Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat from tropical South Bend, Ind.
OK, maybe not tropical, but we're headed into the 60s today.
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 shifted this week to Tuesday night to accommodate the ND-Duke WBB game, but we’ll be back in our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot next week. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► Tyler James and I will be back with a new podcast on Thursday. On our most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, Carter Karels, a Texas A&M graduate, a fellow South Bend Tribune alum, a beat writer for GigEm247, a member of the Hall of Cheez, and a Papa John’s aficionado, joined the podcast to discuss Notre Dame’s 2024 season–opening opponents, Texas A&M, and more more. Included in the discussion was the transition to Mike Elko leading Texas A&M's football program, how much talent he's added and lost in the last couple of months, why A&M is high on quarterback Conner Weigman, why Jimbo Fisher didn't work out in College Station, comparing A&M to Notre Dame, how the Aggies are handling Texas joining the SEC following a College Football Playoff appearance 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 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.
If you read all of that, bless you and congrats.
As far as this week's chat …
PLEASE include your name and hometown with your question(s). "Guest" doesn't cut it, unless you have verifiable proof that your legal name is guest.
Here are the rules:
Because the Groundhog was right for once about our weather, the no gambling and no bare feet rules have been rescinded for today's chat.
And we're off ...
Kenny Cramer: With having a 12-team playoff now, does that make it easier (per say) or harder for us (Notre Dame) to win a national championship for the first time in 36 years?
Eric Hansen: Hi Kenny, please add your hometown next time, but I love the question. I think it's harder. At least that's the way it feels on the surface. Brett McMurphy, a national writer from the Action Network who you might remember from his days from ESPN, did a mock bracket for the 2024 playoff, in which he seeded Notre Dame 7th. In that bracket, if ND played the highest-ranked team possible (no upsets to its potential opponents), the Irish would have to be in succession -- 10th seed Alabama, 2 seed Ohio State, 3 seed Florida State and 1 seed Georgia. You could argue the easiest set up was the BCS in that you only had to win one game. The problem was getting into the top two slots. I do think if ND is playoff regular, it will keep recruiting and coaching staff personnel at a higher level, which will help. But winning four games in a row of that caliber, to me, is harder than winning one or two games against elite teams.
Eric Hansen: Brett actually did predict an upset that would affect ND's path -- No. 6 Oregon over No. 3 Florida State.
David from New York: Hi Eric! Thanks again for all chats. Quick question. Any chance a guy like Rico Flores could come back? Given the UCLA coaching situation and the fact that he was almost convinced not to leave. I’m curious.
Eric Hansen: Hi David. I don't see it happening on either end. Rico didn't leave ND because he had UCLA in mind. He left because he was upset about WRs coach Chansi Stuckey getting fired. So if he leaves UCLA, it doesn't resolve his feelings about ND. ND would have an issue with numbers as well. Right now the Irish are projected to have 11 wide receivers and are at 90 scholarships, five over the limit. That's not to say that they won't add and subtract after spring, but the numbers, both positionally and overall, figure to be tight.
Joey G. from Philadelphia, Pa.: Hi Eric, With all the recent talk about the 12-team playoff. And how ND's inclusion in it as an Independent may work out. I can't help but feel ND was better suited under the old system as far as potentially winning a championship. I can't ever see ND winning a title under the 12 team format. They would need to go through a 4 game gauntlet. In fact just to reach the Final 4 will be a tough task. It seems like Swarbrick and ND will be happy with just being able to appease the fan base by just saying we made it. What are your thoughts on the old and new CFP? And do you really think ND has a shot at ever winning a title again under this format?
Eric Hansen: Following up on Kenny's question without covering the ground I did there, I like the new format. If you're not in the playoff, you can't win. It's going to be tough for any team, even the teams with byes who only have three games. Presumably they played a very good team in their conference title game ahead of the playoff. I don't see evidence that the administration is APPEASING its fan base. Not when they're investing in four-year contracts for coordinators like Mike Denbrock and Al Golden and not when you see some compromises and willing to work with Marcus Freeman on widening the transfer portal pool.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Good morning, Eric! A comment first. With all the talk around the NFL draft right now it is so nice NOT to see any highlights against ND in the tv clips. You notice they never show Caleb Williams against the Irish from this year!! Thank you Al Golden. Also, I think if someone drafts Audric Estime anywhere past the middle of the second round they will be getting a steal. He just seems to be so fit for the NFL game. How much time will Justin Faison be able to spend on spring football with his lacrosse commitment?? I think his progression is important to this season. Do you agree? Finally, can you give us 2 offensive and 2 defensive players who will play themselves into the 2-deep roster following spring ball??? Thanks again for keeping the Chats going so that we can survive until spring ball begins. Go Irish!!!!!
Eric Hansen: Thanks Tom. I'll let your commentary stand and get to your questions. Both men's lacrosse coach Kevin Corrigan and football coach Marcus Freeman expressed confidence that this can work. And if you look at the men's lacrosse schedule, there's only one game that conflicts with an ND football practice, and that's the North Carolina game on April 20, which is also the day of the final spring football commitment — the Blue-Gold Game. A big April 27 showdown with Virginia, the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament all come after spring football ends.
Make no mistake. Faison appears to be every bit as advertised as a lacrosse player. He scored three goals in the season opener against Cleveland State and two more on the road at Marquette last weekend. Sometimes these things work out easier on paper than in practice, but I think Faison has a good plan to help both teams. I think what Drayk Bowen is trying to do with baseball, being good at both while competing for a starting spot in football, is a tougher ask and has more potential conflict points, with him being a position player and not a pitcher.
So, to your two-deeps question, I'll only consider players who were not in the two-deeps last year and are not transfers. So only returning players and freshmen. So on offense, I'll go with WR Cam Williams and OG Sam Pendleton. On defense, I'll give you three -- vyper end Boubacar Traore, LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and safety Luke Talich.
Rich from Key West: I never felt like the Irish coaching staff tailored an offense last year that Hartman was familiar with and could operate efficiently in. Do you feel that the offense this year will be constructed to take advantage of Leonard's skill set?
Eric Hansen: Rich, a reason why Sam Hartman hit the transfer portal and didn't stay at Wake Forest for a sixth year is that he wanted to play in a different offense, one that would make him learn skills that were more translatable to playing in the NFL. Had he wanted to stay in his comfort zone, he could have/should have/would have stayed at Wake in the slow mesh offense. Now you could argue about how well constructed the offense was or wasn't to that end. ... As far as Riley Leonard, Mike Denbrock is going to design an offense that will take advantage of Leonard's strengths as well as the strengths of the other players on offense rather than trying to get them to fit into inflexible roles and concepts.
Don from Scottsdale: Eric, it's finally sunny in Phoenix. The first couple of weeks in Feb were cold and rainy. Had to go to Phiiy and that was of course colder than here. I do have a cold to show for it. Don’t think I’ve had a cold in 3 years, I guess life is normalizing. Question. Starters are starters for a reason however the line between some and their back up in razor thin. Where in Nd vulnerable to an injury (the drop off is big) and where is ND stacked? As always best to you and yours and of course the staff.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don, and thank you ... It is sunny and balmy here, Don. It won't last but we'll ride the roller coaster down and then back up to almost 70 on Tuesday! Sorry about your old. I'm lucky. I can't remember my last one. ... to your question ... The answer might look different after watching spring practices, but for now the four players who came back on defense that could have easily moved on to the NFL -- NG Howard Cross, DT Rylie Mills, LB Jack Kiser, S Xavier Watts. There are numbers and quality at those positions but their experience/leadership/talent combination would be sorely missed. I think ND could get thin at offensive tackle very quickly as well. And while the cornerback is deep and talented, I'd hate to lose Ben Morrison for a stretch of games.
Andrew from NWI: Now that we have a full schedule, we wait for kickoff times. Does NBC now having "Big Ten Saturday Night" mean fewer night home games?
Eric Hansen: Andrew, I remember when the Big Ten's deal was first announced, there was some concern about that and the word then was pretty strong that this wouldn't adversely affect ND. Now with the extension kicking in I believe after the 2025 season, I'll have to check to see if that posture is still valid. Hope to have that info here soon. I think as far as 2024 goes, the only thing that may suppress the number of night games is home game inventory. Northern Illinois, Miami (Ohio), Louisville, Stanford, Florida State and Virginia. Other than Florida State, does any of those scream prime time?
Scott from Augusta Ga.: Eric, I always enjoy these chats! You bring great insight that we all appreciate. I usually don't get too excited about spring ball and the game, but I am very interested in what the offensive line looks like, a healthy Leonard working a new scheme, and the new receivers. Of the groups I just listed, which has the highest ceiling and what do you see as a possible weak point going into the A&M game? Hope the weather is warming in SB. It's 60s right now and 70s this weekend in GA. Cheers and all the best to you! Sorry, I'm not wearing shoes today. My bad.
Eric Hansen: Scott, please don't apologize about the shoes. I rescinded the "no bare feet" and "no gambling" rules today in honor of the mercury pushing into the 60s today (we're at 59 already as a type this). Highest ceiling for this season, Riley Leonard. Most unfinished product going into Texas A&M, I would think would be the offensive line. Spring may tell us differently. We'll soon see.
Jerry from Hinsdale, Ill.: Any word on KK Smith, his development. and what ND is getting next year in a hopefully healthy young unknown? Hoping he surprises some people with his speed and ability.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jerry. KK Smith spent almost the entirety of both his first summer in South Bend and his freshman season recovering from a shoulder injury. So he's a bit of a mystery. He's thin, fast and raw and made some good progress during bowl practices. This spring will be a great opportunity for him to work his way into a role. But he could just as easily work his way out of one. His speed is on his side, but he needs to bring a lot of other things to the table this spring.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Good afternoon Eric nice chat you had with Jordan Clark who will start at the other safety opposite of Xavier? Go Irish 🏈🏈☘️☘️
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. Thanks. The favorite to do so is on the Notre Dame campus this semester and taking classes remotely at Northwestern, transfer Rod Heard II. So, he's limited on what he can and can't do this spring (can't practice for instance), but he'll be enrolling at ND in June. Then it's quite a free-for-all among the freshman, redshirt freshman and sophomore Luke Talich. I think Talich and Shuler are best positioned to challenge for at least spots in the rotation going into spring ... especially with Heard not taking reps until summer players-only workouts. ... Among the longshots, I really like where freshman and June arrival Brauntae Johnson could turn into.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. Thanks for hosting the chat and keeping us all out of Notre Dame football withdrawal. Are you at all concerned about wide receiver recruiting for the 2025 class. With Burris and Terry committed and Bettis Jr. likely to come to Notre Dame, do you think the staff is banking too much on ceiling instead of floor. I think one of the people at the top of their list for the last spot is Derrick Meadows, who is also more of a ceiling than a floor player. If they were to get Meadows and have four players with a high ceilings and low floors do you think they would consider taking a fifth more established wide receiver. Also, sticking with recruiting now that there are three O linemen in the class. Do you think there is still room for Jack Lange? Finally, what do you hear about Ty Chan? I remember some fanfare when he committed, do you think this is a make or break spring for him? Thanks again for hosting the chat and all the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Having a great week, and thanks for asking. Let's unpack these one at a time. Tyler James and I talked about the WR recruiting situation on Football Never Sleeps on Tuesday night and I asked him the same question. There are some other variations of this question in the queue, so I'll try to answer this as completely as possible and leaning into Tyler's answer. Notre Dame needs to add elite speed. It also would like to recruit just four HS wide receivers. So if the four are Burris, Terry, Bettis and Meadows and Talyn Terry of the Chicago area wants in, then that number needs to be five. But only does ND expand to five if it's Taylor. If you're a subscriber (I know you are Marie, I'm talking in general here), Tyler James is doing a position-by-position look on The Insider Lounge about where ND stands with every prospect at every position in the 2025 class.
As far as offensive line recruiting, we also discussed that on FNS, and Tyler's thoughts were that ND would make room for Jack Lange as a fourth O-lineman if he wants in. And the Irish would love to have him. Keep in mind the calculus could change at all these positions depending on unexpected portal departures. ... I was just talking to someone about Ty Chan the other day. Very, very good athlete who really needs to be healthy and show progress this spring to put himself in the running to be in the two-deeps.
Dan from Granger, Ind.: Question on college overtime. team A has the ball in the first overtime, they attempt a pass which is intercepted by team B and returned to the opposite end zone for a touchdown. I think its game over and team B wins, is this correct?
Eric Hansen: Yes, you are correct.
Michael from Chicago: Did ND consider any other LB coaching candidates (Nick Lezynski came to mind)? Any news on who will assist Coach Mickens in the secondary? The fanboy in me wants to see Tom Zbikowski in that role and also help with special teams. Thank you Eric!
Eric Hansen: Hi Michael. The job Max Bullough did last year for the Irish and his relationship with the current players and recruits made it difficult to consider other alternatives. For Al Golden and Marcus Freeman, he was a clear choice ... and in demand if ND hasn't promoted him. ... I wouldn't rule out and eventual return to Notre Dame for Tom Zbikowski, who's entering his third year in college coaching ... one year as a quality control coach at Western Michigan, and now at Brown as the safeties coach. I don't see this as imminent. There's some buzz about special teams coach Marty Biagi helping out in the secondary. I also think a top-level grad assistant makes sense.
Sean from Schaumburg Ill.: Happy days!! Baseball is here. Golden extension. McCullough promotion. Some solid recruiting commits. Outside road GameDay preparation improving do you have any macro improvements MF/ND need to make? And, thanks for the Somogyi story. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Sean, your question form is off the charts. I rescind all the previously posted rules for you this week! I think you hit on the big points of emphasis with where Marcus Freeman's growth needs to come. I would add, continuing to expand his knowledge of quarterbacks and offense. He'll be able to soak up a lot of that with Mike Denbrock now on staff instead of in an old phone-a-friend role.
John from Elkhorn, Neb.: Hey Eric- any insights on how Tommy Zbikowski is doing at Brown University? Would he ever be considered as a potential ass’t. coach at ND? He’s my all-time favorite player. Thanks and enjoy the great weather.
Eric Hansen:'Just following up on that. I'm overdue to talk to the family. The Zbikwoskis are one of my favorite football families, and we last touched base during the season. So thanks for the reminder to get into gear there. Zibby is doing well at Brown and has a growing family, so he's got his hands full.
Tom from Boston, Mass.: HI Eric, is the jerome bettis jr recruitment largely a show of respect to his father the Irish legend or is JR truly regarded as an elite guy that ND would be after if his last name were not Bettis? His film seems fair but not eye popping by any means, so I ask with all respect.
Eric Hansen: Tom, you did a really good job of asking that diplomatically, and Notre Dame under Marcus Freeman hasn't always pursued legacy recruits. That's true in this cycle as well. And not every legacy recruit is interested in Notre Dame, either. In this case, Notre Dame feels very good about Bettis' ceiling and his habits and work ethic that would help him push toward that.
Adam from Florida: Any thoughts on TE recruiting? A one-tight end class of Flanigan just does not seem to be enough given the current depth chart.
Eric Hansen: You may be right. James Flanigan is a nice pickup in the 2025 class at tight end. As you look at the depth chart I'll post below, Kevin Bauman does have a COVID option year for 2025. Evans and Sherwood do not. A big factor in calculating the numbers for 2024 and beyond is the recoveries of Evans and Bauman from ACL surgery, so ND could also recalibrate. But for now, they're looking only at Flanigan for '25.
Don from rainy Los Angeles: The pace of getting recruits to commit seems to have increased this year. What are your thoughts both positive and negative (if any) on this. Thanks, I really look forward to your talks each week!
Eric Hansen: I really see only upside to it. The more committed recruits you have when others come to visit, the more positive voices there are and the more sense of recruiting the uncommitted targets will see on their visits. Notre Dame has done a really good job of getting good evaluations on kids, and that's why they're able to move confidently earlier in the process. And thanks, Don.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hi Eric. I enjoyed the article on Sean S this week. While not an apples to apples player comparison, reading about the nose tackle position brought back memories of Louis Nix III, one of my all time favorites who I believe passed around this time of year. Assuming Gabe Rubio returns, do you think Sean gets some meaningful reps? Any memories of Louis to share?
Eric Hansen: Hi Ed. Sean Sevillano Jr., says he gets Louis Nix comparisons and is flattered by them. They certainly have similar body types and strength. There is not an urgency that Sean get reps this season or break into the rotation, but he does offer size that many of the other interior D-linemen don't have, so he can play to that strength. Don't get me started on Louis Nix III. We grew very close after his time at ND and got along great when he was at ND. His passing gutted me. But the privilege of getting to know him and the talk we had on the phone when he called me from his hospital bed after being shot will live on forever. Many, many great memories. One of a kind.
Bob from Loganville, Ga.: Eric - As a father to a daughter that had 2 ACL repairs playing soccer prior to her 14th birthday I was pressed into learning about the different grafts used for ACL repairs. Do you know what graft Mitchell Evan used? If memory serves correctly Raridon used the quad which ultimately failed and on the reconstruction used the patellar. From my understanding the patellar has lifetime side effects particularly when kneeling and also a little longer recovery. But is considered the gold standard in regard to strength and re-tears.
Eric Hansen: Bob, you are giving me way, way too much credit for medical prowess. I remember talking to Eli about the differences in the two surgeries for him, and it not really registering with me from a pragmatic standpoint, but how the mental hurdles were different. I appreciate your situation and will ask Mitchell Evans that question when we see him next and make sure to share it with you.
Roger from Peoria: Eric: In the litany of "Can't wait for . . . "s, put me down for (i) the first day of ND spring practice, (ii) the Blue Gold game, (iii) the first day of ND summer practice, and (iv) ND at Texas A & M. This year add the December 8 ranking announcement determining the 12-team Championship field. Teams seeded 5 to 12 will play on December 20 or 21 at the home field of the higher seeded team. Local businesses (hotels, restaurants, sports bar) where seeded teams 5,6,7 & 8 play will be euphoric just as those teams' fans will be to have a home game, while a 9 seeded team's fans and businesses will not. But this is really BIG business. Any idea how tickets will be allocated between the teams, does the host school get the ticket revenue, or about ticket pricing? Will these be host school or Championship Committee (CC) decisions? I suspect CC decisions which, if ND is a host, ND Stadium will be different without students from the end zone to the 40. And my top "Can't wait for . . ." is ND Football Live Chat!
Eric Hansen: Roger, thank you for that great buildup of which I am confident I am not going to be able to live up to. I will be talking to people in the coming weeks who will be able to answer those questions, and I'm not even sure all that has been settled with regard to the home playoff games. Today was a big day in terms of hammering out more details on a national basis. and remember a lot of this can and will get recalibrated from 2026 moving forward. I did note all your questions so I can ask them when there are answers to give.
Jules from Joliet, Ill.: On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest) how confident are you that Al Golden will be around for the full length of his new contract? Has he possibly reached the point that many veteran/older coaches seem to get to where he is well paid, in a location that he likes, on a good team and no longer has the rigors of being a head coach? Thanks for all of your fine work.
Eric Hansen: Jules. We haven't spoken to Golden since the extension was announced, but will get that opportunity soon, so I hope to get his thoughts to give you someone other than an educated guess. But keep this in mind. Since Notre Dame first gave a coach the defensive coordinator designation — Joe Yonto in 1977 — only one coach has stayed in that job longer than four years. And that was Greg Mattison, for five years (1997-2001). Golden's contract would make his run at six years in the same position, given he's already put in two years. So my expert psychic powers put the number at 6.3.
Ron from Dover, Del.: Happy hump day Eric. With new aligned staff it seems that coach Micken’s is being stretched when asked to develop such a young defensive back field of safety ‘s and corners . If they find that it isn’t working is there anyone who would be a good fit to try and bring in. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Ron, well that is something that would likely happen after the 2024 season, and not during it, if that's what you're asking me. But remember Marcus is a defensive coach and Al Golden is not tied to a position, so there is a lot of potential help in addition to a possible grad assistant and maybe some help from special teams coach Marty Biagi, who coached defensive backs and was a co-defensive coordinator early in his career. Happy Hump Day to you.
Andy from Lima, Ohio: Hey Eric, thanks for the great coverage! What can Rod Herd give to our defense other than manning the Dime backer position that we had in our Aztec defense last year? His traits as I’ve seen on film and from what I’ve heard don’t seem to align with deep safety. He seems to be aggressive and a good hitter, but he hasn’t played a whole lot of deep safety in his career. Are they expecting him to be able to do this? Or are they expecting him to be more situational and not necessarily the second starter at Safety? There seems to be a huge question mark at Safety that I don’t see an appealing answer to.
Eric Hansen: Hi Andy. I can understand your concern, given that Antonio Carter II was asked to make a similar transition (though he also was moving up from the FCS level) and really didn't grasp it. I don't think Rod Heard is being looked at as a niche safety. They've projected him as someone who could play every down ... and he certainly could play nickel if Jordan Clark got hurt. I like the safety options. There is little experience there and a lot of unknowns, but I love the possibilities of that group, especially with Xavier Watts back to steady that group.
Patrick from Los Angeles: Do you think the arrival of Riley Leonard, the hiring of Mike Denbrock and retention of Al Golden give ND a better chance to make the playoffs and, if the Irish make it, to make a run, than any ND team in the recent past? If so, what other factors, if any, give you optimism for a playoff spot? Thank you.
Eric Hansen: I think anytime you add those kinds of assets, you give yourself a greater margin for error. Notre Dame's has been razor thin, both in 2012 and in the two playoff seasons, and they rose above it. To me, the biggest questions/challenges to making the playoff and winning a game (or more) there, until we see differently, is the offensive line and the wide receiver corps in that order. The defense should be plenty good.
Declan, Belfast Ireland: Greetings Eric, which position groups are still being recruited for the 25 class? With so many commits space has to be getting tight and the staff is presumably forced to get picky and hyper focused on who they want. Wondering if you can flesh out the benefits/challenges of having such a stocked class so early in the cycle from a recruiting standpoint.
Eric Hansen: Hey Declan. Without bugging Tyler James, my stab at this is two more WRs, possibly one more RB, one more tackle if it's Jack Lange, two linebackers, one defensive end and another cornerback. ... I don't see the downside in putting the class together early, You still have to keep recruiting them, though. It also allows you to get a strong head start into the 2026 cycle. All good.
Eric Hansen: Ray from Western Michigan, great lead-up to your question and then it cut off as you were starting to ask the question. If you could resubmit the question part, I'll get to it.
Skip from Houston: please finish - ND has the best coaching staff since ...? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: The best of the Lou Holtz years.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric, and thanks for these chats! I look forward to them each week! What are your thoughts about Bullough as LB coach and Mickens coaching the secondary? Is this a step up or step down from last year? Also, who do you think would be an ideal candidate for the open analyst position?
Eric Hansen: Thanks Mike. NOT a step down.
Eric Hansen: There's some great recruiting questions here that are a little too into the weeds for my comfort level, so I'm going to have to pass on those.
Matt from Austin: Hello Eric. I hope this finds you well. I'm very pleased with respect to our offensive line recruiting over the past couple of cycles. MA was a great pickup yesterday. Our coaches seem to produce draft prospects almost every year. With that being the case, why don't we have dominant line play on a consistent basis? We seem to have a great game or two, then get pushed around, especially by high quality teams. An example I would site is BF, who declared and will maybe be a day two pick, but didn't dominate very often despite the hype. I apologize if that was too long winded. Thanks Eric.
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. So when you ask this question, I assume you are talking about last year only? If so, I would relate it to having an inexperienced offensive coordinator. I think that wasn't the only problem, but the one that affected O-line play in the games in which that unit took a collective step backward.
Palm Beach Irish: Regarding the Women's basketball program the roster of players is limited in numbers. The program has drifted to the middle of the pack in ACC after flourishing with Muffett..I hope the UCONN win this year is not the high water mark for the program. I appreciate your take on this issue.
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Palm Beach. I'll take the WBB question, since I am covering them this spring. My question to you is, do you think ND would be where they are in the standings had they had a healthy roster this season? Having said that, I like what Niele Ivey is building. I think they have a chance, with a healthier roster and adding 6-5, five-star center Kate Koval, to be an elite team next season.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, I first want to thank you for your detailed recount last night on FNS of your food poisoning associated with a former ND game at Yankee Stadium, with FLAIR! Ok, onward....So with the 2025 class filling up, there are some decisions ahead. Do you think ND would take a 5th WR like Talyn Taylor or a third RB? Can you give us 2-3 other recruits that might be 'must takes' regardless of previous commitments or class size? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. Yeah, that might have been too much info. and I could have gotten really more specific. Ugh. There are always players like that in every class and Taylor would be one of them. I think James Simon at running back would be one and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng at linebacker another. After the spring transfer portal additions/subtractions, that list may grow ... or not.
Adam from Florida: What are your thoughts on the staff filling the class with so many high 3 star recruits? Many of these kids are tremendous fits for ND and have solid offer lists, but do not appear to be the elite recruits that can get ND over the hump in the playoffs. DL needs some beef.
Eric Hansen: Hi Adam. I'm not sure having five of 17 is filling it up with three-stars. I also think February of their junior years is really, really early in the evaluation process for a lot of kids. Look at the offers. Three-star offensive tackles Will Black's offer list includes Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Miami, Tennessee, Texas A&M and more. Shaun Terry and Matty Augustine also have strong offer lists that suggest they won't be three-stars for long. Hawaii prospects, such as Ko'o Kia are underexposed and generally way underrated. He still has offers from Oregon, USC and Washington (among others).
The one player who may or may not move out of the three-star category and who doesn't have a killer offer sheet is Elijah Burress. But keep in mind, Kyle Hamilton was a three-star safety when he was offered and committed ... so …
Eric Hansen: Tom from Evanston, I liked your question, but you're right … probably more of a story idea than something I could do justice in the chat format.
Eric Hansen: And that's where we'll end today. 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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