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?
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The Early Line: 2008
By Brian Smith
Notre Dame recruiting fans will not be bored once National Signing Day passes. Coach Weis understands recruiting is part of ever day, junior recruiting included.
Instead of waiting for all of the seniors to make their decisions publicly known, fix your eyes for just a moment on the future. Nothing more than a guide, and not an end-all be-all put it in the bank guarantee, the following recruits appear to be good bets for the class of 2008; that is provided Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis extends a formal scholarship offer within the near future, if he has not already.
Dan Buckner, WR, 6-5, 200-pounds, Allen, Texas – Buckner attended the 2006 Notre Dame Football Camp and was officially offered by coach Weis last September. Buckner is an excellent student.
Braxston Cave, OL, 6-4, 290-pounds, Mishawaka, Ind., (Penn) – Cave grew up a Notre Dame fan and lives in the same community as the Notre Dame campus. Cave has camped at Notre Dame before.
Steve Filer, LB, 6-3, 225-pounds, Chicago, Ill., (Mount Carmel) – The Notre Dame linebacker depth chart reads all but bare, please help. Filer is not only a Notre Dame fan, Mt. Carmel is also a Notre Dame feeder school. Filer was one of the first recruits in the class of 2008 to be officially offered by Notre Dame.
Michael Floyd, WR, 6-3, 195-pounds, St. Paul, Minn. (Cretin-Derham) – Floyd brings above average speed and size to the gridiron. Floyd became a national recruit by the end of last summer after being offered by Notre Dame. Ohio State and many others have followed suit.
Jared Holley, CB, 6-0, 180-pounds, Easton, Pa. – Holley reportedly has an affinity for Notre Dame. He is one of the top targets for Penn State and Pittsburgh.
Kris Johnston, CB, 6-1, 180-pounds, Texas City, Texas – Johnston took an unofficial visit to Notre Dame last year. He is reportedly high on the Irish.
Eric LeGrand, LB, 6-3, 240-pounds, Colonia, N.J. – One of the top recruits back East, LeGrand is high on the Notre Dame wish list. And it does not take a rocket scientist to understand coach Weis likes New Jersey recruits.
Jon Major, LB, 6-2, 215-pounds, Ponderosa, Col. – Major took an unofficial to Notre Dame last year, and is expected to take another unofficial visit in March. Reading the tealeaves, Major is a good bet for the Irish. He commonly mentions Notre Dame first when releasing his favorite schools.
Trevor Robinson, OL, 6-5, 290-pounds, Elkhorn, Neb. – Robinson attended the 2006 Notre Dame Football Camp and was officially offered the September thereafter. It will be Lincoln or South Bend for Robinson judging by his comments thus far.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, 6-7, 220-pounds, Cincinnati, Ohio, (Elder) – The Rudolph family is pro-Notre Dame and Catholic. Having the family fit either category is good for coach Weis and his assistant coaching staff, having both is fantastic.
Richard Samuel, TB, 6-0, 200-pounds, Cartersville, Ga., (Cass) – Samuel developed into a national recruit soon after his junior highlight film found its way to several prominent football programs. Notre Dame is one of many programs that are in pursuit. Look for Notre Dame to be either in or out with Samuel by the middle of next summer going by past Dixie recruiting battles. Samuel has offers from Tennessee and Georgia among others. Samuel has a self-reported 3.8 GPA.
Marcus Witherspoon, LB, 6-2, 215-pounds, Absecon, N.J., (Holy Spirit) – Witherspoon recorded eighteen sacks during the 2006 season. Much like Filer, Witherspoon has an eye for Notre Dame.
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