Tyler Luatua Is Back!

[IrishInOntario]

This great news guys. I know some people are going to ask "who cares?", but the reality of the situation is that Tyler is BY FAR th best blocking TE ND has on the roster. Jones and Weishar are pass catchers. Smythe is multifaceted, but a better pass catcher than blocker.

My hope is that Luatua comes back focused and fired up. ND badly needs him as that H-back type that can lead block like a fullback. The strength of the ND offense is the OL and the run game and at 6'2, 260lbs, Tyler is a load as a blocker when he's engaged and playing like he's capable. We need more of LSU in 2014, when he played like a man possessed.

Love this formation in the redzone...

QB: Malik Zaire
RB: Tarean Folston
X: Equaniemous St. Brown
W: Aliz'e Jones
Slot: Torii Hunter
HB / attached TE: Tyler Luatua

- Would love to see Zaire inside the 10 yard line running read option and taking hits off of Kizer.

- Folston finds those small creases as well as any back at ND in a long time.

- Flip EQ to X and invert Torii and Aliz'e, giving you two 6'4 targets outside for those jump balls and physical routes, and let Torii work the middle of the field, take reverses, jets sweeps, etc, etc, the way T.J. Jones was used in the red zone.

- Luatua is is your lead blocker on your power plays, a blocker for Zaire in the read game and a pass catching option in the flats on play action and run pass options.

This offense could be really, really dynamic.

 

[cgvr]

This is terrific news.

Tight end set to stay at Notre Dame
http://notredame.247sports.com/Bolt/Tight-end-set-to-stay-at-Notre-Dame-45307312

Tight end Tyler Luatua isn't quite ready to say goodbye to Notre Dame.

The junior-to-be tight end announced in January he would leave the team--and remain in school--for the rest of the spring semester before transferring to BYU. But on Thursday afternoon, classmate and Irish defensive end Andrew Trumbetti posted to Instagram a photo of the two in practice, captioned, "Thank god my boy@tualua13 is coming back so I can continue to Daddy him everyday #TheRealClaw#DE-U."

What's next for the Fighting Irish? Click here to sign up NOW for our free Notre Dame newsletter!

A source confirmed Luatua will return to the team. A Notre Dame official declined to comment about Luatua's future.

Luatua played exclusively as a blocking tight end during his first two seasons with the Irish. He was targeted on one pass, which fell incomplete, in 2015. His departure, compounded by Chase Hounshell's decision to use his sixth-year option at Ohio State, left a vacancy on the roster among blocking tight ends. The lack of depth forced the Irish in spring practice to move senior-to-be defensive lineman Jacob Matuska to tight end, where he played in high school. Rising senior Durham Smythe, junior Nic Weishar and sophomore Aliz'e Jones round out the depth chart at tight end.

 

[wytelitning]

Huge news. Kid is a beast and was absolutely dominant against LSU.

 

[Bodizephax]

Great News ! A six star pick up ! The prodical son !

 

[The_Goose]

We knew this on the premium board over a week ago. It pays to pay.

 

[IrishInOntario]

We knew this on the premium board over a week ago. It pays to pay.

You paying to know that Tyler Luatua was coming back to ND a well earlier is laughable. It's not it changes anything. What's the obessission with needing to know something RIGHT NOW...

You know what really pays? Having a firm grasp and understanding on the game of football, so I don't have to pay anybody else to explain it to me.

Carry on.

 

[The_Goose]

You paying to know that Tyler Luatua was coming back to ND a well earlier is laughable. It's not it changes anything. What's the obessission with needing to know something RIGHT NOW...

You know what really pays? Having a firm grasp and understanding on the game of football, so I don't have to pay anybody else to explain it to me.

Carry on.

By the way yours truly is a 4-time NSCFFL MVP. Show some respect.

 

[theskibro]

By the way yours truly is a 4-time NSCFFL MVP. Show some respect.

I did not know you were THAT GOOSE!!!

I am on my knees in adulation

 

[DillonDomer]

Wow, please continue to share your greatness with us peasants

 

[greengael]

You paying to know that Tyler Luatua was coming back to ND a well earlier is laughable. It's not it changes anything. What's the obessission with needing to know something RIGHT NOW...

You know what really pays? Having a firm grasp and understanding on the game of football, so I don't have to pay anybody else to explain it to me.

Carry on.

IIO I would be happy to explain it to a fellow alum free of charge![smile]

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

I'm really happy he's coming back. I know I'm biased and I'm not in Luatua's shoes, but what was he really going to get at BYU or elsewhere that he wasn't getting at ND? More playing time and passes thrown his way? Possibly. But being the dominant blocker he is and if he takes the time to work on his route running and ball skills, than anything can happen. He should find himself on the field. And if he's concerned about the NFL, he shouldn't be. Cause if he's good enough, he'll get his chance. And of course he'll get that degree from a fine university.

 

[bizzybecknd]

Mormon kid, Samoan.. Both something BYU has, easy to see the draw for him.. Not to mention much closer to home.

 

[IrishBlessings]

By the way yours truly is a 4-time NSCFFL MVP. Show some respect.

Your a tool. Embarrassing that your actually an ND fan.

 

[The_Goose]

Your a tool. Embarrassing that your actually an ND fan.

***you're

As in you're welcome, sport.

 

[IrishBlessings]

***you're

As in you're welcome, sport.

Not only are you a tool. You also are a pencil neck - nice picture pin arms - the school yard must of been tough on you. No wonder your a message board tool. Makes sense now.

 

[echowaker]

This is terrific news.

Tight end set to stay at Notre Dame
http://notredame.247sports.com/Bolt/Tight-end-set-to-stay-at-Notre-Dame-45307312

Tight end Tyler Luatua isn't quite ready to say goodbye to Notre Dame.

The junior-to-be tight end announced in January he would leave the team--and remain in school--for the rest of the spring semester before transferring to BYU. But on Thursday afternoon, classmate and Irish defensive end Andrew Trumbetti posted to Instagram a photo of the two in practice, captioned, "Thank god my boy@tualua13 is coming back so I can continue to Daddy him everyday #TheRealClaw#DE-U."

What's next for the Fighting Irish? Click here to sign up NOW for our free Notre Dame newsletter!

A source confirmed Luatua will return to the team. A Notre Dame official declined to comment about Luatua's future.

Luatua played exclusively as a blocking tight end during his first two seasons with the Irish. He was targeted on one pass, which fell incomplete, in 2015. His departure, compounded by Chase Hounshell's decision to use his sixth-year option at Ohio State, left a vacancy on the roster among blocking tight ends. The lack of depth forced the Irish in spring practice to move senior-to-be defensive lineman Jacob Matuska to tight end, where he played in high school. Rising senior Durham Smythe, junior Nic Weishar and sophomore Aliz'e Jones round out the depth chart at tight end.

gee, i guess his " kelly experience " wasn't as bad as you proclaimed it to be. it's always good to add some experience back to the depth chart.

 

[echowaker]

We knew this on the premium board over a week ago. It pays to pay.

a fool and his money are soon parted. i knew he was coming back before he did.

 

[echowaker]

***you're

As in you're welcome, sport.

cents and sense ?

 

[Classic Irish]

We knew this on the premium board over a week ago. It pays to pay.

You paying to know that Tyler Luatua was coming back to ND a well earlier is laughable. It's not it changes anything. What's the obessission with needing to know something RIGHT NOW...

You know what really pays? Having a firm grasp and understanding on the game of football, so I don't have to pay anybody else to explain it to me.

Carry on.

Obviously, you make an excellent point.

So, too, is: when you have your own sources within the athletic program, why pay for information when you can get it sooner than the pay board, with additional details, and for free?

 

[cgvr]

gee, i guess his " kelly experience " wasn't as bad as you proclaimed it to be. it's always good to add some experience back to the depth chart.

"Lord knows what he'll say in CA to others.... about the "kelly experience"......"
That's an accurate remark.

 

[echowaker]

"Lord knows what he'll say in CA to others.... about the "kelly experience"......"
That's an accurate remark.

agreed. i'm guessing he'll have positive things to say as he is returning. i believe you insinuated that he would have negative things to say.

 

[BGI User 348]

Will be curious to know WHY........just as well he missed spring ball.....history of concussions.

 

[echowaker]

This is terrific news.

Tight end set to stay at Notre Dame
http://notredame.247sports.com/Bolt/Tight-end-set-to-stay-at-Notre-Dame-45307312

Tight end Tyler Luatua isn't quite ready to say goodbye to Notre Dame.

The junior-to-be tight end announced in January he would leave the team--and remain in school--for the rest of the spring semester before transferring to BYU. But on Thursday afternoon, classmate and Irish defensive end Andrew Trumbetti posted to Instagram a photo of the two in practice, captioned, "Thank god my boy@tualua13 is coming back so I can continue to Daddy him everyday #TheRealClaw#DE-U."

What's next for the Fighting Irish? Click here to sign up NOW for our free Notre Dame newsletter!

A source confirmed Luatua will return to the team. A Notre Dame official declined to comment about Luatua's future.

Luatua played exclusively as a blocking tight end during his first two seasons with the Irish. He was targeted on one pass, which fell incomplete, in 2015. His departure, compounded by Chase Hounshell's decision to use his sixth-year option at Ohio State, left a vacancy on the roster among blocking tight ends. The lack of depth forced the Irish in spring practice to move senior-to-be defensive lineman Jacob Matuska to tight end, where he played in high school. Rising senior Durham Smythe, junior Nic Weishar and sophomore Aliz'e Jones round out the depth chart at tight end.

hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him.

 

[cgvr]

agreed. i'm guessing he'll have positive things to say as he is returning. i believe you insinuated that he would have negative things to say.

I accurately assessed the situation with "Lord knows".

You chose to diminish the impact of his departure.

I further accurately added:

Yeah, and Kizer and Prosise weren't "prominent parts" of the offense until forced into action. Neither was Zaire for that matter... The handling of Zaire is among the most puzzling and disturbing head coaching gaffes of kelly's tenure. As Golson became a "turnover machine" an incredible talent wasted away on the bench only to see "real" action when down 35-0 in the second 1/4 of the season's final game.... He then wins a Bowl MVP in his first start.

So, the implying/suggestion that kelly does a good job with personnel and is on top of things is ridiculous when he has butchered the most high profile position on the field for a full season.

Luatua was one dimensional only because kelly's an idiot. Do you think dumping some screens to him may have helped our red zone/other performance? That "one dimensional" trait sure helped out opposing defenses.

Lord knows what other talent is buried....

Luatua made a heart wrenching choice to leave ND. Your suggestion that losing a solid lead blocker and sometime starter will be minimal is ridiculous. Plus, he was very well liked by his team mates....that apparently means nothing to you.

As for this staff fretting, their largest bowl win in 6 years is the Music City Bowl.

Until that changes they suck wind. As stated elsewhere. kelly is zeroing in on becoming the "losingest" coach in ND history.... With 23 losses only Davie, Faust, Weis and Holtz stand in his way. PS He is 7 losses from Holtz and 8 from setting the record.... Holtz also had 100 wins. kelly has 55 now. He stinks.

 

[cgvr]

hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him.

Are you implying that the staff might do otherwise?

 

[Headwaters]

You guys are so awesome. When the kid was leaving, he wasn't so wanted:

He is one more concussion away from retiring. Hope he knows that. BGI USER 348

I'm not too surprised and actually glad. I didn't see great things from him, and I really like and hope to see a whole lot of PT for Alize Jones. WEISNHEIMER

He saw that his pt was shrinking. Jones, Smythe and Weishar are an excellent top 3. PENNICK4

hard to see how its an "awful" loss. hate to see any player leave but from a team aspect i believe the impact of his departure will be minimal at best. he was a one dimensional player who did fine when he played. he wasn' t a prominent part of the offense. i don't think scott booker or any other member of the staff is wearing out the carpet in the GUG fretting about it. ever think latua just didn't show the requisite receiving skills needed for the position. the fact that he wasn't targeted in games leads to the logical conclusion that he didn't show it in practice. role players are rarely missed. ECHOWALKER

 

[greengael]

You guys are so awesome. When the kid was leaving, he wasn't so wanted:

He is one more concussion away from retiring. Hope he knows that. BGI USER 348

I'm not too surprised and actually glad. I didn't see great things from him, and I really like and hope to see a whole lot of PT for Alize Jones. WEISNHEIMER

He saw that his pt was shrinking. Jones, Smythe and Weishar are an excellent top 3. PENNICK4

hard to see how its an "awful" loss. hate to see any player leave but from a team aspect i believe the impact of his departure will be minimal at best. he was a one dimensional player who did fine when he played. he wasn' t a prominent part of the offense. i don't think scott booker or any other member of the staff is wearing out the carpet in the GUG fretting about it. ever think latua just didn't show the requisite receiving skills needed for the position. the fact that he wasn't targeted in games leads to the logical conclusion that he didn't show it in practice. role players are rarely missed. ECHOWALKER

I guess we should watch what we say! So be careful how you cushion your anticipated disappointment because someone will take you to task if you express joy when fortunes reverse.[?????] Personally I did not see his transfer as a major blow to the team but am nonetheless very pleased to see him back. Does anyone have a handle on how long term injuries are treated viv a vis scholarships at BYU?

 

[irishalice]

Think Headwaters is a Wolvie fan, they love to take Irish fans to task even though you find the same kind of posts by Michigan fans over in Wolvieland.

 

[DillonDomer]

I wonder if he has the athletic ability to be a DE. He would seem to have about the right size - maybe add a bit more weight - and while he may not have shown the speed or hands of a TE, even being close could translate into a nice DE.

 

[TDIrish27]

Glad he's back----whatever happens on the field happens .

Seems to be a well liked guy by his teammates-------good luck to him.

 

[stu4don]

wonder what that means for Matuska?

 

[echowaker]

I accurately assessed the situation with "Lord knows".

You chose to diminish the impact of his departure.

I further accurately added:

Yeah, and Kizer and Prosise weren't "prominent parts" of the offense until forced into action. Neither was Zaire for that matter... The handling of Zaire is among the most puzzling and disturbing head coaching gaffes of kelly's tenure. As Golson became a "turnover machine" an incredible talent wasted away on the bench only to see "real" action when down 35-0 in the second 1/4 of the season's final game.... He then wins a Bowl MVP in his first start.

So, the implying/suggestion that kelly does a good job with personnel and is on top of things is ridiculous when he has butchered the most high profile position on the field for a full season.

Luatua was one dimensional only because kelly's an idiot. Do you think dumping some screens to him may have helped our red zone/other performance? That "one dimensional" trait sure helped out opposing defenses.

Lord knows what other talent is buried....

Luatua made a heart wrenching choice to leave ND. Your suggestion that losing a solid lead blocker and sometime starter will be minimal is ridiculous. Plus, he was very well liked by his team mates....that apparently means nothing to you.

As for this staff fretting, their largest bowl win in 6 years is the Music City Bowl.

Until that changes they suck wind. As stated elsewhere. kelly is zeroing in on becoming the "losingest" coach in ND history.... With 23 losses only Davie, Faust, Weis and Holtz stand in his way. PS He is 7 losses from Holtz and 8 from setting the record.... Holtz also had 100 wins. kelly has 55 now. He stinks.

Not ridiculous at all. His departure hardly caused a ripple. A nice role player, nothing more.
nd will be just fine with or without him.

 

[cgvr]

Not ridiculous at all. His departure hardly caused a ripple. A nice role player, nothing more.
nd will be just fine with or without him.

The guy's a stud. I believe he has played in more games than any TE on the roster.

"Alabama, Notre Dame and USC are all schools that will be pursuing the La Mirada product."

"Luatua currently holds offers from over two dozen schools, including Alabama, Notre Dame, USC, Florida State, Miami and Michigan.

Luatua stands at 6'4" and weighs around 230 pounds. A consensus four-star recruit, Luatua ranks as the 49th-best national player on Rivals and also is considered the sixth-best athlete in this class. Luatua is ranked 37th overall in the ESPN150; ESPN also considers him the top tight end and the third-best recruit in the state of California. 247Sports places Luatua as the 84th-best national prospect, the eighth-best recruit in California, and the top tight end overall. Scout positions Luatua second overall among top tight ends."

I'm real curious about this remark. What did you mean by this?

"hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him."

 

[Bodizephax]

The guy's a stud. I believe he has played in more games than any TE on the roster.

"Alabama, Notre Dame and USC are all schools that will be pursuing the La Mirada product."

"Luatua currently holds offers from over two dozen schools, including Alabama, Notre Dame, USC, Florida State, Miami and Michigan.

Luatua stands at 6'4" and weighs around 230 pounds. A consensus four-star recruit, Luatua ranks as the 49th-best national player on Rivals and also is considered the sixth-best athlete in this class. Luatua is ranked 37th overall in the ESPN150; ESPN also considers him the top tight end and the third-best recruit in the state of California. 247Sports places Luatua as the 84th-best national prospect, the eighth-best recruit in California, and the top tight end overall. Scout positions Luatua second overall among top tight ends."

I'm real curious about this remark. What did you mean by this?

"hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him."

I have to agree with the "Son of Satan" (cgvr). Luatua is a stud ! End of story !

 

[artemis gordon]

I have to agree with the "Son of Satan" (cgvr). Luatua is a stud ! End of story !

I thought the " Son of Satan" was Ted Cruz ?

 

[NDCap]

3- TE set with Latua as the H- Back and Smythe and Jones at TE can be very productive.

 

[Bodizephax]

I thought the " Son of Satan" was Ted Cruz ?

My bad..Lyin Ted is Satan's true son. Cgvr is one of his bastard sons.

 

[echowaker]

The guy's a stud. I believe he has played in more games than any TE on the roster.

"Alabama, Notre Dame and USC are all schools that will be pursuing the La Mirada product."

"Luatua currently holds offers from over two dozen schools, including Alabama, Notre Dame, USC, Florida State, Miami and Michigan.

Luatua stands at 6'4" and weighs around 230 pounds. A consensus four-star recruit, Luatua ranks as the 49th-best national player on Rivals and also is considered the sixth-best athlete in this class. Luatua is ranked 37th overall in the ESPN150; ESPN also considers him the top tight end and the third-best recruit in the state of California. 247Sports places Luatua as the 84th-best national prospect, the eighth-best recruit in California, and the top tight end overall. Scout positions Luatua second overall among top tight ends."

I'm real curious about this remark. What did you mean by this?

"hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him."

What he was in high school means absolutely nothing today. Nd will be just fine with or without him. You are acting like ken McAfee is coming back.

 

[cgvr]

What he was in high school means absolutely nothing today. Nd will be just fine with or without him. You are acting like ken McAfee is coming back.

I'm real curious about this remark. What did you mean by this?

"hopefully he'll have to regain his spot on the depth chart and not have his spot handed to him."

 

[cgvr]

My bad..Lyin Ted is Satan's true son. Cgvr is one of his bastard sons.

Did you miss your electroshock treatment this weekend?