Green Goblin Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Yes, we lose leaders like Manti Te'o, Theo Riddick, and possibly Nix and Cierre but the guys we retain and add have me drooling for next year, too. Just think of all the fire power we've now stockpiled! Golson in year two -- bigger, stronger, faster and most importantly smarter. TJ Jones stepped way up this year. Can't wait to see him next year. Davaris Daniels has shown flashes this year. I really want to see him become the big unit he can be next year. The kid reminds me of Plaxico Burress on the field. Devonte Neal, has shown small flashes that he has some moves. Surely he'll make his presence felt more next year. Amir Carlisle -- can he live up to the hype had coming out of high school? K-Russell -- tremendously pleasant surprise as a true freshman. Again, can't wait to see him bigger, faster and stronger. Roby Toma -- he'll be back right? Mr. Reliable Chris Brown -- the long range missile. Cole Luke -- a tremendously talented kid with eyes for a db spot to begin with? Jaylon Smith -- gunna be a good one Gunner Kiel -- sucks we can only have 1 QB on the field at once! Malik Zaire -- Ditto! Max Redfield -- Dare I dream? Cierre Wood -- please come back! Stephon Tuitt -- A beast, nuff said! Ahhh soooo many good kids coming back and sooo many good incoming recruits and I look at the schedule and all the teams with first year QBs (Michigan, USC, Oklahoma) and I just think...if we can do this this year...what can we do next year??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrown_9999 Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I think that Roby Toma played in at least one game his freshman year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katzenboyer Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 The offense is going to be FAST. I think the defense will be stout, but will miss the big plays Manti brings. We won't be quite as dominant, but will still have excellent play from a unit that returns almost everybody (except #5). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corysold Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 The offense is going to be FAST. I think the defense will be stout, but will miss the big plays Manti brings. We won't be quite as dominant, but will still have excellent play from a unit that returns almost everybody (except #5). I disagree that the defense won't be as dominate. Does losing Manti hurt? Yes. BUT, having Nix and Tuitt another year stronger? Giving Shembo another year in the weightroom? Ishaq? Russel and Jackson with a year under their belt? Not having Manti won't make the defense better, but improvement across the board should negate that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieAngel Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I disagree that the defense won't be as dominate. Does losing Manti hurt? Yes. BUT, having Nix and Tuitt another year stronger? Giving Shembo another year in the weightroom? Ishaq? Russel and Jackson with a year under their belt? Not having Manti won't make the defense better, but improvement across the board should negate that. It's going to be interesting. A more experienced secondary will play a big role also, filling in for the turnovers that Manti creates. ND is going to have a great defense, hopefully someone will step into that leadership role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon33dn Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I disagree that the defense won't be as dominate. Does losing Manti hurt? Yes. BUT, having Nix and Tuitt another year stronger? Giving Shembo another year in the weightroom? Ishaq? Russel and Jackson with a year under their belt? Not having Manti won't make the defense better, but improvement across the board should negate that. Nix is the key to that sentiment. I have pretty big doubts that he will be back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeaverND Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I think most of the defense hinges on Big Lou's decision. On offense, the tight ends need to step up next year without Eifert and I really hope Wood comes back but everywhere else should be a net improvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piratey Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Nix is the key to that sentiment. I have pretty big doubts that he will be back. I don't. He's definitely a kid that wants to graduate with a college degree. There is no doubt in my mind he comes back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocketsan Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Nix is the key to that sentiment. I have pretty big doubts that he will be back. Only way he leaves this year is if he's getting first round dollars. And he's not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocketsan Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 I don't. He's definitely a kid that wants to graduate with a college degree. There is no doubt in my mind he comes back. He's more a kid who wants to take care of his family. First round money will trump him staying in school... He can ALWAYS go back and finish... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corysold Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 He's more a kid who wants to take care of his family. First round money will trump him staying in school... He can ALWAYS go back and finish... True, but it won't always be free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocketsan Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 True, but it won't always be free. When you are a multi millionaire first rounder, you can probably afford the tuition... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish_Convert Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Overall, I would expect something of a drop off on defense but progress with the offense, even with Riddick and possibly Wood gone. Toma played a few games his freshman year so I don't know that he has any eligibility left as that sort of thing is beyond my ken. Cam McDaniel has shown recently that he could be Riddick-like in his ability(Although I don't remember seeing him catching the ball yet) so we have that. Mahone will be ready to go and James looks like a solid back going into next year. Amir Carlisle is something of an unkown at this point, I believe WR is set for awhile. On defense, we're not going to miss just Manti on defense but also KLM and not just for their play but their leadership. We'll need someone to take over that leadership role. For some reason, my gut tells me Nix will stay and that would help because our depth at the interior of our line is not that great. Don't forget Bennett Jackson! Despite somewhat shaky depth at this point, I'm not worried about our secondary for the first time in years. Bottom line, I think we're all right along the offensive line, at WR, RB and QB. Eifert's probably gone so TE might not be what it has been recently. On defense, I think our line is all right if Nix comes back, OLBs are fine, ILB might experience a drop off but I think our DBs can get the job done. I like the outlook for this team. NC caliber next year? I don't know about that but a slightly above average team that is a doormat for truly competitive teams? I think those days are behind us for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corysold Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 When you are a multi millionaire first rounder, you can probably afford the tuition... The large number of bankrupt NFL players disagree. Now Louis doesn't seem like that type, but who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtLeastMySisWasIrish Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 We are building a program. Players like Teo are special and come along once in a generation and simply can't be replaced. However Kelly is building depth, continuity with coaching...this is how programs are built and do not in the least foresee this as a one and done magical season and back to to average to above average mediocrity next year. Good to be IRISH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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