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?
Here's may take on this as of today:
RB - Hughes is a great power back, and a great leader, kid - ND 55%, OSU 30%, ILL 15% Again the OSU visit with Wilson is key. If we still are leading after the girls, cash and cars we will land both of these kids.
OL - Gavin - Summers ND 60% Cal 40%. Need this kid as another center for the future.
Greg Little - I have no idea. Everyone seems even. I going out on a limb saying he stays south.
Tyler Dever - 90% ND, 10% everyone else. Good project. Will RS, gain strength, and perhaps play by Jr. year.
Matt Romine - Oklahoma 55% ND 30% U of M 15%. I think we were leading for him, and the lure of in-state U is starting to make an impression.
DL
Ian Williams. ND 50% Auburn 50%. Hopefully he loves ND on his visit this weekend to put the Irish in the lead. We REALLY need this kid.
Will Blackwell LSU 50% ND 50%. Going to have to fight for this kid. Looks like a ND vs LSU battle. This one is going to take awhile.
Corey Peters ND 30% SEC schools 70% chance. I think he stays in the South.
LB.
Chris Donald. He's loves Tennessee. We fought the good fight, but are going to lose him to UT. 60% UT, ND 40%. Will be higher for UT if he visits this weekend. Rick Minter recruiting him is not helping at all.
Ben Martin. 80% OSU 20% ND. Minter is also recruiting him. Tough to pull kids out of Ohio when they look good on defense and we have Minter chasing his tail.
Malcom Smith 55% ND 45% CAL. Another tough recruiting battle. We need this guy to help at LB. Great athlete.
Martez Wilson 60% ND, 30% OSU 10% ILL. Hopefully we can hold on after his visit to OSU. He had a great visit, and boy would be a big catch.
Lo Edwards 60% ND 25% U of M 15% Florida. Again would be a huge catch. Florida may make a late charge, but he may make us very happy during the US Army all star game.
S - Harrison Smith 70% ND 30% UT. Visiting UT this weekend. Seems like a ND kid. Might be a silent.
ATH - Golden Tate. Would love to see this kid in the slot in the 3 wide. Also on kick returns with Allen. 85% ND 15% Vandy.
Joe McKnight. Hopefully loves his visit to ND. LSU 40% USC 40% ND 20%
Hopefully we can land Donald, but boy I think he's a UT lock.
Thanks,
BLG