Tate Nichols & The #'s Crunch

[IrishCalves 0]

Apparently, Tate Nichols is headed for a medical scholarship. Had another setback with his knee. A real bummer - kid never really got his career off the ground. The good news is, he's at a really good school with a lot of great resources to get a meaningful, marketable degree. It's become a bit of a pre-recorded speech around these parts, but this is exactly what we're talking about when we discuss the short and long term ramifications of picking a given school. Wish the best for Nichols.

 

What I've been seeing had it that Notre Dame had 2 scholarships remaining. Seeing as we've already landed 5 guys who project at the offensive line, I imagine that this supposed 3rd new spot will be up for grabs among the likes of Redfield, Muhammed, Folston, Robinson, and Moore. Not that we aren't in on others, but it makes it a little easier to stay in with these kids and feel like we won't get hosed if someone who has been flirting with other schools bolts.

 

Has anyone else run the #'s or heard tidbits about where we stand with remaining spots on the bus?

[corysold 0]

Apparently, Tate Nichols is headed for a medical scholarship. Had another setback with his knee. A real bummer - kid never really got his career off the ground. The good news is, he's at a really good school with a lot of great resources to get a meaningful, marketable degree. It's become a bit of a pre-recorded speech around these parts, but this is exactly what we're talking about when we discuss the short and long term ramifications of picking a given school. Wish the best for Nichols.

 

What I've been seeing had it that Notre Dame had 2 scholarships remaining. Seeing as we've already landed 5 guys who project at the offensive line, I imagine that this supposed 3rd new spot will be up for grabs among the likes of Redfield, Muhammed, Folston, Robinson, and Moore. Not that we aren't in on others, but it makes it a little easier to stay in with these kids and feel like we won't get hosed if someone who has been flirting with other schools bolts.

 

Has anyone else run the #'s or heard tidbits about where we stand with remaining spots on the bus?

 

That is probably a good guess, but you just never know how things play out in the off season. When is the last time ND went without a transfer (I'm asking, I don't know)? Who else may not be able to come back from injury? Who declares for the draft you might not expect. Do Anzalone and Mattingly stay on board? Does anyone else leave?

 

2 or 3 seems like the number at this point, but there is just too much time between now and signing day to know for sure.

[brian_nd88 106]

even if the numbers increase beyond 3, the coaches may decide to save a scholarship for next year and use a 5th year instead. it depends on who is available and interested.

[Katzenboyer 0]

We have at least 2, and maybe 3. But I don't think this class goes above 25.

[OKCIrish99 3]

Definitely sorry to hear this about Nichols. Always seemed like a great kid too. Oklahoma Irish was always real high on him.

[nd1989 216]

Think we need to add another OL to the incoming class?

[jon33dn 0]

Think we need to add another OL to the incoming class?

 

no... we need a DL, preferably interior... but as mentioned before, seems too late to start drawing up new interest from the elite players at the position... maybe poach more on that So. Cal class.

[IanY77 4]

even if the numbers increase beyond 3, the coaches may decide to save a scholarship for next year and use a 5th year instead. it depends on who is available and interested.

 

Not a bad thought. Come to think of it, a lot of people thought Calabrese was on the bubble re: a fifth year. This might save him.

[mtl_irish03 0]

no... we need a DL, preferably interior... but as mentioned before, seems too late to start drawing up new interest from the elite players at the position... maybe poach more on that So. Cal class.

 

The staff has not seen a need to recruit an interior lineman this class. In fact they haven't inquired about a pure dline prospect since Rochell signed. This perceived "need" isn't shared by those that make those decisions.

Why would an OT getting hurt change that?

[NDhoosier 1,336]

The staff has not seen a need to recruit an interior lineman this class. In fact they haven't inquired about a pure dline prospect since Rochell signed. This perceived "need" isn't shared by those that make those decisions.

Why would an OT getting hurt change that?

 

well, I think the staff would have taken a DT this class, but no quality DT were interested in the Irish this class.

 

The #2 recruit in the nation is still on the board... this guy (http://247sports.com/Player/Montravius-Adams-15467) but he has no interest in the Irish. Its hard to get DT out of the South and that is where all the DT usually come from.

 

AQM

Redfield

Folston or Robinson

[davislove 0]

maybe someone can check my math, but the last time I checked if we sign anymore commits, we're gonna be telling some really good 5th years not to return.

[charlotteND 0]

well, I think the staff would have taken a DT this class, but no quality DT were interested in the Irish this class.

 

The #2 recruit in the nation is still on the board... this guy (http://247sports.com/Player/Montravius-Adams-15467) but he has no interest in the Irish. Its hard to get DT out of the South and that is where all the DT usually come from.

 

AQM

Redfield

Folston or Robinson

 

Yep, that's my understanding as well. Would have loved to get either Eddie Vanderdoes or even Henry Poggi.

 

Both highly rated DTs, with offers that imply academics would have been fine for ND, and both had ND offers. Just no interest it seems.

 

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Eddie-Vanderdoes-130591;_ylt=AiKzBKhjr_A2KJF73K8l..dGPZB4

 

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Henry-Poggi-116073;_ylt=AkLiyjONNwyzVPruOx6mgOhGPZB4

[corysold 0]

maybe someone can check my math, but the last time I checked if we sign anymore commits, we're gonna be telling some really good 5th years not to return.

 

I don't know all the numbers, but I think there is no way to know. Do those 5th years even want to return? Do some guys go pro you aren't expecting (Shembo, Nix, Watt)? Does someone transfer.

 

I'm sure the coaches have an idea of who is going where. I don't think they'd bring kids aboard if they didn't have a spot for them.

[NDhoosier 1,336]

maybe someone can check my math, but the last time I checked if we sign anymore commits, we're gonna be telling some really good 5th years not to return.

 

we can take two more without letting go of a good 5th year (in my opinion):

Wood

Martin

Watt

Fox

 

If you count Calabrese, we can still take one more without telling these guys no.

[jarious 0]

we can take two more without letting go of a good 5th year (in my opinion):

Wood

Martin

Watt

Fox

 

If you count Calabrese, we can still take one more without telling these guys no.

 

Keep in mind, Slaughter is also out there as a potential 6th year. Not sure how plausible that is, but it is getting worked by the compliance staff.

 

But yes, I had 28 scholarships available after this year -- so, whatever combination of 5th years and recruits floats your boat. If the Nichols rumor holds, then add one.

 

7 (current fifth years) + 15 (current senior class) + 6 (scholarship surplus) = 28

[NDhoosier 1,336]

Keep in mind, Slaughter is also out there as a potential 6th year. Not sure how plausible that is, but it is getting worked by the compliance staff.

 

But yes, I had 28 scholarships available after this year -- so, whatever combination of 5th years and recruits floats your boat. If the Nichols rumor holds, then add one.

 

7 (current fifth years) + 15 (current senior class) + 6 (scholarship surplus) = 28

 

not very optimistic about Slaughter's 6th year, but I guess it is still a possibility.

 

But basically, for all those who dont understand the numbers game. We have 6 more spots to either take a new recruit or 5th year seniors. Work out the possible solutions, as far as who we take, in your head, but 6 is the magic number.

[nd1989 216]

Would have loved to get either Eddie Vanderdoes or even Henry Poggi.

 

Both highly rated DTs, with offers that imply academics would have been fine for ND, and both had ND offers. Just no interest it seems.

 

 

Vanderdoes is listed on IE as a soft verbal now to USC, with officials set to UCLA, Cal, and USC. Seems like he wants to stay out west, but we should still make a call knowing that the door might be open a little.

[Jonesman 0]

We NEED DL plain and simple!!!!!!!! That is the biggest need remaining in this class. Kelly MUST get another DL or two in this class. DL are why the SEC defenses dominate. They do not have just a few good ones, they go 3 deep at all positions to rotate bodies.

 

2013, our starting DL will likely be the following

 

DE- Springman

NT- Nix (who could leave early for NFL after this year)

DE- Tuitt

 

Back-ups

DE- Day and Hounsell (IF he recovers from shoulder surgery!?!?)

NT- Schwenke

DE- J. Jones

 

Additional Depth???? Isaac Rochell a true freshman. NOBODY else!! Scary. Maybe Okwara gets moved to DE.

 

2014, prediction with current roster. Both Nix and Tuitt will likely go NFL after next season. They will both be high first round guys after another year. Going to be VERY hard for them to pass the opportunity.

 

DE- Springman

NT- ??????? Maybe Day, but he does not look to have the size.

DE- Day

 

Back-ups

DE- Hounsell and maybe Okwara

NT- Nobody on the roster currently or being recruted this year.

DE- J. Jones and Rochell

 

Pretty thin after next season if Tuitt and Nix leave which is a very strong possibility. DL rarely show up freshman year ready to play. That is why it is important to get another recruit or two this year.

[corysold 0]

We NEED DL plain and simple!!!!!!!! That is the biggest need remaining in this class. Kelly MUST get another DL or two in this class. DL are why the SEC defenses dominate. They do not have just a few good ones, they go 3 deep at all positions to rotate bodies.

 

2013, our starting DL will likely be the following

 

DE- Springman

NT- Nix (who could leave early for NFL after this year)

DE- Tuitt

 

Back-ups

DE- Day and Hounsell (IF he recovers from shoulder surgery!?!?)

NT- Schwenke

DE- J. Jones

 

Additional Depth???? Isaac Rochell a true freshman. NOBODY else!! Scary. Maybe Okwara gets moved to DE.

 

2014, prediction with current roster. Both Nix and Tuitt will likely go NFL after next season. They will both be high first round guys after another year. Going to be VERY hard for them to pass the opportunity.

 

DE- Springman

NT- ??????? Maybe Day, but he does not look to have the size.

DE- Day

 

Back-ups

DE- Hounsell and maybe Okwara

NT- Nobody on the roster currently or being recruted this year.

DE- J. Jones and Rochell

 

Pretty thin after next season if Tuitt and Nix leave which is a very strong possibility. DL rarely show up freshman year ready to play. That is why it is important to get another recruit or two this year.

 

Matuska is DL as well.

[Katzenboyer 0]

Guys, we're not taking another DL this class. It just isn't happening. We're not high on any remaining guys' boards.

 

I mean, people keep beating their head about it, but it's just NOT happening (unless you include AQM as a DL/OLB hybrid). The rest of the class will be a combination of Redfield, Robinson, and AQM. The staff has moved on from grabbing DL with this class.

[NDhoosier 1,336]

^ this... 2014 is set up to have a fantastic DL class.

 

btw Jonesman, I think Springmann is a DT more than a DE. Kap's spot will be covered by Day and Jones.

[2lakes 4]

Have we ever had too many? Really, the chances of having too many, unless we bring in something like 28, is pretty slim.

 

DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, RB Tarean Folston or Khalfani Muhammad, WR DeMarcus Robinson, S Max Redfield, and any other consensus top 100 player: they want to commit, you take them.

[irishguy773 0]

^ this... 2014 is set up to have a fantastic DL class.

 

btw Jonesman, I think Springmann is a DT more than a DE. Kap's spot will be covered by Day and Jones.

 

Correct. Springman is a NT and Day is a DT. Schwenke is still here. Rochelle and Matuska are coming in. Jones was redshirted. We will be ok one more year, but next years class will have to be D-line heavy.

[Big23Head 2,499]

If we go a year without a true NT we may see 2 of the bigger guys slide inside and give the speedy LB/DE hybrids the opportunity to pin their ears back with a 4 man front more often.

[davislove 0]

If we go a year without a true NT we may see 2 of the bigger guys slide inside and give the speedy LB/DE hybrids the opportunity to pin their ears back with a 4 man front more often.

 

That's the way I see it trending. There's never a lot of true NT's to be had and a lot seem to come from the south.

 

The good news is that our staff concentrates on certain positions each year which probably means they've been recruiting the 2014 class DT's for a while now. They have interest from talented 2014 DE's from some of our hotspots but NT's still look thin from what I can see.

 

Also,

 

Anyone know the difference between NT, and NG?