Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl week edition, brought to you by J&R Solutions.
Some quick programming notes:
► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation. Normally it runs Monday nights at 7 ET. This week and next we’ll be on Tuesday night at 7 because of the holiday. The most recent episode is on a trajectory to be our most watched ever. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. Tyler James and I are also doing a live postgame show of our takeaways after every game. We’re also partnering with WSBT-TV this season, including collaborating on highlights and analysis. We’ll have some collaborative content with them, including me joining Pete Byrne on WSBT’s live pregame show at 1:30 p.m. ET, right before the Sun Bowl kicks off on CBS.
► On our most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, Tyler James and I invited former Notre Dame offensive lineman Bob Morton (2002-06) back onto the podcast. Morton, whose playing career overlapped with new Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's first coaching stint at ND, discussed Denbrock's impending return, his evolution as a coach, how LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels' example impacts the potential of new Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, the value of Denbrock's experience and familiarity, how he can help ND's other offensive coaches, the financial alignment behind head coach Marcus Freeman, Denbrock's skills as a recruiter, how the Irish have been rolling on all fronts in the last month and more. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► Finally, we’re rolling into bowl season at WSBT radio season, and Darin Pritchett and I are back on the air this week, starting Wednesday night, on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com), after a break last week. We’re on Wednesdays and Thursdays during Notre Dame Football bowl prep. I'm also co-hosting the pregame show Friday with Darin and Tyler Horka (which is not a clever stage name for Tyler James). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. This pregame show Friday will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As for today's chat …
PLEASE include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Off we go.
Matt from Austin, Texas: Eric, Merry Christmas to you and your family. We frequently hear that sweeping changes will occur with the hiring of a new coordinator, but they rarely seem to happen. Given what appears to be a fairly loaded returning offense, albeit with a somewhat inexperienced offensive line, what do you expect from Coach Denbrock? Thank you from the Class of 1983.
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas, Matt, and thank you. The offense was going to have to evolve whether Gerad Parker stayed on or not as offensive coordinator to take advantage of incoming transfer QB Riley Leonard's different skill set. Beyond that, and it's a big one because of how much running the quarterback will do, I don't think it will look radically different. Mike Denbrock, like Marcus Freeman, believes in trying to put opposing defensive coordinators into pass-run dilemmas as much as possible, and the best way to do that is to have a balanced arsenal. It may not play out balanced every week, because he's going to attack weaknesses of the opposition. I also think it's going to be very important and emphasized to develop a difference-maker at the field receiver position. That can open up other options on offense. Think about the effect Will Fuller had and Kevin Stepherson at that position when Denbrock was calling plays the last time.
I also think you'll see a difference in big games -- Denbrock being able to evolve his game plan within games against elite defenses and defensive coordinators. More so as the season goes on, but I expect it to show up in the Texas A&M opener as well. He'll adapt to the talent ND has and work to maximize the potential of that talent rather than forcing his ideology on a team that doesn't have those skills.
Robert from Lansing: Eric, like all others, I was really thrilled to hear that Mike Denbrock is returning. With now a top OC in place what are the chances of retaining Al Golden? Secondly, with the game now being all business what seems to be the probability that ND will put out the $ for not only the best coaches but the really the top athletes? Happy and healthy New Year.
Eric Hansen: I would have put them at less than 50 percent a couple of weeks ago that he'd stay, but the rumblings that he will remain are getting louder. However, the true test is going to be when the NFL coaching carousel gets into full spin in the next month or so. Even if his inclination were to stay, there may be an opportunity too good to pass up. If he does leave, I think Notre Dame is well positioned to get an top outside candidate or promote a deserving and ready Mike Mickens. The last three ND defensive coordinators before Golden are now all Power 5 head coaches.
Related content
► Notre Dame officially hires Mike Denbrock as offensive coordinator
► Notebook: Tosh Baker climbs back to the top of the Notre Dame depth chart
► The recruits most likely to be five-stars in Notre Dame's 2025 class
► Notre Dame football depth chart projection heading into Sun Bowl game
► Notre Dame Football 2024 Scholarship Chart
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Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, I want to wish you and the staff a Happy New Year. Simple question, how good is Tosh Baker. He was a highly sought after and ranked recruit. In his very short stint in 2021 as the left tackle, he gave up consistent QB pressures. And playing next to Zeke Corell the left side could not block effectively for the run game. And as I recall he was behind Michael Carmody on the depth chart in 2021 and only played after Fischer and Carmody were injured. Is he Josh Lugg or better? Can he be as good as Robert Hainsey? What are your expectations for his play in the bowl? Do you expect he will be the starting RT next season?
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas to you, Len. Tosh Baker had an incredible offer list coming out of Pinnacle High in Phoenix. That included Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, USC, Texas, Texas A&M and on and on. He wasn't anywhere close to a finished product, having been a Division I basketball prospect who took up football late and showed a promising growth curve. His best football still might be ahead of him or not. When he was a sophomore in 2021, he got two starts at left tackle and struggled largely. Just like Liam Eichenberg would have or Mike McGlinchey. Not every standout offensive lineman looks like a finished product as a freshman or sophomore. And look at who Baker was playing behind this year, a unanimous All-American in Joe Alt and a former five-star prospect in Blake Fisher.
The fact that he was able to edge out highly touted Aamil Wagner for the start in the Sun Bowl is an accomplishment. But this offseason is critical to how/where Baker ends up. Wagner is going to keep surging as he continues to add weight. The Irish may bring in a transfer offensive tackle. So Baker has to show he is deserving to start over those other options. Or stay as a backup. Or start over somewhere else. Because of redshirting and a COVID exemption, he has up to two years left. What Lugg had going for him was position versatility and experience. Baker doesn't have those, but he can still be a high-end tackle. Just not sure if it's at ND.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, I hope you survived Boxing Day, a holiday I never have understood. So, I want to get your take on Denbrock and how ND can best use his recruiting expertise. In terms of geographical regions, he now has a brief stint in the south to add to his Midwest roots and west coast connections. Where do you see him focusing his recruiting time? And do you see ND maybe taking a brief/few month pause on taking commitments on offense until Denbrock has had a chance to evaluate current roster talent, the 2024 class, and the ND 2025 targets?
Eric Hansen: Boxing Day started out as kind of a cool concept, giving gifts to those in need. It is my understanding it's more like a second Black Friday now and used to look for deals, but maybe our friends from Canada can shed some light. ... You're spot on about some different areas in which Mike Denbrock has had recruiting success in the past. How I envision his role as a recruiter in this iteration is to be actively involved in the recruitment of ND's offensive players beyond his own position group (tight ends). Tommy Rees and Gerad Parker intermittently exerted themselves in that fashion (Rees beyond QBs and Parker beyond tight ends), but the last OC to do that consistently was Chip Long. And although he had flaws that led to his firing, shortfalls in recruiting was not one of them. So, I see Denbrock moving around and reinforcing what the position coaches are doing on the recruiting trail. ... I don't know that they'll need to pause. He's a pretty quick study.
There may be some additions he'd like to add as 2025 targets and have more of a voice in the 2026 offers that will go out on St. Patrick's Day en masse, but I don't think he's going to find ND was aiming too low or looking at the wrong kind of prospects.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hey Eric, I hope you had a great Christmas. I'm thinking that you are not a New Year's Resolution person but if you were, what would your Resolutions be for ND football for 2024?? Marcus Freeman?? I think it speaks volumes that JJB would feel committed enough to ND after being here only one year to play in the Bowl game. Where do you see him going in the draft? How many snaps do you think Sneed will have in the Bowl game? What number did he average during the season, 15 or so?? Do you know if players talk to other players in their position group before making a decision to transfer?? Something like, "if you are leaving I 'm staying or if you're staying, I will be leaving". Thanks for all your great work and let's hope for a great game and win #10 on Friday. Go Irish!!!!
Eric Hansen: Merry Christmas. ... You're right, not a New Year's resolution type person. I tend to set goals when needed and not after a fun party. ... Resolution for ND football? To make the playoff in 2024. Marcus Freeman? To evolve his game-management skills and continue to ask the hard questions ... including to himself. ... I think it's cool that Javontae Jean-Baptiste is playing in the Sun Bowl. I still think he's a day three pick (rounds 4-7). Maybe his predraft work could improve that, how he tests, etc. He's got some intriguing traits and improved a lot this season, but doesn't have a long résumé.
Jaylen Sneed is going to start at the will linebacker position in the bowl game, DC Al Golden said on Tuesday. But Kiser, starting at rover, will move inside when ND goes to nickel. So that means Sneed is off the field, or he rushes the passer as an end. He averaged 17 snaps a game during the season, but it fluctuated wildly, from a low of 1 vs. Duke to a high of 32 on defense vs. Stanford. I think he'll be in the 30 range for this game. ... I'm sure kids talk about their goals, their dreams and frustrations with each other. Maybe not as calculating as you present it, but more for support and feedback. Thanks again.
Mike from Houston: Do you think that CMF is going to let the QB's compete in the off season or did he promise it to the Duke QB in order to get him here?
Eric Hansen: Marcus Freeman is going to present an open competition, and I think it's important that the team see who clearly is No.1 and they see that in the course of practices. If not, why would anyone else have to earn their sport and earn respect. Now, Marcus Freeman knows Riley Leonard is going to be the overwhelming favorite, but he wants to let it play out on the field. I agree with that.
Jonathan from Hideaway, Texas: Eric, Merry Christmas Happy New Year! Hope your nog is full of egg, your lights full of twinkle, and your work full of fun! My question has been asked before, I know. But time has passed and perhaps your many sources have sorted things out? Anyway, here goes: What’s the deal with the ACC bowl fiasco and Notre Dame’s late and surprising availability to the Sunniest one? Something strange was afoot and I haven’t seen a very enlightening answer anywhere. Can you shine some light on this?
Eric Hansen: Hey Jonathan. Happy Holidays to you. So, I played around with Google maps to see if the ACC did this for your convenience. They did not. I see El Paso is a 10 1/2-hour drive from Hideaway Texas. It's only two hours farther to go to El Paso, Ill,, and four and a half more to Orlando, which is where ND should have ended up -- in the Pop-Tarts Bowl vs. Kansas State. And that's really what it came down to Pop-Tarts vs. Sun/Duke's Mayo/Pinstripe.
The Gator is also in the tier with the Pop-Tarts Bowl, so is the Holiday Bowl. But ND went to the Gator last year and the Holiday had invited a Caleb Williams-less USC team, so the Pop-Tarts Bowl made sense, and they were under the impression they were getting ND, When Florida State did not make the playoff, part of the collateral frustration, as I understand it, spilled over into ND's bowl destination and NC State was given the Pop-Tarts Bowl berth. Frankly, I think ND ended up in the better bowl ... if you remove proximity to theme parks. They'll have a home-crowd feel in El Paso, They're playing a slightly better team (at least pre-opt-outs), and the game sold out in a day. Quite frankly, new AD Pete Bevacqua needs to have some conversations with the league this winter on what went down, but I think it ended well for the Irish.
Jack from Strongsville, Ohio: Hi Eric. Happy New Year! Having been a reader of the SBT and now at Rivals my sense is you have a good relationship with Mike Denbrock. Why do you think he chose to leave his friend Brian Kelly at LSU and return to Notre Dame?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jack. Thanks for following us and Happy New Year to you. I've kept in touch with Mike Denbrock periodically since he left ND after the 2016 season. There are some strong factors that led to this move: I'll keep this simple. His love for Notre Dame. His belief in Marcus Freeman. A financial offer and security that made the other two factors come to life. He believes he can make a difference at ND.
Scott from Augusta, Ga.: Eric, best wishes for you and the family this holiday season. I'm not Italian but would have enjoyed a pasta-filled Christmas dinner. I have a coaching question for you that I'm sure you've already answered but here goes; regarding our two Coordinators, do you remember the last time we had this type of experience? And do you see this transitioning ND into a more complete team for the coming season? Happy New Year to you! By the way, your sunglasses are awesome! Trendsetter!
Eric Hansen: Hi Scott. Happy New Year. I tried to find a combination that was comparable ... and if one exists, it was before I was covering college football, which I've been doing since 1983 {I actually had 1883 during the live chat, oops]. ... If Al Golden stays on, yes I think this is a great combination to support a man growing into a head coaching role. Now there are some roster challenges to get right this offseason, but I think the roster is in great hands. ... Thanks for the compliment on the shades. I have keratoconus in my right eye, (had cornea transplant surgery in my left), so they're functional as well!
Don from Scottsdale, Ariz.: Eric, Happy New Year! Congrats on breaking the Denbrock story. Couple of questions. Do you think there will be more staff moves after the Sun Bowl? If Angeli plays great, how does that impact spring ball? CMF has grown in the past 2 years. With 2 top coordinators what does he need to do to road games and game management where they need to be?
Eric Hansen: Thanks, and Happy New Year to you, Don. I think there will be staff members who will get attractive offers elsewhere that they'll have to consider. Marcus Freeman said last offseason every coach on staff had at least one, or a serious interview for one. Just given those odds, it's hard to see everyone else staying in place, but I wouldn't rule it out. ... With the road games, it starts with creating a different mindset on the road, how and when they travel perhaps, how they think about road games. But yes, there are functional aspects too, like a deeper plan with regard to dealing with crowd noise and communications and having that all worked out. I think Mike Denbrock will have some good suggestions there.
Finally, back to your Angeli question. I think playing well in the bowl game would help Angeli more with attractive transfer options if he decided that was best for him rather than shedding new light on him that would affect the spring competition.
Eric Hansen: Just a side note. Someone asked last week if Gino Guidugli was going to call plays from the sideline in the Sun Bowl or be up in the box. He initially committed to the sideline, but I was told today that he has changed his mind and will call plays from upstairs in the coaches' box.
Scubatvt56 from Tennessee: Hoping you had a great Christmas with family and friends. Do you think Denbrock will change his offensive philosophy at all since he no longer coaches under Brian Kelly?
Eric Hansen: Hey Scuba, he had a chance to do that at Cincinnati from 2017-2021 before he and BK reunited at LSU. I don't think Brian Kelly was overbearing in the process at LSU. I think you got a pretty good snapshot of what Mike Denbrock likes to run. Again, he'll tailor it to ND's personnel and then recruit to what might be missing for future years. Since it was the No. 1 offense in the nation this year, I think conceptually it won't change a ton.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you are having a Gr-r-reat time in El Paso. With the line ups being so different due to opt outs, could you give us a couple of pointers on what matchups will be the most interesting and pivotal for the game? Also, during the game what are four or five things that you would like to see from Notre Dame that will give you added confidence that they will be moving in the right direction and improving for 2024? Thanks for taking the time to host the chat. We all know you are super busy down there in Texas. Have a great time.
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays Marie. I expect you'll be eating Frosted Flakes with your daughter on Friday morning? Or maybe not. ... Both offensive line/D-line matchups are fascinating to me, because both teams are missing their standout tackles on offense and at least one other O-line piece. And both D-lines are intact and were stellar during the season. So how both offenses navigate that with a backup quarterback is really interesting to me. I think ND's receivers, how they play, is going to interest me as well, particularly with three of them not having been 100 percent for months and now prominent in the game plan.
To the second part of your question, these heavy opt-out bowl games do provide some glimpses of the future, but more so impressions than lasting conclusions. With that in mind, Charles Jagusah at left tackle, Josh Burnham rotating on at field end, Jaylen Sneed at linebacker and Drayk Bowen rotating in, Jaden Mickey and Christian Gray at CB and Eli Raridon at tight end are all key players to watch.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Merry Christmas, guys — yeah, I am taking it out to the Epiphany. How tall is KK Smith?
Eric Hansen: Haha, Merry Christmas, Bob. He is listed at 6 feet even, and 168 pounds. I've only walked by him a couple of times back in August when he was wearing a sling. The 6 feet seems legit. He definitely isn't padding his weight listing. I would be shocked if he's over 170.
Rich Key West: I continue to be impressed with the top line talent Coach Freeman pursues not only on a player basis but also for his coaching staff. All his hard work and persistence has been rewarded with impressive results. I also see a real similarity with Saban's theory of working the transfer portal; don't build your team on it but rather work to fill in needs. What would your numbers estimate be for portal losses in the spring and what positions are most vulnerable to being hit with them?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rich. So let's do the math here first. Notre Dame is sitting at 89 scholarships with the need to get down to 85 by the first day of fall semester. Typically, they're over 100 at this point. But a lot of the portal movement happened quickly in December this year, as it did around the country. ... And I think ND will add a few more transfers ... O-line, WR and safety if they can find a match, maybe tight end. So that means eight departures, maybe more. Incoming transfers could trigger them. Spring competition could. Just getting through the bowl game could. And not all of them might be transfers. Xavier Watts could go pro, There would be a medical retirement or two. I'm not sure you'll see a run at certain positions more spread out.
Terry from Ithaca: When a ballcarrier is tackled where is the ball placed? Where the knee hits or where the ball is when the knee hits, Do you think football will eventually copy the soccer advertising model? I think advertising is currently ruining the game.
Eric Hansen: Hi Terry. It's where the ball is when the knee hits or when the runner goes out of bounds. ... And no, I don't think the soccer ad model will be employed in football.
Tanker, Dulce NM: Hi Eric, with the incoming 24 class having two very elite RBs how do you envision carries and playing time being split in the room next year. Once again it will be an overload of talented backs at the Irish's disposal. Talent at the position like ive never seen before. Exciting stuff. All the best pal, happy new year to you
Eric Hansen: All the best to you, Tanker. Deland McCullough was able to keep five happy. Six happy RBs seems to be a stretch, so perhaps someone hits the portal after spring practice, as Logan Diggs did last year. You could also switch positions, but not sure if there's a good candidate there. It's definitely a first-world problem.
Bill from St Joe: Eric, hoping for a very happy and healthy New Year to you Tyler, Charlston, the rest of the staff at Inside ND Sports and my fellow chatters! My question is when I read that BK said to Mike Denbrock to think it over overnight, was BK referring to ND’s offer or LSU’s contract extension?
Eric Hansen: ND's offer.
Tom from Sister Lakes, Mich.: Hi Eric, You wrote a really nice piece on Jack Kiser. Whatever he does in the future he's going to be a success. Now that Marcus publicly complemented the role FUND played in recruiting the 2024 signing class, what role did FUND play in keeping players like Kiser and others coming back for another year?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Thanks for the compliment and for reading the story! The whole NIL piece, not just at Notre Dame but everywhere, is a big blob of gray area that’s constantly changing shape and scope. And if you're Notre Dame, or anyone else, you've got to be prepared to adapt. I'll preface this with an article I read recently from Front Office Sports that essentially confirmed what I suspected, that there is no clearinghouse to confirm numbers and there is way more misinformation about specifics being passed along about NIL than this is actual information. What I can say about FUND, Notre Dame’s main NIL collective, is that it keeps Notre Dame competitive in recruiting, in transfers, in roster retention. Now Jack Kiser probably could have gotten more guarantees in terms of NIL money and playing time somewhere else, and he alluded to as much, but all things considered thought ND was the best option.
For the kids who end up at ND, NIL is a piece of the decision-making process. If it's truly the driving part of a decision, those kids aren't likely to be a fit at a place like Notre Dame anyway.
Suzanne from Palm Beach, Fla.: Great Christmas gift with the addition of Mike Denbrock! Has Al Golden agreed to a contract?
Eric Hansen: Hi Suzanne. There's rumblings that could happen, but not yet. If it does, Marcus Freeman will have a drama-free January and February for once.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Eric, another portal question, any update who ND is looking to get in the portal? It seems the portal is filling up with DT’s, WR’s and CB’s
Eric Hansen: Hey Frank. There are new names every day and will be until Jan. 2 when it closes for underclassmen. At this point, Notre Dame doesn't have a need for two of those positions, DTs and CBs. But remember they can still add after the portal closes and in time for spring semester in mid-January. They can also add after spring football and after more players hit the portal in April.
Shaun from Boston: How did Gerad Parker’s situation go down? Did ND give permission? Or, did Parker interview in secrecy? What will Gino’s roll become after the Bowl game? Thank you!
Eric Hansen: I don't think Marcus Freeman was caught off guard at all. .. .Gino Guidugli's role after the bowl game will be quarterbacks coach, which he is now. He worked with Mike Denbrock at Cincinnati, and succeeded him as OC there in 2022 when Mike left for LSU, so there's a lot of positive history there. Mike Brown, the WRs coach, overlapped them at UC as well.
James from Columbus: Hi Eric, I hope you had a very merry Christmas with your family. My question is a simple one ( I hope). Does ND have everything and everyone in place to make the playoffs next year? Coaches, players, administrators, support staff, schedule, etc. Thanks and Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: James. I hope you had a great Christmas as well. Yes they do, but they also have challenges. Nothing is automatic, and you never know how injuries will come into play. But the right ingredients on a number of levels have come together to give Notre Dame an opportunity to go out and earn it.
Roger from Peoria, Ill.: Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and will similarly have a wonderful New Year's Eve in which to celebrate an Irish Sun Bowl victory. Irish fans just need to remember, even if the Irish lose the Sun Bowl, the sun will come up the next day and you will still be an Irish fan!! #1 The reports on the NIL compensation seem unreal, but it is now an apparent reality. Do the NIL recipients have to do anything for their bucks, e.g., attend charitable events, advertise for a car dealer or soft drink company, or whatever? Must they do anything other than play football? #2 What is your take on Charles Jagusah? I think he will be the next outstanding Irish LT. He was not going to replace Alt this year, but I was not shocked by his rise to the top for the Sun Bowl. I believe a Spring surgical procedure kept him at less than full strength this fall. The footwork and athleticism from being an Illinois State wrestling Champion adds to his skill set, IMO. GO IRISH!!
Eric Hansen: Roger. We did and hope the same for you. Some of the NIL questions I get, including this one, are just too broad for me to do justice here. When things slow down a bit, it's something I can get to this offseason. I've actually got a couple of NIL stories ready to write, but unrelated to this question per se. So I'm going to skip that part of your question and get to Charles Jagusah. Yes, the recent feature I did on him aligns with your observations. He continues to impress through the bowl practices. I like where he's headed.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, no question. just a comment: you have cultivated some outstanding "chatters" who ask some really good questions. I think that, along with your witty responses, is what makes your chats the highlight of my week!!! Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Thank you!
Jim from Oakwood, Ohio: Hi Eric, do you think that Ced from Saginaw received a keyboard with punctuation keys from Santa this year? Is Coach Dembrock a “contributor” to the offensive game planning to assist Coach G? What are your score predictions for the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl and this week’s CFB playoff games? Best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your family …and my thanks to you, Tyler and Charleston for the relentless and excellent coverage of ND football.
Eric Hansen: Jim, thanks for the holiday wishes and kind words. Much appreciated. Let's start with Mike Denbrock's role for the bowl. I published this last night. He's not involved in LSU's bowl prep anymore, but he's also not directly involved with ND's. His hiring was made official late this morning. And the plan was for him to fly to El Paso today, take in practice, have dinner tonight with the coaching staff, address the team tomorrow (Thursday) morning and fly back to Louisiana after that. I'd imagine shortly after the bowl game, he'll be up in South Bend and ready to get the planning for 2024 started, As for Ced and his new keyboard ....
ced walker from saginaw michigan happy holidays since kevyn humes cb reclassify to 2024 do u think notre dame have a great chance for commitment here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us
Eric Hansen: Happy Holidays, Ced, Kevyn Humes was a 2025 cornerback target who chose on Christmas to announce he was reclassifying into the 2024 class, which means he can sign in February and start playing next fall instead of 2025. He already has some visits set up for January. Even though ND was in his top 5, I don't see him trending toward the Irish at this time. The need is greater for another CB in the 2025 class than there is for him to join the two in the recently signed class.
Ryan from Mars, Pa: Good Afternoon Eric. How will The Team look With Steve And Gino look what is your score prediction go Irish Merry Christmas Eric and family
Eric Hansen: Doh ... Jim asked me for a score prediction, so this is a good reminder. I think the offense will labor a bit, not because of Gino Guidugli or Steve Angeli, but because of a lot of new pieces on the O-Line (actually both O-lines) going against some lightly or non-diluted front sevens. My prediction is Notre Dame 26, Oregon State 19.
Mike from Rochester N.Y.: Hi, Eric. Follow up on the Al Golden question. At this point, is the main threat for hiring him away the NFL? Or are there going to be some appealing college HC jobs opening up after the CFB playoffs?
Eric Hansen: Hey Mike. I think the NFL is the main threat. Sometimes the NFL carousel affects the college positions (more assistants than head coaches), but the early portal window and earlier signing period for recruiting has pushed up- the college timetable at most places. So if he were to leave, I believe it would be for an NFL coordinator position.
Curt from Warsaw, Ind.: Looking at the overall roster. Do you think this is the best roster in years?
Eric Hansen: The 2024 roster? No. But it may be the best defense. The O-line will be inexperienced and still some questions elsewhere on offense. Getting the right coordinator helps a lot.
Don from Cincinnati: Rumor mill: Jim Harbaugh to San Diego Chargers: Brian Kelly to Michigan. Can't believe either of these guys. Do you have an opinion?
Eric Hansen: No opinion at all, Don. I don't have the bandwidth this time of year to sink my teeth into rumors outside my own little world. It's amusing, but I have no idea what the BS quotient is with either.
Sean from Portland, Ore.: Hi Eric, hope your Christmas and holidays have been great. Do you expect much difference in game planning and tendencies as it relates to Gino/Gerad in the bowl game? Will we see more than a couple new wrinkles on Friday? What's the word on retaining Golden? Is he being offered an extension? I was really surprised to see Gerad Parker get a head coaching job before Golden…
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean. Really enjoyed Christmas and got to have a few versions of it with different parts of the family. Lucky with the weather and travel. I don't think we'll see a drastic difference in approach with Gino Guidugli calling plays, but there are a lot of different pieces and Gino will adapt to that. For instance, the boundary receiver position will be the strongest its been in months. There are few tight ends with which to work. The O-line is rebuilt. New QB. Love and Price are different backs than Audric. And since this is a bowl game, I don't think Gino will be shy about trying something tricky and taking some chances here and there. But overall same offense from a structural standpoint. You want some continuity.
Phil from Fairfield, Conn.: Hi Eric, I have seen some articles about the local legend #1 lacrosse recruit Matthew Jeffrey who is committed to ND for lax and has stated he will be playing football as well. Have you heard any rumblings from the staff about him? Wondering what ND is getting in him and if the Irish can catch lightning in a bottle twice when it comes to walk-on lacrosse offensive skill guys? We will take all the athletes we can get! Excited for what’s to come and happy NY to you sir. Enjoy the game :)
Eric Hansen: Hi Phil. Happy New Year. To be honest, that's more something that will come to light in the summer/fall. But I'm sure Marcus Freeman is thrilled to have another one come his way. Remember, if Matthew plays as much as one down of football, his scholarship must be converted from lacrosse to football, per NCAA rules. And that's one thing that delayed Jordan Faison's debut as long as it did.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, how involved do you think the incoming AD and President were in the decision to give Denbrock the contract that he got??? Hopefully, they were involved to some extent and that it is a good sign for the future. Thanks and Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: The financial commitment had the complete backing of everyone in the food chain all the way to the top.
Eric Hansen: OK, out of time. Have to get ready for my next assignment. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.
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