It seems like Notre Dame football is at a major crossroads, with significant changes happening after an impressive 14-2 season. Despite the success, it's clear that the program's staff turnover is creating some big challenges for head coach Marcus Freeman. But it also looks like Freeman is working diligently to navigate these changes by bringing in some strong new hires.
Chris Ash replaces Al Golden
The decision to replace Al Golden with Chris Ash seems strategic, especially considering Ash's background with defensive backs and his leadership beside Luke Fickell. Golden's style was clearly popular, so it'll be interesting to see if Ash’s fiery approach can maintain that same level of success. His expertise should complement the strong defensive talent already present, but the transition could still have its bumps.
Ja’Juan Seider is a big get
With the talented trio of Jerimiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams at running back, having someone with Seider’s track record will certainly keep that position as a strength. His experience with developing 1,000-yard rushers at Penn State is a major win for the Irish.
A new GM (Mike Martin)
The search for a new General Manager is definitely an intriguing one. The evolving nature of college football’s rules around recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL demands a savvy, experienced leader. Mike Martin seems like an excellent choice to help navigate this new era, and building out a robust scouting department could help the Irish gain an edge on the competition, especially with such a complex landscape.
Building for Long-Term Success
All in all, Marcus Freeman is making moves to stay ahead of the curve, and while there are inevitable challenges, these hires could help position Notre Dame for continued success. It's exciting to see how these changes will unfold and if they'll pay off in the long run. What do you think of these moves? Does the future of Notre Dame football look bright to you?
QB - Blake Hebert - Solid B
I do not think Blake Hebert is going to be a Heisman candidate by any means, but I think his floor is high. While ND struck out on Duece (who has the signs of a bust), I think ND got what they needed, especially in a class right after CJ Carr and before Grubbs. I see Hebert as a very solid player and better than Angeli with a chance to be an Ian Book caliber player.
RB - Nolan James Jr - Solid B
I said in another thread, but he has the making of being the next Kyren Williams. The kid has put up AMAZING stats in a very competitive league at the high school level. I think some may look down on him because he isn’t a Love/Price type of back, but I think most would be happy with another Kyren Williams.
WR - Elijah Burress, “Scrap” Richardson, & Jerome Bettis Jr - Solid C
I do think Burress will be a quality WR, but I think at best, he is a #2 or #3 WR similar to a TJ Jones. Richardson is a project as he is mostly played QB in high school, but his athleticism is off the charts. Bettis is a player I believe the staff is banking on his genetics kicking in and blowing up. This is easily the most disappointing group of the class.
TE - James Flanigan - Solid A
This kid has elite traits and is likely to continue to lineage of NFL quality TEs coming from Notre Dame. He has size, speed, hands, and the ability to block. I think he could see playing time as a freshman even in a loaded room
OL - Will Black, Owen Strebig, Cameron Herron, and Matty Augustine - Solid A
It’s hard to find any issues with this OL class. They got the 5* stud in Black, 2 solid large players who could play either tackle or guard in Strebig and Augustine, then the shorter tough type of guy (likely to be a center) in Herron
DL - Christopher Burgess, Dominik Hulak, Davion Dixon, Gordy Sulfsted, & Joseph Reiff - B-
This group is all about potential, especially on the interior. I believe this class is heavy on the interior of the defensive line. I do think Burgess is going to be a very solid player with NFL potential, he will be a great player on the outside. Hulak had a pretty good senior year, but he is a boom or bust type of player in my opinion. I have faith that ND will get at least one solid player out of the other three in the interior.
LB - Anthony Sacca, Josiah Kia - B-
I think both Sacca and Kia are solid players where the floors are nice, but neither are potential stars and they are one short in terms of numbers. Honestly, it seems like a few LB targets were potentially worried about competition from the amazing LB corps Notre Dame currently has in the ‘23 and ‘24 classes.
CB - Dallas Golden, Mark Zachary, and Cree Thomas - Freaking A+
While Ohio State may have the better class in the ranking system, I think ND has a championship caliber and can compete with anyone. I think Dallas Golden is the best prospect in the class and a true 5* player. Mark Zachary is comparable to Christian Gray and is a multi-year starter type of player. Cree Thomas had a pretty good year and he was already considered a sleeper type of prospect by many
S - Jadon Blair, Ethan Long, Brandon Logan - A-
Blair is an absolute stud and is likely to compete for the starting job as a true freshman (he alone gives this position group a high grade). I think Ethan Long has the potential to be a multi-year starter after a year of development in a college weight room. I am not sure where Logan will fit in, but he is extremely versatile and a seems like a Gadget type player.
Offensive Grade: Solid B (OL/TE are elite, QB/RB are solid pickups with high floors with potential to be even better, WR is lackluster that would need major development to occur)
Defensive Grade: B+ (The DBs are elite, the DL is hoping to hit its potential, and the LBs are solid but small in number)
Overall Grade: Solid B
What are your grades?
Edited by NDhoosier