Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, the first under the Inside ND Sports/Rival Network Umbrella. Just a reminder, for those of you who have not yet subscribed to insidendsports.com but are thinking about doing so, you can do so with a free trial through spring, using the promo code: INSIDEND

I believe that offers expires at midnight tonight. (UPDATE, it's been extended a week until next Friday.) New users can use this link that will auto fill the code: https://notredame.rivals.com/sign_up?promo_code=INSIDEND

A reminder, please include your NAME and HOMETOWN with your question. 40 time is optional.

Let's get started.

Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, congrats on the new forum at insidendsports. I've jumped on board! Got to witness the bowl in person, and have completed my football detox. So, my question is about the safety position for next fall. Since Houston Griffith only had 39 snaps in the bowl and no tackles, I was surprised that he is returning. How much can he play next year without a significant improvement in productivity, and what would the Brandon Joseph transfer mean for the safety position? Are there any other creative solutions before Ohio State in September? Thanks!

Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. Thanks for following us over. The best start to solving life after Kyle Hamilton is landing transfer safety Brandon Joseph. The two-time, first-team All-Big Ten selection and 2020 consensus All-American is visiting campus this weekend. Then you're rotation would consist of him, Griffith, Xavier Watts, Ramon Henderson and DJ Brown, provided Brown comes back. Justin Walters and perhaps too Jayden Bellamy would be your developmental players. I'm not sure if KJ Wallace would be back, but that's another body.

Joseph not only brings an elite player to the equation, he creates competition in the rotation. So Griffith would have to step up his production to earn a prominent role within it. The thing about Griffith is he's a great teammate and a winter workout warrior. That needs to translate to the field more. ... Long term, ND is addressing it through recruiting in the 2023 class, as both Adon Shuler and Peyton Bowen are outstanding prospects.

Kelly Lents from Indy: I've read a few articles where Harry Hiestand is pretty well a lock to return to ND. Any truth to this?

Eric Hansen: Hi Kelly. That's the option that has all the momentum at the moment. Provided there's not an 11th-hour snag, that's expected to happen soon.

Ron: Good morning Eric from Delaware. Happy New Year to you. Looking forward to your relations with Rivals. My question is do you have any idea who might be a candidate for wide receiver coach? The player losses and misses at that position have been very disappointing. Are the player losses due to lack of development and kids not seeing ND as a place that leads them to the next level? Thanks for your insight.

Eric Hansen: Hi Ron and Happy New Year. Marcus Freeman's former college teammate at Ohio State, Brian Hartline, would be ideal, but I'm not sure it's realistic. He's an elite talent developer and recruiter. In a recent interview that December signee Tobias Merriweather did with our staff at the All-American Bowl practices this week, he offered up Purdue's JaMarcus Shephard and Alabama's Holmon Wiggins as the names he had been told ND was focusing on. Obviously, Wiggins' team is still playing. Both would be strong choices. Both have titles beyond wide receivers coach with their current teams, so it'll be interesting to see how that plays out.

As far as the high attrition at the position, deposed WR coach Del Alexander received high marks from at least the star players for development. I don't think the transfers in general would cite that as an issue. But retention is part of a position coach's role, and there was not a good track record for that.

Tom M from Atlanta: Hi Eric. I don't have a question for the chat, but rather an outreach for help. Who/how do I contact someone at Rivals to clear up a problem I've had in trying to subscribe to stay in touch with yours and Tyler's ND premium reporting? My email address, as submitted, keeps being rejected. Message reads: Already in use. Thank you! Best wishes for your new venture!

Eric Hansen: Tom, shoot us an email at insidendsports@gmail.com, and I'll put you in touch with the right person later this afternoon. Sorry that's happened, and we'll get it squared away.

Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric. Congratulations on your new site. Glad the live chats are continuing. I don't know what we would do without them. What do you think were the biggest takeaways for Marcus Freeman from the Fiesta Bowl? Also, with news coming out about how much Texas A&M boosters paid recruits this year, I feel strongly that we are on the brink of destroying the things that are great about college football. I personally don't want college free agency. That is the very reason I really don't like the NFL. Since the NCAA is essentially worthless, do you think some organization will step in and try to get some regulations on NIL? if so, who do you think this would be, and what do you think it might look like? As always, thanks for all your great insights.

Eric Hansen: Hi Marie, and thank you. My biggest takeaways from the Fiesta Bowl (condensed for a chat format) is that the aftermath of the bowl game and what Marcus Freeman does with that is going to much more clearly define him than the game itself. That would have been true even had ND recovered the onside kick and pulled out the win. There's a lot to define in terms of Marcus' gameday and weekday roles, moving forward. Same goes with Tommy Rees. A lot of that will start to fall into place once the coaching staff vacancies are filled. And that includes analyst roles. ... The NIL stuff is scary and very broad. The answer is not going to come form the NCAA, but likely Congress. I still think NIL can be good for college football, and quite frankly Notre Dame, with its strong brand. But there needs to be guardrails, and there aren't right now.

Lorne from Reno, Nev.. I signed up for Inside ND Sports (Rivals) as soon as you moved over and look forward to following you and the Irish on your new home. Congrats. You can't have too many good players, and it's great to have somebody with Josh Lugg's experience and flexibility, but ... I think if he starts next year, that means some of our up-and-coming linemen aren't as good as we'd hoped. I think Fisher, Kristofic, Correll/Patterson, Spindler, and Alt is our best line, isn't it? Speaking of Patterson, any word or prediction on his decision?

Eric Hansen: Hi Lorne, and thank you for following us over. Much appreciated. And your question is one that I've been rolling around in my mind as well. ... First, getting Jarrett Patterson back would be incredible and something I thought was a less-than-50 percent possibility. I think it's close to that now. Let's look at it both ways. If Patterson returns, then it's likely Joe Alt and Blake Fisher at the tackles, Andrew Kristofic at left guard and Josh Lugg battling Rocco Spindler at right guard. If Patterson leaves, Kristofic could play center and then Lugg and Rocco would be the guards. Remember with Harry Hiestand, he may have a different sense of who the five best O-linemen are. .. Zeke Correll and Michael Carmody would compete at the interior positions as well.

Rui from Westchester, N.Y.: How the heck does our defensive backfield stop these Ohio State wide receivers during their opener? With what we have returning on offense, I have faith that we will be able to score against them, but defensively with CB is going to be interesting.

Eric Hansen: Defensive back development and recruiting have to improve (and in 2023 it is with recruiting), but that doesn't address next September. Part of the answer will come from pass rush. If Isaiah Foskey returns -- and we will know on Saturday -- that's huge against an OSU offensive line that loses a lot of experience and continuity. Jayson Ademilola today announced he's returning to join twin Justin, so that's a big boost.

Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, continued success in your new venue. I signed up this week and look forward to more of your Insightful info. I was a little surprised that Takacs, Lugg and Griffith all decided to return. I am seeing Lugg as the ultimate sixth man, with Spindler and all of the tackles we have available. Takacs would seem to project more as a mentor to all the young TEs rather than a big contributor on the field other than his blocking. I have learned not to question the return of any fifth-year player, because they always seem to find a way to contribute. But do you think their contributions will be more on the field or in the locker room? The Alabama QB spent a year learning before having a Heisman and possible championship season. Given the experience that Tyler Buchner got this year, do you see him having the skills and mental discipline to have a breakout season in 2022? If so, what does he need to improve the most? Thanks and Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Thanks so much for following us over. ... All three kind of surprised me too. Lugg makes the most sense from a rehab/injury standpoint. All good locker room/chemistry guys. In talking to TEs coach John McNulty, he believes there's a higher ceiling for George Takacs than what we've seen, and his leadership will be valuable for a tight end room with a lot of numbers, but not a lot of experience behind Michael Mayer. Among the young ones, Mitchell Evans is the one to keep an eye on. Freshman Eli Raridon too if his rehab goes well. .. re Tyler Buchner. I love his mental makeup. And I do believe that will help him improve greatly in 2022. His growth will come in recognizing coverages and fronts, and his decision-making around that recognition.

Bill from St Joe. Mich.: Eric, Congrats and wishing you and Tyler much success on your new venture!!!

I have become a subscriber but having a bit of trouble navigating your site, but I won’t give up. It might have more than a bit due to my age and not having any of your kids around to help me.

Eric Hansen: Bill, thanks, I have six grandkids I can lend you and they all live within about 20 minutes of you! Thanks for following us!

Denis from Niagara Falls, Ontario: Congratulations on your move! I guess I won't be missing anything except for only the name "Pod of Gold," which I always thought was so clever and perfect. Two small questions if I may: Who thought of the name? And not that it matters, but I think ND wins the Oklahoma State game if Brian Kelly was the coach. Do you agree and what would be your reasoning? All the best in your new endeavor.

Eric Hansen: Hello Denis, and thanks. Actually one of our readers/listeners came up with the name. We asked for suggestions and we got a lot of good ones. We're calling this one the Inside ND Sports podcast for now, just to help with branding and people getting used to our new name. At some point, we could change it. ... I would agree with you about Brian Kelly, provided his presence didn't coax additional opt-outs. A big reason is having Marcus Freeman act as defensive coordinator in the game. Also, not having to have Freeman and Rees spend so much time holding the recruiting class together. But I do like the way this coaching staff is moving.

Bob Rodes from Manchester, Tenn.: Eric, congrats on the new position. I'm now officially a Rivals fan! Can you give us a bit of background on the candidates for the defensive coordinator position, and who you like and why?

Eric Hansen: Hi Bob, and thanks! The three that were most strongly suggested to me have been Jon Heacock, Al Golden and Chris Ash. We've heard Derek Mason and Tim Banks, too. They range in age from 48 to 61, so there's lot of experience there. All but Banks have head coaching experience. Most have DBs coaching background rather than linebackers, which could mean perhaps Chris O'Leary might shift? I asked around re recruiting, and Al Golden is regarded as the best recruiter among the first three I mentioned. But he hasn't been in college coaching since 2015. Marcus and Heacock have some coaching history together.

I'm just starting to study schematic fits, because for Marcus, that is important. I kind of lean toward Heacock because of the X's and O's and experience. Banks kind of intrigues me, too.

Tim Moy from Arizona: What’s your prediction on Foskey’s announcement tomorrow?

Eric Hansen: Given how torn he has been, I think he comes back. and I think it's the right move for him and Notre Dame. There are a lot of elite edge players in this draft. I think he can be one of those guys in the next cycle.

Bob from Loganville, Ga.: Eric, were you able to get clarification of the rules from the FSU game on the pass that was ruled a fumble, then reversed on review to a forward pass, which if called correctly, initially, as a forward pass, would have been intentional grounding? Also do you know how long Marcus Freeman's contract is?

Eric Hansen: Bob, to be honest, if that had affected the outcome of the game, it would have been priority No. 1. Absent of that, it's a detail I regret I wasn't able to deliver for you in the larger context of the season. ... It is my understanding that Marcus Freeman's contract is for six years.

Martin from Orlando, Fla.: Thoughts on bowl game: We were without best defensive and offensive player. We made critical turnovers. We were outcoached in second half. Your response? ... Add no Tyler Buchner.

Eric Hansen: Hi Martin. To condense it for the chat format, there was no counterpunch from the offensive or defensive staffs once Oklahoma State made its adjustments. And yes, I'm on record that Tyler Buchner should have played a series or two to maybe chew some clock and give the defense a blow and also give Oklahoma State another challenge to deal with.

Denny from Liberty Hill, Texas: Hi Eric. So glad to still get your regular chats. I remember several times in the past reading about various quarterbacks training with certain "QB Gurus." I assume this would still happen, but I am not aware of any news. Do you know if Buchner and/or Pyne are doing such to augment their limited experience? I also remember Jimmy Clausen having some receivers visit in California in the summer to sharpen their chemistry and skills. I'm very high on Buchner's ceiling but wary of his lack of experience. Hoping some development is in store in the offseason to surprise us.

Eric Hansen: Hi Denny. It was my choice to continue the chats. Thanks for being a part of them. Tyler Buchner and Drew Pyne both have worked out with private QB tutors in the past, and I would expect that to continue when time allows for it. I think given how little high school experience Buchner had, his growth curve this season was remarkable and actually surprised Brian Kelly.

Shaun from Boston: Who will be in the Notre Dame quarterback room come spring practice?

Eric Hansen: Tyler Buchner, Drew Pyne, early enrollee Steve Angeli and injury recovering Ron Powlus III. I do think ND will look at the grad transfer market, but to do so once spring semester already has started makes the most sense. They're not looking for a potential starter, but rather depth -- if they indeed go that route.

Terry from Ithaca, N.Y.: Did coach Freeman say all coaches would be good recruiters?

Eric Hansen: He said he would be the lead recruiter and he expected effort and ability to recruit to be part of the other coaches' skill sets. That doesn't eliminate someone like Jon Heacock for DC, because he's not an elite recruiter. It does figure into the entire equation of each hire.

Brendan from Pittsburgh: How much impact did Coach Freeman no longer being the linebackers coach or defensive coordinator have on the defense in the Fiesta Bowl?

Eric Hansen: In my opinion, it was a big factor in the game, but Oklahoma State was also with its D-coordinator, too.

Matt from Virginia: Hi Eric. Happy New Year and best of luck with your new venture. I followed you guys over to Rivals, but I'm not stalking you, I promise! My question is about coach Freeman's game management (clock management late in the half or the game, "go or kick" on fourth downs, game pace, in-game personnel, etc.). His game management left a lot to be desired vs. OSU. Do you think he has awareness that it needs to be a growth area for him? How do you think he'll go about learning those lessons and improving in the offseason? Or will his learning curve mostly be based on game experiences (i.e. on the job training during the season)? Thanks!

Eric Hansen: Hey Matt. Thanks! I think Tyler needs a stalker, to be honest. One of the things I've learned about Marcus in the short time he's been the head coach is how self-aware he is about where the growth needs to come. That was stated and evident before the bowl game. This is not a guy who's insecure and needs to hide behind bluster and BS. My sense is he'll go out and talk to the best head coaches in the game as well as his own staff members. Some growth will be based on game experience, there's no denying. But a lot can be accomplished this offseason.

Pat from Orlando: Clarence Lewis was beat repeatedly. Is there no other cornerback who coach Freeman could have turned to?

Eric Hansen: That was the issue, particularly after the safety position group took Ramon Henderson. There was not a cornerback the staff trusted more than Lewis. There are plenty of numbers at that position, including some good incoming freshmen. Building CB and safety quality depth are two huge offseason/spring priorities.

Geoff C, from Placentia, Calif.: I know that so far none of the stakeholders can agree on a playoff format, and there's no guarantee that they will do so in time for the 2024 season, let alone sooner. But if the stars suddenly align, is it even possible for this to happen sooner, or is 2024 the best-case scenario?

Eric Hansen: The current contract expires after the 2025 season, but it is my understanding the earliest now an expanded playoff could be implemented would be 2024, as you suggested.

Rich from Key West, Fla.: Happy New Year, and hope you are settled in nicely at your new workspace. I was very proud of the Irish this past season and they outperformed my expectations. Pretty blatant example of an experienced coach's halftime adjustments versus a first-timer in the bowl game. An attempt to get the running game going and some time on the field from Buchner would have been nice. Defense was exhausted early in the second half, and the offense did nothing to get them a little rest. Freeman seems like someone who will learn from the loss and have some history to draw on in the future. Don't need to see 60+ pass attempts any time in ND's future.

Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Rich. Thanks for your thoughts.

Brian from Cincinnati: Is there any indication that Mario Williams, who entered the transfer portal, has any interest in Notre Dame?

Eric Hansen: Brian, I haven't heard that (yet), and Notre Dame did offer him a scholarship out of high school. But underclassmen are going to be much more difficult to fit than grad transfers because of transferable credits. Brandon Joseph doesn't have that issue. He'd be coming from Northwestern, and six of his offers coming out of high school were from Ivy League schools.

Dave from Ponte Vedra, Fla.: So glad these chats will continue. Best of luck with the new venture. How active do you believe the Irish will be in the transfer portal? Certainly, there are a couple of positions that could use immediate help.

Eric Hansen: Thanks Dave. With spring semester classes starting Monday, most of the portal action will be adding people for the summer. Joseph, if he chooses ND, could be here for spring. Smart teams commit to starting communication with more prospects than they'll ever get involved with, then peel back as needed. I think beyond safety, wide receiver has some urgency, followed by cornerback, and then a QB for depth. Maybe a running back for numbers. Maybe an impact defensive end should Isaiah Foskey leave.

Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric. I was traveling on New Year’s Day and had to listen to the Fiesta Bowl on the radio, but I couldn’t help feeling that we made no meaningful halftime adjustments, especially on defense Do you think that is a fair assessment and do you think that will be a problem for us going forward with this coaching staff?

Eric Hansen: Joe, very much a problem on game day. Very much one I believe is fixable and will be fixed, moving forward.

Michael Jordan from Buffalo, N.Y.: Freezing in Buffalo right now, but appreciate your time. Do you think Marcus Freeman will be able to recruit elite skill players/quarterbacks? It seems this is really the big difference consistently among the elite teams compared with ND.

Eric Hansen: Marcus and Tommy Rees are co-conspirators on this one. So far, there are elite QB prospects in both the 2023 and 2024 classes (and even one in 2025) that are showing mutual interest. Now it's about closing ... and prioritizing the right one. The 2023 cycle will be a good litmus test for the answer to your question.

IrishMike from Altoona, Pa.: Eric, congratulations on your new venture! Living in the heart of Nittany Lion Country, I read an interesting article today! Five-star Lion QB commit, Drew Allar, suggested he really wanted to attend ND, but the Irish came in very late in the recruiting process, some two and a half months after Penn State offered! Seems like a big miss on the part of the Irish. We’re they already committed to Steve Angeli? I can’t fathom letting a five-star QB get away!

Eric Hansen: Thanks, Mike. I read those comments as well. Notre Dame was slow to get out offers in the 2022 cycle. Eventually, they focused on Gavin Wimsatt and Steve Angeli, with Drew Allar an unranked (and underrated) prospect who was starting to take off. They were even slow to pull the trigger on Angeli. They could have signed both, and Angeli would have been fine with that. I'm not sure if Allar would have gone along with it. In fairness, the pandemic prevented many in-person evaluations, so it was a screwy cycle. ND needed to offer and evaluate earlier and aim higher in 2023, and they have.

John Utterback from Palmyra, Pa.: Will coach Freeman entertain extending an offer to David Cutcliffe to be a sounding board for Tommy for a few years and to coach the QBs? He could also help us to make landing Arch Manning a real possibility.

Eric Hansen: Hi John. I've seen the Cutcliffe suggestion a lot in my email inbox and other places. I like the concept of adding successful, experienced coaches in analyst roles on both sides of the ball. However, he could not directly coach him in practices and games, as an analyst. As it pertains to Arch Manning, no matter what David Cutcliffe does after leaving Duke, I don't see Notre Dame being a factor. He's going to stay in the south.

Michael from Walnut, Calif.: what’s the biggest recruit to possibly sign in February?

Eric Hansen: As of the moment -- and it can change quickly -- it would be Justius Lowe, a 6-1, 180-pound wide receiver from Lake Oswego, Ore. He verbally committed to Utah in mid-December, but didn't sign. Since then Notre Dame, Florida and USC have all joined the chase. ND extended a couple of more 2022 offers on Friday — to running back Andrew Paul and wide receiver Caleb Douglas, the latter a USC decommitment.

Tim from East Liverpool, Ohio: Hey Eric, love the chats. Hailing from the hometown of Lou Holtz, I miss the physical smash-mouth style of football we had in that era. My question is: Why do you think our run game disappears in every major bowl game? We've had great linemen and good backs, but can never seem to establish a solid run game in the big bowl games. Thanks.

Eric Hansen: Thanks, Tim. I know exactly where East Liverpool is from my days working summer jobs in college with the Ohio Dept. of Transportation. ... It starts with playing really good run defenses and defenses period in those games. Alabama in 2012 was No. 1 nationally in rush defense and No. 1 in total defense. Clemson in 2018 was 4/5. Alabama in 2020 was 17/32. Okie State this year was 3/5. The Georgia teams in the recent regular-season games, same thing. But it doesn't end there. The Irish did not have the elite talent and QB and WR to make those teams pay for focusing on the run. So recruiting better at those positions becomes part of the answer.

Eric Hansen: Sorry for the slow response there. The Harry Hiestand deal appears to be very close, so I posted my story on What Harry Hiestand's return means for Notre Dame Football.

Kevin Kane from Bonita Springs, Fla.: Are ND Football scholarships for four years, or renewable annually? If annually, has ND ever rescinded a scholarship from a player after year or two years, etc.? Or is renewable automatic?

Eric Hansen: Hi Kevin. They are renewable annually. Yes, they have rescinded scholarships for disciplinary reasons. Otherwise, at Notre Dame at least, they're pretty much automatic until graduation. At that point, there are options for both parties.

Don in Phoenix: Eric, congrats on the new home. Just saw Tom M's question. I ran into the same thing and remembered I was on B&G for a bit when it was Rivals. Email stayed in the system. Changed password, and all's well. Does ND win the Fiesta Bowl with an experienced head coach and full staff? Not knocking Freeman, he'll have plenty of time for that, but in retrospect we all should have thought something like 1/1/2022 was a possibility.

Eric Hansen: Don, thanks for the suggestion. ... yes, agreed on the full-staff thing. Especially against a really good program and a very successful coach.

Pat from the Burgh, Pa.: Hey Eric, sorry if it's already been discussed, but with the mutual interest from Alabama's wideout coach Wiggins, have you heard anything on why exactly he has mutual interest? Just seems strange to consider leaving Alabama for ND when he was reportedly offered some sort of OC role with Sark at Texas and turned it down for a simple pay raise and assistant head coach title.

Eric Hansen: I think it's fair to say it won't be until after the national title game that we'll really be able to fully gauge Holmon Wiggins' actual interest. He may just be willing to listen or he may end up being more invested. He's got a title beyond WRs coach (assistant head coach of offense, as you mentioned). Two thoughts. ND might be able to offer him more money ... and perhaps a role that would enhance his chances of becoming a head coach someday, with more say in the offensive meeting room. ... That's a big reason Tony Alford left ND for OSU years ago, for what he thought would be a faster track to a head coaching opportunity.

Bert from Windermere, Fla.: Hi Eric, nice to have you back: One comment and one question. I did not participate in the last chat, because I was traveling and missed the opportunity to tell you that your comments about your grandmother and your mother were very moving and brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the sad tales my uncle told me of living in NYC during the depression and my experiences living in Puerto Rico during WWII while my father was away in the service for five years. Would you have punted with three minutes to go and three timeouts rather than risking a turnover deep in OSU territory and a punt that would put the game out of reach.

Eric Hansen: Bert, thank you and thank you ... and thanks for sharing your story. ... It was almost a lose-lose proposition, but I would have done what Marcus did and not punt. There was no guarantee, the way the ND was playing on defense and was gassed, that the Irish would have gotten the ball back. So I would have gone for it too and, hopefully, called a better play.

Mike in D.C.: Happy New Year and congrats on the new site. Two questions for you: Who is your favorite QB prospect in the next cycle? And if you had to pick just one right now, who do you think ND is most likely to land?

Eric Hansen: Of the five they are involved with, I'd pick Dante Moore, with Nico Iamaleava and Jackson Arnold right behind. I think Arnold will be the first to make up his mind and that would be my educated guess as the one who ultimately lands at ND at this point. ... and thanks!

Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric. Happy New Year and best of luck to you and Tyler with new venture. Back in the '70s when the 85-scholarship limit happened, the field was leveled, somewhat. Since that time TV contracts, conference branding, team branding, etc., tilted the field again. I recall when Joe Pa told Syracuse that he would only take two PSU home games to one for Syracuse if they continue to play. A Syracuse team, for younger readers, that had a greater football history/tradition than PSU at the time. Now all teams use their clout to increase the separation between the haves and have-nots. Staffs are out of control with non-coaching hires, facilities spending; now the NIL arms race has begun in earnest with all that Texas A&M money earmarked for recruits but not directly in return for a letter-of-intent. I heard the number was $30 million. From the mid '70s to early '80's we saw Clemson (before elite), BYU, Penn State (1st time) Miami (1st time). Not sure we will see that again. What do you expect Eric? Can an Iowa or Minnesota ever win?

Eric Hansen: I think when the playoff expands to 12 teams the answer may be different than it would be today, because it could change recruiting patterns. I don't know that Iowa and Minnesota would ever have the talent bases to upset the Big Ten East champ in that title game, then face two more elite teams in the playoff and win both of those games as well.

Rick from Nappanee: I also followed you over because of the great insight you and Tyler offer us fans. I'm kind of a data geek and follow with interest the recruiting rankings. I know there are surprises and disappointments in players and I was wondering if there's a source that would offer rankings for past recruiting classes that are playing now or have transferred out? I'd like to compare rankings to success on the field.

Eric Hansen: Rick, first of all thanks for the follow. If I understand your question correctly, yes we have all that info in our Rivals database, both team recruiting rankings dating all the way back to the start of Rivals in 2002 and individual rankings for every player. It's easy to look up. Email us at insidendsports@gmail.com if you're still having issues.

Sean, Portland OR: It seems that Marcus Freeman is also an excellent recruiter when it comes to his coaching staff. 1) Harry Hiestand returning to ND when it seemed like he no longer wanted to coach (or at least coach in college) 2) Plucking Cincy's special teams coordinator after Cincy beat ND this year 3) Keeping the majority of the key coaching staff together despite them having longer relationships and potentially more money at LSU with Brian Kelly 4) James Laurinaitis joining the staff despite having a successful career elsewhere 5) Mutual interest with Wiggins at Alabama 6) The fact that Hartline remotely had any interest 7) Many of the DCs being floated out there have excellent track records and even major head coaching experience

Why do you think this is? ND seems poised to improve it's coaching staff at the vacant positions (DC/WR coach)? Is there a sense among Marcus and potential coaches that ND is close to taking the next step? Is ND opening up their pocketbooks more than before?

Eric Hansen: I think it's 1) Marcus aiming high. 2) People in the business having respect for the kind of head coach they think Marcus will become. 3) ND being competitive with salaries.

Tim Thompson from Nantucket. Because of thin depth at receiver, will Chris Tyree be at slot more, where he can more easily get to space, with Diggs and Estime assuming more duties ar running back? Was Pat Narduzzi ever a thought for head coach. In a short time he has a Heisman candidate at QB, a Biletnikoff winner at wide receiver and an All-American DB, plus being ranked for first time in awhile?

Eric Hansen: I think Chris Tyree is going to get some snaps in the slot regardless of numbers at WR, because he's good at it. I still think he's the No. 1 back going into spring and likely coming out of it. ... I did not hear Pat Narduzzi as a consideration, no.

Denny from Beaverton Ore.: New Year's greetings and wishes for the best of luck in your new endeavor. After all the excitement of the few weeks leading up to the Fiesta Bowl, the euphoria of the first half and the gut-wrenching slow death of the second half, one thing sticks in my mind. It was a comment Marcus Freeman made after the game regarding the play of No. 6 when he said something to the effect that "I would not trade him for the world." I wonder if that simple comment speaks volumes about the man and the future direction of the Notre Dame football program. Thanks Eric ... just a comment on my part.

Eric Hansen: Hi Denny. He is absolutely going to be supportive of his players and work to get them better. And No. 6, for those who don't know, is Clarence Lewis.

Rick from St. Pete: Eric, great to see you on this site as I was a previous subscriber and joined your chats at the Trib. Good luck in the new venture! If you could add one previous player from the Kelly Era to the 2022 team to help our chances at a national championship, who would it be?

Eric Hansen: Thanks, Rick. Off the top of my head, Quenton Nelson, Jaylon Smith, Will Fuller, Stephon Tuitt, so many ... But I'll go with what the 2022 team lacks the most and that's Kyle Hamilton. I wouldn't mind having the 2015 version of DeShone Kizer, either.

Andrew from Plymouth, Ind.: Looking at next year's schedule, there are probably eight games ND should win; with BYU, USC, Clemson and Ohio State being the most difficult games. How much more difficult does the schedule become if Caleb Williams ends up at USC?

Eric Hansen: Andrew, I think even with Jaxson Dart at quarterback, they'll be much improved. Even more formidable in 2023.

Eric Hansen: That's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll do this again soon, hopefully next week. I'm trying to dodge the heaviest days in this busy news cycle. Keep an eye on the Insiders Lounge and my Twitter @EHansenND for specifics about the time and date of the next chat.

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