Chat Transcript: Already projecting, dissecting Notre Dame football in 2024
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat — the "it's getting cold in South Bend" rendition — 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 we debuted on Tuesday night at 7 because of the national championship game. We’ll move back to Mondays next week. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► This week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast will drop on Thursday. On our most recent edition, Tyler James and I invited former Notre Dame offensive lineman (2003-06) and current Notre Dame radio analyst Ryan Harris onto the podcast. Harris is quite familiar with new Notre Dame director of football performance Loren Landow, having done private workouts with Landow during his NFL career. Harris also discussed ND's Sun Bowl performance, the future at offensive tackle with Charles Jagusah and Tosh Baker, what he expects from ND's interior line moving forward, his experience working with Landow, how Landow will fit leading a college strength and conditioning program and motivating players, the excitement of Mike Denbrock returning as offensive coordinator, the addition of quarterback Riley Leonard to the program, Blake Fisher's NFL decision, his role calling ND football games on radio 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 a busy football offseason at WSBT radio season, and Darin Pritchett and I are together this week Wednesday and Friday on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As far as this week's chat …
PLEASE include your name and hometown along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: OK, let's get started.
Marie from Niles, Mich.: I have a question about the upcoming playoffs: Say, for instance, Notre Dame ends up the season being ranked #1. Since they can't get a bye, I presume they would replace the #5 team in the first round, and the #5 team would get the bye. But after that round, if Notre Dame wins, do they go back to being the #1 seed in the pecking order and rankings and play the lowest-ranked remaining team?
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. I like that you're already thinking about next year's playoff, the first that will feature a 12-team format. Great minds think alike. There's still some tinkering going on with the format due to the Pac-12 turning into the Pac-2. so there will be one more at-large team, but it won't likely affect the answer to your question. The highest seed Notre Dame can be in the new format is No. 5. That goes for any at-large team. You have to be one of the four highest-ranked conference champs to secure a spot 1-4 and a first-round bye. So, if ND finishes anywhere from 1 to 5 in the final CFP rankings, they are the 5 seed. And they remain the 5 seed for the duration. So if they beat the 12 in a playoff home game, then they face No. 4 at a neutral site in the quarterfinals.
Should they win that, they'd face the winner of 1 vs. 8 in the semis. And if they win that they're in the title game against whichever team emerges from the other side of the bracket, most likely the 2 or 3 seed.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Eric, I'm most interested in the new S&C Landow. What aspects of Matt Balis’ program do you think Freeman wants to keep/incorporate into the new S&C program implemented by Landow? What new aspects does Landow bring? And, like you, I don't make resolutions. I make commitments. I'll commit to being more concise/avoiding diatribes. Happy New Year. Be well. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Sean, I am floored at your transformation (and I did get and enjoyed your email). Because of that I elevated you to near the start of the chat. Great question and great focus. I appreciate you! OK, to your question. We'll have a chance to meet an interview Loren Landow soon, I'm expecting, and can drill down a little deeper then, but between talking to head coach Marcus Freeman about him and former Irish O-lineman and current radio analyst Ryan Harris as well, here's what I have gleaned. The No. 1 new wrinkle he brings is the ability and the desire to tailor training and workouts to the individual. Yes, there will be group lifts, etc. But he gets into more position-specific dynamics. I think another aspect I like (and not disparaging Matt Balis at all, I think he's awesome) is his NFL background. That's where these players want to end up, and his experience at that level is attractive.
Finally, in keeping this focused, is how in step he appears to be on the cutting edge of sports science, athlete workload tracking, injury prevention and recovery. ... What I need to wait and see is how he influences the team culture, his ideas on that. Balis was really, really influential in that aspect. For a deeper dive, I suggest listening to Ryan Harris' interview on our most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast.
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► Notre Dame Football 2024 Scholarship Chart
► Notre Dame gets elite return skills in Marshall transfer Jayden Harrison
► Northwestern grad transfer DB Rod Heard II commits to Notre Dame
► Confirming more targets expected for Notre Dame's junior day (Jan. 20)
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Jerry M. from Dallas, Texas: Eric, is it true that Notre Dame could have had J.J. McCarthy if a scholarship had been offered to him? If so, who was responsible for that miscue?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jerry. I've gotten this from several sources, including longtime recruiting analyst Tom Lemming and one of my former colleagues when I worked at the South Bend Tribune, Carter Karels. Carter, who now covers Texas A&M for GigEm247, was on WSBT's Weekday SportsBeat recently with Darin Pritchett and me. Carter covered JJ's recruitment. Carter said this on the air: "JJ told me if Notre Dame offered him a scholarship, he would crawl to South Bend to accept it." He was not offered. Tommy Rees went after Tyler Buchner in that cycle instead. Both players were very early in their high school careers when they committed to ND and Michigan, respectively.
Tanker, Dulce NM: Hi Eric, I hope all is well. In looking at the roster as it currently stands it appears that the Irish are a bit thin at LB. Are there plans to bring in anybody from the portal even just for depth pieces or is the staff confident in what they’ve got numbers-wise?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tanker, thanks and doing great here. Notre Dame as of this moment stands at eight scholarship linebackers, with a pretty strong walk-on in Tre Reader, who actually got a handful of snaps last year. Ideally, that number would be nine. The fact that so many of them appear to be ready to contribute eases the number issue a bit. That includes two of the three freshmen — five-star Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who starts classes next week as an early enrollee, and Bodie Kahoun, an underrated June enrollee. The other wildcard is Kahanu Kia, who flies in later this week to rejoin the Irish after a two-year mission. He was a standout linebacker at Punahou in Honolulu, but moved to be an undersized vyper end as a freshman in 2021. He may still be able to move back to linebacker. We'll know very soon. If the numbers do become a problem, due to long-term injuries, the Irish can always go to the transfer portal after spring practice. But I'd hold off on that if possible just because of all the young, promising talent.
Scott from Augusta, Ga: Eric, I hope all is well with you and the family. Always appreciate the great work you and Tyler provide on Football Never Sleeps. Hey, no real questions regarding the players, portal, or recruits. I'm more interested in the coaches and their ability to develop the players. Who do you feel does the best job developing the talent? I think Marcus really has a top staff. I worry about losing good coaches, but I think he will recruit good coaches as well as he recruits good players. Thanks for sharing your insight with all of us. By the way, I took the plunge and just got a subscription for Inside ND Sports. I just retired so this is my new pastime.
Eric Hansen: Scott, a new subscription and you enjoy Football Never Sleeps? You made my day. And as a reward, I will NOT send you an autographed picture of either of us, so as not to scare any small children or animals that might be lurking around your house. Sincerely, thank you. ... I think among the holdovers, the coach with the best track record of developing both the highly touted prospects and the diamonds in the rough is cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens. And that goes back to his days at Cincinnati as well ... and to himself as a player. He's able to get freshmen to play at a very high level and did so at UC as well ... and then continue those evolutions.
I think there are some others who are outstanding. Deland McCullough being in so much demand tells you something about his skills. But I want to single out D-Line coach Al Washington. After his first year at ND in 2022, I suggest he had something to prove both on the field and in recruiting. He certainly stepped up, and I want to recognize that. ... And I think incoming OC Mike Denbrock is elite at helping develop players at multiple positions, not just the tight ends, which will be his designated position group.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Happy 2024!! What do you think of our latest portal addition as a receiver (rather than as a kick returner)?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. You mentioned Jayden Harrison's kick return prowess — No. 2 in the national last season (30.7 yards per return, 2 TDs at Marshall). As a wide receiver, he's not been wildly prolific, but he has elite speed. And ND needed to add that element. He averaged 14.6 yards per catch, which is right in line with Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse and departed Rico Flores Jr. In just some very preliminary film study, I could see him being effective on the outside in the screen game, with an ability to run for yards after the catch. I don't see him as a starter.
Ryan from Mars, Pa: Good afternoon, Eric. What other positions do we need from the transfer portal — tackle and guard? Go Irish ☘️☘️🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. I think safety is the No. 1 priority, and I expect news on that front VERY soon. I think ND has enough talent and quantity inside. I'd be more interested in a tackle. And I think the Irish can wait if they want to let spring football play out and see where they are with the tackles before pursuing one at that point, if it makes sense to do so.
Mike from Phoenix: Eric, Hope you are enjoying the start to another great year! Couple of questions.1. Do you think Craig was beating out Corell for starting center regardless if he left? 2. Do you feel that the bowl game was a possible turning point for head coach MF, based upon he has his coaches in place, players coming back, 3rd year, more confident and comfortable? 3. The D was exceptional in 2023. I know lots of talent back and players tending up but can they replace JD and the vastly underrated Cam Hart? Thank you for the weekly chats to get us thru the week. Cheers!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike, thanks to you for being a part of the chats! 1. That's a tricky question. I think with Joe Rudolph making that decision, yes. I think if Harry Hiestand had stayed, Zeke Correll would have had a chance to win it. As it turned out, Zeke did not have the opportunity to return and will be playing for NC State next season. 2. I think the Sun Bowl was hardly a meaningless exhibition when it came to Marcus Freeman's evolution as a head coach. ND's culture was definitely on display and flexed in that game. December was a very good month all around for Marcus Freeman.
To question 3, Cam Hart and JD Bertrand were outstanding. So was Javontae Jean-Baptiste, particularly from midseason on. And there are others who will be missed ... but I do think that a defense that finished No. 5 in total defense has a chance to be better in 2024. I think Jack Kiser's return is momentous in terms of his talent but also his knowledge of the system and his ability to bring along the young talent at linebacker. The young corners, young safeties, emerging D-linemen to go along with the returnees, it's all very promising.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week and thanks for keeping the chats going even though the season is over. Watching Michigan win the national championship had to make people realize Notre Dame can’t be that far off. The ND roster is probably just as talented or very close. Taking all that into consideration, looking at each of the position groups at which ones are already good enough to seriously compete for a national championship, which ones are close And what do they need to get over the top to be able to seriously compete, and which ones are the farthest off and what do they need to do to improve and can that happen over the course of the 2024 season? As always, thanks for your great insights. Hope you will keep the chats rolling as often as possible in the offseason.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie, and thank you ... and for the first time ever, we have two Maries asking questions in a chat. I love it. ... So instead of looking at ND's 2023 roster vs. Michigan's 2023 roster, let's look at ND's 2024 roster vs. Michigan's 2023. ... I think ND's secondary will be as good as anyone's next season. I think the D-line is formidable, and could be elite if the pass rush continues to improve. ... If Notre Dame's linebackers mature quickly, that's an exciting position group. So the defense is on paper, without significant injuries, playoff-caliber. ... On offense, running back is probably the position that projects as closest to playoff caliber, even losing Audric Estimé. And at the other positions, it's going to depend on injury recovery and player development, and that's why the hiring of OC Mike Denbrock is so significant. Give me some opportunity to watch spring practice, and I'll have a better answer for you. But let me leave you with this thought.
When you look at blind résumés of the four playoff teams and Notre Dame in five key metrics -- rush offense, rush defense, total defense, turnover margin, pass efficiency -- Michigan looks clearly like the team most likely to win a national title. (top 10 in four of those five and No. 1 in two of them). But you could argue, the No. 2 team among those five was Notre Dame. So why weren't they even a playoff team? Because their performance in big games that they lost was so wildly divergent from their norm. And to me, the biggest reason for that was inexperience at the offensive coordinator position, which is no longer the case heading into 2024.
Joe P. from Los Angeles: Happy New Year, Eric! I wish you and your family a fantastic 2024. Thanks again for all of your great work. You're an invaluable resource for all of us avid ND football fans. Let's assume, for purposes of my question, that Al Golden takes an NFL position (which I believe will be the case) and that ND will not replace him from within (although it sounds like Mike Mickens could be a perfect fit for the position). In your opinion, who are the most realistic candidates from whom our next DC will be selected? By "realistic," I mean those candidates who would be seriously interested in the position and who ND/MF would be seriously interested in hiring. I, for one, would like to see Jesse Minter given some consideration, as a legacy coach and a former defensive intern on ND's staff. But I doubt that would be realistic. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Happy New Year, Joe. And as much as I am flattered by that opening to your questions, you are so deep into the hypothetical, it's usually a question I'd skip. But it was so well crafted, I'll give it a shot. Now keep in mind, Al Golden staying could very well happen. And if he does not, Mike Mickens being promoted, as you pointed out, would be a strong possibility. HAVING put out my disclaimers, the guy I think Marcus Freeman should pursue if he was limited ONLY to an outside candidate and a guy I think would be a possibility is former Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard. If not him, 2023 Broyles Award winner Phil Parker from Iowa. Leonhard, an analyst at Illinois this season, may not be available for much longer. ... And I agree with you, I don't think Jesse Minter would be realistic, though he is outstanding.
Denny from Bullard, Texas: Hi Eric! The Sun Bowl trophy looked pretty massive. I was glad to see Coach Free hoist it up. ( doubting our last HC could do that) I researched the weights of bowl trophies and got a few but not this one. I assume our knowledgeable chat leader has the resources to find out for us. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Denny. Allegedly, according to Sun Bowl officials, it's 80 pounds. You might be selling Brian Kelly short. I'm pretty sure I had a pic on my old office wall of BK at least holding the trophy, though not hoisting it.
Mike from Quakertown, Pa.: Hi Eric, thanks for taking our questions. Your chats and articles help me get through the dead season in between the bowl game and the start of Spring ball. Is this a make or break year for Freeman? He has another grizzled vet transfer at QB, experienced transfer wide receivers to go along with talented underclassmen at the position, two good running backs with more on the way, multiple top vets coming back on defense, and excellent and experienced coordinators. In year three and with all that I mentioned, I do not think 8-4 or even 9-3 is acceptable. I think it is playoff appearance or bust. What do you think! Thanks and have a good one!
Eric Hansen: Mike, I appreciate that. ,,, I think it's how you define make-or-break, which admittedly sounds self-explanatory. But the break part ... if he fashions one of the unacceptable records you threw out, does he get fired? No. Would there be consequences ... with a new AD, there would be some urgency in year 4. A lot of it. On the other end of the spectrum, if ND makes the playoff and even wins a game, that doesn't guarantee sustained success. Football is an evolutionary sport. It's very easy to fall behind the curve. What I like about Marcus Freeman a lot is that he is building his program and his philosophy where the commitment to evolving on and off the field is baked in. Historically, year 3 is a very telling year for Notre Dame head coaches. Maybe NIL and the transfer portal changes that calculus, but I'll go on record as saying this will be a critical year for Marcus Freeman. And yes the bottom line matters.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, I hope that the weather is not too bad in SB this week. It sure seems as though things are going well for MF recently starting with the excellent game in the Sun Bowl. However, his ability to get top coaches like Denbrock and Brown to buy into his program is another strong statement. What is it about MF and what he has done thus far and is selling for the future that gets these kinds of commitments from coaches and recruits??? Also, what do you think ND is selling to the grad transfers in the portal to get so many key players to want to come to ND?? When will you be able to talk with the new Strength coach and what are some of the questions you will have?? Thanks for helping all of us with these chats. It is a long time till August. Hopefully the spring and summer will continue on a positive note. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Ask me again about the weather after this weekend. We're supposed to get our first major winter storm of the season AND below-zero temps. So, that means there will be no milk or bread at the grocery store after today, which I can live with. I think what attracts coaches and recruits to Marcus Freeman are two things about everything else -- the clarity of his vision for the program and the steps he'll take to reach that, and his authenticity. People feel like they can trust him. As far as grad transfers, it's multi-faceted. The chance to develop into an NFL prospect or enhance that, NIL opportunities, a graduate degree from a prestigious university if that's a goal, a chance to play in what appears to be an ascending program. ... I believe we'll have a chance to talk to Loren Landow before the end of the month, likely sooner, though that's not officially on the docket yet. We do know we'll have access over the next few weeks to interview all of the incoming portal guys as well as all the early enrolled freshmen. ... As far as questions for Landow, I'm very curious about how he builds culture and leadership through the strength program and some of the latest advancements in sports science and how he'll implement those.
Pat from Buffalo Grove, Ill.: What are the odds that the J5; Jayden, Jaden, Jordan, Jadarian and Jeremiyah will account for at least 80% of the offense next year?
Eric Hansen: Pat, I was told there would be no math higher than fifth-grade level. .... I will give it my best. I would say less than 80 percent ... because Riley, Mitchell, Eli and possibly Kris will mess up the math. Then again, I only got a C+ in calculus.
Eric Hansen: Some breaking news ... Northwestern grad transfer DB Rod Heard II commits to Notre Dame
Eric Hansen: That's eight incoming transfers for the Irish, a program record of scholarship transfers for a cycle. Heard projects as a safety for the Irish and can also play nickel and CB. The Irish are at 90 scholarships. Spring-semester classes and winter workouts start Tuesday. Here is a link to our scholarship chart. ... A significant addition to the Irish secondary.
Kevin from Sleepy Eye, Minn.: Eric!!!!! Let's talk title game. Was I watching MF's vision for ND when seeing Michigan? Clearly an offense and defensive line driven champion.
Eric Hansen: Hi Kevin!!!!!! I think you are seeing the vision to a large extent -- though I think Marcus Freeman would like to be a bit more dynamic and versatile on offense. But you are not yet seeing the reality. The offensive line's development this offseason will be incredibly influential in Notre Dame's bottom line in 2024. Having Mike Denbrock back to enhance that process is encouraging.
One thing to keep in mind. Michigan's formula to winning a national title doesn't mean it's the only way or necessarily the one that will win next year's title. But the fact the Wolverines did win one with this blueprint is encouraging for what Notre Dame is putting together.
White Cheddar from Stillwater, Okla.: My question is about micheeegan and the illegitimate title they just “won”. I can’t believe they even got into the playoffs with the cheating they have already been engaged in. Do you think the ncaa will take games away or even take the title away. What is next in this investigation. Go Irish ☘️
Eric Hansen: I think allowing Michigan into the playoff was the right move, because that case hasn't been adjudicated. And yes, it could be taken away. But predicting what the NCAA CAN and WILL do is like trying to predict a teenager's mood from one moment to the next (so glad those days are in the rearview mirror). I haven't followed the investigation closely enough to give you a next step. If Michigan were my beat or the Irish were playing them before the next decade, I'd invest more time in that research.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, I really enjoyed the Michigan comparisons to the ND program that you and Tyler discussed during this week's Football Never Sleeps episode. I would highly recommend it to all my fellow chatters. Indeed in many respects ND under CMF is similar to Michigan (and Georgia) as to how he is building the ND program. As a follow-up to those discussions could you compare the historical acceptance criteria for transfers at the two schools? CMF wants ND to be O-line D-line driven. I think back to Michigan adding the transfer center from Virginia a few year's ago and that that players solidified their O-line. I do not recall if ND pursued that center or not. As always your insights are greatly appreciated.
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. Really appreciate the recommendation and kind words. ... Michigan has had a deeper pool to choose from when it comes to transfers but ND's appears to be improving in that regard with juniors Riley Leonard and Beaux Collins being admitted. Neither program wants to become portal-reliant ... instead fill holes and keep it from being exposed with too much inexperience at a particular position group. Olu Oluwatimi was an incredible transfer pickup for Michigan. He started his career at Air Force after receiving no Power 5 offers, then developed into an All-America caliber center at Virginia after transferring there and walking on. He was the best center in the nation at Michigan in 2022. I do not recall ND pursuing him.
Roger from Peoria: Eric: As always appreciate your work and Tylers! Exactly what role does Chris O'leary perform for the Irish? His name seems to appear in many recruiting stories, not just with Safeties. Also, any comment on the potential impact of the NCAA letter to Michigan concerning possible recruiting violations on the Wolverine's National Championship? Would that not be a huge story? Also, respecting yesterday's "Football Never Sleeps", how about the "Greyhound" for Bettis, Jr. Don't they suggest "Take the bus and leave the driving to us"? GO IRISH!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Roger. Thanks for watching/putting up with us on Football Never Sleeps. I really enjoy putting that show together and presenting it. Tyler does a great job of not cringing at my "dad" jokes. ... And love your suggestion for Jerome Bettis Jr. ... way better than what I could come up with. Yes, the Michigan story will continue to percolate loudly until there's resolution, even if Jim Harbaugh, as expected, leaves for an NFL job.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: Spot-on about Al Washington on FNS. He's improved his stature. Now, he needs to find consistency in recruiting/development.
Eric Hansen: Yes, the recruiting piece is improving, but consistency will be important. I love how the 2025 D-line class is coming together. And the 2024 season should prove to be a great billboard for the future of recruiting at the position.
Rich from Key West: Based on the offensive line candidates remaining unchanged through spring practice, what would your best guess be at what the depth chart will look at the conclusion of that practice period for that position grouping?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rich. Assuming there is not a portal addition at offensive tackle and anyone who's injured (namely Rocco Spindler) fully recovers, I think there will be quite a robust competition across the board. I'd start with, who do I think are the best five linemen regardless of position once spring concludes? My best projection (and it's far easier to do that after watching some practices) would be in no order: Charles Jagusah, Billy Schrauth, Aamil Wagner and then a blur of Tosh Baker, Ashton Craig, Rocco Spindler, Pat Coogan, Guerby Lambert. So if I had to pick five without seeing any practices, I'd say Jagusah, Wagner, Schrauth, Craig and Coogan. And if you ask me next week, I'll probably have a different combo. But Wagner is the non-starter who I think will break into the top five.
ced walker from saginaw michigan marcus freeman great pick up with jayden harrison didnt see this coming at all great wr and kr im hearing notre dame is the favorite for kevyn humes here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us
Eric Hansen: Hi Ced. Kevyn Humes is the 2025 cornerback prospect, who reclassified into the 2024 class and plans to sign with someone in February. He's supposed to take an official recruiting visit to ND later this month if he doesn't fall in love with someone else during his earlier visits. I would not say ND is the favorite, but they are in the mix.
Matt from Austin: Hi Eric. Stay warm!!!! Thank you as always for your insight. From my perspective, next year's schedule looks favorable for ND. Still, with the loss of our two tackles, and the transfer of our center, do you think the line will have the time to come right out of the gate strong against Texas A & M? if so, what would your prediction as to the starters, even in light of strong bowl game performances? I guess that I would also wonder if you see a chance for a step forward from this year? Thanks again.
Eric Hansen: OK, if you say so, Matt. .... and thank you. My best guess at the moment for starters I just spit out in the last question. The competition this spring and a possible portal addition could scramble it. There are a lot of unknowns beyond the starters. Joe Rudolph has a long track record of development. Will we see that in a more pronounced way after getting a running start into spring this time and having a full season in the program? My guess is yes. Will OC Mike Denbrock help that development? No guess here. Yes is the answer. Will that line be a work in progress when the Irish open the season, still a yes. They need game reps to develop that chemistry together. But if they can make it through the A&M game, the schedule lends itself to growth without trauma the rest of the way. I do like the talent at the position group.
Jules from Joliet, Ill.: One of my concerns for the 2024 season is the same as 2023. I am concerned that the transfer QBs from the less than elite programs will find the experience at ND overwhelming compared to their previous situations. ND gets everyone’s best shot each game day. I would think that this is a tough situation to adjust to. Do you feel that this is a legitimate concern? As always, thank you for hosting these great chats.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jules, and thank YOU. ... I mean, Riley Leonard faced some of the better defenses in the country last season -- Nos. 5, 8, 21, 28, 29 in total defense, and Nos. 1-5-6-21 in pass-efficiency D, and I don't think any of them took it easy on him. He also faced a pretty good Duke defense in practices when the Blue Devils went 1s vs. 1s. Where I do think there can be an adjustment is the white noise, both the adulation and the scrutiny. I think that's a fair concern.
Irish Rob from Scranton, Pa.: Eric, I have enjoyed these chats for many years now, as an avid fan of ND football. I have fallen into this trap before, as we all have I am sure, and find myself falling again. What is the trap you might ask??? I truly believe that ND has turned the proverbial corner, and is on the verge of breaking through. Things seem different from avenues I would criticize before, paying coaches to come here, taking on non graduate options through the transfer portal, recruiting wins at key positions, etc. My question to you is this, am I crazy to be feeling this way, or does it generally seem, from a non-fan's perspective, that things are trending in the direction I am seeing them from?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rob. I'm just glad your participation in the chats is not perceived as a trap. Glad to have you ... Here's where I think you are on point. Marcus Freeman has created a great deal of momentum for the program going into this offseason, and Notre Dame's administration appears to be providing the tools he needs to maximize success. Those stars haven't always aligned. And while that doesn't guarantee anything, it does give Marcus Freeman more margin for error as he goes about trying to reach the lofty goals and expectations, which I think are realistic.
David from Indianapolis: What is the probability that this coming football season will be the Best One since Holtz's National Championship One? Or a slightly different question, yet gets at somewhat the same thing is what is the probability of a national championship this coming season? I say it is 35%. And I believe it is 100% possible. I am Hopeful.
Eric Hansen: David, you and I both will be able to project the chances better after spring practice. While there is reason to believe this is a playoff-worthy team in 2024, there are a lot of questions that have to be answered. So let's revisit this in, say, late April?
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Eric, in some of Freeman's post bowl comments I believe he alluded to the fact that Faison probably should have been playing more earlier in the season. I am going to presume that although they played different positions, that many of those snaps went to Merriweather as the coaches kept trying to tap into his potential. Do you think that this played a role in replacing the WR coach?? Certainly player development and evaluation are two very important parts to any coaches job performance. Thanks. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. I don't think the decision to hold Jordan Faison back until midseason affected the decision to dismiss Chansi Stuckey. That was a long-term decision involving awarding a scholarship the moment he played, because it would have to be shifted from lacrosse. And no, Faison and Merriweather did not play the same position.
Pat McBride from Scottsdale, Ariz.: Hello Eric: Developing player's talents is, obviously, a key to success on any level. In your opinion, has ND fallen short in that regard, especially at QB, in the past few decades? And, if so, will that change soon?
Eric Hansen: I would say, by and large you are correct in your observation about development, especially when you factor in QBs with NFL futures. But I would say it was very encouraging to see ND finish ninth nationally in team passing efficiency, one of the key metrics in teams winning national titles. It's the highest finish for the Irish by far since 2009, Jimmy Clausen's last season at ND when he was third individually and the Irish fourth. I think QBs coach Gino Guidugli is a big part of that, but recruiting has stepped up too ... the last time ND stacked three Rivals250 players at QB in back-to-back classes (Minchey/Carr/Knight) was in the Weis Era (Jones and Fraser/Clausen/Crist).
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. We're going to keep rolling weekly as long as there's interest and stuff to talk about. So next Wednesday at noon ET it is!
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