All very good points.
I want Calabrese back because you want productive starters back. Just because ND was amazingly healthy in the front 7 this year, it doesn't mean we won't need depth in 2013. As far as developing other players at the position goes, that's what practice and rotations in games are for. What if Fox gets injured? Now you have presumably Grace and Moore with more green behind them... No thanks. Calabrese was too productive this year to pass up.
As far as AQM goes, I agree that the guy has the potential to be a stud. However, ND is pretty stocked right now at OLB and at the CAT in particular. Romeo Okwara has all the makings of a future stud and Jaylon has been told he will be a CAT as well. I want AQM, so don't get me wrong, it's just that I don't think we need him given the current depth.
I realize Vanderdoes is a long shot, but because of USC's number game, I think he is very much in play. This is a guy you go after HARD. Balls to the wall hard. Whatever it takes. The problem now is timing.
I too thought a lot about the Tausch situation, and it remains curious to me. I think I remember hearing something about a back injury but maybe I'm confusing him with B. Walker. At any rate, it would appear that Kelly is willing to risk having just one kicker and punter next year to help at other positions. Perhaps there is a walk on that we don't know about.
Love this conversation y'all.