Chat Transcript: Which past Notre Dame QB syncs up with Riley Leonard?
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, Final Exams week edition.
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 remain in our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot and will continue on doing so into the offseason. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► Tyler James and I remain in weekly podcast mode. We’ll have a new one out Thursday afternoon. On our most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, Tom Lemming, longtime college football recruiting analyst and the man behind the Prep Football Report magazine, joined us. Lemming discussed what the Irish are getting in CB Dallas Golden, how impressive a cornerback class of Golden, Cree Thomas and Mark Zackery would be, 2025 quarterback commit Deuce Knight's arm strength, who should be ND's 2025 QB starter, the impact offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has made on the recruiting trail, ND's addition of James Rendell, NFL Draft picks who exceeded expectations, offensive tackle talent on ND's roster, 2025 wide receivers committed to ND 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 spinning forward into the offseason for Notre Dame and into a big week for former Irish players in the NFL Draft at WSBT radio. And Darin Pritchett and I are together this week on 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).
And if you want to include how warm it is in your locale, go right ahead, it's awesome here today.
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: Because it's so nice today, the "no bare feet" rule will not be strictly enforced.
OK, enough of my blathering ... off we go ...
Larry from Topton, Pa.: Hi Eric! I really enjoyed the podcast with Tom Lemming!! I have listened to several sources discuss ND recruiting, but when the conversation involves you, Tyler and Tom, it seems like I am hearing the straight scoop. What experience and knowledge! Now for a question, about Riley Leonard. While it is true we ND fans saw him play one game, vs ND, I was not focusing on the Duke QB that day, so I really do not remember much about him. So, for those of us who do not know him, with which ND QB, either on the roster or recent, does Leonard’s skill set most closely align? Thanks for keeping us going in the offseason Eric!
Eric Hansen: Hi Larry, and thanks for the great feedback. I would say among ND quarterbacks past or present, the one who comes to mind for me is the 2015 edition of DeShone Kizer. They compare size-wise, from an arm-strength standpoint. Leonard is probably a more savvy and accomplished runner. Kizer did a good job in the vertical passing game that year. Leonard's area of desired growth is becoming an elite passer. Mike Denback was the wide receivers coach at that time, but he was also the offensive play-caller in the Kizer years and helped very much with his development.
Jules from Joliet, Ill.: Good day, Sir. Many of the college football recruiting sites enter predictions as to where a certain player will eventually choose to take his skills, (crystal predictions, heat casts, future waves, ouija board, etc.) In general, do these prognosticators get the players’ permission to publish these predictions? Thx for all of your great work. Love the Tom Lemming visits.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jules. Tom Lemming is having a good day so far. Thanks for that feedback. I've actually known Tom since I had zero gray hair, or kids or grandkids. ... On the predictions of where a kid might be committing, it is not a universal set of rules that sites play by, nor are the situations in which a kid wants to reveal the news necessarily similar. In our case, I would say most kids understand the forecast process, but if a kid expresses he doesn't want that out there, I know our site would honor that. And then once in a while you have a huge surprise. Aamil Wagner fooled everyone, including the ND coaching staff ... and they were happy to be wrong.
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Michael in San Antonio: Has there been any discussion if Southern Cal will continue with the ND home and home series not that they are in the Big 10?
Eric Hansen: Hi Michael. I did a three-part series with new Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua last month. I asked him about both the USC and Stanford series. Here was his response:
“What I will say about both of those series — the Notre Dame-Southern Cal game is one of the great matchups in the history of sports. It’s fundamentally important to us that we continue that rivalry, and we know that USC feels the same way.
“We also want to continue the Stanford rivalry. It’s had a great history of its own, and universities like Notre Dame and Stanford, we need to play each other. It's great to play each other. It’s important to play each other. Two top-ranked academic universities that also happen to put a real emphasis on athletics.
“Again, the exact times and locations and when that will happen, that could vary over the course of the next decade, but we start with the principle that we absolutely want to continue to play Southern Cal every year. We want to continue to play Stanford every year. And we don’t think they agree — we know they agree.”
In case you missed our 3-part series on new Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua:
His vision for ND's next national title
Embracing the chaos of navigating seismic change
Jack, Strongsville Ohio: Hi Eric. I just want to thank you and Tyler for all your great work. Have a safe and restful summer.
Eric Hansen: Jack, thank YOU. Appreciate you.
Tony from Lake Mary, Fla.: Hey Eric. Love the reporting and love being an insider!! Thanks for the hard work you guys put in. Is it enjoyable that the new college football actually has news year round, or was having a breather something you miss? A couple actual questions. Given the injury bug last year and the games where the frosh WRs were playing the whole game, Do you feel like perhaps the catching staff swung the pendulum a bit too far by grabbing both Kris Mitchell and Beaux Collins and now are trying to figure out how to get the experienced WRs playing time? What actually happens if the scholarship number doesn't ever to 85?
Eric Hansen: I love what I do, so having news year-round is kind of cool. We'll each take some vacation time, but not at the same time ... so you will still get your flow of news this summer. ... I don't think the pendulum swung too far, not the way college football is now. The best teams have fewer holes than they did in years past, because of the transfer portal. I think 10 is the right number for scholarship receivers, and ND is at 11. But you have to recruit players with the mindset that they have to compete and earn their spot. So Mitchell and Collins up the competition level. That doesn't mean they're automatic starters, but it does set a high bar for those who aspire to start. They have to beat out someone with proven production and experience.
I understand the curiosity of what happens if ND does not get to 85 scholarships. The best way I can explain this is the coaching staff spends a lot of time and resources planning for that exact number without going over. Kind of like the Price Is Right showcases. So they are confident they will hit that number without being too far under. That used to be the problem. The most likely path is players who will take a medical retirement and players buried on the depth chart who want the ND education and will become regular students.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a fantastic week. Of the freshman, who will be coming in this summer, who are you the most excited to see, who do you think is the most underrated, and who do you think would have the best chance to play this fall? Do you think there’s any chance that by middle to the end of the season Guerby lambert could be starting at tackle? As Marcus Freeman continues to develop as a coach, what things do you think he could improve upon the most with regards to his on field coaching? Thanks for hosting the chat and for all the great insights. Please keep the chats coming.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Really great week here. Thanks for asking and thanks for making the chats better with your questions. ... So let's review who the 8 June-enrolling freshmen are for those who don't follow it as closely as you do. OT Guerby Lambert, WR Logan Saldate, LB Bodie Kahoun, LB Teddy Rezac, S Brauntae Johsnon, S Taebron Bennie-Powell, CB Leonard Moore and CB Karson Hobbs.
I'm excited about all eight for different reasons, but the one who intrigues me the most, who won't likely play a lot in 2024, is LB Bodie Kahoun. He was really an under-the-radar guy until late in the cycle, but his production was off the charts. And his lacrosse background intrigues me. The CB interest me, because one of them might surprise and be able to help. Guerby Lambert probably has the highest floor of any of these guys. Brauntae Johnson is a breathtaking athlete who will make an impact at some point ... just not likely in 2024.
I'm not anticipating Lambert could be a starter this season without an injury or two, but I think he'll be a starter eventually in his career at ND. ... Marcus' biggest area of needed improvement on the field is developing the instincts to make great decisions (go for it on fourth down, etc.) instead of relying so much on analytics. Analytics is something you want in your toolbox, but too much reliance on them can fail you.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, and thanks for hosting. I am lookin forward to the season at the Jersey Shore. I am also very excited about the upcoming football season. There is a lot to be excited for. For me the staff is as good as it has been in a long time. That is number one. This staff will get the team thru injuries and adversity IMO. In that note I always felt Mike Elston was a very good D line coach. He now has a Natty on his resume. So is the D Line coach from Ohio State. For ND to succeed this year IMO the D line needs to be ULTRA dominant. That will allow the new safeties and young talented LB's to develop as they get more playing time. And that will allow the O line a little room to come together and have us, the fans, see how talented they can become. Is D Line coach Washington up to that challenge? Can the D line be stifling as a unit? Eric, can the D line be that good and dominating?
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. I've never been to the Jersey Shore, but it sounds like fun. I do love the ocean. ... Last year I said Al Washington had something to prove on the field and on the recruiting trail and I think he stepped up to that challenge. Howard Cross was an All-American. Rylie Mills make a big leap in his consistency and production. Javontae Jean-Baptiste played himself onto the NFL's radar. I think this is a line with extreme depth and star power at the top. The end positions need to keep coming in August, and I believe that will happen.
Guest: Is there any discussion, now that Denbrock is onboard, with going back to natural grass in ND stadium?
Eric Hansen: No. And I am not sure how one relates to the other.
Dave from DC: On a scale of 1-10, how concerned should I be about Notre Dame's offensive line when they take the field in College Station?
Eric Hansen: Hi Dave. With 1 being not concerned at all and 10 being panic-attack worthy, I'd go with a 5. Here's why I say that. With all the new pieces and there being competition for most of those spots, there was no way this was going to be a finished product in the spring -- and it wasn't. Reasons to feel optimistic. Joe Rudolph has a long track record of success prior to his time at ND. Mike Denbrock's O-line process, play-calling, presence will enhance what Rudolph is doing. If you missed the podcast with Bob Morton, he really explains this as well as I've ever heard it, how an OC affects how effective an O-line coach can be.
My other reason for optimism is these are talented players who were coveted by many top programs. The people with an eye for O-line talent -- Ryan Harris, Bob Morton,. Mike Golic Jr., Tom Lemming are all impressed with the individual skills. Now it's a matter of how good can they be TOGETHER. And how soon? If Alt and Fisher or even just Fisher were back, I'd feel more confident.
Tim from Ozark, Mo.: Sorry if this has come up before. Why is Jaden Mickey not moved to safety? I know neither position is very deep (as far a ready right now guys) but everything I hear about him says safety. He's a downhill player, he's aggressive, etc. Those seem like traits that would make him a prime candidate. Get him, Morrison, Watts and Gray on the field together.... look out. With that group you have room for 3 backers and 4 line. Best 11. Thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Hi Tim. I think it's great to think outside the box so kudos, In this case, I think you might have ventured a little too far out of it. With Rod Heard II joining the roster in June and sophomores Adon Shuler and Luke Talich having transcendent springs, you're asking Mickey to go from being cornerback No. 2 or No. 3 to safety No. 5. And safety overall is the deeper position. CB needs bodies. I would keep Mickey at CB.
Adam from Florida: Do you think we will be done in the secondary if/ when Zachery announces?
Eric Hansen: I think if/when Mark Zackery announced for ND, which is expected, the Irish will be done with cornerbacks for the 2025 class with three ... adding to Cree Thomas and recently committed Dallas Golden. I know they're still trying to add one more safety in the 2025 class to Ivan Taylor and Ethan Long, and the priority target there is JaDon Blair.
Jay from Dania Beach, Fla.: ND recruiting seems to continue to move right along even with the departure of a few folks on staff (Benton and Brown?). Are those positions now filled or what additional resources does the player personnel/recruiting dept need to continue to thrive.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jay. I think Chad Bowden's new role replaces what Butler Benton was doing and then some. So it's an expanded role with more responsibility of being a general manager -- even though it's not called that. I do not believe Dre Brown's position as director of recruiting has been filled as of yet.
Patrick from Los Angeles: Eric, In addition to the offensive line coming together what other areas of the team need to exceed expectations for the Irish to make and advance in the playoffs this fall? Thank you for doing these chats.
Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. I think the safety position outside of Xavier Watts was an area going into spring that was a concern and the Irish came out of it in really good shape. For me the three main areas beyond the O-line to watch in August are:
Can the Irish get elite quarterback play? Whether it's Leonard or Angeli, that's a big box to check off.
Can the wide receiver group continue their spring momentum? The Irish need a difference-maker at the field receiver position. Is Kris Mitchell that guy?
Can the Irish improve their run defense? They were a respectable 26th nationally in that category last year, but bent in big games and can and need to be better.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Any word on whether J. Greathouse was injured on the last play of the Blue Gold game?
Eric Hansen: HI Bob. I don't remember that being a concern that was going to linger. I will check on that, but it must have been very minor, I believe.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich. aka sagnasty: Saginaw pride how many true freshmen do you see playing this season the 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, Good question, and the number is probably lower than you might expect. But the transfer portal tamps down the need to play freshmen before they're ready or needed. Last season, there were eight who played beyond the redshirt threshold (four games plus the bowl game). Two of those players came to ND as walk-ons, Jordan Faison and Luke Talich. If there are no significant injuries, I would say that number would be similar -- both running backs, Micah Gilbert at WR, Bryce Young at DE, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa at LB, and at least one of the safeties as a special-teamer. So that's six. We're counting P James Brendell as a non-freshman unless we hear otherwise, given he is only guaranteed one year and no more than three. I would count on one surprise and one more player, like Drayk Bowen did in 2023, who gets a lot of experience on special teams.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hi Eric. I really enjoyed the story on the players that were able to utilize the summer to better position themselves for the upcoming season. Thanks for bringing that one to us. Quick question. Do you have any insight as to if the program is being proactive with respect to the many temptations surrounding the betting sites and the vulnerability of young people to get caught up in it? Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Thanks Ed for the feedback on that story. I don't have a lot of detail on your question, but I know ND is very proactive in these areas. Usually the first week back in summer school, all kinds of speakers are brought in for different topics, including the one your mentioned.
Barry from the Bay Area: Hoping I can toss in a WBB question. Niele Ivey had quite the week bringing in a phenom HS recruit and two high profile transfers. Also got KK to return from portal, which is the crux of my question. Coach was assuredly honest with KK, but that is a deep team and minutes will be at a premium. How does Ivey manage that locker room and keep players like KK happy with so much talent and only 40 mins per game?
Eric Hansen: Hi Barry. I think South Carolina provides a model for coaches to point to -- a deep team that did everything well (except shoot free throws) and could morph into whatever it needed to be -- guard-heavy, match up with size. There is an attraction for some players that being on a team with Final Four potential trumps guaranteed playing time. There is a culture of unselfishness on this team, and I give Maddy Westbeld credit for being one of the leaders who fosters that. By the way, Maddy will be our guest Thursday on the Inside ND Sports Podcast. We'll also be talking football later in the pod. So, if everyone is healthy, KK's minutes won't be what they were this past season. But her versatility -- ability to defend four positions -- will keep her in the rotation.
The Beave from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eric: The recent articles highlighting the transfer portal additions to ND WBB show that in that arena, the transfer portal is allowing several elite teams to stockpile talent and distance themselves from the pack. It’s tough to be a mid-major in MBB and WBB and keep your elite players. What are your thoughts on whether the transfer portal is having that effect in college football? Or whether immediate eligibility and unlimited transfers is spreading out the talent as many players are unwilling to wait their turn to start on talented teams? Thanks as always for your thoughts and the chat.
Eric Hansen: Hi The Beave. Excellent question and one that might evolve quite a bit now that unlimited transfers just became legal. My sense is the dynamic will be different, to a point. In men's and women's BB, it's easier to cluster the talent on the elite teams, because one or two players can make a huge difference. Liatu King and Liza Karlen will be for Notre Dame. But you need more bodies to do that with football, and the best teams are still leaning heavily into recruiting and developing HS players and supplementing with transfers. What is the net effect? Mid-Majors will have trouble breaking through as Cincinnati did a couple of years ago when the Bearcats hadn't yet made the move to the Big 12. I think at the Power 4 level, recruiting and developing high school talent still is a huge factor in who gets to the playoff and win games there, but the portal can't be ignored. What may create an additional gap SEC/Big Ten/ND vs. everyone else is if the revenue gap continues to expand.
That feels like a sloppy answer. I hope I did your question justice in trying to boil things down.
Andy from Wilmette, Ill.: Thanks for conducting these chats. There is a great value in what you are doing for us. In the past, football players have been able to participate in basketball. You mentioned that one of the linemen was a good basketball player, and I said to myself, ND basketball should have taken him last year. Is there a rule these days that they cannot cross over to certain sports?
Eric Hansen: Hi Andy. Thanks for the feedback. There is no NCAA rule or even an internal rule at ND that would keep that from happening. I think John Carlson was the last player to do so and actually play in games and that was 20 years ago. And he really didn't make an impact. I think with the year-round commitment to football and how deep the season goes with the playoff, it's a very difficult double to pull off. Marcus Freeman is open to two-sport athletes -- Jordan Faison (lacrosse) and Drayk Bowen (baseball), but it is really difficult to be good at both. At least baseball and lacrosse don't overlap as much as basketball.
Adam from Florida: I have read that the ncaa is being sued and this threatens ND’s independence. I am unclear about this, any insights?
Eric Hansen: You are very unclear. The NCAA is involved in a lot of lawsuits and doesn't do well in court with most of them. I can't answer your question succinctly any more than I can explain the meaning of life in this format. But I've done many many many articles about ND's independence and what it would take to force its hand to join a conference. And none of those factors are currently in play.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, hope you are having as good a week as WBB and MLAX!! Go Irish!!! With summer sessions approaching will you have a chance to visit with the new Strength coach (since I think he is the only coach who can be with the players then) and if so what are some questions you want to ask?? Also, you usually have a long sit down with MF or some other coach/administrator during the summer. Who do you want to meet with this summer?? Denbrock?? Golden?? My question is how do the two of them mesh together and compliment what each is trying to accomplish?? Thanks for everything you do for us fans. Please find time for more Chats. Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Let me address the chat frequency. After this week, I think I'll do the next one in June, since the players will be on break until then and we should start to get a flurry of news and access that month. I'll probably do at least a couple in July, and then go back to weekly mode in August. Thanks for being a part of these. ... I've got several coaches and players I'd like to meet with but will keep them close to the vest for now as not to put too much out there for my competition. Rest assured, I think you'll like who we're lining up.
As for Loren Landow, now that there's a body of work out there, especially how different spring practices were formatted, I'd like to get a feel for his first months on campus and what he's learned and how he thought those spring practice changes worked out. I think your idea about how Denbrock/Golden interact work together is a very good one and I play to pursue that line of questioning at your suggestion.
John from Elkhorn, Neb.: Hey Eric - are you still planning to do an up- dated story on Zibby? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi John. It's not on the front burner at the moment, but I like to keep in touch with him. He has settled in a Brown as the safeties coach there.
John from Walled Lake, Mich.: Hi Eric, how are you doing? Do you think that the Texas AM game will set the tone for the season in a positive or negative way depending on a win or a loss?
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Yes and no. No, because I think ND is a team that will grow into its potential. especially offensively, as the season progresses. So there's a chance ND would lose that game and run the table and make the playoff. Yes, because ND needs to be a better road team and winning that game gives it a margin for error to drop a November game and still make the playoff. Losing to A&M and in November (to Fla St. or USC) makes that a tougher task. If the ND O-line holds its own against Texas A&M's front seven, that will be a very good sign.
John P from Redding, Calif.: Thank you for your knowledge and insight surrounding everything ND football. As an alumni, I feel like we have so much focus on football statistics and we neglect academics nowadays; more so than in years past. Do you think Tyler or Charleston could add a couple of columns to your spreadsheets, to list each player’s major, progress toward completion, and their GPA?
Eric Hansen: Hi John. I'm not sure where you're suggesting we put that, but we would want to be complete if we did undertake that. And that's more of the issue. Some players are open about their GPA, their academic progress and their majors, and some are less forthcoming.
The Beave from Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eric: You and your staff have great (and increased ) access to ND football. You watch practices and interview the coaches and the players to help those outside of the program with your analysis. Those on this chat appreciate the depth of knowledge you possess and convey to us daily. Curious as to your process for your “deep dives” of ND opponents. Without coach and player access until after the games, where do you get your best information? Are the statistical metrics you cite your go to? Do you get and watch the “coaches film”? Do you change you sunglasses and stand on the opposing team’s sideline? (Sorry Michigan fans).
Eric Hansen: Wow, what a zinger at the end. Beave, thanks ... but I'm not sure I'm understanding the time frame you are asking about ... like preseason looks at opponents or the week of the game? In either case, I start with the metrics. That helps me ask the right questions. I ask people who cover the team for their insights. And if I've seen the team play, that factors in too. You get insights too from the ND players and coaches. But for me watching multiple game tapes would not be a good use of my time, given how little I would extract out of that beyond what I already have done in other ways and how full my weeks already are.
Mike from Santa Barbara: Eric, thanks so much for the superb work that you and Tyler do throughout the year. Your objective and dispassionate commentary are a refuge for all ND fans. Your podcast and the chats are a hih
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. Thanks for the compliments. If there was a question there, I'm sorry it didn't make it through.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for this week and likely until June unless we have major breaking news. Thanks again for all the great questions. If you are a subscriber and you have a question, you can always hit me up on The Insider Lounge between chats ... or ask a question on our podcasts or our Football Never Sleeps show on YouTube.
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