant from the players--letting his assistants do most of the communicating. That was a big mistake. Now Kelly is having breakfast with the players and talking with them more. He now has an open door policy for players who need to ask him about something after practice. This should pay off with great dividends this fall I believe. The players always liked Coach Kelly but didn't think he really cared about them. You have to walk the walk. Lead from the front!!
Go Irish !! Go Marines !! Go Kelly !! Be like Chesty !!

Bodi, you're right, it's encouraging to read about these changes in Kelly's approach. That said, Kelly does have an oversized ego, and this narrative about the players wanting more dioologue and access also plays to his ego. Regardless, all the changes to his personal leadership style and the focus and leadership style of his new coaches are reasons for optimism. I know you enjoy military history, and Shaara's new book on the Korea War is very interesting, especially in light of how this was largely ignored in our school history books.

 

[MTIrish98]

Toby,

I suspect most Irish fans feel the same way!
I'm always optimistic in the spring, but it seems tougher to get excited for FB after last season. Long and Elko both give me hope, but Sanford and BVG once did the same thing. I'll believe it when I see it on the field.

Go Irish!

 

[irishalice]

is this a satirical post? Is it fake news? Exactly what is it supposed to be because there's no way on God's green earth you're serious, right?

What's wrong Michigan fan? Expected to see a thread full of woe instead of optimism? I would say most fans are cautiously optimistic. Like they say new brooms sweep clean and until the season starts and the Irish have a couple of games under their belts, we can only discuss and hope that the new brooms prove true.
How about those Irish though, The Irish hockey are in the Frozen Four and the Fencers bring home to ND a ninth national championship. Success breeds success they say.

 

[Bodizephax]

Bodi, you're right, it's encouraging to read about these changes in Kelly's approach. That said, Kelly does have an oversized ego, and this narrative about the players wanting more dioologue and access also plays to his ego. Regardless, all the changes to his personal leadership style and the focus and leadership style of his new coaches are reasons for optimism. I know you enjoy military history, and Shaara's new book on the Korea War is very interesting, especially in light of how this was largely ignored in our school history books.

Thanks. I will have to get that. But after this current book I want to read "Fortunate son"--the story about Chestys son-- Have you read it? It won a Pulitzer prize.

 

[Telx1]

Thanks. I will have to get that. But after this current book I want to read "Fortunate son"--the story about Chestys son-- Have you read it? It won a Pulitzer prize.

Yes, but probably twenty plus years ago. An incredible lifestory that also captures the hell that was Vietnam during and after. This was my generations war, and I was in college when they had the first lottery, and birthday came up #64. Volunteered to take an early physical and tests so I would know options when I graduated a year later. Ended up with a 4F due to terrible knees from football, and always felt a deep empathy for those that did serve, and returned home as damn near outcasts. This book was one hell of an emotional ride. You will enjoy, albeit with raw emotion at points.

 

[Telx1]

What's wrong Michigan fan? Expected to see a thread full of woe instead of optimism? I would say most fans are cautiously optimistic. Like they say new brooms sweep clean and until the season starts and the Irish have a couple of games under their belts, we can only discuss and hope that the new brooms prove true.
How about those Irish though, The Irish hockey are in the Frozen Four and the Fencers bring home to ND a ninth national championship. Success breeds success they say.

Thanks IrishAlice....I had no frigging clue what or whom the post was directed at, nor its meaning. Thanks for clearing that up for me at least!

 

[MTIrish98]

Even the trolls are bored.

 

[NDIRISH53]

Ant film of the scrimmage I believe on Saturday? It was a media open practice soooo...

 

[Walruzz]

Bodi,
No talk about the defense? I have a man crush on Coach Elko. Everytime I hear him speak I get a "chubby". He is the anti BVG.

Ew.

 

[Kelso86]

Bodi,
No talk about the defense? I have a man crush on Coach Elko. Everytime I hear him speak I get a "chubby". He is the anti BVG.

Just something wrong with that comment.

 

[echowaker]

We all agree that last season was a stinker from the head coach on down.that said nd is only one year removed from a 10 win season. I d like to think that 2016 was anomaly. It will be interesting to see how the entire program rebounds going forward. Since the USC game most if not all things related to the program have been positive ones. I m cautiously optimistic.