Chat Transcript: ND's pathway to victory, early indicators, Te'o aftermath
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat for this special Tuesday edition.
We'll be shifting back to Wednesdays next week (at noon EDT) and should remain in that time/day slot for the rest of the regular season.
A quick plug, I'll be part of the 2022 NDSA Football Kickoff Event presented by the Notre Dame Senior Alumni Group on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m. ET, with Pat Scanlon, Mike Golic and Jamie Uyeyama. If you want to submit questions for us, you can send them to Pat here: ndsa.midwest@alumni.nd.edu ... and if you want to watch live, you can do so here: https://my.nd.edu/networks/events/29379
As for today's chat, PLEASE include your name and hometown along with your question(s). With no further blathering, let's roll.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Do you feel ND will be able to run the ball against OSU especially when OSU will not fear ND passing game?
Eric Hansen: Well, Ohio State would be making a huge mistake if it doesn't at least respect the Irish passing game. Or else the Buckeyes are going to get sick of hearing Michael Mayer's name announced over the P.A. system. But Jim Knowles' defensive concept has long been built around stopping the run first, getting opponents in long third-down scenarios and then bringing pressure. That was especially true during his run at Oklahoma State. I don't see why that would change with the new OSU. The teams that gave Ohio State's defense the biggest fits in 2021 were those that could run the ball and eclipsed the 200-yard rushing mark. With a QB who averaged more than 7 yards a rush last season, that needs to be a goal for the Irish. If ND can stay balanced, I believe it has the O-line and the backs to run the ball effectively on Sept. 3 -- and beyond. That's a big reason you go out and lure Harry Hiestand out of retirement.
Fred from Richmond: Eric, nice to see you doing the chats again, it's a pleasure reading your insights. The magic is about to begin, can we beat Ohio State? I like the fact that we now have a mobile quarterback which should help our running game. Do you feel we have the passing game to keep OSU and other teams from loading up to stop the run. Being an Akron Ohio native who grew up a Notre Dame fan, and whose family had a close relationship with Coach Parseghian, it would be a wonderful victory so I can finally give my OSU buddies some grief. Can we do it?
Eric Hansen: Hi Fred. Thanks for the compliments and jumping in with a question today. I do think the oddsmakers are on point in making Ohio State a double-digit favorite. But I do believe there's a narrow path to victory for Notre Dame. ... The Irish must win the line of scrimmage on both sides. That means limiting the Ohio State run game. ND must win the turnover battle. And the Irish probably need some special teams gold at some point. They really need to check all those boxes, because Ohio State can outscore and outrun a lot of its mistakes.
Greg: Greg from Charleston, SC. Any talk of ND going back to putting the player's names on the jerseys this year? It seems it would help in this NIL era. Thanks
Eric Hansen: Greg, I normally cringe a bit on uniform questions, just because they're off the relevance scale for me, but this one is a really good one. I wish I had an equally good answer, but I promise to look into it -- and report it if it's affirmative.
Jorge, Rowlett, Texas: Jorge, Rowlett, TX Good day Eric... I don't know if you've had a chance to watch the Manti Te’o Doc, but it's fantastic! The toll the whole catfishing thing did on him was evident and I don't think he's fully recovered, although it seems he's on the way to getting there. My question for you is, at the time Manti was at Notre Dame, did you ever get the sense he wasn't happy? He was very honest in the Doc about his love for USC and how hard his time at Notre Dame was, the first year or two anyway. And a follow up question, Jack Swarbrick took part in the Doc, but Brian Kelly didn't nor any of the staff that was there at the time all this took place. Has Manti been a part of anything with the program since he left Notre Dame? It almost seemed like he wanted (or maybe Notre Dame wanted) to sweep this whole situation under the rug and pretend it didn't happen. Really appreciate you taking the time to reading my question Eric. Keep up the great work!!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jorge. Thank you for the kind words. I have not had a chance to watch the documentary yet, but have heard from many who have. I do plan to get to it here in the next few weeks. I'm not sure unhappy would be how I would have described Manti Te'o during his time at ND, but I knew it wasn't easy and I believed he knew he was signing up for "not easy." I got to know his family well and some media members in Hawaii. Amazing people who provided insight. I think Robby Toma being at ND was huge for Manti. ... To your follow-up, he's been back on campus at least once, but I can't remember it being a formal setting or anything like that. I don't think ND wanted to sweep it under the rug. They always valued what he did for ND. I think the difficulty was maybe ND's own fan base wasn't sure how to process his time at ND until the documentary came out.
The reaction from the Notre Dame community to the doc has been overwhelmingly positive. Maybe now finally is the time for Manti to feel like Notre Dame is home again.
Jamie Heflin, Conifer Colorado: Coach Freeman has stated he wants to run the ball at will. Without knowing what the offense is really going to look like I did hear 2 back sets or split gun are in the forecast. That leads me to believe pistol sets with Buchner’s run ability will be very much in play as well. A two-back set really opens tight end play, but Mayer is a nightmare matchup for any defense. Just hoping we see a more dynamic offense in 2022. Last season there were times the offense sputtered in the second half where defenses had made adjustments. Hoping in the new era we adjust quickly to respond. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Jamie, it sounds like you have a better scouting report than Ohio State does, if your sources are accurate. What we can agree upon is the Notre Dame offense needs to be and should be more dynamic in 2022, in spite of some injury issues. An elite offensive line is the first (but not only) step in making that happen. And I believe ND's offensive line will be elite sooner than later. So much is tied to Tyler Buchner's development timeline. I know Tommy Rees in the offseason worked tirelessly in evolving his own playbook concepts. As long as Michael Mayer and Tyler Buchner stay healthy, I think ND has a chance to be an improved offense in 2022.
Jacob, Hobart, IN: Braden Lenzy showed big play ability in 2019, but has relatively struggled the last couple years. 1) What has been the main cause (injuries, scheme, depth chart)? 2) Do you think he will overcome those struggles and be ND's "home run" threat this year and/or will he be more of a complete WR since that group is so thin?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jacob. Injuries have been at the forefront. One step forward, two steps back at times. Braden Lenzy came back for a reason, to finally put it all together. He's had a good camp so far. I'm eager to see if we see the best version of him this season. ... I think he can be a home run threat, but I think it's necessary for him to be complete. I actually think the most dangerous deep threat on the roster is Lorenzo Styles.
Bob, Goshen, IN: I noticed Coach Freeman was in the Vegas Shamrock Series uniform unveil and the Manning Knute Rockne play recreation. Is that his decision or is it coming from his boss? And what do you is the motivation for it? My guess would be recruiting/creating his brand. And it's not a criticism, just an observation.
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. It's not a decision coming from his boss. It's ideas and suggestions from his boss and others in Fighting Irish Media that Marcus Freeman has embraced as building the brand (as you say) and presenting that side of Marcus and ND football to recruits. The feedback I've received is that it's working.
Drew- From Alexandria VA: Should Irish fans be concerned that our game day punter and kicker will likely be portal transfers (Sot and Grupe) rather than scholarship players (McFerson and Bryan)?
Eric Hansen: Why? Transfers are a part of every good team out there (and some bad ones too). There's nothing wrong with Notre Dame's player development model. If there was, that would be cause for concern. But to amp up the competition at a particular position or fill holes with the portal, I think, is smart.
Joey G Philadelphia, Pa: Hi Brian, There was so much excitement from the fan base a month ago in regards to recruiting. Some fans bashed Kelly for not being a great recruiter.With Keeley de-committing and rumors of the 2023 class imploding I’ve noticed Kelly has a LSU 2023 class ready to surpass ND’s. Seems like the ND fan base is putting pressure on young Freeman to out due Kelly. Are the rumors true? And who do you think ends up with the higher class LSU or ND?
Eric Hansen: Brian?
Eric Hansen: I'm not sure what rumors you are referring to, so I will leave those to "Brian" to address. ... As far as fans putting pressure on Marcus Freeman ... I don't see it and I certainly don't think he feels it. I think where it's important to outdo Brian Kelly is when they go head to head for an elite prospect. And the Irish notably have won those battles for CB Christian Gray and LB Jaiden Ausberry, the latter a Baton Rouge, La., product.
Mike from Rochester NY: Hi, Eric, hope you’re having a great summer. I felt so bad for Avery Davis when he was injured again. Can he return next year if he wants to? Can they move Braden Lenzy to the slot or is there something about the slot position that doesn’t suit Braden’s skill set?
Eric Hansen: Hey Mike. The summer has been great, thanks. There are players that have been able to use the COVID exemption to get a seventh season (former Irish DL Micah Dew-Treadway got one at Minnesota, for instance). I think it would take some innovative paperwork and petitioning for Avery Davis to do the same. Going into this season, he was using his COVID exemption ticket. ... As for Braden, I think he could play the slot and that may indeed happen with Avery sidelined. Most of the receivers are learning more than one of the receiver positions. The exception is Xavier Watts, who is just learning one to ease his growth curve.
Steve from Toledo, Ohio: Eric, with Michael Mayer at 265 it appears he'll be in- line and not flexed much of the time. In watching the Oklahoma vs Oklahoma St game, the Sooners used flexed tight ends against inbox safeties who were filling against the run. Are Riordan or Staes far enough along to flex in a 22 formation and attack OSU safeties who will be crashing the line in run support against a two back offense? Their size and athleticism could be a huge factor in this game. Hopefully Freeman will be more willing to use freshmen than the past regime.
Eric Hansen: You must not have seen any of our practice videos. Be prepared to see him line up detached, attached, in the slot, etc. And yes, Eli Raridon and Holden Staes show the ability to flex out. In fact, that may be their strongest skill set at this point.
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Eric Hansen: Ok, Ced, you realize if you're correct, this could become a regular gig for you?
Bill from St Joe, MI: Hi Eric, Do you have an update on Patterson…if he’s not available for Ohio State, who do you think is the current favorite to fill the void, Andrew or Rocco?
Eric Hansen: Bill, I think we'll have a very good idea by Marcus Freeman's Monday press conference. That's the next time we have access to him, and it will be 14 days out from when the injury first occurred. The process called for complete rest for 7-10 days. Jarrett Patterson was on one of those scooter things on Monday. We have media practice windows (the last two of the season) on Wednesday (day 9) and Thursday (day 10), so that seems just a little early to be back into practicing. ... So far from what we've seen in practice, Andrew Kristoric and Rocco Spindler have both been getting reps in Patterson's absence, and Kristofic appears to have the edge.
Tom Kennesaw, GA: Hi Eric, well we are getting closer to Game Time!!! A quick side note, we went to the Braves single A farm team game last week. Very good baseball and VERY affordable. Saw Mike Soroka pitch his first rehab start. Struck out 8 of the 9 men he faced. I know you enjoy a good baseball story. As for the Irish, I'm really anxious to see the TE's other than Mayer play and see what they can do. From what you have seen, how do you think each TE will be utilized? Raridon looks like he could be more of a split out TE to force some favorable matchups. Thanks for your help with this. Also, did the safety from Northwestern ever play at OSU? Hope he did so that he will have some idea of what to expect. Thanks again for all your help answering all of our questions. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. I actually went to a single-A baseball game on Sunday. First baseball game I've been to as a fan since before the pandemic. What a blast. The South Bend team is the Cubs' affiliate. They played a team called the Beloit Sky Carp. ... It's been a good camp for Notre Dame tight ends. Raridon and Staes, I think, are most dangerous detached. Kevin Bauman is you're do-everything guy. He can block. He's very good in the red zone. Cane Berrong has had his moments. Probably also projects more as a flex TE, thought he's at least up to 243 now. ... Brandon Joseph faced Ohio State twice ... as a true freshman in 2019 (one tackle), and in the Big Ten Championship Game in 2020 (5 tackles, 1 pick, 1 PBU vs Justin Fields). Neither of those games were in Columbus.
Bob Corrao from Bermuda: Do you see any of the current commitments being elevated to five-star status following their senior seasons? .
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob in Bermuda. Rivals generally settles on 32 five-stars at the very end of the cycle. Right now DE Brenan Vernon is No. 25. So if he just maintains, he'll end up a five-star. LB Drayk Bowen looks like a five-star to me. He's No. 41, and his Indiana Class 2A team plays against schools in larger enrollment classes every week. S Peyton Bowen is a possibility. He rocketed up to No. 47 from No. 93 in the last rankings and plays on a very good Texas team. I'd say CB Christian Gray (55) and OT Charles Jagusah (107) have a chance for a boost in All-Star settings in January. Realistically, I would not expect more than two from that group to end up as five-stars.
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric. First, I want to recognize the amazing positive attitude reflected in the statements/actions of Davis and Watts during the past week - excellent representatives of the school and football program. For my question, it seems the current 2023 quarterback recruiting situation might be labeled as “Run Silent, Run Deep” (putting aside any copyright considerations with the 1958 classic movie on WWII submarine warfare). News on Minchey is almost non-existent, and I am not hearing any other serious prospects mentioned. Can you shed any light here? Thanks much-
Eric Hansen: Jeff, I love the creativity in your questions. Sometime this season, when the caffeine on a late night won't do the trick, I may turn to you. ... I think why you're not hearing much is because recruiting is in an NCAA-mandated dead period until the start of the season. So when visits can start happening again (ND has September home dates on the 10th and 17th), that's the time to start paying attention again. The possibility of flipping Pitt commit Kenny Minchey won't gain any traction until/unless he schedules a visit. Same with Kansas State commit Avery Johnson, with whom the Irish have re-engaged. The coaching staff will also look at QBs who are having strong senior seasons that they hadn't previously considered. Brandon Wimbush several years ago was that kind of prospect. They took a hard pass on him after his junior season. He committed to Penn State. Then he made a huge leap as a senior. The Irish flipped him and signed him.
Roger from Cincinnati: Blake Bowers from Georgia is the consensus first-team preseason All-American TE, and Michael Mayer is the consensus second-team TE. Is this ranking consistent with how the NFL rates the two? I understand that Bowers is not draft eligible at the end of the year but I am curious who is thought of as the better pro prospect. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Wow, two really great players. It's difficult to split hairs with them. I would expect both to be first-rounders. Michael Mayer is bigger (6-5, 265) vs. 6-4, 230. I see that as an advantage for him. I think Blake Bowers may get the tie-breaking votes in college based on TD receptions and playing for the national champs.
Bill milford: Thanks for these great insights
Eric Hansen: Thanks for the great compliment.
Marie from Atlanta: hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. Now that you have seen multiple practices, which of the new coaches has impressed you the most? Which position group do you think has shown the most improvement from the spring? Which position group are you still the most concerned about? On an unrelated topic, which do you think is more likely, the issues with NIL are resolved within five years, or all the teams that are currently following the rules, including Notre Dame, break down and allow for a collective to form and entice kids to sign with their school? As sad as it is, it seems that may end up being the only way to stay competitive in the college football in the future. As always, thanks for all your great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie, Thanks. I hope you're having a great week yourself. I mean, if Harry Hiestand counts as a new coach, game over. But he's got a lot of competition. It's hard for me to remember a staff I've been more impressed with overall -- before they've all coached together in a game, at least. I'm going to go with WRs coach Chansi Stuckey. It's stunning how polished he is for a guy who hasn't been doing this for very long. On your NIL question, I think it's more likely there will be a level playing field within five years (with still some cheating like there's always been), than it is that we'll have wholesale cheating. I don't think that model is sustainable even for the cheaters.
Tadd: I’m from STL and interested in STL recruit Tyson Ford. How does he look in practice? Will he be redshirted?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tadd. Hope you're enjoying Pujols-palooza. Tyson Ford shows signs of being someone on a strong trajectory for the future. Because ND is so deep across the defensive line, it is likely he'll be redshirted ... But not because he's failing to live up to expectations. That's not the case.
Paul, Toronto: Hi Eric, how has Chris Smith looked in camp and what kind of impact will he have for the Irish.
Eric Hansen: Hi Paul. Chris Smith is off-the-charts strong. Nice depth piece. Has some schematic flexibility in that he can play in a 4-3 front and seems ideal for a 3-4 nose guard. Nice portal pickup.
Andrew from Wash DC: There has been high praise for the freshman DB's (Morrison and, especially, Mickey), but not much news on the DB classes just above them. Are Tucker, Riley, or Barnes going to have much impact this season? And do you believe Mickey has the type of ability to potentially supplant Clarence Lewis as a starter this season?
Eric Hansen: Ryan Barnes had the best spring of that sophomore group. Chance Tucker has had the best fall camp among those three. If you are grouping them by threes -- it'd be Hart-Bracy-Lewis (1s). Mickey-Morrison-Tucker (2s). Barnes-Riley-Bellamy (3s). Right now Bracy is playing every down and slides to nickel when they go to three corners on the field. It's possible Jaden Mickey could work into that top group, but I see an improved Clarence Lewis this camp. We'll get some better insight into the groups when the media gets CBs coach Mike Mickens and the corners on Thursday night this week.
Don in Phoenix: Eric, Hope all is well in South Bend. Excited for the season. My over/under is 9 and 3. Although the D seems solid, the corners need to prove themselves and with Marist recently having few practice mentions the LBs may be a little slow. The O has concerns as well. Receiver depth, new QB, and thin RB depth. Also Coach Freeman is leading the team for his second game against OSU. What do we need to see in the first three games that will make 10 or 11 wins realistic? What are the groups that have the most risk with execution putting 8 or 9 wins in play? Thanks and love the coverage.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don and thanks. I still have this team on a 10-2 trajectory. Besides staying healthy, here's what you need to see to believe you have underestimated this group. 1) Buchner needs to be in the top 25 nationally in passing efficiency. The best defensive teams ND will face come later in the season. That gives him a chance to improve over time before he faces his biggest challenges. 2) ND has to be much, much better at running the ball, and better at stopping the run. IN BIG GAMES. 3) The Irish face four teams in the first five weeks that were in the top 17 nationally in total offense. If the ND defense can withstand and improve during that stretch, look out. 4) The Marist Liufau situation is perplexing. If he is not 100 percent, they need Prince Kollie to emerge in the linebacker rotation. 5) This needs to be a team that's very good in turnover margin and opportunistic on special teams. The CBs and WRs and quarterbacks have the most to prove, have the most risk in making you right about nine wins (or fewer).
Adam (Dayton, OH): Hi Eric, thanks again for the best chats in the business. Sept 3rd is looming large. I think ND fans are almost taking it for granted that ND will have an advantage on the lines of scrimmage, but I'm not so sure. Ohio State has blue chips on both of their lines, and the matchup of ND's defensive ends vs. OSU's tackles, and ND's tackles vs. OSU's defensive ends will be fascinating. 1.) If the line of scrimmage battle is a "push", does ND have any chance to win? 2.) Concerned about Marist Liafau's lack of practice...is everything ok there? 3.) Rightly worried about ND's secondary and their inability to match up with Buckeye receivers. But, are ND's linebackers and even bigger worry/liability? I fear that Ryan Day is scheming ways to get JSN and company matched up on a backer. Will we see a healthy dose of Tariq Bracy and Jaden Mickey, perhaps?
Eric Hansen: Adam, thank you. I don't think ND has a pathway to victory without controlling both lines of scrimmage. Even if it's not a tremendous edge. They need to win there. Ohio State's skill is too good. ... Yes also concerned about Marist Liufau. I talked to him at length in July for a story I'll do as soon as I am confident he is 100 percent. I talked to him again during camp. He assures he's fine, but actions speak louder than words. 3) I think ND's defense will make sure it gets good matchups. And I think you'll see some creativity in packages when it comes to third downs.
Cory from Greenville, SC: Eric, thanks so much for these!!! I'll try to keep this brief, is there any reason we should be excited about the red zone during the OSU game? Here's why I ask, a) Stroud is not touted as a 'running' QB. I know he can run, but not to the extent of how Buchner can be used as a runner. b) I'd like to think we'd have the advantage on both lines, especially the defensive line near the red zone (forcing Stroud to make the quickest of decisions). c) And finally, though OSU has a fantastic RB, I feel like we have a stable that can do just as much, this also goes back to the idea that our lines of scrimmage will have an advantage. For those reasons, can we believe this could play out as a bend-don't-break game? Holding to red zone FGs instead of TDs? Thanks again!
Eric Hansen: Well Cory, let's start with what those teams looked like in the red zone last season. Ohio State was 11th in red zone offense and Notre Dame 32nd (out of 130), up from 84th over the last six games of the season. Ohio State was 88th in red zone defense. ND was 39th. To your point about red zone field goals vs. red zone TDs, that could turn out to be a huge factor. Red zone can be an overstated stat a lot of times. You are right, I believe, in citing it as a factor to watch in this particular game.
Jason: With USC moving to the big10, are there talks to get them to play at ND the last weekend in November? They can't just stay in California all November anymore after all.
Eric Hansen: It's actually ND's preference to end the season in California and not at home against a California team (or anyone else). And yes, there are talks about keeping the tradition of playing USC in October at home every other year and in LA in late November on the off years after the move to the Big Ten. That's the desire for both teams, and it seems that the Big Ten is on board with that.
John - Palmyra, PA: Tom Rees will determine how close the game is in Columbus. I believe ND can win by multiple scores (barring no injuries/TO’s). I have watched for 30 years the Irish be unable to sustain drives game in and game out for an entire season. Desperately seeking a few 15 play drives against elite talent that aren’t sustained by a defensive penalty. I know Tommy won’t be throwing and catching, but his preparedness despite the injuries is THE key to this top 5 win! Thoughts? Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: John. I'm not putting as much on Tommy Rees' shoulders in this particular game. Notre Dame has to be at its best in so many areas, including Rees' realm. What I do agree with is maybe your in-between-the-lines assertion that this is a big SEASON for Rees, given his growth, given his potential and given his autonomy to do what he wants without a lot of handbrakes in his way.
Matt J, Santa Rosa Beach, FL: Is there any shot that ND gets back in with Keon Keeley? Is he opening up to take officials (which ND doesn't want their commits taking)? Or is he completely eliminating ND? They've gotten back in with a standout DL recruit in the past after he decommitted (Tuitt).
Eric Hansen: Matt here is a history -- not a long one -- but a history nonetheless of decommitments coming back full circle. Stephon Tuitt, Aaron Lynch and Braden Lenzy come to mind. I wouldn't write it completely off, but the dynamic in the decision-making in Keon Keeley's corner has changed. His friendships have changed. If he is not the key decision-maker when he signs, there's no chance. That's just my opinion.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, < 2 weeks until game 1. There is so much I am looking forward to learning about this year’s Irish team; new coaches, changing leadership styles, changes in culture and how they all relate to level of play, consistent intensity and mistakes. Obviously the players believe in the coaching staff. But are the coaches making the right assertions? Along those lines as best as you can please explain the following: Why do the coaches believe chatter & brashness shows confidence? (Jaden Mickey etc.) Why does MF believe leadership should not be so much by example but by a willingness to confront players to obtain accountability? Amber Selking is gone. With this new style of brashness and confrontation being promoted, what stops the players from pointing fingers at each other to obtain accountability as they see it when faced with adversity during a game? It won’t be the training by Ms. Selking? Your thoughts are appreciated. BTW-I am hoping the collective power of the O/D line units keeps all others in line.
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. I appreciate your questions. I kind of got hung up oin assertions contained within them that I don't agree with. Why do coaches believe chatter and brashness shows confidence. The chatter doesn't matter if they can't back it up with strong play. And it's not a prerequisite, but it's not discouraged either. As far as leadership, it's not one or the other. You can demand accountability from your teammates. And if you do so, you better darn well be a great leader by example. So to me, those are not conflicting concepts. This is a team that's very tight-knit. You can see unselfishness throughout. So why would it self-destruct when there's adversity? I guess I ended up asking more questions than you did.
Jerry from Dallas: Eric: Many thanks for all your good work over the years. What have been your most pleasant surprises on both Offense and Defense so far? What areas on both Offense and Defense still need some work? Again, thanks.
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Jerry. Those surprises have evolved over fall camp. I'd say Chris Smith and Benjamin Morrison at this point on defense. Holden Staes and Gi'Bran Payne on offense. WRs and CBs need the most work.
Guest: Is transcript available?
Eric Hansen: Is this a trick question? Shortly after the chat ends, there will be one. Always.
Eric Hansen: Jeff Kohler, I'd love to answer your question in the chat format. Unfortunately, it's a book. Maybe I'll do my own documentary on that. There's a TON that the public doesn't know that got lost in the Deadspin narrative. I'm not sure it would be interesting to the average person.
Norris from Singer Island, Fla.: Thanks for all the light you shed on ND sports! ND lost two 5 Star players to NIL recruiting money, plain and simple. How does MF compete against the immediate carrot when he can only offer the future?
Eric Hansen: Same way he would if cheating were happening in a different, more clandstine fashion. Outwork, outsmart and stick to your values and principles. That's not 100 percent effective, but it is the best approach.
Baker Jim - Carmel, IN: With our 5-star recruit decommitting, what is your opinion of 1. the early commitments knowing some may 'flake' and decommit? and 2. How much ESPN and other sources put into the 'rankings' of the 2023 (and other) classes?
Eric Hansen: Possible decommits are the price to pay for recruiting elite student-athletes -- early, late or in between. .. I don't understand the second part of your question... sorry.
Guest: Rick from Lake Forest, CA What do you hear about the WR from Santa Margarita HS who is a legacy?
Eric Hansen: Emmett Mosley? He's a top 250 prospect in the 2024 class who Notre Dame likes a lot and and are solidly in the mix with him.
Mike from costa calif.: It seems as though Tosh Baker under performed. Eric, what is the story with him ? Thank You
Eric Hansen: He's had some injuries, but the biggest impediment to playing time may be two future first-round draft picks at tackle playing in front of him.
Jason: Is it too late to look for a transfer at WR? If not, is it something the staff is looking into?
Eric Hansen: Way too late. And there's nothing left.
Eric Hansen: Ok, speaking of late, I've got to run to another commitment. Thanks for all the great questions. A reminder we'll be back to Wednesday at noon ET, starting next week. Thanks again for your participation or just lurking.
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