Top 10 players Notre Dame

[chaseball]

Updated top 10 as of 10/23/2017:

10. SO, Daelin Hayes, DE
Flashes big time playmaking ability in limited opportunities. Future star/face of the defense.

9. JR, Te'von Coney, LB
Dynamic defender with the strength/size to stuff the run and the speed/athleticism to get to the QB.

8. SR, Nyles Morgan, LB
Jack of all trades, three down player, and leader in middle of the defense.

7. SR, Jerry Tillery, NG
A 2012 KeiVarae Russell esque gift from god seemingly out of nowhere.

6. SR, Drue Tranquil, ROV
From 3 star recruit/last minute flip from Purdue to captain and best defender on NDs roster.

5. JR, Eq St. Brown, WR
Projected first day NFL draft pick and easily the best playmaker in NDs passing game.

4. JR, Brandon Wimbush, QB
On pace for ~3000 total yards and ~35 TDs. Will be on everybody's Heisman watch list entering 2018.

3. JR, Josh Adams, RB
If there was a college version of Tecmo Bowl in 2017 he would be the equivalent of Bo Jackson.

2. SR, Mike McGlinchey, OT
1. SR, Quenton Nelson, OG
Two of the elite players in all of college football.

In summary:
* Moved Tranquil up from #7 to #6 over Nyles Morgan.
* Te'von Coney and Nyles Morgan are more 1a/1b at this point tied at 8 & 9
* Tillery moved up to #7 from #9 overtaking Nyles Morgan, and Te'von Coney.
* Daelin Hayes made his debut in the top 10 overtaking Alize Mack
* Jay Hayes would be clear #11 at this point ... he's been a very nice surprise this season.
* Sam Mustipher and Alize Mack would also be just outside this group at #12 & #13 respectively.

--------------- Original post dated 09/17/2017 is below:

I'm taking the following criteria into consideration:
* Rating out of HS (which is a good indicator of athleticism/upside)
* Current 2017 performance
* Career track record
* Age-related performance (e.g. How early/how young they broke in/made an impact -- which is typically a good indicator of potential).

With that being said, here's my top 10 players on NDs 2017 roster in descending order:

10. JR, Alize Mack, TE
Big body/freak athlete currently leading the team in receptions and receiving yards early in the season.

9. SR, Jerry Tillery, NG
High volume/highly productive DL

8. JR, Te'von Coney, LB
Breaking out in Elko's system. Just had a big game vs BC with 13 tackles.

7. SR, Drue Tranquil, ROV
Having a breakout season in the "Rover" role.

6. SR, Nyles Morgan, LB
Hard hitting, high volume tackle machine, and leader in middle of the defense.

5. JR, Eq St. Brown, WR
Impact player/best playmaker in the passing game. Kevin Stepherson's impending return should open up more looks for him.

4. JR, Brandon Wimbush, QB
Might be the most versatile QB in the country. Expect a more polished passer as he matures/gains experience.

3. JR, Josh Adams, RB
Very productive career, taking his game to the next level this season.

2. SR, Mike McGlinchey, OT
All world everything. Top player at his position nationally.

1. SR, Quenton Nelson, OG
One of the elite players in all of college football.

I would put the following players just outside of my top 10:
Daelin Hayes, DE
Kevin Stepherson, WR
Shaun Crawford, CB

An argument could be made for any of the above guys in the top 10, but their college productivity is pretty limited so far despite flashing big time talent.

 

[Original_Irish]

Does this look right?


10. Alize Mack
9. Jerry Tillery
8. Te'von Coney
7. Drue Tranquil
6. Nyles Morgan
5. Eq St. Brown
4. Brandon Wimbush
3. Josh Adams
2. Mike McGlinchey
1. Quenton Nelson

Tell me what Alize Mack has ever done at Notre Dame to even be mentioned. Maybe he's all world but he hasn't done jack at Notre Dame but drop passes.

 

[echowaker]

Does this look right?


10. Alize Mack
9. Jerry Tillery
8. Te'von Coney
7. Drue Tranquil
6. Nyles Morgan
5. Eq St. Brown
4. Brandon Wimbush
3. Josh Adams
2. Mike McGlinchey
1. Quenton Nelson

What are you basing it on ? If it's performance to date this season that list is way off in my opinion.

 

[chaseball]

What are you basing it on ? If it's performance to date this season that list is way off in my opinion.

It's a balance of their rating out of HS (which is a good indicator of athleticism), their 2017 productivity, their career track record, and their potential going forward (players who made an impact at a younger age typically indicate bigger potential).

so taking Alize Mack for instance, he was a big time prospect out of HS, made an impact as a FR, got a lot of hype out of fall camp as a standout, and is one of the biggest targets in the 2017 passing game so far. His track record is limited though based on his suspension last year.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Does this look right?


10. Alize Mack
9. Jerry Tillery
8. Te'von Coney
7. Drue Tranquil
6. Nyles Morgan
5. Eq St. Brown
4. Brandon Wimbush
3. Josh Adams
2. Mike McGlinchey
1. Quenton Nelson

Chase,

If you are looking at this from a potential perspective then I think we're close to agreement... If we're looking at this from a "who are the best college football players at ND right now, based on production" perspecitive, my list would look like this.

1. Quenton Nelson
2. Shaun Crawford
3. Drue Tranquill
4. Mike McGlinchey
5. Josh Adams
6. Nyles Morgan
7. Brandon Wimbush
8. Jerry Tillery
9. Te'Von Coney
10. Nick Watkins

Next three in...
11. Daelin Hayes
12. Sam Mustipher
13. EQ St. Brown

 

[Bumpdaddy]

Based on overall talent and what I've seen so far my list would be this:

10.Mike McGlinchey
8. Te'von Coney and Greer Martini (tie)
7. EQ St. Brown
6. Nyles Morgan
5. Drue Tranquil
4. Jay Hayes
3. Daelin Hayes
2. Josh Adams
1. Quenton Nelson

 

[Original_Irish]

He's leading the team in receptions and was a nationally rated top 75 player out of HS.

No man. Just no

 

[IrishInOntario]

Based on overall talent and what I've seen so far my list would be this:

10.Mike McGlinchey
8. Te'von Coney and Greer Martini (tie)
7. EQ St. Brown
6. Nyles Morgan
5. Drue Tranquil
4. Jay Hayes
3. Daelin Hayes
2. Josh Adams
1. Quenton Nelson

How the heck did I forget about Jay Hayes?#shameful

 

[chaseball]

How the heck did I forget about Jay Hayes?#shameful

Jay Hayes is having a solid season this year, but I'd have a hard time putting him in my top 10. I think Daelin is the better player now, with way more upside as well.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Jay Hayes is having a solid season this year, but I'd have a hard time putting him in my top 10. I think Daelin is the better player now, with way more upside as well.

No argument there. But I just base my lists on what guys can do at the college level. When you start talking pro potential it throws a difficult wrench into things. A prime example of what I'm talking about... Can you imagine us making a list that was a mixture of college production and pro potential if ND had all the same players it does now, but instead of Brandon Wimbush, the quarterback was Pat White, instead of Josh Adams the running back was Steve Slaton and instead of Aliz'e Mack the slot receiver was Noel Devine...

All three of those ND guys have substantially more upside at the pro level than their West Virginia counterparts, but if I could chose their trio or our trio for the college game, with all due respect to our guys, see ya!! The same would be true if the trio was Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James and Kenyon Barner.

Some kids are otherworldly at the college level, but just don't have the same pro potential. Because I'm cheering for Notre Dame, give me the best college players possible.

 

[chaseball]

No argument there. But I just base my lists on what guys can do at the college level. When you start talking pro potential is throws a difficult wrench into things. A prime example of what I'm talking about... Can you imagine us making a list that was a mixture of college production and pro potential if ND had all the same players it does now, but i stead of Brandon Wimbush, the quarterback was Pat White, instead of Josh Adams the running back was Steve Slaton and instead of Aliz'e Mack the slot receiver was Noel Devine...

All three of those ND guys has substantially more upside than at the pro level than their West Virginia counterparts, but if I could chose their trio or our trio for the college game, with all due respect to our guys, see ya!! The same would be true if the trio was Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James and Kenyon Barner.

Some kids are otherworldly at the college level, but just don't have the same pro potential. Because I'm cheering for Notre Dame, give me the best college players possible.

Agreed. The potential/upside i'm talking about is college though. Not really factoring pro upside in my list.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

Tillery needs to step his game up, starting with tenacity and a desire to f'ing hit someone hard..

#getnasty

 

[chaseball]

Tillery needs to step his game up, starting with tenacity and a desire to f'ing hit someone hard..

#getnasty

he's leading the defensive line in snaps, tackles, and has 2 TFLs and a sack on the season already. He's breaking out this year.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Agreed. The potential/upside i'm talking about is college though. Not really factoring pro upside in my list.

If we're talking Hayes vs Hayes directly, I think k It's an impossible comparison to make. One is a true rush end whose best position may actually be as a standup 2-4 outside linebacker at the next level. A guy in the mould of a Prince Shamebo, Shawn Merrimen, Adalius Thomas or Von Miller. The other is a strong side defensive end who sets the edge and bumps down to 3-tech in pass rushing situations and gives you excellent flexibility as an interior DO as well. Similar to what Kapron Lewis-moore gave ND.

Clearly, in the modern age of spread passing attacks at all levels, Daelin Hayes is the more valuable player. But at the college level, if you want to beat a team like Alabama or Stanford, you need a couple immovable bodies like Jay Hayes too. Heavy ends are still very important. Particularly on running downs.

I just struggle to compare two players in terms of upside, directly. Especially if They play different very different roles. They can equally impact the game, but in noticeably different ways.

 

[IrishInOntario]

he's leading the defensive line in snaps, tackles, and has 2 TFLs and a sack on the season already. He's breaking out this year.

He's also seeing a shit load of double teams because there is a noticeable drop off in talent between he and Bonner. Pretty hard to be dominant when you are doubled every play. But you know what it does do? Allow Te'Von Coney to.record 13 tackles playing directly behind you because your presence stopped the guard from climbing to the next level which made the run fit much easier.

This is why I'm excited for Tagavailoa-Amosa and Ewell when they look next to them and It's Jayson Ademilola and Jacob Lacey getting ready to go to war with them. No drop off in talent.

Crootin'

 

[chaseball]

No man. Just no

Alize Mack is leading the team in targets, receptions, and reception yards this year. He's been the most productive player in the passing game, and has the tools/athleticism/size to be a star.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

he's leading the defensive line in snaps, tackles, and has 2 TFLs and a sack on the season already. He's breaking out this year.

Perhaps I got a little too ruffled at seeing him on a top 10 list.

That being said, he is the highest rated recruit on the DL by a mile, and one of the top 5 highest rated recruits on the team, yet I don't think he plays up to his lofty ranking / expectations.

I give him credit for the snaps, he appears to never come off. Good stamina. Get nasty.

Leading the line in snaps most likely leads to the increase in other stats as well. How does his TPS (tackles per snap) look relative to others?

Personally I believe he would be a top 10 pick on the OL, not so much on the DL unless he develops a mean streak.

 

[Bumpdaddy]

he's leading the defensive line in snaps, tackles, and has 2 TFLs and a sack on the season already. He's breaking out this year.

Jay Hayes is leading the DL in tackles and he's 4th overall with 12. Tillery has 9. I think Tillery is having a good year. I have him and a handful of players like Crawford, Watkins, Mustipher, and Wimbush just on the outside of the top 10 and I really don't think there's much separation between numbers 7 through 15.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Perhaps I got a little too ruffled at seeing him on a top 10 list.

That being said, he is the highest rated recruit on the DL by a mile, and one of the top 5 highest rated recruits on the team, yet I don't think he plays up to his lofty ranking / expectations.

I give him credit for the snaps, he appears to never come off. Good stamina. Get nasty.

Leading the line in snaps most likely leads to the increase in other stats as well. How does his TPS (tackles per snap) look relative to others?

Personally I believe he would be a top 10 pick on the OL, not so much on the DL unless he develops a mean streak.

He should be ND's starting left tackle. Imagine if he was playing where he should be beside Nelson and McGlinchey was where he should be, playing right tackle beside Alex Bars. What a heck of a line that would be.

 

[chaseball]

Jay Hayes is leading the DL in tackles and he's 4th overall with 12. Tillery has 9. I think Tillery is having a good year. I have him and a handful of players like Crawford, Watkins, Mustipher, and Wimbush just on the outside of the top 10 and I really don't think there's much separation between numbers 7 through 15.

Where are you getting your numbers?

I'm using CFBstats: http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/team/513/tackle/index.html

Tillery is 4th in total tackles (16), Hayes is 7th with 12 total tackles.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

He should be ND's starting left tackle. Imagine if he was playing where he should be beside Nelson and McGlinchey was where he should be, playing right tackle beside Alex Bars. What a heck of a line that would be.

I actually really like Tillery and want him to break out in a big way. I get the sense he might not develop that full nastiness until the NFL comes calling (maturity, understanding exactly what he is capable of). The talent is there. The motor is there. Just needs tenacity, a desire to punish every play. I want him playing with heavy hands. Discarding OL left and right and being disruptive. There is a Reggie White buried within... find him Jerry!

 

[HRC08]

I been thinking about Tillery. Many people have questioned his move to defense. Idk enough to say if it was the move or not. I can only say that he doesn't look like any DT I've seen.

 

[Bumpdaddy]

Where are you getting your numbers?

I'm using CFBstats: http://www.cfbstats.com/2017/team/513/tackle/index.html

Tillery is 4th in total tackles (16), Hayes is 7th with 12 total tackles.

I was using this: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2017.html

 

[mrwigglesby21]

If I'm drafting from our team for a college roster:

1. Alize Mack
2. Daelin Hayes
3. Q.Nelson
4. D. Williams
5. Morgan
6. Coney
7. ESB
8. Tranquil
9. Studstill
10. Yoon
11. Wimbush
12. Adams
13. Weisher
14. Love
15. Claypool

 

[chaseball]

If I'm drafting from our team for a college roster:

1. Alize Mack
2. Daelin Hayes
3. Q.Nelson
4. D. Williams
5. Morgan
6. Coney
7. ESB
8. Tranquil
9. Studstill
10. Yoon
11. Wimbush
12. Adams
13. Weisher
14. Love
15. Claypool

Decent list, but McGlinchey and Nelson are the only consensus all americans on the team ... they have to be #1 and #2.

And no way can you keep Josh Adams out of the top 5 .. he's been one of the best skill players on the team since he emerged his Fr. year, and might finish the season universally recognized as one of the best backs in college football.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

Decent list, but McGlinchey and Nelson are the only consensus all americans on the team ... they have to be #1 and #2.

And no way can you keep Josh Adams out of the top 5 .. he's been one of the best skill players on the team since he emerged his Fr. year.

Not sold on Mcglitch... love Adams but he needs room to operate (see GA) and I'd prefer a back with a little more wiggle. Adams would be ideal out of the I or single back, 2 TE, QB under center, don't like him on delays and counters. He is probably too low on my board though, he fell bcuz I had Dex and like the other talented listed.

Wimbush would be top 3 if he can get that accuracy tuned in a bit.. I've had him rated higher than Kizer or Zaire since 2 yrs ago, have a post somewhere to back that up; Kevin McDougal 2.0.

 

[mbd11]

I actually really like Tillery and want him to break out in a big way. I get the sense he might not develop that full nastiness until the NFL comes calling (maturity, understanding exactly what he is capable of). The talent is there. The motor is there. Just needs tenacity, a desire to punish every play. I want him playing with heavy hands. Discarding OL left and right and being disruptive. There is a Reggie White buried within... find him Jerry!

He could also get switched to OL in the pros. That's what the Giants did with Jarron Jones this summer. Although they ended up cutting him.

 

[Telx1]

Chase, I was going to rant about you leaving Watkins and Crawford and Coney off your list, but appreciate the variables you used for your rankings. If Based solely on this year's performance to date, these three have to be on the list, and relatively high. Mack and St Brown have clearly disappointed after three games and they would not be on my list. Not sure who would be the third player I would drop to make room for the three I would add. Fun exercise.

 

[bizzybecknd]

Chase,

If you are looking at this from a potential perspective then I think we're close to agreement... If we're looking at this from a "who are the best college football players at ND right now, based on production" perspecitive, my list would look like this.

1. Quenton Nelson
2. Shaun Crawford
3. Drue Tranquill
4. Mike McGlinchey
5. Josh Adams
6. Nyles Morgan
7. Brandon Wimbush
8. Jerry Tillery
9. Te'Von Coney
10. Nick Watkins

Next three in...
11. Daelin Hayes
12. Sam Mustipher
13. EQ St. Brown

Nyles Morgan above Jay and Daelin Hayes?? They both have out performed him. And EQ doesn't just drop to #13 cause his QB can't get him the ball..

Mack isn't in the top 20, he might have more drops than catches.

 

[chaseball]

Nyles Morgan above Jay and Daelin Hayes?? They both have out performed him. And EQ doesn't just drop to #13 cause his QB can't get him the ball..

Mack isn't in the top 20, he might have more drops than catches.

Mack has had a couple of drops this season, but he's been getting a ton of targets this year. There's a correlation between targets and dropped balls in the same way that a high volume passer is inevitably going to have more interceptions.

 

[bizzybecknd]

Mack has had a couple of drops this season, but he's been getting a ton of targets this year. There's a correlation between targets and dropped balls in the same way that a high volume passer is inevitably going to have more interceptions.

Come on the guy is averaging 3 catches a game for 33 yards. You're in love with his potential/recruiting ranking. No way in hell he has been a top 10 player through 3 Games.

 

[bizzybecknd]

Mack has had a couple of drops this season, but he's been getting a ton of targets this year. There's a correlation between targets and dropped balls in the same way that a high volume passer is inevitably going to have more interceptions.

And is 13 catches for 190 yards really an impact?? 25% of that production came in s blowout against UMASS.

Depends on your definition of impact. averaging 1 catch per game for 15 yards is hardly an impact. I like to think Stephenson made an impact as a freshman.

 

[chaseball]

And is 13 catches for 190 yards really an impact?? 25% of that production came in s blowout against UMASS.

Depends on your definition of impact. averaging 1 catch per game for 15 yards is hardly an impact. I like to think Stephenson made an impact as a freshman.

Mack is in my top 10 based more on potential than his actual track record. But there's a lot to like here:

Big time athlete out of HS/composite top 75 nationally rated player
6'5, 250 lb deep threat
Leading the team in targets so far in 2017

 

[88ND]

If I'm ranking the top three currently to this point for this 2017 season..
Tranquil
Adams
Studstill

In that order. These three have lived up to or exceeded expectations sp far.
Nobody else has lived up to expectations yet including the alleged all world O linemen.

 

[South Bender]

Mack is playing like crap. His "potential" is off the charts, but it's time to put up, or shut up. Potential doesn't mean crap if you lay an egg every time you step on the field.

Anyone who puts Yoon on their list, and not McGlinchey, is....let's just say, not good.

Josh Adams is a beast. He's been our MVP so far this season.

Wimbush has a lot to clean up, but his receivers aren't helping him out at all.
Need to create separation from defenders. Let's not forget - Wimbush has only started three games in his career. He's green as green can be.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

Mack is playing like crap. His "potential" is off the charts, but it's time to put up, or shut up. Potential doesn't mean crap if you lay an egg every time you step on the field.

Anyone who puts Yoon on their list, and not McGlinchey, is....let's just say, not good.

Josh Adams is a beast. He's been our MVP so far this season.

Wimbush has a lot to clean up, but his receivers aren't helping him out at all.
Need to create separation from defenders. Let's not forget - Wimbush has only started three games in his career. He's green as green can be.

Feel free to quote me coward.

I've forgotten more football than you will ever know.

Mack will be drafted higher than McGlitchey. Anyone with an eye for talent can see the kid is a nightmare match-up. This past game he made some very nice grabs, including the ones called back by penalty. Jordan Reed 2.0.

Yoon is pretty darn good. What has McGlintchey done other than have accolades thrown his way that you love to swallow and regurgitate because you can't formulate your own individual analysis.

My rankings were based on creating a college team, not who deserves the MVP 3 games in.

 

[South Bender]

Feel free to quote me coward.

I've forgotten more football than you will ever know.

Mack will be drafted higher than McGlitchey. Anyone with an eye for talent can see the kid is a nightmare match-up. This past game he made some very nice grabs, including the ones called back by penalty. Jordan Reed 2.0.

Yoon is pretty darn good. What has McGlintchey done other than have accolades thrown his way that you love to swallow and regurgitate because you can't formulate your own individual analysis.

My rankings were based on creating a college team, not who deserves the MVP 3 games in.

Coward? Lighten up, Francis.

Creating a college team and you put emphasis on a kicker over an NFL-type left tackle??? Suffice it to say - your college team would suck.

But feel free to hurl insults or resort to name-calling because you are big, bad encyclopedia of football knowledge.

 

[chaseball]

I feel sorry for the guy who's tasked with lining up across from him for 3 hours on any given saturday

 

[echowaker]

Mcglinchey is a big guy who plays small
He s playing himself out of the first round after 3 games. Would be shocked to see him at left tackle at the next level.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

Coward? Lighten up, Francis.

Creating a college team and you put emphasis on a kicker over an NFL-type left tackle??? Suffice it to say - your college team would suck.

But feel free to hurl insults or resort to name-calling because you are big, bad encyclopedia of football knowledge.

My name isn't Francis catfish..

Is saying someone "isn't very good" for putting Yoon on the list an insult or no? Throw me shade, expect shade in return.

McGlitchey isn't starting NFL material.. Sam Young 2.0

You're damn skippy I'm an encyclopedia of football knowledge.. giving out free lessons all day... feel free to swing back by when you're finished playing patty cake with McGlitchey.