Chat Transcript: Postseason hypotheticals, portal priorities beyond QBs
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, USC/Thanksgiving/Black Friday edition.
Some quick programming notes:
► If you haven’t already, check out this week’s Inside ND Sports podcast presented by Dead Soxy with our special guest Bob Morton. Lots of great insight from the former Notre Dame offensive lineman. Among the topics discussed are the improvement the Irish have shown this season, his memories of the USC rivalry, making the trip to California on Thanksgiving weekend, quarterback Drew Pyne's evolution, the talent shown by right tackle Blake Fisher and left tackle Joe Alt, how the Irish should attack the Trojans on Saturday and more.
► Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week with the week’s headlines, a full review of ND’s snow-globe waxing of Boston College, a bowl outlook, viewer questions and a USC game preview — all with minimal glitches. The show will run every Monday night at 7 ET the rest of the football season. If you can’t catch us live, you can watch anytime during the week, as the show keeps its shelf life going through the entire week leading up to the next game.
We WILL do the chat next Wednesday at its normal time (noon EST), to talk about the USC game, look ahead to the bowl options, talk recruiting, etc.
As for today's chat, please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Let's get started.
Kevin-Sleepy Eye, Minn.: Eric!!! Let's talk future college playoff format. Will a win Saturday get us to top 12 for a playoff berth? I feel we are a good example of why college football has always needed expansion. Will it happen before 2026? I cannot wait for expansion!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Kevin. If this were the first year of the 12-team playoff, a win over a top 5 USC team on the road would be good enough to get the Irish into the top 12. They're 15th in the CFP rankings this week, and the teams directly in front of them wouldn't necessarily have to all lose for the Irish to jump them. The playoff expansion, as you mentioned, is scheduled to go into effect for the 2026 season. However, the College Football Management Committee is tasked with trying to move up that timetable. Per reports, 2024 is in play but probably too quick. Doing so in 2025 is more realistic.
Joey G. Phila, Pa: Hi Eric, Hope all is well! Kenny Minchey was a good late addition for the 2023 Class! I’m not a big fan of Tommy Rees! I believe Rees misplayed this position from the start. It should’ve been Jackson Arnold from the start. Especially with his connection with Peyton Bowen. This would’ve all but assured Bowen’s commitment. Jury still out on that. Would be a huge loss. QB development is crucial especially with the QB room ND will have going into next season. This is an area Rees has failed miserably at over the last 6 years. As QB coach I’ll put Rees on par with Del Alexander’s inability to develop his position group. This is why it is so important to land an experienced QB in the portal. Competition I believe breeds success. Can ND afford to keep Tommy Rees and possibly waist another year in the pursuit of a CFP berth? Do you think this season was a wasted chance at the playoff considering our failure to examine the portal for a QB? The portal may or may not be the answer. But it’s worth a shot.
Eric Hansen: Hi Joey. Let me start with the end of your questions and work my way back. Yes, I think Notre Dame needs to look for and bring in a quality and experienced quarterback to compete with those on the existing roster this spring and summer for the starting spot in 2023. Did ND cost itself a playoff spot by not doing the same thing in the last cycle? Unless, the Irish went after Kedon Slovis — who's having a miserable year at this new school, Pitt — December was too hectic to vet and land a quality transfer. in order to compete in the spring. Could ND have pursued someone after spring? Sure, but the coaching staff liked what they saw in the top two players on the depth chart and didn't want to run one of them off to bring in an unknown. And who was still in the portal who could have won the job? JT Daniels was available, but he has struggled at West Virginia and recently was demoted to No. 2.
Let's say Michael Penix Jr. was someone that interested ND and he could make it through admissions. Do the Irish win the Ohio State game with him? Not likely. Maybe Marshall and Stanford, but the biggest problems in the Marshall game were on defense. So, no I don't think ND wasted a year. Theoretically, Tyler Buchner would have gained a lot more experience and ND would have gotten confirmation of his ceiling. Instead it's Drew Pyne that the coaching staff has learned that about. I don't think it's unreasonable that Buchner could have been counted on to be ready to be QB1, J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye and Jaxon Dart — all ranked similarly to Buchner coming out of high school — are all leading their respective teams.
As for Tommy Rees, I think if he doesn't come back, it'll be because he's taken another job, not because he's been pushed out. Your concerns about QB development aren't uncommon. If Rees does return, I do think it makes sense to bring in a veteran analyst with QB coaching experience to fortify the offensive staff.
Jeremy from Goshen: Freeman mentioned recently that Buchner could be healthy for the bowl game. If he is healthy, what do you think his role should be and why?
Eric Hansen: If that turns out to be the case, to biggest benefit for Tyler Buchner and Notre Dame are the pre-bowl practices he'll get that will help him be more competitive in the spring and help inform the Irish just how much growth he's been able to accomplish while being a bystander taking mental reps. If he actually played in the game, I could see a role that would be similar to what he held in 2021 as a changeup QB. Then let him compete to be QB 1 in the spring.
Tony, Lake Mary, FL: Hey Eric. Bob Morton is awesome. Hearing him talk about his one trash talk memory shed some great light on the general respect that opposing players have for each other. For this week, USC with their huge TO margin, is that primarily INTs or fumbles and from bad decisions/carelessness or actively seeking turnovers?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tony, thanks for the feedback on Bob Morton. It's always fun to have him on the podcast. USC has been consistent with being near the top at forcing turnovers all season. When I watch them, it's in large part due to the pressure they're able to put on opposing QBs. However, their approach includes taking a lot of risks, which helps explain how a team with that turnover margin (nation's best) and sacks ranking (top 20), can be 96th in total defense.
Sean, Portland OR: Hi Eric, Thanks for your consistent and insightful work. I'm on the West Coast, and have seen plenty of USC football. I watched USC struggle vs. Oregon State, who is a pretty solid football team. But I'd expect a team with the talent that USC has to be able to win by more than 3 in a game vs. inferior talent and a 4-0 turnover edge. They also haven't been able to put away mediocre teams like Cal, Arizona, etc... I think they're overrated, but have enough talent and firepower to beat anyone in the country. But also enough deficiencies to lose to anyone on any given Saturday. If ND executes, they win. By execute I mean: stay neutral in turnover margin, 3rd and manageable, get TD's in the red zone, win time of possession. What's your confidence level heading into this game? Higher or lower than vs. Clemson? If they do win, will they reach a NY6 bowl and does it have to be against the Group of 5 representative?
Eric Hansen: Sean thanks and well done. Do you want to take over the chat at this point? I'll go have lunch. Very astute analysis. I would put my confidence level at a very similar place for USC as I did Clemson, but for different reasons. With Clemson, I wasn't overly concerned with the QB play going in, but I thought the front seven of Clemson would cause more problems (I did pick ND to win). With USC Caleb Williams is the issue, because he's not just prolific, he's incredibly clutch. And I'm not sure what version of Drew Pyne we're going to get. If ND gets the North Carolina version of Pyne AND wins the turnover battle, sign me up.
The CFP committee putting ND at 15 and not 13 like the AP gave me pause. The Irish are going to have to be at least No. 11 and maybe No. 10. That's a doable path, especially if USC rebounds and wins the Pac-12 title game the next weekend. There are only two New Year's Six scenarios for the Irish, and neither is very palatable. The overwhelmingly more likely one is for the Irish to play Cincinnati, Tulane or UCF in the Cotton Bowl -- all formidable teams but not the kind of win that would boost program perception ... and losing would be problematic in that regard. For ND to get into the Orange Bowl, Alabama would have to lose to Auburn and likely Penn State would also have to lose, to Michigan State. And what would that get the Irish? A rematch with either Clemson or North Carolina.
Jorge, Rowlett, Texas: Greetings Eric!!! So the 2022 regular season is coming to an end. It's been up, it's been down, and everywhere in between. I know our (fans) expectations are always high, regardless of the circumstances, coming into the beginning of a new season. I'm satisfied with what I've seen from this team thus far and have been impressed with how the coaching staff has come together and the trickle-down effect this has had on the players. Can you, having followed the team/coaching staff closely since spring ball, assess in what areas the coaching staff have grown the most in, that have led us up to the USC game, and where do you see the need for continued growth? A follow up question; how good do you think Ben Morrison can be by the time he leaves Notre Dame? I have to say, it's been a while since I've seen a FR CB with as much promise since maybe Bobby Taylor? Look forward to your answers, and, as always, love the work you do on behalf of ND football!!
Eric Hansen: Hey there Jorge. I think the most noticeable growth regarding the coaching staff is Marcus Freeman himself. The communication. Knowing when to delegate and knowing when to inject himself and where. Being open to searching for better ways to do things, after a win or after a loss. No. 2, I'd say the adjustments Al Golden has made in getting his scheme across to the players, who were probably overwhelmed with a third scheme in three years. The Irish go into the USC game 17th in total defense. I think offseason growth will come with Marcus getting much more nuanced in his offensive knowledge and potentially adding analysts to strengthen what the Irish already do well. As far as Ben Morrison, he's such a humble and grounded and mentally strong kid, that's going to help him reach his ceiling. He plays differently than Julian Love does, but I think he could have similar impact as the former consensus All-American.
Richie Coomer, KC MO: Howdie Eric, happy turkey week and also happy USC week! With Kenny Minchey’s commitment, what kind of player is he? Genuinely asking from a place of ignorance as i haven’t yet had a chance to watch film on him, but wondering if he is truly a significant value add from a talent standpoint or if his potential commitment represents more of an insurance policy and needing a body at QB this cycle. Thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Hey Richie. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Kenny Minchey is not an insurance policy, nor is he a contender to be the starter in 2023. He's a player with more upside than having a long, proven track record. He missed a huge chunk of this season due to a shoulder injury that's since healed. Colleague Tyler James compares him to DeShone Kizer. I think that comparison works. I talked to longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming this week, and he loves Minchey's film. ND needed to get a QB in this class to eventually become less portal-dependent. They were able to get one at the 11th hour with some promise.
Frank from Barrington, Ill.: Hi. Is it true that once you commit to Notre Dame your scholarship is honored even if you get hurt during your high school senior season? If so, do all schools adhere to that? If not, wouldn’t that explain why maybe Peyton B is “committed” for now to ND. Could he be using his ND scholarship as an insurance policy?
Eric Hansen: Hi Frank. I can't remember ND pulling a scholarship because of a senior-season injury -- at least not in the past couple of decades. I'd say most schools do the same, with occasional exceptions. There's really no reason to pull a scholarship. It's terrible PR, and if the player truly can't perform once he gets to college because of the injury, you can always put him on medical hardship. Then he continues to be on scholarship without counting against the 85 maximum that the NCAA allows. Elite safety prospect Peyton Bowen isn't using ND as an insurance policy. Placeholder? Maybe. But there are reasons why he designated Notre Dame as the placeholder and not another school. And for those same reasons, our recruiting writer, Kyle Kelly, is sticking with what he's hearing, which is that Bowen will end up in the Irish class next month on signing day.
Marie from Atlanta: Happy Thanksgiving Eric. I hope you get to enjoy some quality time with your family. Can you list in order of importance what ND needs to try and get out of the transfer portal in the upcoming off-season? If Cam Hart does not come back, do you think they need to try to get an experienced cornerback? If Notre Dame is able to get a good quarterback out of the portal in the off-season and he wins the job next year, what do you think are realistic expectations for the 2023 team? What position group other than QB needs to improve the most for ND to be a true national championship contender? As always thanks for your insights and hosting the chat. Enjoy Southern California if you’re headed that way.
Eric Hansen: Happy Thanksgiving, Marie. Beyond a QB in the portal, I think wide receiver is the top priority. An experienced wide receiver, who can give you production and help bring along a young WR corps. I also think you need one to give you more than seven or eight ND appears to have lined up now. The other positions are dependent on players returning. If Justin Ademilola does not come back for a sixth year, and he's on the fence, I think you need to try to go get a elite edge player to rotate with Jordan Botelho. And if Cam Hart doesn't come back (TaRiq Bracy can't come back), you need to consider one at corner. The sophomores barely played (Philip Riley, Ryan Barnes, Chance Tucker). The Irish do have some very talented freshmen coming in (Christian Gray, Micah Bell), so you could probably wait until after spring to pursue a corner to see how Clarence Lewis and others progress along with ascenders Jaden Mickey and Benjamin Morrison.
If Peyton Bowen does not sign with ND, I'd look at a safety in the portal to play with Xavier Watts, Ramon Henderson, Justin Walters and the other incoming freshmen. ... as far as a portal QB winning the job and what that could mean, it depends on who that is. But when I asked Kirk Herbstreit Tuesday via Zoom what he thought separated ND from being a national title contender, his answer was quarterback, wide receivers and corners.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. USC will be a tough game. A win will do a lot to show and continue the improvement of this team thru the season. The O-line, D-line, CB play, LB play blitz pickup, game management, coaching have all trended higher as the season has progressed. I am particularly looking for growth in halftime adjustments this week. These could be coaches’ decisions on plays and players as well as the ability of players to execute those adjustments which may be practiced less during the week. Where do you see the biggest need for growth this game to get a big win and keep the program on an upward trajectory?
Eric Hansen: Yeah, the biggest halftime adjustment last game was navigating playing smart in a snow globe. That won't be an issue this week. A lot is on the ND defense to play like the No. 17 team in total defense this week. That means limiting the run, particularly from the QB position, getting pressure on Caleb Williams and forcing turnovers. Offensively, Drew Pyne must be poised. And the Irish offensive line needs to be the best position group on the field.
Shane from White Deer, Texas: Happy Thanksgiving week Eric. I hope you and your family have a great holiday. Showing my age here, but when I was in high school, my hero was Ken MacAfee. I thought he was the best, and there would be no better. Along comes Michael Mayer, and he re-writes the history books for ND tight ends. Football has changed a lot since the 70’s, so my question is this - would MacAfee have the same impact in today’s game, and vice versa, would Mayer be the dominant player that he is today in the good old days? I guess just feeling a little nostalgic during the holidays. Irish fan for life.
Eric Hansen: Hi Shane. Happy Thanksgiving to you. During the early part of the pandemic, when there were no sports except baseball in South Korea, I did a piece for the South Bend Tribune on who I thought were the greatest tight ends at Tight End U. I limited the players to the era of two-platoon football (1964-present). Ken MacAfee topped that list. Michael Mayer, at the time, was just enrolling as a freshman for summer school. Earlier this season, a friend was working on a similar project and asked my opinion, now with Mayer in his third season of playing. I told him I might have a different answer at the end of this season, but at that point, I put MacAfee No. 1 and Mayer 2, even though Mayer holds all the records. The trick is not to become overly dependent on the numbers, and that context of a given era matters. Dave Casper, for instance, doesn't have great receiving numbers because of the way tight ends were used, but man he is one of the all-time greats.
The one advantage Mac had was there wasn't the allure to leave after your junior year to go to the NFL. That option didn't exist then. However, consider this: MacAfee was a three-time All-American and a third-place finisher in the 1977 Heisman balloting on a national championship team. And to get that recognition over teammates Ross Browner and Joe Montana says a lot. He was also the Walter Camp Player of the Year. And his numbers are comparable to Mayer's. So MacAfee edges Mayer in a 1-2 battle.
Denny from Liberty Hill, TX: Hi Eric. Any idea why the Irish didn’t snap to Mitchell Evans on 4th and 1? That has been a bread and butter play. Also, can you name a couple recruits that are likely to commit by the early signing period rapidly approaching?
Eric Hansen: Hi Denny. I hope you'll forgive us for not asking that in the press conference. It was a 44-0 game in the fourth quarter at the time. My sense is the Irish had already used Mitchell Evans a couple of times in that role, and maybe a third time would look like running up the score. As far as what's still out there recruiting-wise, the Irish are looking to add a fourth wide receiver (Kaleb Smith or Khalil Barnes), a multi-position player (Brandyn Hillman), an offensive lineman (Chris Terek) and (highly unlikely) a defensive end.
Jim Tal, Valley Center, CA.: Hi Eric, hope you're not experiencing too much of a "Big Chill" back in South Bend. By the way, are you any good at making snow angels? But I digress. I wanted to ask who in your opinion are the four to five players that would most benefit not only the Irish cause but themselves by coming back and taking advantage of their remaining eligibility? Thanks much.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jim. I love making snow angels, and I have six grandkids who will make them with me. I think Justin Ademilola is the only one who's on the fence among the 25 players who celebrated Senior Day, and I think coming back would be mutually beneficial. If Cam Hart or Brandon Joseph did a U-turn, it would be because of injuries. They would help ND, but not sure they'd improve their own draft stock. The others are all players who have committed to coming back to college — JD Bertrand, Marist Liufau, Jack Kiser, Andrew Kristofic, Zeke Correll, Howard Cross III and Nana Osafo-Mensah — all are mutually beneficial situations. Among underclassmen, obviously, Michael Mayer is going to leave to be a first-rounder.
Mike K from Phoenix: Eric, I asked following the Clemson game if ND can just hit “repeat” and pound SC into oblivion. 2nd half of Navy had me worried, but now I’m pretty confident again. Watching SC-UCLA Saturday night I still feel good. SC will almost certainly make a few big plays in the pass game and score more than Clemson early, but I still expect the Irish to stifle them overall and wear them down on the other side of the ball. So, to my (only half-serious) question: UGA pounds LSU, UM/OSU winner wins the BIG10, TCU goes undefeated, SC wins PAC after a loss to Irish…ND as the de facto ACC AND PAC Champion gets the 4 spot???
Eric Hansen: Mike, I'm coming over to your house and partaking in some eggnog with you!
Ron dover de: Hi Eric Happy Thanksgiving to you and Tyler. Please pass my regards to him as well. To begin I agree with coach Freeman that transferring without limitations has has encouraged players to run rather than work to get playing time. I have two questions do you think the commitment of K. Minchey means one of the existing QB’s will enter the portal? Second, you spoke of the athletic ability of USC’s Williams do you think we should see more playing time for Kollie and Snead as they bring high level athleticism to linebacker position. Thanks
Eric Hansen: I think as far as 2023, the only of the so-far five QBs on that roster that would be affected by Kenny Minchey's arrival is Ron Powlus III. And if playing time were a priority, he'd likely already be somewhere else. A portal QB would make it six and that might present circumstances for whoever is the third-stringer to consider other options. ... As far as your linebacker question, don't underestimate being assignment-correct in games like this. Now that Prince Kollie and Jaylen Sneed are able to bring a larger measure of that, and their athleticism, they'll be part of the rotation, though on the periphery of it.
David - NY: Why is Kenny Minchey a 3-star? I know, I know stars don't matter, but what is the rivals team concerned about that have led to the lower ranking/eval than other recruiting services? And have you seen progression with him (might be hard to tell given injuries)?
Eric Hansen: David, but Kenny Minchey not playing much this year due to injury, it did limit his opportunities to impress some of those on the national panel. However, the analyst in his area has made a strong case for him. With the next rankings update, I expect there to be a significant bump.
Guest: Scott from Augusta GA. Eric, always good to read your words of wisdom. What a season and how is it almost over? Didn't we just start on 5 Nov? I'll concede 29 Oct. I'm always excited about the SC games. Saw my first when Theismann was QBing. Lots of great games since. I look at the keys to this game like Lou's teams: run and play stout defense. Will that win it for us? SC has a much better offense than Clemson and UNC. I hope their defense has a few holes we can exploit. Thanks for all your great work throughout the season Eric and have a great Thanksgiving!
Eric Hansen: Hi Scott. Thank you. ND's path to victory isn't narrow, but it's precise the things the Irish need to accomplish in the game. And it is a road game. To your formula, I'd add win the turnover battle. And a blocked punt would go a long way, too.
Sean-Schaumburg, Il: Eric, My buddy who bought my ticket to the OSU game came to South Bend for the BC game. I purchased the BC tix. First half was freezing!! Had to warm-up in the bathroom at halftime. The second half snow squall was quite a scene. I've never experienced that at a college football game. It energized the crowd and the team. Very grateful for the experience. What happened on the lateral pass by BC that Liufau picked up for a TD? The line judge on the visitor side never whistled the play dead. He only signaled incomplete pass once Liufau crossed the goal-line. Then, 5 minutes of back and forth with Freeman and the officials and I couldn't hear what the Referee said once he got on the mic. The snowstorm was in full-flow and it muffled whatever the Referee was saying. I had about three layers covering my bald dome. That might have contributed to my lack of hearing the explanation. What was it? Did you see any other game official kill the play? I didn't hear any whistle. Should have been a TD. Run. The. Ball. On. USC.
Eric Hansen: Had it been a closer game (it was 23-0 at the time) and ND didn't eventually score on that same drive, that would have been a HUGE deal. I should have been a TD, Refs blew it and didn't have a very good explanation as to why.
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric Thanks for the last chat of the regular season Can’t believe how fast it went Listening to Marcus Freeman this week it sounds like we may not have Cam Hart available Saturday If that happens who steps into that role and what other measures do you think we can take to deal with USC potent passing attack
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. I'll add onto that, even if Brandon Joseph plays — and he's listed as probable, he hasn't practiced much this week or at all in the previous two weeks. As far as Cam Hart's injury, you'll see more of Clarence Lewis and Jaden Mickey. Mickey played a season-high 30 snaps against BC. Cutting out nickel responsibilities and letting him just focus on playing field corner, I think will help him ... but USC has LOTS of good receivers, not just one.
Michael-in Atlanta: Eric-Thanks for doing these chats. Had a question about Harry Hiestand. After he was let go by the Bears, Harry returned to his South Bend area home. Did Kelly consider firing Quinn and bringing Harry back or did Harry not want to work with Kelly? Is Harry happier with the run play designs under Rees/Freeman vs. Kelly?
Eric Hansen: If Brian Kelly had come back for 2022, I'm pretty certain Jeff Quinn wouldn't have been along for the ride, nor Del Alexander, the WRs coach. I don't think Kelly had gotten to the point of who he might be Quinn's replacement. Harry Hiestand wasn't contacted until Tommy Rees called him shortly after Marcus Freeman took over. ... To your last question, I haven't had the chance to discuss it. But I don't think Harry Hiestand had issues with Brian Kelly.
Roger from Peoria: I very much enjoy your Wednesday Live Chats and really get a kick out of the kind (and usually somewhat humorous) manner with which you respond to questions that are really over the top. As this season has evolved, there have been some very low "lows" and some very high "highs". I remember the comments critical of Jack Swarbrick for "letting the current team pick the new coach". I, for one, have high regard for the job Swarbrick has done for the entire Notre Dame athletic program and I am beginning to believe that the hiring of Marcus Freeman may have been the best decision of all. It was not quite one year ago that everyone was blindsided by the Kelly to LSU decision. Now, with just one regular season game remaining, what do you consider to be Freeman's three most important accomplishments and what do you consider to be the #1 issue on which Freeman must improve? Thanks, and GO IRISH!!
Eric Hansen: So Roger, do you consider this an over-the-top question? (I kid, I kid). Off the top of my head, to answer your under-the-top question: 1. The commitment to being lead recruiter on EVERY prospect and the commitment to leaning into ND's challenges instead of making excuses for them or trying to camouflage them (It's harder here.") 2. Reconnecting with the former players, who in turn have been a tremendous resource. 3. Making weekly self-evaluation, self-scouting part of the growth curve. It's paid off in November.
The No. 1 area of improvement, moving forward? His own knowledge of the offense and committing whatever resources are needed to make ND a more dynamic offense in 2023 and in each succeeding year.
Tom from Grand Rapids: Eric - I’d first like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving. With the addition of Minchey to this recruiting class, does it change the perspective of the coaching staff looking for a portal transfer qb? Skill set wise where would you rate him against the quarterbacks already in the fold? If no portal transfer comes in, does he have a realistic opportunity to earn the starting role for next year. Finally, what is the one aspect of this game that intrigues you the most, or what question do you want to see answered. Go IRISH ☘️
Eric Hansen: Happy Thanksgiving to you, Tom. 1. No change to the portal priority. Minchey wasn't recruited to be the starter in 2023, but in later seasons. 2. His closest comp among players on the roster is Tyler Buchner. 3. If no portal QB comes in, it'll be Tyler Buchner or Drew Pyne if healthy. 4. The aspect that intrigues me is how he'd look running zone read stuff.
Guest: Larry from Topton, PA – Eric: On the day before the big day, let all of us followers of ND football give thanks to the best coverage by you, Tyler & Kyle. Keep up the good work guys! My questions today are about Benjamin Morrison: How likely is it that he will be named a Freshman All American? How do you see his upside? What might he look like next year and the following? Happy Thanksgiving Eric, to you and your family!!
Eric Hansen: Wow, thanks Larry. Happy Thanksgiving to you. If Ben Morrison isn't named freshman All-American, someone has some splainin' to do. He's got the length and speed to get better and the mental makeup to push him there. And the work ethic. He will be a starter, and a very good one, in 2023. That might mean fewer interceptions as teams threw at him this year to test him. They may throw away from him in 2023, which is why ND may look at the portal.
Don in Phoenix: Hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving. Everyone has asked the USC questions so I'll go somewhere else. I read the pro's player association said silt filled turf is the worse for player injury. Do you know what type of turf ND uses? Thanks, tried to find it but it is not specific to type.
Eric Hansen: Don, I know the stadium turf recently got replaced, and I'm not sure it matches what's in the practice facility. I'll try to find that out (the consistency of both surfaces) once we get past the USC game. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Frank from Texas: Eric, what are the status of the injured ND players for the USC?
Eric Hansen: Hi Frank. Tyler mentioned this in the injury updates he does every Monday during the season, and I mentioned them on our YouTube show, Monday Night Live. ... Two questionable players -- CB Cam Hart and WR Tobias Merriweather. Four probable players — S Brandon Joseph, DE Isaiah Foskey, DT Jayson Ademilola and tight end Mitchell Evans.
Jeff from Phoenix: Good morning Eric, hard to believe Thanksgiving is here! So, some of us still have anxiety over the flurry of coaching changes and news that hit ND just after the last game in 2021. So, do you think Marcus Freeman has had at least a short discussion with his coaches/staff to manage the inevitable offers that could start as soon as the final whistle on Saturday? As in, “…could you guys give me a heads-up if you get another job offer so I don’t get blind-sided and can answer questions..”? Or is all fair in love and coaching changes and he handles the surprises on the fly. Thanks much
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. When you have good coaches and good seasons, other programs are going to try to hire them. Marcus Freeman knows that. But I do think it's a staff in which there's a lot more transparency than there was with Brian Kelly in that regard.
Chauncey: Hi Eric, appreciate your work all season. I'm puzzled by the WR production this year given there was a lot of excitement around many of these recruits at the time (e.g., Deion Colzie). Do we lack talent, do we lack talent development, is it the lack of a quarterback to get the ball in their hands (or give them opportunities)? Lorenzo Styles almost seems to have regressed from a promising Freshman campaign, Colzie has been relatively MIA, etc.
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Chauncey. I would say lack of development BEFORE this season. Lack of experience and numbers in the WR room was an issue, as well as not having a QB who could accentuate their skills consistently. Lorenzo Styles is a head-scratcher, because he's super talented and was coming on at the end of last season. Don't give up on him.
Eric Hansen: That's going to do it for this week. Thanks for all the great questions. WE WILL do a chat next Wednesday. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
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