Chat Transcript: An early stab at Notre Dame's 2024 starting lineup
Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, the back-from-vacation edition.
Some quick programming notes:
► The chat will move back into weekly mode once training camp starts. It may not always be on Wednesday through training camp, due to practice/interview conflicts, but it will be weekly. I’ll definitely settle into a Wednesday routine in late August. If there’s a demand to do another chat soon, I’m willing to do one in two weeks. Just let me know if you’re interested.
Related Content
► Late-arriving Notre Dame DB Rod Heard II ready to work for starting status
► O-line prodigy Guerby Lambert making early impressions on and off the field
► Notebook: Notre Dame has attention of elite 2026 safeties
► WBB: Notre Dame G Cass Prosper's comeback trail set to continue at Olympics
► Notre Dame football depth chart as summer workouts ramp up into high gear
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► 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 are in a bit of an irregular pattern there until July 29, when we’ll move back into our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot. Right now we’re working around vacation time and guest co-host availability. The latest edition was last Thursday. Former Notre Dame O-lineman Bob Morton and I have penciled in the next one for this Friday at 6 p.m. ET. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► No Inside ND Sports Podcast this week, with Tyler James on vacation. On the most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, Notre Dame women’s basketball star guard Olivia Miles joined us. The 2023 All-American missed last season as she recovered from a knee injury, but she’s getting back in gear for a comeback year. She discussed the timeline of her recovery from the ACL injury, what she learned about herself while sitting out, scouting reports on newcomers Liatu King, Liza Karlen and Kate Koval, if she ever considered transferring, the keys to success in sharing a backcourt with Hannah Hidalgo, how head coach Niele Ivey helped her through this process, her confidence in her knee, how she's expanded her game 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 summer workouts for the Notre Dame football team as the entire roster is back on campus taking classes and working out. And Darin Pritchett and I are together this week on Tuesday and Friday on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As far as this week's chat …
Please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Eric Hansen: And we're off ...
Patrick from Fort Wayne, Ind.: Good afternoon Eric. Let's have some summer fun. What would be your favorite starting 11 on each side of the ball come Texas A & M? I am not asking for who you think will start, I want to know who you would like to see start. Just good fun to throw out there and encourage others to share their desires.
Eric Hansen: OK, that seems like a great place to start. Let's start on offense | QB Riley Leonard. RB Jeremiyah Love. WRs Beaux Collins, Jaden Greathouse, Kris Mitchell. TE Mitchell Evans, RT to LT: Aamil Wagner, Billy Schrauth, Ashton Craig, Rocco Spindler, Charles Jagusah.
On defense: Boubacar Traore and RJ Oben at ends (but lots of rotation of backups). Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills in the interior. LBs Drayk Bowen, Jack Kiser and Jaylen Sneed. CBs Christian Gray and Ben Morrison. Safeties: Xavier Watts and Rod Heard II. Lots of rotation throughout the defense. Jordan Clark would be my starting nickel.
Kevin from Sleepy Eye, Minn.: Eric!!!! Let’s talk about Riley’s trip to Alabama. Angeli and Minchey were not invited? Or did he invite several other players who were unable to make the trip down?? Seems like a productive time with Rivers. Go Irish!!
Eric Hansen: Kevin!!!! You are the new exclamation point king. I actually am hoping to talk to Philip Rivers for some backstory before the season starts ... but to your question. I'm not sure about Kenny Minchey, but I talked to Steve Angeli in the spring and he already had a training plan mapped out back in New Jersey, so I don't think he was snubbed. I doubt Minchey was either, as CJ Carr did attend. I know Riley Leonard wasn't trying to publicize it, because he felt bad about not having the whole team down. But again, I think the other guys had prearranged agendas in May.
Lorne from Reno, Nev.: As always, thank you for doing these chats -- it's great to be able to ask an expert about a subject over which we all ... obsess. Anyway, with Riley Leonard winning the Air-it-Out Challenge and our improved speed at the wide receiver positions (and fantastic running backs to keep the defense honest), you would think that we will have more big plays in the passing game this year. But the inexperience at tackle has me thinking about 2021 and Jack Coan's frequent near-death experiences (which led to scaling back the passing game). Do you think we'll be able to protect Leonard (I'm assuming he's our starter) well enough to make the long ball a viable threat?
Eric Hansen: Hi Lorne, and thank you. I think there will be an emphasis on scheming up big pass plays on offense to complement the other parts of the offense and heighten those. I think it's a big emphasis to be a consistent additional element, but to be clear, not something ND will make its bread and butter. Your uncertainty about the offensive line is legit. Until we see the chemistry, cohesion and efficiency come together, that's going to be a chronic storyline. But ND has the talent to change that storyline ... but how soon? Where I don't see the parallel is Jack Coan and Riley Leonard, and how the O-Line's growing pains might affect them. Leonard not only is more nimble in the pocket, his ability to be highly involved in the running game itself gives Marcus Freeman a trump card against a loaded box that Brian Kelly didn't have with Coan. The areas where Notre Dame has the most room for improvement all tie into the deep passing game to a degree, so August training camp will be worth following very closely to track the progress.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric, Thanks for hosting, and I am hoping your summer has been fantastic!!! Recently Tyson Ford and Aiden Gobaira were placed on medical scholarship. Please explain this. On the surface it seems a place ND can go to allow players, who will not be in the rotation, to finish their ND degree and then seek to finish their eligibility elsewhere. This allows ND to meet their scholarship limit.
Eric Hansen: Hi Len. This concept has evolved in recent years to some extent in that medical hardships are more easily reversed. There was a time that it was near impossible to do so, even if a player transferred to a different school. It still is a monumental task to get it reversed if the player doesn't transfer. Joey Tanona, for instance, was able to show the original head injury that led to the medical hardship and how he recovered from that in order to be eligible at Purdue. The NCAA taking a hard line keeps schools from stashing players beyond the 85-scholarship limit and then bringing them back. (The 85 limit may be going bye-bye soon).
Tyson Ford and Aiden Gobaira were both four-star prospects. Both enrolled early as freshmen. Both will be juniors in school this year and won't be that far away from an ND degree. So, it might be possible for them to make a comeback elsewhere after that happens, and then again maybe not. Most medical hardships don't try to reverse the process and are happy to be able to get their degree without paying tuition.
Michael from Chicago: Do you envision ND adding player’s last names to jerseys for regular season games and/or adding ads or ND/Notre Dame/shamrocks to the end zones in lieu of or in addition to the slanted lines? Who ultimately makes that decision?
Eric Hansen: Michael, I understand why, as a fan, the end zone aesthetics is important to you. It is WAY off my radar, but I can certainly ask. My mind is elsewhere when it comes to the program. I probably wouldn't even notice the change right away. But I would notice a slight change in a QBs throwing motion or a change in demeanor of a player in interviews. To both questions, I would think AD Pete Bevacqua would hold power in that kind of discussion. As far as the names on the uniforms, that is something that I will prioritize tracking down closer to the season, because it's suddenly very relevant to the players.
With NIL opportunities and branding, having players' names on jerseys has a functional reason, so I could see that being a real discussion as we get closer to the start of the season.
Bill from St Joe, Mich.: Eric!!! Nice to see the chats are back. Just back from the Jersey Shore. The traffic at the Shore was CRAZY! I would encourage the chatters to watch your interview with Olivia Miles…she is as impressive off the court as she is on the court! My question is, when does “fall practice” officially begin?
Eric Hansen: Bill!!!! Loving the exclamation points today. If I had fabulous prizes to give out today, you'd be in the running with your multiple ones. I hope you visited Len when you were at the Jersey Shore. And just to let you know, I was in YOUR town over the weekend and spent some time there. ... Thanks for the plug on the Olivia Miles interview. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Loved the way she was so open. I've got more women's hoops content coming this week for those who follow the team. I've got a big feature coming Thursday morning on Pitt transfer Liatu King that I'm excited about. Then later in the week, I'll have a piece on Cass Prosper as she gets ready to head to Lille and Paris, France to represent Canada in the Olympics. ... Finally to your question. Players report July 30. Training Camp starts July 31.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich.: AKA sagnasty saginaw pride when Notre Dame make the playoffs this season trust me they will make the playoffs I know they will have to play game first because championship weekend will be they bye week if they get a home playoff will nbc or abc or ESPN host the game 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. Here's the entire playoff schedule and TV assignments:
2024-25 College Football Playoff schedule, dates, TV channel, sites
All times Eastern
First round (Dec. 20-21)
Friday, Dec. 20: 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
Saturday, Dec. 21: 12 p.m. | TNT Sports
Saturday, Dec. 21: 4 p.m. | TNT Sports
Saturday, Dec. 21: 8 p.m. | ABC/ESPN
Quarterfinals (Dec. 31-Jan. 1)
Fiesta Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 | ESPN
Peach Bowl: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN
Rose Bowl: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN
Sugar Bowl: 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 | ESPN
Semifinals (Jan. 9-10) And Championship (Jan. 20)
Orange Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 | ESPN
Cotton Bowl: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10 | ESPN
CFP National Championship: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 | ESPN
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Joe from Novato, Calif.: We seem to have a well built team. What is one statistic on offense and defense that can predict ND's success in 2024 (example: most explosive plays on offense or most tackles for loss on d). Thanks Eric!
Eric Hansen: Hey Joe. Thank you. ... There are five time-tested ones that I usually track that college football champs tend to still excel in. Total defense, rush defense, turnover margin, rush offense and pass efficiency. If I had to narrow it down to two, which is what you asked for, I'd go with pass efficiency and run defense. Of the last 26 national champs, dating back to the start of the BCS/Playoff Eras, only seven didn't finish in the top 25 nationally in both of those categories. None of the national champs was lower than 25 in both. Michigan, which won the title last year, was 8th in pass efficiency and 5th in rush defense. Washington, the team the Wolverines clobbered, was 13th and 58th respectively.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, just a quick question today, do you know how much access you will have to fall camp practices? Thanks, and enjoy the 4th!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. We have not received our training camp access schedule as of yet. I'd anticipate we'd get quite a bit of partial access, as in stretching and non-competitive drills. The large windows of all access will be fewer, like maybe two or three, but will come earlier than later in training camp.
BCND from Boston: Re: Rivals transfer ratings, how do RJ Oben & Rod Heard each get ***? From what I've read, each started and played really well in 2023. That said, what are the expectations for them? It would appear that RJ Oben would be similar talent wise to Javonte Jean-Baptiste, but that Heard would be an upgrade at safety over Brown.
Eric Hansen: Hi BCND, and thanks for jumping in this week. ... and for remembering to add your hometown. ... Full disclosure, I think Rivals and the other college networks have struggled with portal evaluations because of the sheer volume or transfers in the new portal era. So that's why I rarely reference them and lean into Pro Football Focus' grades a little more. The good news, Rivals has not only rebranded recently, as reflected in the look of our home pages and others throughout the network, they've literally doubled their national staff and are putting much more resources into portal tracking and evaluations.
Having said that, there's an expectation from the Irish coaching staff that both RJ Oben and Rod Heard II will play their best football to date at ND in 2024. And Marcus Freeman made a good point recently that even with experienced players, there's an initial adjustment to learning a new system. Sophomores Adon Shuler and Luke Talich at safety know Al Golden's system much better than Heard does. We saw Oben, for instance, surge the final week of spring after being sort of nondescript for much of spring. I do think there are some parallels that he could give ND what JJB did last year.
I recently wrote about Heard and his transition. He has safety size and cornerback speed but most of his experience at Northwestern was at nickel. The expectation is that he will be the starter and he will be an upgrade over last year's starter, DJ Brown. But there's also the expectation that Shuler and Talich have surged enough to be rotational players. There's really a safety net at both positions if neither player plays as advertised, with Josh Burnham and freshman Bryce Young ascending behind Oben.
Kagan from Angola, Ind.: Hey Eric, still concerned about our right tackle situation I am not sure Baker or Wagner are capable of manning that side of the line for a full season and having the success in the run game Notre Dame prides itself on and also being able to keep Riley Leonard upright all season. My question is how long of a leash do these two have to figure it out before Lambert or Sullivan get a look. I really like Lambert's size and IQ and think he should be a contributor sooner rather than later. Thanks as always for your time! Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: Hi Kagan. I wrote about Guerby Lambert earlier this week, and there is an expectation that he could find his way into the two-deeps. He's that good. But I think you are selling the other guys short, especially Aamil Wagner. It's always been about body mass and not skill with him. He's very athletic, very smart and he's now 6-6, 290. Still has to get bigger, but he's doing it gradually but decisively. I do think Sullivan Absher had a good spring, but I think Wagner is going to be the starter. And Lambert is coming.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, so glad the chat is back this week and happy Fourth of July. With it getting to crunch time for the 2025 recruits, on a scale of one to 10 how confident are you that Notre Dame lands the following: Blair, Faraimo, Meadows, Hines, Robinson, and Boateng? On that same scale of one to 10 how confident are you that Benjamin Morrison will be ready for the opener at A&M? What have you heard about James Rendell’s punting since he got on campus? In the next several weeks before fall camp when there’s not a lot of coaching going on, what are some realistic improvements that can occur , and which would be the most helpful for the team in the fall? As always, thanks for hosting the chat and the great insights.
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Great to see you here. And Happy 4th to you. Let me start with your Benjamin Morrison question. I don't think you can ever put a 10 on injury recovery for anyone, but if Notre Dame was concerned about him not being ready for the opener, they wouldn't have moved freshman Karson Hobbs to nickel already and they'd probably cross-train Jordan Clark or Rod Heard II at corner this summer. They could still do that later if there's a setback, but they're not doing it now. So put me down for an 8.
I had the chance to talk to James Rendell in person a couple of weeks ago, and to some of the other newcomers, some of whom raved about Rendell's punting. Given his experience and age and maturity level, I think ND is in good shape there. As far as what can happen in the summer beyond improvements that come in the weight room and team chemistry ... among those are timing between QBs and receivers, everybody getting into the playbook and film study deeper. And there are things defensive players can do just in going against the receivers and doing drills. The summer time is when Kyle Hamilton and Ben Morrison made their moves as June-arriving freshmen.
Finally, to your recruiting question, I'm a little uncomfortable with the 1 to 10 scale in recruiting for a few reasons, not the least of which is that the nature of recruiting makes 10s hard to give. I also don't want to blow a kid's moment by giving him a 10 before he announces. And lastly, the only two kids I've spoken with personally on that list are Blair and Robinson. Tyler James is way more into the weeds there than I am. But let me meet you halfway here. I think ND leads or is at least even for all of them. So, I will put them in order of confidence that they will commit to ND, from most likely to less likely: JaDon Blair, Madden Faraimo, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Tanook Hines, Dylan Robinson, Derek Meadows.
I think there's the most competition for Meadows. I talked to Robinson after his ND visit and it was a game-changer. But his choice involves a position difference. ND and Utah are recruiting him as a WR, Washington and UCLA as a DB. He said his chemistry with the team and the coach means more than the position, so that's why I feel good about ND.
BCND from Boston: Is Drayk Bowen weirdly fast? I saw that in baseball, he was pinch-running. And he scored from second in extra innings, and I was impressed.
Eric Hansen: For his size, he can really move. He was a prolific running back in high school in addition to being an elite linebacker.
Denny from Beaverton Ore.: Hi Eric: It is nice to have you and the chat back. I am curious about what is going on with the team during these summer months. Are all 85 scholarship players and preferred walk on's all on campus? Are they all registered and taking classes in summer school? Do they live in their normal dorms or are they grouped together in the same living arrangement? Is there a certain number of hours a week required on the practice field or football classroom or weight room? I believe coaches are not allowed to be present so do the seniors and other team leaders establish and monitor what needs to be done? And finally this regimen must be difficult for the Freshmen coming in. Do they have an older mentor that helps them adjust? I kept within the 16-question rule, but I do admit I have bare feet since Portland will be hitting several days of 100 degree temps this week. Not looking forward to it as it was just 3 years ago we hilt 116 degrees here and it was not fun! Thanks, Eric.
Eric Hansen: Hi Denny, nice to have you back too ... and I'll give you the no shoes allowance if you forgive me for trying to answer your near-17-part question as succinctly as I can. Yes, all 86 scholarship players and preferred walk-ons are on campus and taking classes. It's not universal where everyone lives. Some live in dorms. Some in houses. Some in apartments. But they're groupings, especially for freshmen, will be different in the fall, as more student are around then and ND tries to give them a chance to live with non-football players too. ... There is a 20-hour limit on required football activities, most of which are with director of football performance Loren Landow in the strength/speed-training world. Everything else ... and there's a lot of that too ... is voluntary.
Coaches in June had some access to OTAs, which are drills that don't use a football, etc. Most of what goes on, only Loren Landow and his strength staff can be present for. There are some players-only workouts and team leaders run those and monitor those. ... The freshmen and even new transfers have mentors. Rod Heard II, for instance, talked about how much Ben Morrison and Xavier Watts, have helped him get adjusted. I hope that wasn't too overly simplistic, but I did answer all parts, I believe.
Roger from Peoria: Eric: The wait for the return of "Live Chat" is finally over! The only wait that is more challenging is the wait for the ND season opener. Few teams go undefeated during the regular season. Notre Dame fans often seem to be disappointed if that does not happen for the Irish which is rather unrealistic. I sense the possibility this year, but we have to be realistic and somewhat lucky. What are the things that must happen for the Irish to go undefeated? Similarly, what are the things that cannot happen for the Irish to go undefeated? Finally, what would be characterized as "lucky" which would add to the possibility for the Irish to go undefeated? Have a great 4th holiday to celebrate the great country we live in!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Roger. Happy 4th to you and thanks for the compliment. .... I think two things that have to happen this season that started trending in the spring and into the summer are improved quarterback play and improved performance at wide receiver. The hiring of Mike Denbrock as offensive coordinator kind of ties all of that together and is/was extremely significant. The evolution of the offensive line remains the biggest piece of unfinished business. There is not a dead end here that the Irish will need to work around, but it's not likely to look like a finished product on Aug. 31. But it must get consistently better throughout the season. The luck would be staying away from significant injuries and having a couple of player surprise, like Kris Mitchell at WR and Aamil Wagner at RT.
Denny from Bullard, Texas: Hi Eric! I know the helmet communication is finally in for College Football. ( thanks to Skunkbear scandal) This will greatly help with the signals being secure. My question is there any significant help with the crowd noise and trying to run the offense. Kyle field will be very challenging.
Eric Hansen: Hi Denny, because the communication will shut off while the defense is still adjusting and moving around, there will still be some need for offensive signals at times ... just not as many as not as often. As far as crowd noise, only one player per side of the ball will have the helmet communication, so that player still has to communicate to his teammates in potentially a noisy stadium. That won't mitigate the challenge all that much. Having an experienced offensive coordinator in Mike Denbrock, who has successfully coaches in noisy stadiums (including Kyle Field), is going to be a significant asset.
Don in Scottsdale, Ariz.: Eric, Hope there's hot dogs, apple pie, cold beer and fireworks for you on the 4th..of course some steaks and watermelon are probably a better bet. My question is for you to finish the sentence; if Reilly Leonard averages 4 passing TDs per game and 60 yards rushing ND will _______ Thanks to you and the staff for the great content.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don. You know me all too well. Steaks over hot dogs, and they are thawing as we speak. But there will be multiple hot dog lovers here on the 4th. Hope you have a good one. Averaging 4 TDs and 60 yards rushing? Notre Dame will be the 5 seed in the playoff and hosting a home game on Dec. 20/21. I say that because I expect that to be paired with a top 5 defense and excellent special teams.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Hi, Eric! Thanks for these chats! Who is the ideal WR to fit the role of a long-passing threat at ND right now? Is your concern about the long-passing game due to Riley Leonard's efficiency, the ability/speed of the WR, the chemistry between WR and QB? Thanks!
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. I think ND is hoping it can produce a deep threat from all three receiving positions -- boundary, slot and field. But an elite field receiver really can most significantly open things up for the rest of the offense. Think Will Fuller or even Kevin Stepherson in spurts. The players who are at that position for ND are all unproven — at least in an ND uniform. The hope is the FIU transfer Kris Mitchell, who surged last season at his old school, will be that guy. Sophomore KK Smith and freshman Cam Williams are the other players there.
In knowing how Mike Denbrock likes to maximize his personnel, I can see him getting his speedier slot guys to the outside and in some mismatches through motion. So look for Jordan Faison to do that some. Beaux Collins for me is a wild card. ND has a lot of experience and promise at the boundary receiver in Jayden Thomas, Deion Colzie and spring surprise Micah Gilbert. But there's something about Collins I really like, and can't wait to see him in practice in August. Part of that whole equation is Riley Leonard becoming a more consistent passer. He has the arm, and he's at ND to take that next step. So far this summer, he's definitely trending in the right direction.
ND will have a complementary running game, which will help, and tight ends ... but the offensive line evolution, as I've mentioned in earlier questions, also plays into this.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Good afternoon Eric i think The new receivers and the ones that are still with us will have a good season year with Riley what do you think GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. There's a lot of depth at the WR position, and Riley Leonard is healthy and having a very good summer so far. Those two things need to keep going as we get into training camp season in a few weeks. .. actually four weeks from today.
David from New York: Eric! Thanks so much for the chat and happy early 4th! My question. Looks like Rivals has Blair, Boateng, Hines, Meadows and Faraimo listed as 100% Irish. What percentages would you give each? If we land all of them, this feels like a class you can put up next to the best of the Holtz era!
Eric Hansen: Hi David. Marie from Atlanta already pressed me on those guys individually, so let me go to your last part ... about the Lou Holtz class comparisons. Let me say two things about that. I think Marcus Freeman and company are doing a great job, but some of those Holtz classes set a such a high bar. So no, I don't think it will be as good or better than the best of the Holtz Era. HOWEVER, Marcus Freeman is living in a different world than Lou Holtz was. Building through recruiting and supplementing through the transfer portal all must be factored in ... and roster retention, keeping those elite players on your campus and in your locker room. Marcus has done a great job with that. So the bar isn't about the Lou Holtz classes. It's about can Marcus Freeman get ND closer to a national title... and with a class like that -- and everything else factored in -- it appears to be moving that way.
BLAIR: What do Kenny Minchey's next three years look like?
Eric Hansen: Blair, the "no shoes" rule goes double for you, in that you didn't include your hometown. But since you share the name of one of my grandsons, you are forgiven this time. ...Unless this really is Blair, who is 7. ... I think even defining Minchey's next full year is challenging. Here's my best guess. He'll start training camp as No. 3. And barring injury, he'll stay at 3 and then be in the mix with CJ Carr, Steve Angeli and Deuce Knight to be the starting QB in 2025, that is if he doesn't jump in the transfer portal in December.
Minchey has a fighting chance. If I had to handicap the 2025 QB race, I'd pick Carr. Minchey has some skills, though, that Carr and Angeli don't have. He can be spectacular at times. He is also the most unfinished and the least consistent. So that's where his focus this fall should and will be. Beyond that, I'd be throwing darts with a blindfold on. My psychic powers are not fully developed.
T. Har-v: We have had some good receivers over the years, most with decent careers, some with exceptional 1-year breakouts; ala Boykins, Claypool, TJ Jones, etc. ... When are we going to have another 1,000 yd multi-year WR like Tate, Samardzija, or M. Floyd? Do you think we have one of those guys on the team right now? I realize we need a solid deep ball QB to throw them the ball (Clausen and Quinn were phenomenal at the deep and short/out route), but I feel like we finally have that type of QB now.
Eric Hansen: T-Har-v ... hometown next time please, but thanks for your question. For the record, there have been 13 1,000-yards (or more) receiving seasons in ND football history. Four of those were players who did it twice ... so nine total players. The last to repeat was Will Fuller (2014-15). I think the prevalence of players coming out as juniors would lessen that possibility moving forward in terms of multi-year receivers. I also think the depth at WR on this team and the timeshares make it less likely. So, does throwing to the backs and tight ends as much as ND does now. Is there a player on the roster who could have multiple 1,000-yard seasons? Maybe Jaden Greathouse? But you're right, the QB position now and moving forward looks strong.
Frank from Wayne, Ill. here. Hi Eric. How often is it that a "decommitment" is actually the result of an athlete failing at the 11th hour to meet the necessary criteria (grades) for admission and ND covering for the kid?
Eric Hansen: Hi Frank. Without doing the math quickly (and I can't take off my shoes to count my toes), I have a hard time putting a percentage on it, but it happens more than you might think. ND doesn't like to float that out there and usually the kid doesn't want to make a big deal of it either. But with how early now ND extends scholarships, there's some good and bad in that. Good in that ND can let a kid know exactly what he has to do to get his academics on a trajectory for Notre Dame to take him. Bad, because not every kid will buckle down and do that ... and then ND has to let him go and it looks like they might have lost him for other reasons. What I can say is that it has happened at least once in the current cycle.
Lyle from Littleton, Colo.: Thank You for these chats. Coach Freeman seems to be learning and evolving as a coach each year. Give me your vision of where the program is with him three years from now.
Eric Hansen: Given ND's commitment to putting Marcus Freeman and the program in a great position in a rapidly changing college football world, I'd expect Notre Dame under Freeman to be challenging for national titles under its current trajectory ... not necessarily winning them, but making a run.
Jeff Higgins: I believe the WRs are going to be better this season, but what or why are the Irish struggling to bring in great WRs? The recruiting has been awesome. You look at this year through the next two, 3 years and ND is bringing in the top talent at every position but WR. I would have thought that having Carr, Deuce and others that this issue would be fixed. Sorry about dragging this out. I am just questioning why the Irish aren’t bringing in top talent at wide out. Thanks guys, love the show!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff, and thanks. ND hasn't brought in consistent difference-makers as the position relative to the other positions, and some of that has been the production of the passing game and inconsistency at QB. Let's see how the rest of this cycle plays out. If ND finishes that position group in this cycle with two of three at least of Meadows, Hines and Robinson, that's a strong position to be in. And given who will be competing to be the starting QB in 2025, I think you'll see portal WRs take a longer look at ND.
Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to have to do it for today. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll plan on doing this again in two weeks, Wednesday July 17 at noon ET. Chat with you then.
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