Chat Transcript: Notre Dame freshmen to keep an eye on as season progresses

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► Deuce Knight becomes Notre Dame's highest-ranked commit in new Rivals250

► Why freshman CJ Carr's future as Notre Dame quarterback feels certain

► Marcus Freeman's defining 3rd year begins with Notre Dame No. 7 in AP poll

► Riley Leonard finds new level of mental, physical preparation in ND camp

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► The Inside ND Sports Podcast is finally back. This week’s podcast will drop on Thursday afternoon. On the most recent Inside ND Sports Podcast, Tyler James and I welcomed back Brandon Wimbush, a former Notre Dame starting quarterback in 2017 and 2018. Wimbush has been invested in the NIL space since his playing career ended, which has included co-founding MOGL, a platform for athletes to connect with advertisers. Wimbush discussed his expectations for ND QB Riley Leonard, how Wimbush's legs helped the Irish against tough defenses, protecting mobile quarterbacks, what Mike Denbrock brings as offensive coordinator, how to handle the transition as a transfer QB, what he's learned in the NIL space, how the latest rulings will impact NIL, if he would transfer out of ND again, how his ND education has impacted him 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.

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Now to this week's chat …

PLEASE include your name and hometown along with your question(s).

Here are the rules:

Eric Hansen: If you want me to relax the "no bare feet" rule, I'll need a screenshot that says its hotter than 90 degrees where you are or a note from your mom.

OK, off we go ...

Mark: Greetings from Lake Louise, Alberta! What freshman do you expect to have the biggest impact during the last half of the season once they have had a chance to ramp up?

Eric Hansen: Hi Mark. Great to have our friends from Canada with us ... and great question. Let's start on offense. I think both of the freshman RBs have a chance to earn a role in that deep rotation, Kedren Young and Aenyas Williams. At WR, I think Micah Gilbert has the best chance among the freshmen to impact games in the second half of the season. On the offensive line, Anthonie Knapp and Guerby Lambert -- already No. 2 at the two tackles spots -- will be more prepared later in the season to step in if needed than they are now, but both have done well to position themselves.

On defense, Bryce Young at DE, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa right from the start. Eventually, CBs Karson Hobbs and Leonard Moore could help and maybe S Tae Johnson playing a nickel role.

JBM from Surfside, S.C.: Any word on Angeli ? Haven’t heard anything from Eric or Tyler on his progress.

Eric Hansen: Hi JBM. We (the media) finally had a chance to talk to all four scholarship quarterbacks and QBs coach Gino Guidugli after practice on Saturday. Angeli looks very similar to what he did in the spring, a high-floor guy who can win you some games if called upon. Not a dual threat, but certainly not a statue either. Has a very good attitude about having himself ready for THIS season with an eye on competing to be the starter in 2025. Even though Riley Leonard hasn't been formally announced (will probably happen Saturday) as No. 1, he looks the part and everyone says as much -- coaches and players.

Trevor from Rockwood, Tenn.: I'm very intrigued by the WR room this year. Who do you feel is the breakout receiver this year from perhaps the 3rd/4th string this year? This seems to be a group of receivers with a lot of the same attributes and same skill sets at the X, Y, and Z. I really feel there is not a dominant presence on the inside or out at WR; a lot of really good WR's, but not a "OMG, Where did that guy come from," type (I hope I’m wrong). We know what Colzie, Greathouse, and Faison can bring; all really good, although that could seriously change under Denbrock. Any underclassmen you got your eye on to shock the fan base this year and maybe a year or 2 to come? Plus, any chance Bauman is a factor; really rooting for that guy?

Eric Hansen: Hi Trevor. I am not properly caffeinated yet, so please forgive me if I misinterpret your question. Notre Dame is looking to build a six- or seven-man rotation from its 11 scholarship receivers and walk-on Tyler Buchner. I think the guy who will be the surprise inclusion in that rotation is Marshall transfer Jayden Harrison, who came with a huge rep as a kickoff returner but not so much as a WR. I think Beaux Collins will surprise in terms of how much he impacts the team, the Clemson transfer. Freshman Micah Gilbert was the spring surprise. I think Cam Williams will be quiet this year but someone to watch in 2025.

As far as grad senior Kevin Bauman, who’s missed all or large chunks for the last three seasons, he still has the best recruiting pedigree of any TE on the roster and when he was healthy, he was very effective in the red zone. If he is not physically compromised -- and he is doing everything in practice, no restrictions -- I think he can be a nice complementary piece at the position group to Evans, Raridon and Flanagan, etc.

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Arnie from Hinsdale, Ill.: We have often heard o line coaches say they will "put the best five out there". Has there been any discussion of moving either Spindler or Coogan to tackle?

Eric Hansen: Arnie, you are right about that, but usually that means a tackle kicking inside rather than an inside guy going outside. Sometimes the interior guys lack the length or athleticism to play tackle. If the current guards, there are two I think that would work best -- Billy Schrauth -- but then are you weakening guard? And Sullivan Absher, who worked at tackle as a freshman in 2023 and in the spring. Those would be long-term/injury-induced possibilities, not go in for a few snaps because someone lost a contact lens or their helmet popped off.

Dave from Ponte Vedra, Fla.: While recruiting has been excellent, the lack of highly rated WRs stands out. Do we have any chance to flip someone to the Irish?

Eric Hansen: Hi Dave. Notre Dame has two receivers in the 2025 class that will sign in December, Jerome Bettis Jr. and Elijah Burress, and hopes to get two more commitments. And you're right, that will probably entail flipping both of those players out of other schools' classes. And they haven't given up on Derek Meadows, who committed to LSU. Their strategy is that once players see the Mike Denbrock offense at Notre Dame and not just at LSU, and they see Mike Brown coaching up the current WRs, that it will convince the good WR prospects to give Notre Dame a second look.

Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, congrats to all of our Irish Olympians, whether they won a medal or not!!! Proud of all of them. A couple of questions: everyone is talking about the chemistry being developed between the QB's and the WR's. While I understand we want to be much better with deep balls and opening things up, I am wondering how much the offense is working on developing the chemistry with the TE's??? I still think that with the quality of TE's on the roster this is still going to be an important part of the offense. Second, I understand why teams are so protective of their practices before the first game of the season and why they limit media access. Do you think that you will have more access once we get into the season and opponents will have tape of what we do from previous games?? Finally, will the media be allowed to view any of the scrimmages scheduled in camp?? Thanks for all things Irish!! Keep up the great work... Go Irish, Beat A&M!!!!

Eric Hansen: Hi Tom, yes Notre Dame had quite a showing with their Olympians, including a handful who competed for other countries. I, for one, really enjoyed what little I got to watch of them. Thank goodness for DVRs, Tom, I think why you don't hear as much about chemistry with the TEs is because it's kind of been a given ND will have excellent tight end production. The newness would be consistent WR production, so that's why the microscope is on that position group a bit more, plus there are so many newcomers there six of the 11 scholarship guys. As far as media access, our final access point for the SEASON is tomorrow, and it's a partial practice. Not complaining, just answering your question. There will NOT be any access during the season, but maybe once during bowl/playoff prep. But we have some good sources who are at practice and will keep you posted without giving away trade secrets. And for the record, Texas A&M is WAY, WAY more restrictive about its exposure with the media than ND.

Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Will Jayden Thomas’s exceptional ability to block help us less from the boundary position than it helped us previously when he played in the slot? Thanks.

Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. I think you're referring to OC Mike Denbrock's expressed desire to move WRs around to different spots, and I think Jayden Thomas will be an asset blocking wherever he lines up. He was one of ND's best-blocking skill players last year (Deion Colzie was No. 2 among all players in run blocking at any position behind only LT Joe Alt). So, I think you'll see him play both places and block wll from both places.

J Buckley from San Diego: Hello, I forgot not to push the enter button. Need more coffee, anyways thanks as always for getting us some inside information, can't wait for the season to start. I heard Steve A mention Matt Jeffery the #1 LAX recruit and walk-on can fly. Any news about his progress, we like speed, we need speed, the good kind (not that kind). Also, how are the Reznac brothers, and Luke Talich progressing. Thanks as always from this tuff San Diego Summer. :)

Eric Hansen: Hi J. Yes, Steve Angeli mentioned being impressed by Matt Jeffery, a 5-11, 185-pound freshman recruited for lacrosse and who walked on to the football team, as Jordan Faison did last year. I think Faison stood out more last August, because ND didn't have as much speed in the receiver corps as it does now. So I don't think his opportunity this fall to impact the roster is the same as Faison's in 2023. But he has the speed to perhaps make an impact down the road. ... Freshman LB Teddy Rezac is 6-3 and now 207, according to linebackers coach Max Bullough. Still light, but he is a quick learner and is assignment-correct. They feel good about him down the road. Twin Anthony is a walk-on QB who will give the Irish a strong scout-team presence and should be able to help them during Army and Navy prep weeks with the triple-option game. I think sophomore Luke Talich has played well enough to earn a rotational role at safety with Xavier Watts, Adon Shuler and Rod Heard II.

Len from the Jersey Shore: Hi Eric and thanks for hosting. What is the latest from camp on the position battles and who we expect to see playing, starting or in the rotation, early in the season? Anything new? Do you expect that any young rotational players will be held out of the A & M game because of experience and the difficult venue?

Eric Hansen: Hi Len. I don't think young players will be held out at Texas A&M. I remember when Bob Diaco did that up at Michigan as ND's defensive coordinator, keeping Stephon Tuitt and Aaron Lynch on the sideline at a critical time and it ended up costing ND the game up there in 2011. ... Notre Dame will get the young players who can help ready and then trust them. And if the humidity and heat lives up to its reputation, the Irish will need them. ... The biggest remaining position battle is left guard between Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler, and it's tight. I still predict Rocco to overtake Coogan, but wouldn't be surprised either way. Most of the other battles are for rotational spots and how much rotation like Adon Shuler and Rod Heard II at safety ... and how much does Boubacar Traore play at vyper ... and then settling in on a WR rotation ... I think it's easy to say Greathouse, Faison, Thomas, Collins , Mitchell and Harrison. Then is No. 7 Colzie or Gilbert? Some jostling for roles at TE behind Evans.

And then who starts between Jaden Mickey and Christian Gray at cornerback .. . they'll both play. The media gets to talk to DBs coach Mike Mickens and the cornerbacks tomorrow, so we'll probably be able to get some questions answered in that regard on Thursday/tomorrow.

Robert from Dunedin, Fla.: Eric; Can you update us on Christian Gray? Haven't heard or read much about his progress. Any chance he is a starter early in the season? Appreciate your coverage!

Eric Hansen: Thanks Robert … what I can tell you is Christian Gray looks fast and physical in drills. He has long arms and uses them well. I think he has a chance to be a special player at ND.

Ryan from Mars, Pa: Good Afternoon Eric how has Rylie mills and Xavier Watts looked during Camp when we know who The Captain’s Are GO IRISH ☘️☘️☘️🏈🏈🏈

Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan. Xavier Watts looks really good, and the most impressive thing is how he's bringing along the other safeties. You can see how he impacts that whole room. Rylie Mills is going to be a handful for opposing teams. He's fast, physical, twitchy and has Howard Cross III playing next to him. My guess is we'll find out captains when Marcus Freeman next speaks to us ... on Saturday.

Matt from Austin, Texas: Hi Eric, sorry to have missed the last couple of chats, but glad to be back. I hope you are well. No shoes as it's a million degrees. I have two quick questions. We have a tendency to start our games conservatively, so do you see that changing against A & M? Ie, play action throws, tight end middle routes, to get their LBs off the line. It might also get Riley and our line some confidence. Secondly, will our front 7 be dominant enough to allow Morrison, Watts, and company to force enough turnovers to keep opposing offenses somewhat in check? Thanks again Eric.

Eric Hansen: OK Matt you are excused from the No Bare Feet rule.

Hi Matt. To question one, I don't know if getting too aggressive against A&M early makes sense. Unpredictable is good, but risky, no. ND has a really good defense that will keep them in the game, but I think feeling out communications, feeling out the blind date elements of playing against a new coaching staff, leaning into the run but maybe throwing on some run downs makes sense. Don't be predictable, but do what ND does well early. ... ND's defense is constructed scheme-wise and personnel-wise to create turnovers. I think they have both in abundance.

Ced walker from Saginaw, Mich. aka sagnasty Saginaw pride: In 2 weeks we will be going to college station to win my prediction nd 27 a&m 24 d-boyz get a 4th down stop for the win ok here is my question who will be in the press box on offense and defense calling plays here come the irish trust the process the golden standard rally we are nd god country go irish love thee notre dame our mother pray for us

Eric Hansen: Ced, good question and we really haven't talked to Marcus about that, so that'll be a good one for me to ask on Saturday. Mike Denbrock will call offensive plays, and I'm assuming he'll be upstairs but I need to double check ... Gino Guidulgi may be up there and Mike calls plays from the sideline. On defense, Al Golden likes to be on the field, so my sense is Mickens may be upstairs but again I will check.

Jonathan from Addison, Texas: Eric, hello again! After 2 weeks of practice, what can you tell us about any WRs separating themselves from the field? I see Jaden Greathouse officially listed at 6-1, 215. I’ve seen him elsewhere at 6-1.5, 219. Either way, that’s a big dude running through a secondary. Bigger than any of our DBs (and most of our RBs). On par with our coverage LBs (Sneed/Ausberry). Does he look as imposing on the field as those numbers would suggest? Appreciate you being our eyes and ears at the open practice sessions. Hope they were less humid than the day I got to play pickleball in Elkhart last week.

Eric Hansen: Wait, Jonathan — you buried the lead. You played pickleball in Elkhart last week? Why? Where? Did you win? Do you consume pickles during the match? ... Thanks for the kind words. To your questions, the heights and weights still have not been updated. Sometimes a player will tell us what they weigh, and we'll use that in a story rather than the June 21 reported weight. For instance, Jeremiyah Love being 210 is a big deal. ... To Greathouse, he is a very difficult matchup, especially in the red zone, because he's fast enough to beat a linebacker and most safeties and he's strong enough to outmuscle a nickel and most corners. And he's such a good route runner and uses his body so well to shield the ball. If I had to pick who will be ND's leader in receptions among WRs, it's tough but I'd pick him. And the lack of humidity this week in the area is breathtaking. If South Bend weather was like this all the time, people would flock to move here.

Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week and thanks for hosting the chat. Can you give us a quick update on Howard Cross’s injury? Also, what’s your opinion on the job Joe Rudolph is doing so far? Finally, there seems to be a lot of excitement about the hiring of Anthony Treash, what exactly will he be doing? Does he bring some type of unique talent to the program? As always, thanks so much for hosting the chat and all your great insights.

Eric Hansen: Hi Marie. Good to hear from you. We'll be out at practice tomorrow morning, so we'll have a practice report that should reflect what Cross was or wasn't doing at practice. But when we talked to D-Line coach and Howard Cross recently, they both said they were being overcautious with a tight hamstring. Here's Cross …

"I’m angry every day about the fact that they’re like, ‘Hey man, just be careful with that.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I want to go 100 percent.’ I’m ready to go. But again, this is my sixth camp, which is ridiculous, trust me. But I have to find a balance, even if I don’t want to, and just be ready. Because really, this all doesn’t really mean anything unless I’m okay for the first game. And I will be. So as long as I’m okay for that, then I’m good."

And Al Washington ... "He can play. That’s me. That’s more me. He can play right now. Blame me because he goes hard. You watch him on the field? He’s as hard-playing of a player as you’ll ever see. To be smart about it and help him rest is [the plan]."

Eric Hansen: I think the time where we can truly evaluate Joe Rudolph is once the games start. The only time we've seen them ago against ND's defensive front was July 31, the first day of camp and not in full pads. ... The Anthony Treash hiring was interesting, as the director of analytics. His expertise is breaking down film and getting into the deep analytics, and I'm really curious to find out if this extends into the portal and recruiting as well as evaluating opponents and ND's own roster. Will ask about that on Saturday.

Brian K from South Bend: Back to the OL situation, and I was thinking the same thing as Arnie asked earlier in the Chat regarding the statement fans have been told repeatedly by OL Coaches: Hiestand and Rudolph. If the "Best 5" is really correct and they mean that, is it reasonable to consider Sullivan Absher as part of that group? IF Baker doesn't hit at LT, I'm certain that Absher was Alt's backup last year at that position - and I believe he has the size and length to go back to LT. It always seemed odd to me to put Sullivan in competition with the 2 starters from last season at LG to win the spot, where he was unlikely to beat either of them. Am I off base on my thought process on Absher seeming like a better fit at LT, especially with a smaller true Freshman currently as the backup LT?

Eric Hansen: Brian good question, that has kind of a wonky answer, so I may oversimplify this or fall on my face trying. ... The depth chart at offensive line is not always linear. Sometimes the best backup at a certain position is working at another position. For instance, Anthonie Knapp had been working as the No. 2 LT when starting LT Charles Jagusah went down. Knapp wasn't elevated from No. 2 LT. Baker moved over from RT. And sometimes a long-term solution would be different than in the flow of the game. So let's say Baker has to miss the third quarter at Texas A&M getting his ankle retaped and checked. I think Knapp comes in. BUT if Baker would be sidelined for weeks early in the season, I think they'd look at Absher as the best long-term solution for 2024. Knapp is going to break through at some point if he stays on this trajectory, and ironically it could be at guard. Another scenario is Guerby Lambert. Right now Knapp is ahead of him in being assignment correct and executing the offense.

Lambert is a monster and is smart. So he's coming. But when? At some point he may overtake a player in front of him or at another position. So he's pushing to get into the top five. I hope that makes sense.

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Brian Havens: Hey Eric, I'm trying to get a read on the loss of LT Charles Jagusah. Should Irish Nation be extremely worried about this...or is it "next man up" and the Irish will be just fine heading into College Station? Thanks!

Eric Hansen: Hi Brian. Don't worry, be happy. Sorry. Dad joke. ... Look the offensive line has talent, but is inexperienced and unproven. It's THE story line or a team on a playoff trajectory, and that was BEFORE Charles Jagusah got injured. Really good teams find a way to transcend these kinds of storylines, and that's one of the reasons ND's season opener at Texas A&M, which features an elite D-line, is so compelling. Baker is older than Jagusah, was similarly ranked coming out of high school and actually has more starting and playing experience. This is a huge opportunity for him to step into his potential and produce. And I'm open to the possibility that he'll be able to do that. We will see.

Lorne from Reno, Nev.: I hope I never forget to say thank you for these chats and the incredible information you share with us. A national publication (the one with 17 cable channels) did a piece on CMF's upgrade of recruiting and spent a good amount of "ink" on Adon Shuler. I know he's in the rotation at safety, but is he a rising star, perhaps shining very brightly in 2025? How high is his ceiling?

Eric Hansen: Lorne, really appreciate you. Adon Shuler was a three-star prospect coming out of high school with not a lot of consensus about his potential. Despite not being higher ranked, he had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State and Texas A&M among others -- a pretty impressive offer list. He had injury issues to overcome as an early enrolled freshman in 2023, but had a transformational offseason so far in 2024. He really impressed in the spring and carried that into training camp. It's hard not to see him as a starter in 2025 as a junior and a standout starter at that.

Roger from Peoria: Eric!! 17 days and counting!! I do not consider myself among the many, unrealistic Irish fans who expect a National Championship every year. This year, however, I am genuinely confident the Irish will be in the Playoffs (I know, I know, 12 teams will make, unlike just 4 in the recent past!!), but even under the 4-team format I would be confident. Am I "drinking the Kool-Aid"? I anticipate a top-notch defense which is critical. I anticipate a good offense which may initially be tempered somewhat by a young, inexperienced o-line. And, I anticipate the special teams will be SPECIAL!! I anticipate the potential for kick-off and punt returns for TDs will the most in many seasons even though so many teams now kick-off into the end zone as their kick-off strategy. I anticipate our kicking game will be strong and I think Rendell will "shake down the thunder" if his punts boom as described to this point (at least some of them any way!). What is your take on the Irish special teams. Thanks and GO IRISH!!!!!.

Eric Hansen: Roger, thank you for your team preview and your question and double-exclamation-point greeting. I think Notre Dame will always be above average on special teams, because Marcus Freeman emphasizes special teams and gives ST coordinator Marty Biagi the full run of the roster to fill out coverage and return teams. And there's a team culture, where the best players WANT to play on special teams. Can ND be exceptional this year there? There certainly is that potential. Rendell is a real find and Mitch Jeter is 92 percent in his career on made field goals. The return game is promising. I like your assessment.

Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hello Eric. In reading features on the defense, many of the players talk about down the road benefits associated with playing the NFL style defense that Coach Golden runs. Do you have any sense for how unique it is at the power 4 level to run such a defense? It feels like it could be a recruiting advantage when persuading high level talent to sign with the Irish. Does the program look at it as a significant advantage or just a plus? Thanks for your time and for the coverage of the Fightin Irish☘️

Eric Hansen: Hi Ed. I don't have hard numbers for you on defenses that purport to be NFL style, but what I can tell you is six seasons in the NFL that immediately preceded his run at ND. Four of those were as a linebackers coach, and his season just before Marcus Freeman hired him, Golden coached in the Super Bowl. What gives it more octane is that it works on the college level. ND's No. 5 rank in total defense in 2023 was its highest since 1980. Its No. 1 ranking in pass-efficiency defense in '23 was the first time ever. So not only does Golden have an NFL scheme, he has command of it AND HE AND THE STAFF TEACH IT WELL.

Brian VanGorder brought an NFL scheme to ND a decade ago, didn't teach it well and didn't have command of it. ... Is Golden's scheme and his ability to teach it playing well on the recruiting trail? That's a big yes.

Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hey Eric, another question, now that we have been into camp for 9 or 10 practices, have the players commented at all on how they feel regarding their performance and/or recovery from practice under the guidance of new strength coach LL?? As difficult as the A&M game itself will be I think there will also be a recovery factor from the heat and humidity in Texas. Also, any reports on the grad kicker from South Carolina? Seemed like he was not as accurate in the spring as he was last season. How is he doing in camp? Thanks and as always, Go Irish!!!!

Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. Yes, Loren Landow gets rave reviews from the players, including his methods for recovery, which Marcus Freeman also has touted. We'll see if that carries over into the season, but you don't have to coax the players hard at this point to speak to Landow's strengths. .... And yes, Jeter looks much more accurate this fall than he did in the spring. Made some changed to his swing, has more length and the accuracy is back.

Eric Hansen: OK, that's going to do it for this week. Thanks for all the great questions. We'll be back to do it all again next Wednesday at noon ET.