Chat Transcript: On Sun Bowl prep, transfer portal needs and NIL progress

Eric Hansen: Welcome!

To a special Thursday pre-Christmas/post National Signing Day edition of Notre Dame Football Live Chat brought to you by J&R Solutions.

Some quick programming notes:

► Thanks for adjusting this week to the detour to a Thursday chat this week, because of National Signing Day work commitments for me. We’ll be back in our normal Wednesday noon ET time slot next week.

► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation. We’ve settled into our Monday night 7 ET time slot, but will move to Tuesday night at 7 next week because of Christmas. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. Tyler James and I are also doing a live postgame show of our takeaways after every game. We’re also partnering with WSBT-TV this season, including collaborating on highlights and analysis. We’ll have some collaborative content with them on Game Day before the Dec. 29 Sun Bowl.

► This week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Friday instead of its normal Tuesday release. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean and Pocket Casts.

► And, finally, thanks to all who have been listening to WSBT radio this season. My co-host Darin Pritchett is on vacation this week, so Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com) is also on vacation. But the two of us will be back together next week for the weekday shows on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I'm also co-hosting the pregame shows with Darin and Tyler Horka (which is not a clever stage name for Tyler James). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. The pregame show for the Sun Bowl on Dec. 29 starts at 11 a.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.

Now to this week's chat. …

Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s). Telepathy does not count.

Here are the rules:

Off we go ...

Matt from Winnebago, IL: Eric, love the chats and thanks for all you do. Long time reader of the chats, first time asking a question. How many more additions do you think will ND have in the portal during this period? Maybe another WR and/or S? Finally, who do you predict are the starters at LB next year week 1?

Eric Hansen: Thanks Matt. And for a first-ever question, you came up with a better one than I typically ask at the press conferences. I'll keep you in mind if I ever have to take a sick day. ... You said THIS period, so let's start there. The transfer portal window closes on Jan. 2, but that's only a deadline for underclassmen to submit their names. But players already in the portal can transfer anytime. Grad transfers have less-restrictive parameters with regards to the window. ... To your question, if no one leaves after the bowl, I would agree with a safety and a third wide receiver as priority additions. If there's an elite offensive tackle, Notre Dame would be interested in that too. Then we get into a gray area. A tight end would be a luxury, guarding against injury setbacks to Mitchell Evans and Kevin Bauman. But I think that's a consideration. There's another window in the spring -- April 16-30 -- in which Notre Dame could address spring departures or shop the new names if the Irish didn't like what they found in January. ... To your linebacker question. I think I was asked this a couple of places last week, and I'll answer it again, because my answer may have changed. So right now there are nine linebackers on the projected 2024 roster, including three incoming freshmen and current sophomore Nolan Ziegler, whose status again is in limbo, at least for the bowl game. Jack Kiser is the easy one, but even he doesn't know at which position he'll play (and he's willing to play any of them). I will say Kiser (will), Jaylen Sneed (rover) and Drayk Bowen (mike). I would not rule out freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, whom Marcus called the most-college-ready recruit in the class on Wednesday. I think Jaiden Ausberry is going to play a lot too.

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Manny in San Pedro: Eric!!!!!!! Happy Holidays!!! I hope Santa brings you some new sunglasses for a sweet profile picture!!!!! With NIL is it silly to get excited for signing day since 1/3 of these players will transfer eventually?

Eric Hansen: Manny!!!!!!!!!! Happy Holidays to you!!!! You know it's funny, I get impressions of some of you that could be way off. For instance, Manny seems like a guy who everybody who comes in contact with him, smiles for the rest of the day. And for some reason I think Gene from New York and Len from the Jersey Shore should know each other and be friends ... ok back to reality ... thank you for the Christmas wish. I do have a new profile pic without sunglasses, but will work on one with it.

Ok, to your question. I can understand why fans pump the brakes on National Signing Day with all the transfer portal movement. But building sustainable success is going to start with strong high school recruiting and development. The portal is important (and perhaps annoying), but it's not the primary way to build long term.

Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re enjoying this very busy holiday week. Can you give your thoughts on the new strength coach Lauren Landow? Are you at all concerned that he has no experience working with a college team? I know they talk about building culture in the NFL, but I always assume that’s a little bit of lip service. Obviously building culture in the college level is hugely important, do you have any concerns He may not be experienced enough to do this? Also, who are your five most underrated players in the class That signed yesterday? As always thanks for hosting the chat, have a very Merry Christmas.

Eric Hansen: Marie, Kevin from Sleepy Eye, Minn., had emailed me a similar question about Loren Landow and team culture, so I'm glad you asked it so we could address it in the chat. I think it's a legit concern. There are a lot of things to like about this hire for ND director of football performance. Marcus Freeman highlighted some of them during his press conference Wednesday, including his ability to direct groups and yet tailor individual paths. I was queued up to ask that question in that press conference when time ran out.

I will get that question to Marcus at some point, likely after the bowl. And I'm sure we'll get a chance to ask Loren himself. Working with 17-to-22-year-olds (24 years old in Sam Hartman's case) is different from working with NFL minds and bodies (though Loren's background extends beyond the NFL). Matt Balis was such a huge part of the Brian Kelly post-2016 renaissance. And it wasn't just strength and conditioning, but how he set the culture and revolutionized it. So for now, we don't know, but we'll get to the bottom of it.

OK top five underrated recruits. That means they can't be a Rivals250-ranked recruit ...They had 11 of those, including four in the top 50. So I have 12 to choose from. I'll go with 1. WR Logan Saldate, 2. LB Bodie Kahoun, 3. CB Karson Hobbs, 4. DE Cole Mullins, 5. OT Styles Prescod ... some of these more for the long terms, not what they'll do in 2024.

Don in Scottsdale: Eric, Merry Christmas to you, your family and the Inside ND staff. Hope Santa is good to all. Every year we get excited with the recruiting class. Considering those who left, the new recruits as well as the transfers, on paper (I know we wont know until they line up and scrimmage) how does this rooster compare to 2023's. I read someone referring to bowl games like the Sun Bowl as serious spring games. Along those lines how should we watch this, what should we watch for. Does someone flashing in this game constitute something real or Junior Jabby? Thanks.

Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Don. Comparing rosters, the defense looks like it could be even better than last year if Watts joins Mills, Cross and Kiser and comes back. The offense has a lot of question marks, but there's reason to be encouraged by the prospect of it being surprisingly good depending on who the new offensive coordinator is, increased speed and quality depth at wide receiver and the upside of QB Riley Leonard to name a few. The offensive line is going to have to be a pleasant surprise, given all the newness. ... What to watch in the bowl game ... not everything translates to 2024. But some of it can certainly hint at it ...

For me, I'm watching how: 1) The vypers do in terms of getting a good pass rush and who plays the best. 2) How Jaylen Sneed will handle an expanded role. 3) How does Steve Angeli command the offense, though I don't think he will be ND's No. 1 QB in 2024. 4) What Jeremiyah Love does with a more-featured role at running back. AND MOST OF ALL early impressions of the 2024 offensive line. My sense is we'll learn more about what they need to work on than what they've mastered.

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Patrick, Fort Wayne, In: Good afternoon, Eric. Top of the 2022 HS ranking QBs, Dante Moore and Malachi Nelson, have changed teams after their freshman seasons. The ND fandom was heartbroken when Moore changed his mind and commitment (I guess money can't buy happiness.) Imagine if he attended ND and then transferred this winter. This chat site would crash from an overloaded queue. The wild west of player movement is upon us and no one is sure when it will end. Do you think QBs feel pressure to transfer if they don't have immediate success or a starting position? I wonder how much pressure Angeli will feel in the spring when he doesn't win the starting job. Friends, websites, social media wrapped in fan obsession is a heavy burden for a youngman.

Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. I asked Steve Angeli earlier this week about what he thought about the proliferation of transfers at his position, and included it in my story: Notre Dame QB Steve Angeli embracing the moment — and nothing more. I suggest reading the whole story, but I'll break out the quote at the end of my answer. ... I do think there's pressure and enough precedent of players finding a happily ever after elsewhere. And if second and third transfers for underclassmen become permanent (there's a temporary rule in place allowing them), it will get even more insane. You don't hear so much about the transfers that don't work out, though there are plenty. If you read my recent story on how Notre Dame's past transfers fared this season, I think you'll be stunned at how many of those did not result in an improved career trajectory.

OK, here's the Angeli quote:

“It's kind of a crazy world. But I chose Notre Dame for the place and I chose it for the people. So, that's kind of — in my heart of hearts — what I believe in. And that's kind of what keeps me grounded and staying in the moment.

“My biggest thing is just staying in the moment, and I'll worry about that when that comes."

That being incoming Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard ascending to the top of the depth chart after a spring competition with Angeli. Or perhaps freshman Kenny Minchey or uber-early enrolled CJ Carr — wearing No. 17 in practice on Tuesday — leapfrogging him.

Or not.

“The staff has been upfront with me through everything that's gone on,” Angeli said, “and I knew it [Leonard’s transfer] was coming. And I’m ready to compete when that time comes. But right now I’m just focused on winning the Sun Bowl."

John from Centralia,IL. Are student/athletes in the transfer portal able to hire agents to help with school selections. Can’t imagine that they would have the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Eric Hansen: Hi John. Student-athletes are able to have NIL representation, and yes those agents often work as third-party channels to do early legwork on a potential channel before a player enters it. Of course, there are already agents that go several steps over the line, and shop their players to schools for the highest bidder and are not concerned about fit or anything else.

Ron Dover De: Hi Eric no question today. Just wanted to wish you and family a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Eric Hansen: Ron, thank you. And back at you, buddy.

Alan from Monero, New Mexico: Hello, Eric, happy last days of Advent, and here's to a great upcoming Yuletide Season. Can you kindly help me understand Notre Dame's position on undergraduate transfer students, especially regarding Riley Leonard? My understanding is that he has one year of eligibility left coming to us from Duke. Does this mean that he is graduating early from Duke or that his credits will transfer from Duke, and after only a year as a student at Notre Dame, be graduated with a degree from Notre Dame? Or, does he plan on doing what Pyne and Buchner have done in coming back to ND by going back to Duke, and if this is the case, how could our administration justify taking him as a transfer only to see him get a degree elsewhere? I guess I'm trying to ascertain what our academic policy is regarding student-athlete transfers since I always thought that we don't take students who transfer to Notre Dame after completing their sophomore year elsewhere. Thank you for shedding any light on this policy. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Eric Hansen: Alan, Happy Holidays to you as well. And you're in luck. I brought that exact subject matter up at the National Signing Day press conference Wednesday ... and the short answer is, the administration is finding middle ground that will expand Notre Dame football's (and presumably other sports as well) pool of incoming transfer candidates on a yearly basis. Not unchecked, but reasonably expanded. I wrote about that and some other significant developments on the transfer portal front yesterday. I suggest you give it a read if you have time for the depth on your question and additional info: The big-picture themes that matter most in Notre Dame's transfer haul.

Chris in Abq: Hey Eric, Happy Holidays! I am sure I am the only one wondering about candidates for the O.C. lol. Are you hearing any names you can share or is there a guy you would prefer to see in the position.

Eric Hansen: Hi Chris and Happy Holidays! I'm going to be a little cryptic here, as I have shared my thoughts extensively with our subscribers on our Insider Lounge message board. If you're a subscriber, you can join in the conversation there. If not, what are you doing with your life? ... I have hearing names. I would advocate for LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and have been since the job opened. Marcus Freeman, I believe, has a No. 1 candidate in mind. Are they the same person? Would Denbrock consider leaving LSU? I think all of those things will reveal themselves sooner than later.

David -NY: I didn’t see Kris Mitchell on the latest scholarship/eligibility chart. Any reason for that?

Eric Hansen: Yes, I had a brain cramp, and someone pointed it out to me (maybe you) on X/Twitter, and it is fixed now.

Tom from Toronto: Hi Eric, I hope that Santa is good to you and Tyler. And it is good to hear that this year has been the best ever for you. A couple of Drew Pyne questions. As he will be returning to ND as a student, will this be on his own nickel, so to speak? Would it be possible for him to join the team as a walk-on, and if he did, would he be able to play next year or does he have to sit out the year? While this may not be a very likely scenario, one never knows when a team might need an experienced QB who is familiar with the system. Thanks.

Eric Hansen: Tom. thank you and to you as well. .... I haven't spoken to Drew but hope to in the New Year. But I'll go in precedent here. Notre Dame has had a program in place for players to come back to get their degrees at no cost to them. That was designed for players who left early for the NFL. I'm not sure it would apply to transfers, but I will check into it. I think Drew's purpose for coming back is twofold -- he wants an ND degree. And by getting a degree, he can transfer a second time without having to sit out. He wants to start somewhere. If he stayed at ND as a walk-on, he would not be a priority and would get maybe third-team reps?

Bob Loganville, GA: Eric, Do you know if Gino will be on the field or in the booth calling plays for the bowl game? If in the booth will he have a designated coach to help Angeli? Or communicate only over the phone?

Eric Hansen: Bob, thanks for a phone-a-friend (actually text a friend) lifeline, I have your answer. Gino Guidulgi will be on the sideline calling plays. New WRs coach Mike Brown notably will also be on the sideline. The eyes in the booth will be those of senior offensive analyst Caleb Carbine, who is the interim tight ends coach for the bowl game.

Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, I first want to wish you and your two amigos a Merry Christmas and some time off (eventually) with family. I remember your story of your grandmother making sure presents were given to kids despite tough finances. But for ND football… did they miss on an OL transfer or did they decide to take a pass and revisit after assessing internal talent in the spring when the next transfer window opens? Cheers-

Eric Hansen: Jeff, Happy Holidays to you and thanks for your sentiments and support. ... There is not a rich market for offensive linemen, especially offensive tackles, at the moment (which could change eventually). If you look at the Rivals transfer tracker, the No. 1 O-lineman who WAS in the portal, Oklahoma guard Cayden Green, is an interior guy and is headed to Missouri. He is the No. 9 transfer prospect overall. The next is No. 24 Chase Bisontis, a tackle for Texas A&M, who withdrew and is going back to A&M. No. 3 is a player who hasn't practiced or played in two years because of a head injury and is an interior guy. Yep, at No. 29 it's Notre Dame outgoing transfer Joey Tanona, who's headed to Purdue. Notre Dame has talent at tackle but not experienced talent. I'm going to include a screenshot from our scholarship chart. The squares go from freshman ELIGIBILITY on the left to seniors on the right. Redshirt years have been factored in. The smart move may be to wait until the spring period.

skip from Houston: How would you like to win an easy Pulitzer Prize? Please write an expose of the "facts" relating to NIL and the transfer portal. Earlier this week Laine Higgins stated in the Wall Street Journal, "Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said last month that top quarterbacks on the transfer market can fetch between $1 and $2 million". Muffet McGraw, in talking about NIL and the transfer portal said this week, "I really hate them ... now you just call a school and go, 'I want to transfer. How much are you giving me?' ... like donors saying, 'Here's a million dollars. Play quarterback for me.' " An expected 2nd day draftee was recently advised to stay in school - "you can make more money". I invite your comments and thoughts.

Eric Hansen: Skip, what is the meaning of life? Now answer that in four sentences. That's kind of what you're asking me to do. I'd want MORE than a Pulitzer if I could pull that off. How about world peace, happy/healthy grandkids and a new eBike? I think the hardest part of it is my thoughts would have a short shelf life, because the picture with both is constantly changing. My biggest concern in my reporting is can Notre Dame thrive or even exist in that world. So far, there are encouraging signs that it can. Tomorrow may be different, but for today, Notre Dame can compete.

Jules, Joliet, Il: Great job on these chats and the “Football Never Sleeps (FSN) shows. Thank you. Two questions: 1. There is a lot of discussion on the O line on the various ND shows. One name never mentioned (other than you and Tyler on FSN) is Ty Chan. Can you talk of his progression? It seems that linemen from the 23 and 24 classes are getting more consideration than he is. 2. Can you shed any light on the departure of Matt Ballis? Was it a money issue or possibly personal reasons (illness, maybe)?

Eric Hansen: Hi Jules. Really appreciate the compliments. 1. Ty Chan was a four-star Rivals250 prospect coming out of high school in Mass., whose high school development was affected somewhat by COVID-19 restrictions in that part of the country and has been affected at Notre Dame by intermittent injuries. He's a good guy to have on your roster, and has skills to gain traction at tackle or inside. Just hasn't been able to do so yet. Keep in mind he's just a sophomore/redshirt freshman. Still plenty of time. 2. Matt Balis indicated last summer that his resignation was for personal reasons. I haven't come across any info that would dispute that. And when he's ready to tell his story, I'll be happy to share it.

Len from the Jersey Shore: Hi Eric, Merry Christmas to all. A few easy ?'s for you. As an example using OT's; Blake Fischer, Josh Lugg and Tosh Baker were all considerably higher ranked recruits than Joe Alt. I think everyone would be in agreement that Joe Alt has had the better college career. Quenton Nelson was a highly ranked recruit who panned out as expected. On this signing day in your educated opinion what position groups perform closest to their rankings? Second, over the past few years I have heard stories about the need for ND to recruit better in Illinois, Ala. GA, LA, the Virginia tidewater region and Charlotte. This to be added to the traditional power states of FL, TX and CA. while keeping strong in Hawaii and the NJ private school teams. Over the past 2 seasons players from that NJ league have performed well at ND. Howard Cross and Audric Estime have garnered AA mention this year. JOB was probably the best portal addition on D. Next year it might be the DE Xfer from Duke. Why no recruits from NJ this yr.?

Eric Hansen: Len, those are easy questions? Please don't show me the hard ones. Let's start with the New Jersey question. Notre Dame signed 23 high school recruits. They came from 15 states, so the math alone means some parts of the country are going to be wondering why they were underrepresented. Just because Notre Dame didn't sign a high school player from New Jersey, doesn't mean they didn't do their due diligence in that state or that they won't go back for more in future cycles. You follow the talent, wherever it is. In the 2025 cycle, for instance, Notre Dame has players committed from Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas, Since 2010, Notre Dame has only previously signed one prospect from each of those states ... so follow the talent.

The position groups question ... small sample sizes, but I feel very good about the running backs, about the QB, about the wide receivers universally. Then it's kind of mix and match with some of the other position groups. So that's either a crummy answer or a much more difficult question than you realized. Merry Christmas.

Tim Thompson: Hello all.Last week the “click here” would not activate. Glad it is back. Throughout this season one thing that stood out to me was how often Benjamin Morrison was using poor te hnique and holding/grabbing. Thought it was just me, but looks to have been confirmed by no All-American mention. While assuming he was not targeted often, something seems to be off. Oh, Nantucket, MA.

Eric Hansen: Tim, why the click here function was missing until right before the chat was because the idiot who set it up (me) forgot to do it. It amazed me how many of you still were able to work around my mistake. We got it right this week. I'm going to leave your holding/grabbing observations to you and not question them. What I will question is equating that to the absence of All-America honors. I think if ND was in the College Football Playoff, Ben Morrison is one player who would have had more play in the postseason honor arena. He also happened to play in the same defensive backfield as the first unanimous All-American at safety in Notre Dame history. So, it's hard to give two DBs from a 9-3 team AA honors, even if deserved. BUT consider this. He played on the first Notre Dame team to finish a regular season as No. 1 in pass-efficiency defense since the stat was put into play by the NCAA decades ago. And look at the stats of the guys he covered when they played ND vs. the rest of the year. Like Marvin Harrison Jr.'s? The other DBs (and the pass rush) deserve credit too. Grabbing or no grabbing, I'll take Ben Morrison on my team all day, every day.

Tom Kennesaw, GA: Eric, our best wishes to you for a Blessed and Merry Christmas!!! These Chats are a special present every week for us chatters to open and wonder what is next. Thank you. OK, how was Miami able to flip Chris Scott, DT from Ohio St. and ND was not able to??? He was thought to be a strong Irish lean for a long time. With so many players not playing in the Sun Bowl for a variety of reasons, what can we really hope to learn from the scrimmage, oh I mean game?? Finally, what do you see as the timetable for hiring the OC?? Any NFL candidates that might prolong the decision similar to the wait for Al Golden? Is Joe Brady even a possibility?? Thanks and best wishes always. Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen: To, Merry Christmas to you too. Thank you. It wasn't for a lack of trying that Notre Dame didn't flip defensive tackle Justin Scott, who professed elite education and closeness to home in Chicago were two huge priorities ... and he ended up at Miami. I think you can do the math. .... I think the undiluted version of Notre Dame-Oregon State would have been fantastic. The 'Lite' version I think you'll be able to draw impressions from more than you will conclusions, but for me it's still fun. ...Marcus Freeman said Wednesday he's not in a hurry with the OC, but if he gains traction with a top target, it could likely move quickly. If not, it will be a longer process.

cederickwalker: ced walker saginaw michigan how many true freshmen do you see playing in 2024 here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen: Hi Ced. Assuming there are no injuries that open the door (it's a silly assumption, but it makes the question easier to answer), and we're going to assume you mean playing past a redshirt threshold and not just on special teams? I'd say maybe 8. It was 6 this year, 7 if you count Charles Jagusah, who will start at LT in the bowl game after playing just five games snaps all year.

Jim, Oakwood, OH: Merry Christmas to you and your family Eric! I was stopped in my tracks reading last week's transcript when I read the comment you made at the end of the chat. You were asked about your wish for 2024, and your answer was: "2023 was the best year of my life!" I really liked your answer because it seemed to reflect your gratitude personally for your family & friends and your professional colleagues. It was a very telling comment that reflects so favorably, IMO, upon you as a person. Congratulations. My question is: What is your wish for 2024? I wanted to alert your readers, in case they were not aware, that last summer Marcus Freeman did a Cameo (not sure about in 2024) for one of my daughter's birthday presents (and he donated the proceeds to a charity). He was fantastic. When I looked at his face on the screen talking to my daughter I saw sincerity, honesty, warmth and energy...and I wondered: How could any recruit say no to this man? Warmest wishes to you for a 2024 that is all Joy & happiness. Be well.

Eric Hansen: Hi Jim, and thanks for sharing your Marcus Freeman story and for all the nice things you said about me, deserved for not. I do try to respond when people ask me questions about myself, but it really goes against my grain. I feel like it will bore most of you to tears and that Facebook will invent a "Who Cares" button with that in mind. My 2024 wish sounds like something a Miss America contestant might say, so I'll do something less serious and say I hope these chats go on forever. I love them.

Geoff from Placentia, CA: Late to the chat and no hope of catching up before you finish, so if this question has already been asked, as it most likely will have been, please disregard my question and have a great Christmas. Preamble completed, on to the question: Is it known if Mike Denbrock has signed his extension at LSU? One would think he would be a more viable candidate if he hasn't yet signed. Thanks again.

Eric Hansen: Hi Geoff. It is my understanding that he has not signed it.

Sean Portland, OR: Hopefully not a manifesto, but I have 2 questions. 1) How important is this Sun Bowl to ND players and staff? Looks like they are having fun... with linemen running fades on the goal line. I've lived in Oregon my whole life, and have had to deal with local humiliation because of ND getting blasted by the Beavers twice in the early 2000s. I know Oregon St. doesn't mean much to Midwesterners or the East Coast, but they're a pretty good football team who has far less opt outs than ND does. The "3rd String" QB they're playing with had a better record last year than DJ Uiagaleilei did this year. Their star running back was reinstated. 2) Thomas Harpers opt out... why just radio silence from him rather than announcing it? He was a great player this year. There was a sizable drop off (in my non-professional opinion) when Clarence Lewis was on the field compared to him. Did something happen there to make his opt out a silent one?

Eric Hansen: Hi Sean, not a manifesto at all. This provides really good context for your questions. I'm here for that. What prompts me to leave questions in the queue and take others is when the observations and opinions are totally unrelated to the question and go on so for so long (and often are way off base), that it overwhelms the eventual question. Which may have been the intent all along ... ok to your questions. The players and coaches that ARE playing consider it a huge accomplishment if Notre Dame can get to 10 wins. So yeah, they're into it. 2. The Harper opt-out was a bit of an oversight. Marcus knew he was going to opt out a while ago and thought he had already announced it when Marcus had the recent press conference saying that there would be no more of them. It surprises me a little that he did. Yes, there would be a dropoff no matter who mans that position in the bowl game.

Tom in Evanston: Hi Eric. I have seen some commentary (not from you, so suspect) that claimed that Parker's issues were more poor execution rather than his play calling. Do you agree with that? Who in the coaching structure would be most responsible for poor execution?

Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. I'll try to make this succinct, especially since Parker is no longer on staff and we'll not have to unpack it for too much longer. The problems with the offense in big games were multi-tiered and kind of bled into each other. But in my opinion, let's just throw out the name Ryan Grubb of Washington. If he had been OC this year, would ND have been 9-3 .... or better? The OC doesn't coach all the positions, but he's the leader on that side of the ball. Ultimately, he is responsible, and so is Marcus Freeman as the head coach for helping the players execute to their potential.

Scubatvt56: Eric,wishing you a very merry Christmas from TN. Easy question for ya. Would you rather have a meal of Chilean Sea Bass or an Azars Big Boy Burger while contemplating how many ND degrees Joe Alt has?

Eric Hansen: Oh, I almost hurt myself laughing. Ow. I'll take the Burger. A big Azar's bye week Cheeseburger!

murphjd: Do you believe they will ever move Junior back to his natural position at MLB? I think he is being wasted at Vyper. Thanks.

Eric Hansen: I think he's kind of outgrown it. Even if he slimmed down and changed his body, I don't think he could beat out Drayk Bowen or Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. I do really like Junior Tuihalamaka as a player. Very smart, but not ideal height for a vyper and not the ideal skill set. If he went playing in 2012, he'd be the perfect linebacker, but football has changed so much.

Bob from NJ: Eric, love the chats and wishing you a Merry Christmas. With the surprise announcement about Jagusah at left tackle for the bowl game, does the staff believe there is quality options behind Wagner, Baker if ne of them leaves. Second, do we know the track times of the incoming receivers to give us a perspective of how fast they really are compared to perceived SEC speed. Thanks.

Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Bob. I think if Baker or Wagner were to leave, ND would have no choice but to hit the portal ... not because there's no talent, but a lot of it is still in the oven. Of the other young guys beyond Jagusah, keep an eye on incoming freshman Guerby Lambert. ... As far as track times, I don't have time, without pausing the chat, to track down the track times, real or embellished, from the incoming recruits. I do know Marcus loves the speed. And track speed doesn't always tell the story. Decades ago, I covered one of the top sprinters in Indiana high school track history and yet he didn't make our Hammond area all-area team in football. And yet had a scholarship to Notre Dame. It didn't translate. Remember Rusty Setzer? I didn't think so.

Matt in Augusta NJ: Will J.Love be the feature back? I would love to see him get 20 touches, maybe even some from the slot? Faison’s agility really stands out. When did the staff realize they had a gem? Did it take other players disappointing for him to get a shot? Or they couldn’t keep him off the field? I’m really curious to see who gets the spots in 2024 on the offensive line. Have any favorites?

Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. Yes on Jeremiyah Love, but I think if Jadarian Price or Gi'Bran Payne get a hot hand, RBs coach Deland McCullough will ride the hot hand. ... With Faison, the moment he showed up for fall camp. All of us did. ... The calculus on Faison was that he was on a lacrosse scholarship, and once he played that had to become a football scholarship per NCAA rules. So there was a long-term commitment involved, and the combination of his strong skills and injuries to others, opened that door. There are no favorites, I think there will be lots of competition for the O-line spots.

Tom from Sister Lakes MI: Hi Eric, Who cares about signing day, Parker leaving, potential new OC's, the latest transfer portal in or out. The big question that inquiring minds want to know after last week's chat: why was this year the best for you?!! 😁 Merry Christmas.

Eric Hansen: Haha Tom. Do I really want to put people to sleep this close to the end of the chat? The list is really too long to share. But I will share one aspect. When you take a leap of faith that takes you way out of your comfort zone and it pays off a hundred fold beyond your wildest dreams, it's life-changing. Merry Christmas.

Rich Key West: Based on all the turnover with the head coaches in the NCAA, do you see any deposed coaches that may be good candidates for the Irish Offensive Coordinator position? For that matter any potential with the NFl coaches currently seeking employment?

Eric Hansen: Nope and nope. Not at this time.

Matt from DC: With the season (mostly) in the rear view, and in honor of signing day, who do you view as the biggest recruiting miss from the 2023 class? The biggest portal miss?

Eric Hansen: DT Justin Scott as a recruit was the biggest miss, and there weren't a bunch of them. The portal parade is still going, so I can't answer that one yet. They've hit on most of their targets there so far.

Michael from Atlanta: Eric! Merry Christmas! Hope all is well with you and your family. Are you surprised that almost all assistant coaches decided to stay at ND with Marcus Freeman vs. going with Kelly to LSU or looking around for another gig? What did they see in Marcus that made them stay? In some cases, like with Rees, he had a new contract with ND but what about the others-some who had worked with Kelly for a long time and may not have known Freeman well? Do they love ND or trust Marcus more or is it just a job and they didn't want to uproot their families, etc.? I completely understand if you need to keep their reasons anonymous. Your answer may be better in a detailed story.

Eric Hansen: OK Michael, have you been sampling the eggnog without inviting me? This feels like it was supposed to be asked in December of 2021?

11mickeypenscla@att.net: can you tell me what happened with c.j. carrs fifth star?, he not only didnt get it, but he dropped from a #20 national rank to # 50. he held that #20 national rank for a long time, my friend in pensacola, who is a huge N.D. fan said if he was going to play for any other school, like alabama, ohio state, ga., ect. he would already be a five star. what happened to drop his rank so low? do you think my friend is right, that rivles just doesn't give N.D. players much credit.

Eric Hansen: Hey Mickey ... isn't that the start of a song? OK, to your question. The Irish had four players in the top 50, and three of the four jumped significantly from the last ratings reveal, so I'm not sure it's fair to say Rivals has a grudge against ND. As far as CJ Carr, I think Rivals will be wrong, but they reserve their top 32 spots for players they project as future first-round NFL Draft picks. And they couldn't get over the hump with CJ. Again, you and I disagree with Rivals, and we can gloat down the road if we're right and delete this conversation if we're wrong.

Ken from Steel City, PA: Hi Eric, short and to the point this week. I hope you and your family have a happy holiday season and it's filled with much joy. 1) Did MF have an idea that Parker was considering moving on or was this a surprise? 2) how would this have changed the Stuckey situation? 3) I have read ND is looking external for the next one. Will this happen? 4) How excited are you about the 2024 class and can we expect any additional transfers in? Thanks again!

Eric Hansen: Ken, same to you on the holiday wishes ... 1) He knew he was in the mix for the Troy job before he landed it and he's always prepared to lose assistants. He said last winter that EVERY one of his assistants had at least one job offer or serious interview opportunity to go somewhere else. 2) I don't think the Stuckey situation would have changed. 3) Yes, I believe it will ultimately happen. 4) I like the class a lot and yes I'd expect more incoming transfers, which means there also must be more attrition.

Pogo in Springfield, Mo.: 1. I have seen many posts recently who think ND will be significantly better next year. Why? I see a lot of talent leaving, especially WRs, Estime, and two great tackles. Incoming portal guys have not played a down for ND and I can't see, from my experience, how this team can be expected to be better. 2. Is the Leonard transfer a good thing long term? I see it as a case of damned if you do or don't, but lean more toward a long term problem.

Eric Hansen: Hi Pogo. Players leave every year. Really good players. That's why recruiting (both high school and portal) and development are so important. Not just at ND, but at other schools with national title aspirations. You may be right in your assessment. Again, if Xavier Watts comes back and the defense can stay healthy, it can win a lot of games even with the offense having some question marks and a lot of new faces. 2. As I mentioned in the transfer story published today, Marcus doesn't plan on making a portal transfer QB an annual thing. I've gotten this question a lot and people who want to debate my stance and that will probably continue for quite some time. I think it was the right move and I think it's the right move to open up the competition. I wish I could go deeper into this, but am out of time.

Bob (Oxnard CA): How did the tackles look in practice?

Eric Hansen: Bob, they stretched well and some ran good pass routes. I am not kidding. We were kicked out after 15 minutes of drills, not in full pads and not in competitive periods. I wish I had more to share, because it's a question I'd want answered if I were on your side of things.

Matt (KC): Quickfire Five: 1. Is it unreasonable to think next year ND could have at least 4 1st round NFL draft picks in Mills, Leonard, Morrison, and maybe one other (Oben, Cross, Watts)? 2. My son desperately wants to know where you think Audric Estime may go in the draft (round and team) and please can he come to the Chiefs? 3. How would you describe the new strength coach and what his program may look like at Notre Dame? 4. Did we have any behavior or attitude issues on the team and pushed them out in the portal, don't have to name names, but was it all love and we wish you luck or did we have bad seeds to get rid of too? 5. Let's go win this bowl game, but I am going to do it, I am sorry, score prediction for Texas A&M next fall? Happy Holidays!

Eric Hansen: Give me just a second Matt. quick phone call I've got to take.

Matt, these are too hard LOL. 1. Too ambitious. 2. He'll get pushed down some because of positional value. Not a reflection of talent ... Second day pick? Not sure to what team. 3. Innovative, sport science-heavy. 4. I didn't get that sense, 5. 99 to negative-2. Matt, we don't even know who's playing for each team? How am I supposed to guess a score? If I am right, you need to not only buy me a beer, you have to walk it from KC and deliver it in person. Then open it for me, Notre Dame 27-21.

OK, there were some great questions that were just too broad and deep, but interesting that would have consumed the whole chat, mostly related to NIL and stuff like that. Maybe another day .. in the offseason. Thanks for all the great questions. Happy Holidays. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.

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