Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat brought to you by J&R Solutions -- the thawing-out rendition.
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. We’re back in a Monday at 7 ET time slot after some deviations the past few weeks to work around the holidays and the national championship game. 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, former Notre Dame offensive lineman Bob Morton (2002-06) discussed the progress that can be made in winter workouts, how realistic strength/weight gains are, if Michigan would be smart to promote Sherrone Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh for the sake of continuity, his recruiting visits to Notre Dame, if it's possible to always play the best five offensive linemen, what he thought of Charles Jagusah's starting left tackle debut, the development of three-star recruits 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 in the midst of a busy football offseason at WSBT radio season, and Darin Pritchett and I are together this week Wednesday and Thursday 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: Let's get rolling.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope your week is going well. How concerned are you about Michigan coming after Chad Bowden? Do you think that Notre Dame will do what needs to be done to keep him? Switching gears, what will be the biggest differences in Mike Denbrock‘s offense compared to that of Parker and Rees? Finally, any update on how it’s going with Landow in the strength and conditioning program? Thanks for all the great insights and hosting the chat.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. The week is going great. The snow is melting and we'll get a chance to do some football interviews out at Notre Dame at the end of the week. As you likely are aware, colleague Tyler James has been reporting and opining on this for subscribers in The Insider Lounge premium message board.
What I can add here is that Notre Dame Football director of recruiting Chad Bowden is an extremely valuable part of ND's recruiting success under head coach Marcus Freeman (and actually in the final year of the Brian Kelly regime as well). I would be concerned if no one came after Bowden. That he's in demand by a program like Michigan speaks to his value. My assumption is more money and continuing to expand his role would be things that Bowden would find attractive in opting to stay at ND.
As far as the differences between offenses of Mike Denbrock to the two Irish offensive coordinators that preceded him, that's driven more by personnel than philosophy. If Riley Leonard is the starting QB and Gerad Parker had stayed, he would need to retool the offense to take advantage of Leonard's much different skill set than Sam Hartman's, for instance. I think the biggest difference you'll see between Denbrock and Parker is what ND's offense looks like in big games against elite defenses and how the offense will adjust in game to the defense's tactics. ... New ND football director of performance Loren Landow is one of the interviews we have Friday, so I'll let him do the talking on that matter.
Skip from Houston: Which is true - Rubio is out of football at Notre Dame - Rubio is out of football - Rubio is out of football only this semester? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Skip. None of the above technically. I think I was pretty thorough in the story I did, but I'll try to boil it down. Gabe Rubio is away from Notre Dame football this semester to attend to personnel matters. This semester and Notre Dame. He is not in the transfer portal. There is a path back to being on the roster either this summer or in the fall and being on the roster for 2024. Like most things in life, there is not absolute certainty that will happen, but I think that's a scenario that's more likely than not to happen.
Patrick from Fort Wayne, Ind.: Good afternoon Eric. Can you give us an update on Luke Talich, the walk-on safety that was profiled last fall. I know he is getting over an injury. Do you think he will get a scholarship this spring?
Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. Walk-on safety Luke Talich has his freshman season end prematurely in 2023 as a result of a broken collarbone. He was playing primarily special teams. I know safeties coach Chris O'Leary is extremely high on Luke and couldn't wait to see how the 6-4, 198-pound freshman performed as a 210-pounder. Well guess what, that's where he is now. And with Northwestern transfer Rod Heard II not joining the roster until June, Talich and the other young safeties will have plenty of opportunity to show out this spring. The numbers right now would not allow him to be on scholarship, but that will likely change after spring semester, and I would anticipate Talich no longer being a walk-on at that time.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, it's been well documented that coach MF puts in a lot of time and effort into recruiting and it is certainly paying dividends. I asked a form of this question in a past chat but after two years, your response may be different. The time that he spends recruiting has to come at the expense of some other area of the job. Do you see him spending less time in an area(s) of the head coach position than previous head coaches as a result and if so, where and does it seem beneficial or detrimental overall?
Eric Hansen: Hey Doug. Great question and one that's very difficult to answer in a streamlined fashion, and I'll give you one scenario. Because Marcus Freeman invests so heavily on the front end of the recruitment and maintaining that momentum, he may be saving himself time and stress in November and December when other teams try to get players to decommit .. .or an assistant coach leaves for another job ... those recruits have that longstanding and strong relationship with Marcus Freeman. So instead of dividing his time during ND's stretch run or bowl prep or playoff prep or scrambling to sign an 11th-hour recruit, he's made a smart investment on the front end.
In looking at how Kelly did things, he seems to have been more involved in the day-to-day running of the offense, the coaching of the QBs etc., but it took him having a 4-8 season to invent in being accessible to the players. So other than sacrificing sleep and delegating things that can/should be delegated, I don't think Marcus Freeman has emphasized recruiting at the expense of something he shouldn't be.
John from Elkhorn, Neb.: Greetings Eric- wondering if the Irish are done recruiting the tight end position or if Wes Pritchett’s son is still on their radar? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Marshall Pritchett is a three-star tight end prospect playing at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap, Ga. He has visited Notre Dame four times, the most recent being the Ohio State game on Sept. 23 and does not yet have an offer. The Irish already have four-star legacy recruit James Flanigan committed and would like to take two in the 2025 cycle. They Irish have prioritized four-star Linkon Cure as the other TE. So the door isn't closed, but without an offer, he's not a priority at this point.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric! Thanks for keeping these chats going in the offseason! Now might be a good time to ask a question I’ve always had. I didn’t play football, so can you help me understand the differences in the specific positions for the wide receivers (ex: X) and linebackers? And also what traits ND is looking for in each of those? If this is too much, I can ask about LBs next time. Thanks in advance!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. Thank you! So let's give you the simplified versions of this. Remember, these are generalities. ... There are always exceptions to the rule. So Notre Dame in three-wide receivers sets plays two outside receivers and an inside guy (slot). The slot receiver typically is an elite speed guy with great moves, usually not overly physical. Jaden Greathouse, when he's in the slot, doesn't fit that mold, but is really effective in part because of his physicality. Chris Tyree is more what you think of as a slot receiver. Then there are two outside receivers. And this is where ball position in relation to the hash marks comes into play. In the NFL there is less of a differentiation of the outside receivers, because the hashes are closer together.
So, the field receiver is the guy who lines up on the side of the field where there's the most real estate for the defender to cover. The harder it is to defend that player one-on-one (think Will Fuller), the more it potentially opens up the rest of your offense because of the choices the defensive coordinator must make in terms of safety help. So, having someone with elite speed at that position is a premium. The boundary receiver doesn't necessarily have elite speed, but usually has great size and physicality. If he has both, all the better. Miles Boykin, Chase Claypool, Ben Skowronek and now Jayden Thomas are good examples. They can muscle cornerbacks in the smaller space.
Linebacker play has changed dramatically, even since Manti Te'o played at 250ish and was the Heisman Trophy runner-up. Notre Dame plays the mike (middle linebacker), will (weakside) and rover. The rover concept under Mike Elko and Clark Lea was to man it with a safety/linebacker skill set (think Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah) who wouldn't have to come off the field on third down because he could play the run, cover tight ends and cover slot receivers. Typically, the rover comes off the field on third down.
All three need to have some coverage skills. But that becomes more urgent as you move away from the middle linebacker. Inside at the will and mike, there needs to be a level of physicality to deal with guards coming at you. If this is more confusing than helpful, email me, and I'll try to do something that's not so off the top of my head.
Mark from Orange County, Calif.: Hi Eric, Really appreciate that you host these chat even in the off season, Do you think spring camp will be a true quarterback tryout or only a tryout to determine the #2 quarterback?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mark. I get this a lot, and I understand why. Because if you ask someone else on t he beat, you might get a very different answer. I really think this is not only about determining No. 1, but determining 2-3-4 as well. When was the last time ND started the spring with someone like CJ Carr as No. 4? I think it's important for team chemistry as much as anything that the competition is real. They need to see in practice who's No. 1. Otherwise, you have the potential for a split locker room. It also would make themselves question whether their standing on the team was legit if people didn't have to compete for their jobs. Realistically, I expect Riley Leonard to win this. But I will admit this now, I never thought Ian Book could pass Brandon Wimbush on the depth chart, and he did. And he was the better college QB. So, one thing that's great about sports is surprises. That's how we got Pat Coogan as a starter, got Howard Cross as an All-American and got Jordan Faison as a bowl game MVP.
Michael from San Antonio, Texas: Did Loren Landow announce who is on his staff? Did he keep any existing coaches, or bring new ones in, or a mixture?
Eric Hansen: I'll let him spill the team on that on Friday. As was all the details of what he envisions for the ND program. So check it out Friday at insideNDsports.com. … And Michael, there's nothing wrong with your questions. We're this close to talking to him directly, which is always preferred to sources.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich.: I notice rod heard and beaux collins roster # wasnt announced what date will spring practice start 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: Ced, I know it's difficult in the offseason, because people kind of jump in and our on offseason news and aren't necessarily plugged in 100 percent of the time (Marie from Atlanta is an exception). Transfers Rod Heard II (Northwestern) and Beaux Collins (Clemson) are finishing up their degree work remotely this semester while living in South Bend. So, they can attend spring practices but not participate in them. They can lift at the Gug under the watchful eye of Loren Landow and his staff but can't participate in team lifts. They can attend team meetings but are excluded from some other team activities. So they and the eight June-enrolling freshmen will get their number assignments this summer.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, the great questions in the chat so far inspired me to jump in. For the players preparing for the draft, do they have access to Landow and his NFL experience? If they don’t graduate until May, are they working out at ND? Safe to assume those that have graduated are off working with professional trainers in warmer locales? Thanks as always-
Eric Hansen: Thanks for jumping in, Jeff. The NFL Draft hopefuls do have access to the Notre Dame strength and conditioning staff, though most don't train on campus but in the scenario you suggested. Because Loren is new, I'm not sure how compelled this group would be, because they don't have an established connection with him. There have been some players who stayed in South Bend and trained with Loren's predecessor, Matt Balis, in the past. Or kind of mixed and matched ... personal trainers up until Pro Day in March, then a switch to Balis.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hi Eric, what do you hear, what do you say? I feel like I have learned much about offensive line development by listening to Bob Morton on the podcast. He’s outstanding! Another area I would like to learn more about is special teams. What are the skills that a successful coach would need? It feels like negotiation skills would be paramount in relation to getting the players you want both from a recruiting and current roster perspective. Thoughts appreciated.
Eric Hansen: Hi Ed, and thank you. The best asset a special teams coach can have is having a head coach who prioritizes it and gives him the full run of the roster. When it's part of the team culture, which it is under Marcus Freeman at ND, negotiation/persuasion skills aren't as important. Not all special teams coaches have the same strengths. With Brian Mason, he was incredible with watching film and being able to figure out ways to block punts ... and to scare the snot out of the punter when they didn't get home on the block. Marty Biagi is a rare special teams coach who actually was a kicker and punter in college. That gives him an edge with those positions. By remaking Spencer Shrader's swing, for instance, he was able to add significant distance to his field goals. Being able to evaluate players who will help you on coverage and returns is important as well.
Don from Scottsdale, Ariz.: Eric, as usual you and the team are doing a great job. Before spring camp the only real view of the team are the coaches. That said it seems like Coach Freeman has grown into his position. Needs to continue however he seems comfortable with the job.. Not sure how much interaction he has with media; what are you seeing that we can't? Are there "soft spots" not apparent that need attention? I know you meet with him Friday. What do you need to see to believe the program can move to a higher level? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don. I don't think we'll get Marcus Freeman this week. We will get Loren Landow as well as all of the offensive early enrolled freshmen and transfers as well as 30-year-old Citadel transfer/walk-on kicker Eric Goins ... to your question re Freeman, to me the biggest areas of attention this offseason for his growth need to be ... how to make the Irish a better road team, smoothing out gameday operations so, for instance, he and I never have to answer another question about 10 men on the field unless it's about the opposition. ... And blending leaning on analytics for in-game decisions with instincts/feel for the game when analytics should be overridden.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Good afternoon Eric What do you think about our chances of getting Jerome Bettis Jr when he makes his decision Go Irish ☘️☘️🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. I think Notre Dame still leads for the three-star legacy recruit from College Park, Ga., and that he'll eventually end up in ND's class. He REALLY enjoyed his last visit, on Jan. 20. But I think he wants to take his time to some extent and enjoy the process and not just make the decision that's obvious to outside observers.
Sean from Schaumburg, Ill.: After listening to FNS I was curious if a position change to Tight End/D end might be feasible for Aamil Wagner if he can't put on weight. A 270-280 pound TE/D end is always nice to have. Is he a transfer portal option if he gets passed on the depth chart?
Eric Hansen: Hi Sean and thanks for your questions. I'm including a pic of Aamil on a visit as a recruit to Notre Dame at the Blue-Gold Game his senior year in high school. He's standing next to Holden Staes, a tight end who signed with ND (and who has since transferred). He looks like a tight end in the photo. It's not that he can't put on good weight, it's that it is a meticulous process he planned on, not an event. As a freshman at Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne, Wagner was 6-4, 180. Not a typo. He was 255 when I talked to him in May of 2022 before he enrolled in June and 264ish when he arrived. He's 284 now. If you're a subscriber, I'd encourage you to read this story I did before he arrived, and his plan to develop into a tackle over time. His 40 time in high school was in the 4.7s. He ran a 11.0 split in the 4x100-meter relay. To have that kind of athleticism at left tackle is worth the wait, especially when the player is completely invested in the process.
As far as position switches, I think with the transfer portal, you'll see less of this type ... just the more subtle ones. But his mind is squarely on being a tackle and ND and I wouldn't bet against him.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric! As January comes to a close what would you consider the five biggest surprises concerning the ND staff and roster since the regular season ended? That would include all bowl opt outs, who opted for draft, who was/was not asked to play in post season all star games, staff changes, new staff positions, transfer portal subtractions and additions, those choosing to end their football careers, injuries, etc.
Eric Hansen: Hello Len! Since the Jersey Shore is such a desired vacation destination, I wonder how cool it is actually living there? I am really going off the top of my head here, so my answer might be different with a running start. In no order ... Chansi Stuckey's firing, Rico Flores Jr.'s transfer out, Notre Dame administration working with the football team to admit junior transfers Riley Leonard and Beaux Collins, Charles Jagusah starting at left tackled in the Sun Bowl, Steve Angeli putting up the best pass-efficiency rating by a Notre Dame QB in the past 50 years in a starting debut.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, hope things are good in your world!!! If Riley Leonard is possibly going to be available for spring ball it would seem his recent surgery was fairly minor. Is that true?? What would your top two objectives be for this spring ball?? Any news on Bowden staying at ND?? Now about Al Golden. I think there are about 5 DC positions still open in the NFL, including Washington and Seattle who have not named their coach yet. Are there any situations or potential HC hires that might make you more concerned about him staying at ND?? How similar is Jack Kiser to Drue Tranquill in playing ability and what they do for a defense?? Thanks for continuing these Chats through the winter. You don't know how much we all appreciate the opportunity to ask you questions and get your insight on where the program is heading??
Eric Hansen: Tom, I am loving my world at the moment, thanks! It is my understanding that the surgery was minor, and I will let Riley provide all the details on Friday when we talk to him for the first time since he arrived at ND. ... My top two objectives would be to determine who the starters and key backups on the O-line are and getting that moving in a progressing direction for the summer. And then installing the offense and determining which QB will be running that offense. ... When I'm in the chat, I'm not always up-to-the-second on what's happening outside the chat, because this is my focus. But as of the start of the chat, my expectation is that Notre Dame would make it attractive for Chad to stay at ND.
As far as Al Golden's future, I think there's a better chance than not that he stays at Notre Dame, but not resoundingly so, and speculating about situations where they haven't fully developed and have no sufficient sourcing or info to make those assumptions would be irresponsible on my part, I think. Kiser vs. Tranquill. There are some similarities there ... former safeties turned rovers turned inside linebackers. Great leadership, instincts. I think 2024 with Kiser playing more inside, it'll give everyone a better feel for how his athleticism will play or not play at the next level.
Martin from Orlando: What is the story with Riley Leonard's ankle?
Eric Hansen: All you have to do is go to our website, and there's a big story there. QB Leonard expected to be 100% for Notre Dame spring practice after surgery
Sean from Portland, Ore.: I noticed a story released about Riley Leonards injury status which was almost immediately disputed on twitter by Rob Hunt... of course Riley being injured is a story those of us who are ND die-hards want to know. However is there some gray area here of ethics? What if he didn't want his injury situation released? What's it mean (big picture) that the story is being disputed by someone inside of the ND program on twitter? It seems like, with all due respect to the person who is the subject of the story, this is pretty sensitive information and should at the very least be well vetted for accuracy... You're a pro’s pro so I am interested in your opinion of this ordeal.
Eric Hansen: Sean, without calling someone out for the bungled details (and I appreciate you didn't include the offending website), I can only speak for myself. So to be clear, this isn't about trashing another site, but I think it's a legit question readers want to know. For me, especially when the next game is months away, you want to get someone trustworthy to comment ON THE RECORD. Always, in season, out of season if you can. Preferably the head coach and/or the player. If not, then the vetting process has to be extremely thorough. I can't tell you how many times I hear details of an injury or other situation that turn out to be exaggerated, understated or completely baseless. To me, we're talking to Riley Leonard on Friday. What would I gain by speculating about that injury before giving him a chance to tell his story?
Tom from Evanston, Ill.: Hi Eric. You often refer to the 5 metrics that playoff teams excel in. Most of them are somewhat self-explanatory, but could you please explain passing efficiency?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom, I'm including a link so that you can see the actual calculations that go into the formula (it's on page 3.) Completion percentage, TD frequency, interception frequency, yards per attempt and completion all factor in. Where I think it can get skewed sometimes is TD passes, especially if it's a running QB or a team that runs a lot in the red zone.
Larry From Topton, Pa.: Hi Eric! Many thanks to you and Tyler for keeping the Podcasts and Football Never Sleeps going. Big picture question. With the 12-team playoff starting next year, are the minor league bowls (Gator, Liberty, Sun, etc) planning any changes for 2024, or are they planning to trot out the same roster of bowls again? I expect the opt out and transfer epidemic to be even more pervasive next season. I think the fatal blow for the lower bowls could be an entire team turning down a bowl invitation. If not this year, maybe soon? Thanks a bunch Eric!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Larry and thanks for watching, listening and reading. Yes, you're right about the bowls that are not being incorporated into the 12-team playoff structure. There's some serious soul-searching/reinvention in order or they simply won't be able to continue on much longer. The Duke's Mayo Bowl was the first one I saw that talked about trying to build NIL incentives into bowl participation. That's a conversation starter. I suppose if players became unionized, participation could be collectively bargained. But the date of the early transfer portal window is problematic with just about every scenario. Kids have a finite window to shop for a new school, visit schools and enroll in time for spring semester. And the bowl season conflicts with that. So people a lot smarter (and better paid) than me need to come up with those answers this offseason.
Mike from Phoenix: Eric, I know you are a baseball fan so I thought I would ask your opinion. Baseball players have a certain number of scheduled days off. Notre Dame played 4 straight night games without a week off. Do you think there should be a cap on the number of consecutive night games played? Also, any insight why ND would not pursue any Alabama, Washington or Arizona players? They did not seem to be rumored on any of them or do these kids shop down a different aisle(SEC country only). Thanks for the chats. I have relaxed the no bare feet rule today as it will be high 70’s soon. Cheers.
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. I'm more of a baseball fan when my team is good, but that's for another chat for another day. And you are absolved from any consequences for violating the “no bare feet” rule. ... Notre Dame can control its kick times for its own home games, but doesn't have that control over road games. TV has that control, so I never think you'll have a cap, because TV money talks louder. I think timing -- both proximity to the start of spring semester and ND already having shopped for the transfers it wanted -- played into no Alabama, Washington or Arizona players ending up at ND (and some other places). A player like S Caleb Downs would have been an exception. That doesn't mean there might not be some who get involved with the Irish and vice versa during the spring window.
Matt (KC): Quickfire Five. I did a terrible job last time and was borderline with the too many parts so this is streamlined for you. 1. What happened to Jaylon Smith in the NFL, two great years then just has disappeared a bit? 2. You think headsets in helmets is coming? 3. When do NFL combine invites come out and should we be well represented? 4. Old question, but I am not sure we ever got the answer, what was the reason for Chip Long getting fired, didn't get a long with the players? 5. Super Bowl pick and wherever you go it's OK, an Irish player is getting a ring.
Eric Hansen: Matt, I appreciate the self-correction. Let's go. 1. It's remarkable that Smith even played in the NFL given the severity of his Fiesta Bowl knee injury and the doomsday prognoses that came with it. He was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2019 and was a practice squad-level player this season. His perseverance is remarkable. 2. Yes ... no reason why it shouldn't. 3. Soon and I don't know what the threshold is for “well-represented.” It would have been a bigger group had Cross, Mills, Watts and Kiser all come out. 4. Can't compress that answer into a quick five. Google is your friend. 5. My NFL picks stink. But I think Taylor Swift will be celebrating.
Pat McBride from Scottsdale, Ariz.: Hello Eric: It seems apparent that Notre Dame has had trouble developing recruited quarterbacks. Seeing the Irish continually bring in quarterbacks from other schools, why, in your opinion, would quarterbacks out of high school want to come to South Bend? Do you see any improvement at all in the development of recruited quarterbacks?
Eric Hansen: Pat. If I'm understanding your question correctly, the answer would be because they believe in Marcus Freeman's vision and track record, because the Notre Dame starting QB in each of Freeman's two seasons as head coach finished in the top 20 nationally in pass efficiency. Because Gino Guidugli developed Desmond Ridder into an NFL Draft pick at Cincinnati, and developed Steve Angeli into a much better QB while Sam Hartman was the starter. Because the guy who ran the nation's No. 1 total and scoring offense in the FBS is now Notre Dame's offensive coordinator. And because Freeman didn't have anything to do with past mistakes/miscues at the QB position at ND, For starters.
Mike from Rochester, N.Y.: Hi, Eric, really enjoyed this week’s Football Never Sleeps. It made me think about how strong a staff CMF has put together and how it may be the best staff from a recruiting, development, and game planning perspective since Lou Holtz. Still have a ways to go on in-game offensive adjustments like Lou’s staff did. Do you agree with my perspective? Very excited for the upcoming season.
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. Keep in mind Lou had a lot of different assistants rotate through during his 11 seasons at ND, but Marcus Freeman's current staff stacks up well with some of Holtz's for sure, with admittedly a very different recruiting landscape, transfer landscape, etc. And I think there's good reason for you to be excited ... yet a lot of work ahead to make that happen.
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric Hope all is well with you I wonder what your thoughts are on the chances of our offensive line being playoff caliber this year With 2 new offensive tackles and a new center Additionally who do you predict our 5 starters will be for the opener?
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. I think Mike Denbrock's experience as an offensive coordinator and his experience as an O-line coach will be positives toward the offensive line developing this offseason. I've made some guesses about the five starters, and they are guesses, since we haven't seen one second of what should be a very competitive spring practice for all five positions. But today's guess will be Wagner and Jagusah at the tackles, Schrauth and Coogan at the guards and Ashton Craig at center ... but many other possibilities are realistic.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, Max Bullough has been mentioned a few times recently being on the road recruiting and at the same time, Al Golden seems to be missing. Is there anything to read into this? Since Bullough assists with the linebackers, would he be recruiting for the linebacker position in case Golden accepts a position elsewhere in the near future?
Eric Hansen: Tyler James has been commenting on this on our Insider Lounge Message Board. What I would add is that it's normal for Golden to rotate out for a day or two here and there.
Dustin from Melbourne, Australia: G'day Eric, long time reader, first time participants. I wanted your take on the whether the ND administration has a threshold which they will not cross with respect to paying players amid the current chaos of NIL. This might sound outlandish, but if NIL is not regulated, does ND want to compete in this market - in which players become de facto employees as opposed to students first. Does this conflict to heavily with the catholic mantra of the university? Second, while all of the chat about conference affiliation suggests if ND was to move it would be to the BIG10, wouldn't the SEC make just as much sense - and boy what a conference it would become - ND would almost maintain an independent status simply by being soo different - as enormous recruiting and marketing opportunity. Best from Melbourne, Australia.
Eric Hansen: Dustin, let me put down my vegemite sandwich. ... Just kidding. ... The way ND's main collective, FUND, is structured, with work with charities and the community at its heart, does fall in line with Notre Dame's value system. Now will NIL evolve into something so opposed to ND's mission that they can't or won't compete in that space? I don't think it will get to that point, but it is a moving target. Today's answer might not have much staying power. We'll see. If it gets to the point that ND wants to join a conference, the SEC would be an option, but I think the administration would see more commonality with the Big Ten schools than those in the SEC. Keep in mind, they do have a legal commitment to the ACC that only goes away if someone figures out a loophole.
Gene from New York: Hi Eric, Thanks as always for the great coverage helping us get through some frigid temps! Not looking to beat a dead horse here, and I sense your frustration in trying to respond in the chat, but here’s my summary attempt: 1) Coach Freeman says he’s again going QB hunting in the portal 2) Angeli is the presumptive starter in Bowl game and plays, by all accounts, a great game, showing poise, command, and ability to make difficult throws 3) Leonard joins from the portal and by all media accounts, while saying there will be an opportunity for all to take the starting job, Leonard seems to be penciled in as #1. Almost seems like a repeat of previous year with Hartman, with one major exception - the caveat where the coaches have to first teach Leonard to throw more accurately! I watched him play in the ND game and parts of other games, pre and post injury, and there’s no doubt his legs add a different element to the game. But is his ceiling so high (and achievable) vs Angeli’s that that is definite way to go?!?
Eric Hansen: Hi Gene. The most succinct answer I can give you is Jayden Daniels was a very average passer when he arrived at LSU and left having set the NCAA record in pass efficiency. So the Notre Dame coaches see their mission with regard to Leonard is not just plugging him in but helping him evolve his game. And that's whether or not he ends up No. 1 on the depth chart.
Tony from Lake Mary, Fla.: Hey Eric, love the continuing coverage. Bob Morton was awesome again. On FNS, Tyler mentioned that Tosh Baker is more like a RT than a LT. What are the facets of the game or physical traits that make someone a LT vs a RT? On a basketball question, are the issues simply coming down to youth/inexperience or is there a talent problem? I knew it would take MS a year or two, but I thought with the players he brought with him that it would be better than this. Should I still be hopeful for the future? Something unrelated to football or Notre Dame, but I heard that Caitlin Clark is expected to take a pay cut to go the WNBA. That is a testament to her game, but also an endorsement to how much Iowans love their Hawkeyes.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tony, and thank you. I don't want to oversimplify the left vs. right tackle question, so I'll get Bob Morton to help me with a deeper dive on that and present it to you in a future chat. ... Tony, the MBB issue isn't just youth/inexperience, it's trying to set a culture and being uncompromising (and I applaud that) in how to get there. So losses, setbacks now will pay off down the road. But I do think it was silly for Notre Dame to market the quote about winning the national championship this year. That is/was not what this season was about. ... As far as Caitlin Clark, the only thing I know is I'd take her on my team any day.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Eric, your answer to my question about LBs and WRs was very clear and helpful. Thank you! Another question...what is Mike Dembrock doing right now to prepare for next year? Watching tape? Evaluating players? Trying to figure out his playbook?
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Yes, yes, yes and RECRUITING like crazy. The dead period comes next week, so he'll have more time for those other things.
Jonathan in Hideaway TX: Just wanted to say what a great answer earlier: “So, one thing that's great about sports is surprises. That's how we got Pat Coogan as a starter, got Howard Cross as an All-American and got Jordan Faison as a bowl game MVP.” You’re the best!
Eric Hansen: Always have time for a compliment! Thanks.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for this week. Make sure you check out our coverage this weekend of all the player interviews Friday as well as our story on new director of football performance Loren Landow. As far as the chat, we'll be back to do it all over again next Wednesday at noon ET.
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