Chat Transcript: ND early impact freshmen for '23, moving QB portal targets
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat and thank you for opting in today.
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 Tom Zbikowski. The former Irish All-America safety spent this past season venturing into coaching, as a defensive quality control coach at Western Michigan. He joined Tyler James and me to discuss Notre Dame's first season under head coach Marcus Freeman, what preparing for a bowl game is like, if he would have sat out a bowl game, his best bowl memory, his transition from boxing to coaching, if he thinks college football coaching is his future, why it's important to him and more.
► Tyler James and I were back with our YouTube show, Monday Night Live, this week. We break down the Gator Bowl’s war of attrition between Notre Dame and South Carolina with the opt-outs and transfers, life after Drew Pyne both now at ND and with its portal possibilities, a recruiting reset, and awards and snubs. The show continues its run next Monday night at 7 ET. 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.
► Recruiting writer Kyle Kelly will host a subscribers-only recruiting chat in the Insider Lounge on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST.
► Finally, as far as this chat, we’ll break for football recruiting’s National Signing Day next Wednesday, but I’ll be back chatting Wednesday, Dec. 28, at noon ET.
As for the chat, please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s). Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Let the chatting commence.
Gilbert Gutierrez from Portland, Maine: Hi Eric, are you able to confirm who the early enrollees will be and what impact that will have on the youth movement moving forward into next season? Do you anticipate significant true freshmen involvement next year?
Eric Hansen: Here's how it breaks down:
JANUARY ENROLLMENT
LB Jaiden Ausberry, LB Drayk Bowen, S Peyton Bowen, WR Rico Flores Jr., CB Christian Gray, WR Jaden Greathouse, WR Braylon James, RB Jayden Limar, QB Kenny Minchey, OT Sam Pendleton, DT Devan Houstan, S Ben Minich, S Adon Shuler, LB Preston Zinter.
JUNE ENROLLMENT
OT Sullivan Absher, CB Micah Bell, TE Cooper Flanagan, ATH Brandyn Hillman, OT Charles Jagusah, RB Jeremiyah Love, DE Armel Mukam, OG Joe Otting, WR Kaleb Smith, OG Chris Terek, DE Boubacar Traore, DE Brenan Vernon.
As far as what kind of impact that might have ... I would say the June enrollees have a good chance to impact the team as well as the early guys. Ben Morrison was a good example of that in this last freshman class. How many freshmen get significant opportunities in 2023 depends a lot on the outgoing and incoming transfers that are still to come. But given the way the roster looks right now, I'd say the safeties, especially Peyton Bowen, will get a long look as will the four incoming wide receivers. Depending in attrition, the cornerbacks — Micah Bell and Christian Gray — could push into the two-deeps. Jeremiyah Love at RB/WR/KR, DE Brenan Vernon and LB Drayk Bowen may also be ready for early duty.
Sean from Portland Ore.: Watched your Monday night show, and at the time it seemed like the transfer portal stuff was done in terms of outgoing players from ND, at least until post-bowl or Spring. Maybe that was based on Marcus Freeman's recent comments. Almost immediately after your show ended, Cane Berrong entered the portal. Do you think there's any other flight risks pre-bowl? Your show also discussed Patterson and Lugg not opting out at this point... particularly re: Patterson; is it confirmed that he is playing in the bowl? Or assumed because he has not mentioned anything about opting out? I would love to see what Buchner can do behind an o-line that is playing well. It's not something he was able to experience this year.
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean, and thanks for watching. Yes, it would have been nice for Cane Berrong to decide to transfer BEFORE the show. But here's how things unfolded. I specifically asked Marcus Freeman on Saturday if he anticipated any more players opting out before the bowl game, whether it be transfers or for NFL reasons. His assessment was they were done with the opt-outs, but did kind of couch it unless someone changed their mind. Apparently Cane Berrong did. Maybe he didn't like that in the four practices ND has held, he was still option No. 4 among the four healthy tight ends. One thing I've noticed with this new portal window and in this cycle of transfers, there seems to be a lot more emotion and impulsivity involved in the timing of some of these decisions across the country. I think ND will have more players hit the portal after the bowl game. Unless there's an injury, I don't expect any of the other draft hopefuls to opt out.
Rico from Nashville, Tenn.: Hi Eric, has there been any word on whether Brandon Joseph intends to return next season? If not do you feel that the safety commit Bowen (assuming he signs on the dotted line) is talented enough to get time as a true freshman?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rico. Going into the season safety Brandon Joseph was pretty determined that he was going to enter the draft after the season. But because of injuries toward the end of the season and kind of a so-so year when he was healthy, he's pumped the brakes a little to get some legit feedback from the NFL before he makes a final decision. Justin Ademilola is kind of in the same boat (though he wasn't injured). I think Peyton Bowen is definitely someone who will be in the safety rotation if he signs. But if Joseph leaves, ND may need/want to add from the portal as well.
Terry from Mishawaka IN: Hi Eric, does it violate the Geneva Convention to potentially have two Kaleb Smiths on the roster playing the same position?? The eggnog is flowing buddy ;)
Eric Hansen: Ha, Terry. As long as they don't wear the same uniform number. Can you imagine if ND lands the Virginia Tech transfer to go along with the Kaleb Smith who's signing out of high school next Wednesday? We'd have to come up with a nickname for one of them when writing about them or talking about them on the air. I don't think Thing 1 and Thing 2 will work. You better watch yourself about advertising your eggnog. You're close enough for me to come over and sample it.
Andrew from Cincinnati: Hi Eric, this is my first time submitting a question so hopefully it's not a dumb one. I'm curious about transfer recruiting with Freeman, Rees and Golden. We've all obviously seen and heard about the recruiting abilities of this staff over the last year+, but how does recruiting a transfer differ from recruiting a 16 year old HS junior, and are there any characteristics that stand out to you about this staff's ability to do that? Obviously a pitch is somewhat unique for every player, I'd just like to know what differences you've seen/heard that go on when compared to recruiting a 4-star player in HS to a former 4-star player who's played a few years of college football already. Thanks for taking the time!
Eric Hansen: Andrew, you've been sandbagging on us. That's a GREAT question. Thanks for jumping in and asking it. You're right, there's some unique aspects to each pitch, but with the NFL opportunities very close, that becomes front and center. That was a big incentive for Ben Skowronek moving from Northwestern to ND a few years ago, and it worked. Cody Riggs was interested in the one-year MBA program and got his master's in one year. ND isn't going to go after or attract many players who were disgruntled over playing time. They can offer exposure, competition upgrades and the option to start a master's program or take a less challenging academic track. With high school recruits, it's the 4-for-40 template, player development, challenging yourself in a place that's not easy, more big-picture things and NIL opportunities.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, Merry Christmas to you, your family and the staff at Rivals. If coach Freeman, Golden, Mason and Rees each had one Christmas Wish to be granted during the Gator Bowl for a particular player to step up and show what to expect for next year, who would the player be and what would be that performance? For example Tyler Buchner running the ball and not getting hurt.
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Len. ... Interesting hypothetical here. For Al Golden, it would be for LB Jaylen Sneed to show the potential to be a prototypical rover -- the kind like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who doesn't have to come off the field on third down and who's skill set allows you to play less nickel coverage. For Tommy Rees, a healthy and efficient Tyler Buchner. For Marcus Freeman, a big bounce-back game for WR Lorenzo Styles.
Gene from Wyckoff, N.J.: Eric, regardless of who starts the bowl game, don't you think it is imperative that Angeli see some meaningful minutes, including opportunities to throw the ball. He still feels like an unknown quantity at this point and it would feel like a disservice if he were not allowed to show what he has, and not just handing the ball off in garbage time. Same question on the young linebackers. Would love to see how they look after a season in the books. I know there has to be a balance as a win in the game is still important, but what better opportunity to evaluate than real game. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Gene. I think it would be ideal if both quarterbacks got some game opportunities, though they're both getting a lot of practice reps. If the flow of the game dictates Steve Angeli play, that would be a plus. I'd probably give him a series or two if I'm in charge, but I am not (as far as I know). If ND brings in a portal QB as expected, I don't think there's an expectation that Angeli would be competing to be the No. 1 QB in 2023. But there is optimism about his long-term future and same game time would give the staff some more data points to consider along those lines. With the young linebackers, they've gotten a lot of work in the first four practices. It's going to be harder to work them into the game for this reason: South Carolina is already bad in the run game and lost its leading rusher to an opt out. They are going to be even more dependent on the pass, and so nickel is going to be the order of the day -- meaning a lot of downs with just two linebackers on the field. Ideally, Jaylen Sneed and Prince Kollie can still get some game reps.
Mike, Gilbert AZ: Eric, I’m interested in your thoughts for next year. ND has 2 top tackles, loaded RB room, 2 top CB’s. Obvious questions about LB, DL, and QB. ND gets Ohio State and USC at home. Road slate doesn’t look that hard with the exception of Clemson. I think Sneed and Kollie need to win/earn spots. We know the freshman class is loaded along with this years recruiting class. But a year from now you might have both ALT and Fisher heading out early. Next year with better LB and QB play they can win every game on the schedule. What do you say? Also, do you know when they announce the entire 2023 schedule? Merry Christmas to you and your family. Cheers!
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Mike. I would love to play psychic here, but I don't have enough info to even guess at next year's record until I see who's competing at QB as well as how some other position groups fill out after the bowl. I'll be happy to make myself look stupid at that time. As far as the 2023 schedule, I reached out to someone high on the food chain as far as those things go, and I was told it's "very, very close" to being released.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. Is there any scenario in which you see Braden Lenzy staying for a sixth year? He was open a lot this year. If the starting quarterback could get the ball to him, he could have a pretty productive final season. Which players do you think are poised for a position change for the 2023 season? Along the same lines what positions do you think most need to be the focus of the 2024 recruiting class? As always thanks for hosting the chat and look forward to hearing your insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Great week here, and I hope yours is good as well. And thanks for your questions ... tough ones this week. Let's start with the easier one. As of November, I don't think Braden Lenzy had any desire to come back to ND for a sixth year ... not out of bitterness, but out of a sense of it's time to move on. Maybe he changes his mind, but I wouldn't count on it. ... Position changes are a difficult read until we see all the portal additions. Even then, I don't see anything drastic. Maybe Chris Tyree to slot receiver, deciding whether Rylie Mills' future is inside or out, maybe some natural offensive tackles competing for the two open guard spots, subtle moves like that. The 2024 recruiting cycle needs to be broad in its emphasis. The QB is already in the class, in CJ Carr. And the Irish need to continue to upgrade wide receiver and cornerback -- and build depth with those upgrades. Not so obvious but very important -- getting elite defensive linemen in that class.
Jack Strongsville Ohio: Hi Eric. Subscriber since you transferred over from SBT. Just want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Thanks for a great and interesting year.
Eric Hansen: Jack, thank you. I appreciate you. And Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Drew from D.C.: Eric, would you agree that the ND coaches are doing much more this year to make sure their verbal commits stay committed and sign their LOI? The amount of travel that the coaches have logged in the past few weeks has been unbelievable. While it may not always turn out in ND's favor, you can't blame these coaches for lack of effort. Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Drew. Both this year and last. But last year, Marcus Freeman had not met many of the offensive recruits and many of them were teetering. They also had not gotten a commitment from Billy Schrauth, so that was stop No. 1 last year. This year, ND is playing defense against NIL among other things. Good observation.
Jim Tal, Valley Center CA.: Hi Eric, really enjoy the informative podcasts with Tyler by the way. Since next year's schedule looks to be a challenging one and more than a few games could be close, field goal kicking might loom large. Can you give us some insight as to what were the prime reasons the staff brought South Florida grad transfer Spencer Shrader onboard. Though he did very well as a junior, his senior season wasn't nearly as solid. And the fact that he converted just five of eight from 30 to 49 yards is somewhat worrisome. And does Shrader's arrival mean that young holdover Bryan doesn't have much of a chance to win the job? Thanks as always for your splendid work.
Eric Hansen: Jim, thanks. We enjoy doing them. Tom Zbikowski this week is a must-listen. So enjoyed that. ... Spencer Shrader at USF was 11-of-13 as a junior and 9-of-13 this year. I would not be overly concerned about the misses in 2022. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason is excellent when it comes to both creating competition and recognizing raw talent with fixable issues. Punter Jon Sot, for instance, was significantly better at ND than he was at his final year at Harvard. Shrader will have to compete with Zac Yoakam and presumably Josh Bryan if he stays at ND. If he does not, I'd expect Mason to find a quality walk-on who can be competitive for the job.
Tom from Virginia: Hello Eric. Thanks for all of your hard work. You are absolutely the best in a crowded field. What’s the latest on the QB portal possibilities? I see Grayson McCall is visiting Auburn.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. There are a lot of you with similar questions. This one kind of simplifies it, so thanks. Let's start big picture, then narrow things down. Two things I have noticed about ND's portal QB recruiting vs. even other positions. 1. They're casting a very wide net. ... at least making contact with some QBs I can't imagine ending up at ND. That's smart. Do your research, make early contact. 2. ND is very guarded about who they're looking at. VERY. I even wonder if some of the info that is being spilled is necessarily on point or maybe even some misdirection. 3. Coast Carolina's Grayson McCall would be my No. 1 choice, followed by Michael Pratt of Tulane, who isn't yet in the portal and may not enter, and then Brennan Armstrong. 4. We've heard Hudson Card of Texas right from the beginning. At some point there's been interest in Devin Leary (NC State), Armstrong (Virginia).
If Pratt and/or Sam Hartman of Wake Forest join in, I could see there being strong interest from ND. ... But back to Card. There's a question from Irish Mike in Altoona that I'll address here. Card has up to three years of eligibility remaining. While ND's approach seems to be get the very best QB, not the very best QB with one year left, I think bringing in Card could be a bad move ... because of the ripples it could create. It's one thing to bring in a QB with one year left, and Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr all be on board with that. But if it's a potential three-year starter -- and Tyler Buchner with multiple years left — I'm not sure how that would play with the young QBs.
Back to McCall, I don't think he has interest in ND at this point. He is reportedly visiting Auburn this week. The situation is very fluid with all these guys, but only a few QBs have actually committed to new schools. I believe it's five.
Rudolph Rinderer from Cambridge, Mass.: Hi Eric, what do you think is the most likely way that the Irish offense utilizes Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love next year, given the current full house at RB. The offense is clearly in need of a jolt and some speed and athleticism to put strain on opposing defenses and I feel there is a lot of room for creativity in how the Irish get lots of talent on the field at the same time and puts speed in space. Obviously premature but i'm excited for next year and the future in general with the influx of serious speed and talent. What's your vision?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rudolph. I think we saw in the Blue-Gold Game especially (and in practices before that) that Jadarian Price is most dangerous when you get him the ball in space and let him run. I could see him catching screens out of the backfield and also motioning out to the slot in two-back formations. In fact, we may see more two-back formations next year given the glut of quality running backs and no Michael Mayer at TE. I think Jeremiyah Love is very similar in skill set to Price and can be used the same way. If Chris Tyree does indeed move full-time to wide receiver, then Price and Love could get some carries in the traditional running back sense.
Jack Bates from Shorewood, Ill.: When Notre Dame and South Carolina meet in the Gator Bowl what will each team receive as a dollar amount for their participating in the game?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack. The projected payout per team this season is projected to be $5.35 million. South Carolina's share will go directly to the SEC, who then divvies up all postseason revenue among its schools. ND, as an independent, gets to keep the entirety of its share.
Tim Thompson from Nantucket, Mass.: So, always a pleasure to join the chats. With all the current noise with the transfer portal, there are several upperclassmen on the roster, with eligibility left, about whom we rarely hear or see, who would seem the most likely to want to move on, especially with a degree. Is it possible some players are simply content to be practice-squad participants with little expectation of more? Some examples would be Zane Heemsoth, Brennan Wicks, et. al.
Eric Hansen: Hey Tim, a pleasure to have you too. So when you bring up names like Zane Heesmoth (in the past) and Brennan Wicks, you're talking about walk-on players who paid their own way to ND knowing playing time EVER was going to be highly unlikely. Obviously, there are exceptions like Davis Sherwood, Matt Salerno and Zac Yoakam, who rise through the ranks. And there have been walk-ons (rarely) who jump into the portal and get a scholarship opportunity. Kicker Harrison Leonard is one. If those guys have their degrees, though, they usually move onto the real world and start making way more money than you and me (or at least me).
Rizzoli Isles, Tampa FL: Hi Eric, any word on likely transfer portal roster additions or have the offers that have gone out sort of fizzled thus far with regards to QB and WR namely? Additionally, who do you peg to be the offensive and defensive breakout players next year?
Eric Hansen: Wait, you're named after a TV show? ,,, Wide receiver Kaleb Smith is front and center with a visit coming up this weekend. WR Keagan Johnson from Iowa committed to Kansas State. WR Dante Cephas from Kent State is piling up more offers, including from Georgia, and recently visited Penn State. K Spencer Shrader (USF) visited then committed to ND. DT Braden Fiske of Western Michigan has visited ND and will visit Florida State this weekend. Tom Zbikowski, who coached at Western this past season, told us on our podcast that Fiske is good enough to play for anybody. There will be more offers and visits, but keep in mind a dead period for transfers is coming up next Monday and running through Jan. 4.
Tom from Toronto: Hi Eric, How did you get to be so smart? For years you have been writing about how important excellent quarterback play is to winning a national championship. Then the Heisman Trophy selection committee names three of the finalists from three of the four teams in the college football playoff. While I don't think that you needed the validation, it was good to see. My knowledge and appreciation of the game has gotten better reading your work and that of Tyler James. One other point and then my questions. Reportedly Tyler Buchner is really ready to play. I seem to remember that movie earlier this year and it did not turn out well. I think I will not get my hopes up until I see for myself. As to my questions, do you think that ND will be well prepared and not take a quarter or so to get started at the Gator Bowl, as has happened too often in the past? Second, will we see some positive adjustments at halftime on both sides of the ball, or will it be same old, same old? Thank you for your insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. The answer to the first question is Flintstone Vitamins? I kid. I kid. Thank you for such a glowing preface to your questions. If ND can run the ball and stop the run against South Carolina, two Gamecock weaknesses all season, then I envision a strong start for the Irish. If they can't, then it's going to take to the second quarter to make some adjustments. So much depends on ND's readiness at quarterback. As far as halftime adjustments, ND has something to prove. ... especially on offense. The Irish scored 52 third-quarter points in 12 games this season. That's an average of 4.3 points. I would say at this point in the season, they should be up to the challenge ... but we'll see.
George from El Segundo, Cal.: Hi Eric: do you have any info on the status of Josh Bryan, the scholarship place kicker from So Cal? I'm wondering if his ship has sailed since the Irish have taken place kickers from the portal two years in a row? Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, George. Word is he struggled this year behind the scenes, both kicking off and on place kicks.
Jake from Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: If you were to guess who do you believe is the most likely of the portal QB’s that could end up signing with ND? This has to be a huge win if ND wants to compete at the highest level and a position that has not been recruited well since prior to Brian Kelly.
Eric Hansen: Jake this is really quite the moving target, but if you're going to pin me down, I would say greatest odds would be a QB who's not even in the portal yet -- Sam Hartman of Wake Forest. So that should tell you about how hard it is to come up with even an uneducated guess at this point. Hudson Card would be No. 2, but stay tuned. And because of the fluidity in the transfer market, if you asked tomorrow, I may have a different answer.
Bob from Loganville, Ga.: Eric, Do you know the scheduling details when the playoffs expand to 12 teams in 2024? Curious how ND's academic schedule correlates. I have heard the 1st round could be scheduled for the weekend after completing finals.
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. The first-round games, of which ND would have to be a part of, would be played Dec. 21 in 2024. Exam week in fall semester of 2024 is Dec. 16-20, so ND would have to have the players take exams early ... or after Dec. 21. It is tricky timing and I'd imagine it is for some other schools.
Adam rom Dayton, Ohio: Eric, appreciate you! Sorry I sometimes frustrate you with my questions! I don't mean to. Last week, Marcus Freeman had a press conference and a portal question was asked, and his response was that nothing had changed in the admissions process (something like that). Was that just a non-answer/something they he isn't going to publicly admit, or is Notre Dame just going to be ok with the fact that the portal is another competitive disadvantage? (Your take on the situation.) Are you hearing anything positive with a transfer qb? If you had to place money on the situation, do you think Tyler Buchner will be qb1 next year, or the transfer qb? Between Buchner, transfer qb, Minchey, and Carr, who do you think is most likely quarterback that can elevate the program? Finally, do you think the "year 3" metric for successful coaches at ND will apply to Marcus Freeman as well? In other words, when do you think we fans will know if he is the guy or not? If I don't get another chance to say it, have a Merry Christmas sir!
Eric Hansen: Adam, Merry Christmas to you and sorry if I sometimes come off like the grinch. It's not meant to be personal. Thanks for being a good sport. Now this week's question OH MY GOD! I kid. I kid. ... I think behind the scenes Notre Dame's athletic department will continue to work with the academic side to find some middle ground that both can live with. But I liked Marcus Freeman's answer about what the present looks like. He's not offering excuses in case ND isn't as successful in the portal this year as they'd like. I like that he's telling the world he's up to overcoming that and will embrace the hand he's been dealt. ... I do think ND will land a quality QB from the portal. Not sure who it is yet. And when it gets close, I think things will be VERY FAST. ... I need to see Tyler Buchner play in the bowl game and know who the transfer is before I'm willing to assess who No. 1 will be next year. Buchner is fascinating, because there's so much potential and so many unknowns about him still.
Of those three you mentioned, I think C.J. Carr has the best CHANCE to elevate the program based on his skill set, but that doesn't mean the other two can't or won't be able to. ... Year three has been extremely predictive when it comes to ND coaches pretty much forever. I do not expect it to change now.
Andrew, D.C.: In regards to Card, I believe he has 3 years to play 2. He redshirted during COVID (but gets that back) and then played 2 years.
Eric Hansen: I said up to three years remaining. Doesn't mean he has to use them all.
Denny from Beaverton, Ore.: I wish Drew Pyne the best after watching his struggles and triumphs during the past season. I think he gave it everything he had and that he recognized his future playing time would be limited. He is a competitor and that would be difficult to accept after what he had experienced. Have you been able to talk with him? Any idea what his teammates think? Will he leave Notre Dame with a degree? Your hard work and professionalism is appreciated. Merry Christmas!
Eric Hansen: Hi Dennis, Merry Christmas. I have not had a chance to talk to Drew Pyne and don't intend to try until he's found his new school. I'm not sure universally how his departure sits with his teammates, but he received a lot of Twitter love upon his announcement. He will not leave Notre Dame with a degree if he plans on being elsewhere for spring semester. We do know he plans to visit BYU.
Smitty from Tempe, Az.: Eric - Is there any rhyme or reason as to why high school recruits can't sign until certain "signing" days in Dec and Feb? In other words, why can't an athlete "sign" once they commit? If they aren't willing to sign upon committing, this would be a clear signal to coaches that the athlete isn't completely committed. This would seem to alleviate a lot of the headaches around athletes de-committing or flipping schools.
Eric Hansen: Hi Smitty. I'm not sure that would solve the problem. Kids that were unsure or who wanted to play the system would still sign as late as possible. Some kids may sign early, then a coach leaves and they'd sue to get out of their written commitment. What if there were no deadline? I just don't see the dynamic changing or at least changing for the better.
Irish Rob from Scranton Pa.: Good morning Eric. I have a question based on some information I have been hearing in my neck of the woods concerning a player currently in the transfer portal who played HS ball locally. The numbers I am hearing he is being offered are impressive and I do not in any way slight a young man for taking any offer from a school that makes billions off their hard work. My question is, will this be how the system works indefinitely? This system basically seems like what would get programs in trouble back in the day, yet is now the norm of college football, and I would guess to a lesser degree, basketball. I would assume what's happening more often than not is boosters are giving kids, out in the open, what they used to give them behind closed doors. I know what happens when one assumes, but that's what it seems like from an outsider's perspective. Follow up, can a Catholic, faith based university compete at that level? Is that an area you foresee them having to catch up on moving forward..?
Eric Hansen: Irish Rob. I have said this before and will continue to say it until no one asks the question anymore. 1.) No one, except perhaps Miss Cleo on her 900 number, knows what's going to happen with this in the future. 2) You can't take one situation where a kid is getting paid an extrapolate if to include everyone. Nor can you assume everyone but a select few or doing things above board. 3) What I can tell you is that there will be adjustments/corrections and changes. Texas A&M had the No. 1 class in the 2022 recruiting cycle. There was a tsunami of allegations about improper NIL payments in that class. Now a year later, 20 Aggies are in the transfer portal, including 12 from that recruiting class. So was that a good investment if indeed there were guarantees? Would boosters be willing to invest like that again?
Notre Dame is banking on the combination of 4-for-40 academics, player development for the NFL AND NIL opportunities -- not guarantees for one of the biggest brands in sports. We'll see if that works. A week before signing day, ND has the No. 3 class.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: As always, thank you for the chats -- it is great to get your insight on the issues of the week. I imagine that there is no prohibition against a student at another school contacting ND’s staff (though I also suspect the staff can’t contact a player who has not entered the portal). This makes me wonder if Marcus Freeman’s very public explanation of leveling with Drew Pyne about Freeman’s intentions re the portal also had the effect of waving an “open for business” sign for QB’s around the country who are considering transfer options. For example, Grayson McCall could call Rees or Freeman and see if there is any interest before deciding to enter the portal (though he likely would anyway). I have nothing but respect for Coach Freeman, and believe he truly was just being honest with Pyne because it was the right thing to do, but do you think there may have been this other reason for being so open about it? And speaking of McCall, any interest from ND?
Eric Hansen: Lorne, I think your read that Marcus Freeman was honest with Drew Pyne, because it was the right thing to do, is the correct read here and consistent with how Freeman has done business since he's become Notre Dame's head coach. I don't think McCall is interested in ND at this point, but I suppose things could change. Thanks for your question.
Sean, Schaumburg, Il: Self imposed restrictions. It's deflating. Now, my question. What do you expect to see vs South Carolina? Top receiver is gone. Top DE is gone. There's value in this game. Like Tyler said on Monday Night. Where is the value? Who can be a breakout player? Can Buchner disprove his fragility vs an SEC team? Thank you. Merry Xmas. GO Irish!
Eric Hansen: Sean, I did read your comments in the two screens that preceded this one, but you're getting into manifesto territory and that's not the aim of these chats. So I took it in privately and will give you the last word, even though I disagree with much of it. ... to your questions. I think there's value to this bowl game, especially when it comes to finding out about the quarterbacks remaining on the roster and some developmental opportunities for the young tight ends, CB Jaden Mickey. DE Jordan Botelho and others. There were also four practices devoted primarily to younger, developing players. That helped them and the coaching staff. I'm not sure it's fair to frame this bowl game as a referendum on Buchner's fragility or lack thereof. Who can be a breakout player? Mitchell Evans, Deion Colzie, Jordan Botelho, Jaylen Sneed. Those would be my candidates off the cuff. Merry Christmas to you.
Eric Hansen: And Happy Holidays to everyone else. Because of National Signing Day next Wednesday, we'll take next Wednesday off from chat, but I'll be ready for your questions Wed., Dec. 28 at noon ET. Thanks for all the great questions (and great lurking) today.
---------------------------------------------------------------
• Talk with Notre Dame fans on The Insider Lounge.
• Subscribe to the Inside ND Sports podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Podbean or Pocket Casts.
• Subscribe to the Inside ND Sports channel on YouTube.
• Follow us on Twitter: @insideNDsports, @EHansenND, @TJamesND and @ByKyleKelly.
• Like us on Facebook: Inside ND Sports
• Follow us on Instagram: @insideNDsports