Eric Hansen: Welcome to Notre Dame Football Live Chat, the last one before we hit a game week.
If you made it through that cumbersome sentence, here are a few more to chew on …
Some quick programming notes:
► Thanks to everyone who signed up last week at insideNDsports.com for our one-year subscription special, setting a record for us. That promo is over, but the Rival network, of which we’re a part, has one this week at a still pretty steep discount — 60% off for your first year of Inside ND Sports as well as all the premium content across the vast Rivals network of college sites. Just click here and use the promo code KICKOFF2024. https://notredame.rivals.com/sign_up?promo_code=KICKOFF2024
Related Content
► Notebook: Notre Dame's defense aims to find calm in communication
► Jordan Faison embracing more multitasking for Notre Dame as his star rises
► 2026 targets lining up visits for Notre Dame home game vs. Florida State
► Mike Denbrock prepares Notre Dame offense for 'hornets' nest' at Kyle Field
► Notre Dame football depth chart projection two weeks out from Texas A&M
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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 back in our normal Monday at 7 ET time slot. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube.
► 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, we asked Aaron Horvath, senior associate athletic director for media, brand and communications and advisor to the athletic director, to join us to give us a behind-the-scenes look for the upcoming Notre Dame football docuseries "Here Come the Irish," that will be streamed on Peacock. Horvath discussed what ND fans should expect from "Here Come the Irish," how much head coach Marcus Freeman has embraced the attention, lessons learned from past docuseries projects, why episodes won't air during the regular season, the importance of the long-standing relationship with NBC Sports to make this happen, if this will be done for another sport and his perspective on the AD transition from Jack Swarbrick to Pete Bevacqua. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► Finally, we’re all bearing down on Notre Dame’s Aug. 31 opener at Texas A&M.. And Darin Pritchett and I are together each week on Wednesday and Thursday on Weekday SportsBeat (96.1 FM, 960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com). The re-emergence of the show on 96.1 FM is relatively new. 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: Very, very full queue today, so off we go ...
KIMVOGEL52, FIFTH HORSEMAN from Wichita, Kan.: Eric, with TX A&M being so difficult to play in do you think that Leonard Riley is the most important player in the offense and concerning the offensive I have a different take on that I am concerned but last year a true freshman (Alt) rose to prominence do you think the same could happen this year? As always thank you so much for your wonderful chats!!!!!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Kim. You are on point about Joe Alt, though it was actually 2021 when he was a freshman. There's a thought that Guerby Lambert could turn into a similar player as a tackle on the O-line eventually, and perhaps that still happens at some point THIS season. But for now, it's Anthonie Knapp who's the freshman who's pushing to start in week 1 against a team with elite pass rushers. Here's where I feel good about this tenuous situation with so little experience on the offensive line. I think Mike Denbrock, both with his ability to scheme up an offense, his ability to maximize Riley Leonard's skill set and his OWN O-line coaching background may be able to nudge the Irish through the growing pains stage of their early season development more quickly and with fewer negative consequences.
Kevin from Calgary: Eric, always enjoy these chats, which provide such great insight into the Irish. Haven't heard much about Tyler Buchner since it was announced he'd be a walk-on wide receiver. Has he made any inroads in that regard? Has he perhaps been doing some time as scout team QB? Would be interesting to know how he's progressing. Thanks!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Kevin, and thank you! So when healthy, Tyler Buchner was competing with 11 scholarship wide receivers and notably walk-on Matt Jeffery, a future lacrosse star. However, he's been battling a leg injury, so he's been throwing to the receivers in WR drills in practice instead of catching passes. Having said that, he seems to be very happy to be back and contributing and the coaching staff sees him as a good locker room guy and an asset. I don't see a clear path to meaningful playing time, but he has to get fully healthy first.
Patrick from Los Angeles: it is surprising to see Pendleton projected to start at left guard over two multi-game veterans. While I saw your prediction that Spindler will get the call, what has Pendleton shown to possibly start over Coogan and Spindler. Thank you.
Eric Hansen: Hi Patrick. He may not start, but the sophomore with 15 college snaps under his belt is deep in the conversation to be considered. I've liked Pendleton from the start. He was pretty physically developed for a young linemen, has a great work ethic, learns very quickly, brings toughness and physicality and is assignment-correct. I think you see some of those other elements in both Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan, plus experience, but not in the consistent doses that Pendleton has done so. I'm still not sure he starts, but he's one of ND's best 7-8 linemen to be sure.
Kevin-Sleepy Eye, Mn: Eric!!!!!!! Lets talk RB's. Lots of talk about Love but how has Price been? Have a good camp? Who will have more rushing TD's this season Love or JP? Go Irish!
Eric Hansen: Kevin!!!!!!! Let me start by saying I think Jadarian Price is a better version of what we saw of him last year. He's not longer on a "pitch count" coming back from a serious Achilles tendon injury. Why you don't hear about him as much is that Jeremiyah Love has taken a quantum leap forward. Still has the elite speed, but at 6-0, 210 -- up from 188-ish in the Sun Bowl, he has power, and tackle-breaking ability. He also worked at wide receiver in the spring and has added that to his skill set. Part of what will make Love even better is that you can put Price in the game to keep Love fresh. I think Love will have the most rushing TDs for ND this season, with Price and Riley Leonard also getting a fair amount.
Peter from Astoria, N.Y.: Eric, love the chat. In your opinion, remembering all of the hype around Rocco Spindler during his first Spring and Summer on campus, where do you think things went wrong? It's hard to imagine that he is the 3rd option right now at left guard for his senior year.
Eric Hansen: Peter, thank you. I'm not sure after starting most of last season until he got hurt I want to frame this as "what went wrong." Sometimes people are better, despite star ratings in recruiting. Where Rocco has been challenged for much of his career is recognizing fronts/stunts etc. and being consistently assignment-correct. He's a physical butt-kicker, and that's his calling card. But a mistake at 100 miles an hour is still a mistake that could get your quarterback sacked. I LOVE his work ethic and perseverance, so I'm not ready to write him off.
Rick from Altadena, Calif.: Hey Eric getting the couch, tv, and snack tray ready for the upcoming season. I have two questions. Am I naive to think that people are overreacting to the Deuce Knight possible decommit? I mean you have 4 qb on the roster set for the next four years plus with the transfer Portal ND seems to be in a good spot right? Also all summer You see headlines asking if ND is about to join a conference. Why would they? Rumored 50m from NBC and 17m from the ACC. That more than the 51 M SEC share. Thoughts?
Eric Hansen: Rick, when you talk recruiting and quarterback decommitments, there is generally a gap between perceptual impact and reality impact. Sometimes they sync up, but often not. I think the worry from the fan base is if they lose Deuce Knight, it will lead to other decommitments. He was such an avid and active recruiter himself for the Irish, what would Knight bailing say about the program? There's also a worry that he'd end up starring somewhere else and maybe pop up with that team in a playoff scenario. Now here's the reality. Knight might not be able to beat CJ Carr out when they're both on the roster ... ever. And maybe not Noah Grubbs either. And maybe he could, but I'd roll the dice that one of those two is going to be the kind of QB that can get ND into the College Football Playoff and maybe win game(s) there. But the preference in both scenarios is to fight for him and keep him.
As far as revenue numbers, it's not just about the most recently reported numbers, it's about where this is headed over the next 5-6 years and projecting out. Having talked to Irish AD Pete Bevacqua about this, he is confident that ND's latest media rights deal combined with its NBC revenue puts it right in the ballpark with the SEC and Big Ten schools and well ahead of the Big 12 and ACC.
Steve from Brooklyn, Mich.: Thanks for great insights into Notre Dame as well as college football in general. Two questions :: 1) are you covering the ND women's basketball again this year? and 2) what do you consider when casting your ballot for the weekly poll? As for example, the top four teams end up being the conference champions and get the bye as far as the playoffs are concerned. Do you try to project the top twelve for the playoffs or just the 25 best teams?
Eric Hansen: Hi Steve ... 1) I will be dabbling in women's basketball early in the season, then full throttle once football is over. So I'll have lots of help early on. 2) I did a full story on that very topic last month ... so if you want more depth, here you go: The art, science and dark side of voting in the AP college football poll
I am casting my ballot for the best 25 teams, not trying to seed the playoff based on its criteria. I'm pretty confident the Big 12 champ and the ACC champ won't end up as top 4 teams, and yet they will be seeded as such. If I did a playoff projection, I'd do that just for fun, not to include that in my poll.
Bill from St Joe, MI: Eric The Great!!! In your 2 plus decades covering ND football can you recall a year where the O Line is in such a state of apparent flux this close to a season opener?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bill. And thanks for the new adjective. I like it. Now keep in mind, part of the reason ND is in this spot is because from the time the NFL opened its doors to underclassmen in 1989 until the 2023 draft, no TRUE JUNIOR offensive lineman from ND had ever come out early. Senior with fifth-year options, yes, but no true juniors. Suddenly in 2024, they had two. OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD ... without putting the chat on pause, I can't remember a year when ND would have started the season with a collective 6 starts on the offensive line, which will be the case of Anthonie Knapp and Sam Pendleton end up starting.
The 2007 line that allowed an NCAA record for sacks actually had two starters returning and those two ended up playing in the NFL -- John Sullivan and Sam Young. But Charlie Weis did not give the 2s or 3s many reps in 2005 and 2006, and when the roster turned over, it was a disaster and a 3-9 bottom line. I also think the O-line's inexperience is magnified by the fact the other position groups were either very good to begin with or evolved quickly and decisively this offseason. But there is talent on the offensive line, and there's a quarterback with a skill set that can somewhat mitigate the growing pains. So I'm eager to see how that plays out.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Top of the morning to you Eric. What have you been hearing with respect to Leonard Moore and Karson Hobbs, and their respective potential readiness if needed in the secondary at corner or nickel? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Eric Hansen: Hi Ed. Thank you. Let's start with Karson Hobbs. He came in as a boundary guy and quickly got an audition at nickel, which is where he remains -- behind Jordan Clark and likely others. But the coaching staff likes where he's headed. Then there's Leonard Moore, who was projected as a field corner and is now working at boundary. I had this in a story the other day on Benjamin Morrison but will share here as well:
“This might be a stretch,” Morrison said after Thursday’s Irish practice, staged indoors because of a morning rainstorm. “But Leonard Moore will be better than I will be. Really. Here.”
That’s freshman Leonard Moore, a 6-1, 187-pound, June arrival from Round Rock, Texas.
And what made Morrison’s assessment all the more convincing about his protégé and summer roommate is that Irish senior wide receiver Jayden Thomas — who regularly works against Leonard in practice — said essentially the same thing.
“When you get a cornerback who has that length and the skill in the boundary, it’s unstoppable,” Thomas offered. “BMo is more physical, I would say, even though he doesn’t look physical. Leonard has the length, which is more than BMo. If he gets the feet right, it’s going to be scary.
“I think I was telling Beaux [Collins] and Deion [Colzie] that he’s going to be the truth. He’s raw right now. He hasn’t gotten with [defensive backs coach Mike] Mickens for three years, like BMo has. But once he has, I can see him being one of the best cornerbacks taken off the board.”
Rui from Westchester, N.Y.: What things are the Irish coaching staff doing that are " above and beyond " to make sure that Deuce doesn’t leave? I know that they will not be able to match up NIL funds compared to Auburn but is there a sense of "urgency" behind the scenes to make sure that he doesn't leave?
Eric Hansen: Hi Rui. What Notre Dame CAN'T/WON'T do is guarantee him a starting job or early playing time. And that can't move the Notre Dame campus to the Deep South. As far as investing time and resources, ND has done that. What they're asking is for Knight to keep his commitment into September, watch ND's offense in action and then make his decision. I don't see a misstep here by the coaching staff.
Jeff from Canton, Mich.: Eric! Does ND pull Faison’s football scholarship since he has one with Lacrosse? I’m assuming the 5 or so long term injuries we have are not in consideration for a medical hardship waiver so all of them still count against the 85 limit. Speaking of injuries, does A&M have any injuries besides the one running back? Seems like the Irish have more injuries compared to other schools.
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff. It doesn't work that way. Now we're coming into a different era with scholarship limits soon, but for now ... the NCAA has a hierarchy when it comes to two-sport athletes and football is at the top of that. So if he's a football/baseball or football/lacrosse or football/water polo football has to be the countable scholarship once he plays a single down in a single game. Matt Jeffery's scholarship works the same way. Players who are injured but who are not medically retired do count against the 85. As far as injuries, I think each fan base thinks their team has the most and that it must be the strength coach's fault. I have not done the exhaustive research to give you a ranking, but anecdotally, I don't think ND has an unusually high number.
Jim Oregonia, Ohio: Howdy Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you love the exclamation points. I haven't chimed in a quite a while, but do follow the chats religiously. So is this whole Knapp and Pendleton left side thing a charade to "light a fire" in Baker and Coogin/Spindler's girdle pads or is this really legit?!?! It spooks me a bit that Knapp is undersized at tackle (unbelievable that we are calling 300 lb players undersized). If you were a betting man, and I know you are not, what is your best estimate that we see Knapp and Pendelton as the starters vs Texas A&M. Thanks for all you do keeping us all in the loop with all things IRISH! Go Irish, beat Aggies!
Eric Hansen: Jim!!!!!!!!! You do have me pegged from both a punctuation standpoint and in regard to betting habits. A cup of coffee is my limit. If I had to make a prediction this far out, and that's what you're asking me to do, I'm going to go with Knapp at LT and Rocco Spindler or Coogan at LG. Split the difference. I don't think Tosh Baker needed a fire lit. He already had gotten beaten out by Aamil Wagner at RT. That should have started the fire. And the Irish had already moved Sullivan Absher to guard in July to challenge the two seniors. So, not a ploy -- a real challenge. And thank you... !!!
Paddy in Chicago: Eric thanks for the chats! Using an "average / above average / strong / elite" scale, where would you grade Notre Dame's different position groupings (O: QB, RB, TE, WR, OL; D: DL, LB, CB, S; & STs). 2d question, how strong is the depth in each of those groupings in your opinion relatively speaking; and does ND have a 2d half advantage over A&M in this regard? 3d, in your opinion how dependable will ND's TE and RB blocking be in overcoming inexperience on the DL? 4, what is your specialty when you fire up the grill at home? Slainte Eric.............. --Paddy
Eric Hansen: Slainte to you too, Paddy. I could grade them in a couple of ways ... top of the depth chart or depth. I'll do both and just put them in order. 1 CB, 2 S, 3 DL, 4 QB, 5 LB, 6 RB, 7 TE, 8 ST, 9 WR, 10 OL. Not a lot of difference between 2 and 8 and 9 would be an above-average grade with the potential for better. This is a playoff team in 1-8. And depth at all those positions, though CB could get thin with more than one injury, linebacker too and offensive tackle can't afford another one. .... 2) I do think ND has better depth ... better to play with the lead though to keep Aggies defense guessing ... 3) Two things I do best on the grill ... boneless ribeye steaks and beer brats.
Ryan Mars PA: Good Afternoon Eric how has Mitchell Evans and Kris Mitchell and Bo Collins looked in Practice GO IRISH ☘️☘️🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan, the last practice we were in was six days ago and may not get another look in practice until next spring. ... Having said that, Mitchell Evans looks like he's back. He was getting to be more and more active in terms of no restrictions and there were no signs of rust from the long rehab. Beaux Collins looks athletic. Big 6-3 kid with a vertical leap of more than 40 inches. I'm curious to see that in a game. Mitchell is fast. No question. And he's getting more physical and craftier in his route running. There's still another level for him. Let's see if he can climb up to it.
Chris in Albuquerque: Hey Eric, Hope all is well! I see a lot of media folks logging their season predictions for the Irish, some have us as low as 6 wins (saw that this morning) and some have us at 11. What is your season prediction?
Eric Hansen: Hi Chris. Wow, whoever is picking them for six, I'd be curious to get the recipe for those cocktails. As for me, I picked 11-1 and had the Irish at No. 6 on my AP preseason ballot.
Don in Scottsdale: Eric, You and the team are doing a great job keeping us informed with informative, well written content. I see the line for AM is now ND -3. Is that because AM fans are throwing $ on their team or is it based on the OL "in flux"? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don, and thanks for the compliment. I'm not a big student of betting lines and trends. Not that it shouldn't be in my skill set, it just isn't. So I am guessing here. There are a lot of A&M fans who think of ND when it's fallen off the big stages -- like in the playoff and feel that will happen again. And yes, the O-line uncertainty plays a part. I am still picking the Irish, 24-17, in a game reminiscent of the 2018 opener against Michigan at home.
Jacob: Tyler, who you got for Laporte vs New Prairie this Friday?
Eric Hansen: Tyler James is not part of the chat ... but I will text him and get back to you. … Tyler is picking New Prairie, says LaPorte used up its miracle last year.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: Eric, you are the best in the business. My question is why doesn’t ND just move on from Deuce Knight? He is still going on visits and doesn’t recruit for ND. Why hasn’t ND learned their lesson with these headache kids?
Eric Hansen: Hi Frank. And thank you. You've got a lot packed into two succinct questions. Let's start with why don't they move on? I think they believe they can still win this and that he's worth fighting for. And if they lose him, they will move on. I'm assuming when you refer to headache kids, you are referring to kids coming from schools that ND doesn't normally recruit. "Out of profile" schools are ones who don't normally even send non-athletes to Notre Dame. An example was Jacksonville Raines and Louis Nix. Though Raines did very well academically, it was a public school with no history with Notre Dame. Stephon Tuitt, Aaron Lynch were also out of profile schools ... ND does better with Catholic schools or public schools that send normal students to ND. There was plenty of drama with Nix, Tuitt and Lynch and yet I'm not sure ND gets to the 2012 title game without Tuitt and Nix. So, the Irish coaches have to weigh the headaches and the risk. In this case, they feel it's worth it.
Manny from San Pedro: Eric!!!!!!!! I know your not a gambler but is it likely Leonard has a better, a same or a worse year statistically than Hartman!?!?
Eric Hansen: Manny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The original exclamation point man. You've got some competition now in that regard. I think Leonard will have a more complete stat sheet than Hartman ... way better rushing numbers. Hartman actually did well in the pass-efficiency numbers. He finished 14th, ahead of, notably, Quinn Ewers, Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr., Brady Cook, Jordan Travis, Shadeur Sanders and Drake Maye. But he had HUGE valleys statistically in ND's losses and didn't deliver the storyline of a playoff-contending team. Some of that was due to the offensive coordinator with whom he was paired. I'm not sure Leonard will exceed Hartman's standing in pass efficiency, but I do think he will be the QB who gets ND in the playoff and maybe a win or more in the playoff.
Bob from Oxnard, Calif.: Is playing at Kyle Field significantly more difficult than playing at any other SEC venue excluding Vandy and Kentucky?
Eric Hansen: Hi Bob. EA Sports ranked the toughest road venues for college football teams to play in, and Kyle Field was No. 1. The Athletic did the same, and Kyle Field was 10th, with five SEC schools ahead of it. The reason it wasn't higher is because of the product Texas A&M put on the field in the past decade. That's got to be a part of the equation, right? But here's an excerpt from The Athletic story:
I’ve been there when the press box shakes. Kyle Field is an awesome building that gets really, really loud, and opponents complain that their sidelines smell like horse manure.
The No. 1 team in The Athletic's rankings was LSU. ... I do think there are similarities among SEC teams --- hot, loud and really good competition and there's a good chance most of the people in the stadium are pickled. so to speak.
Marie from Atlanta: hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. I Can’t believe football is only one week away. If you were the head coach, what would your starting O line be? Can you predict what you think the starting O line is going to be? Also, who do you think will be fielding punts? If either Knapp or Pendleton or both start, is there any advantage for Notre Dame given the fact that there is absolutely no college film on either of them? Switching topics, now that there is no limit on analysts do you think Notre Dame will take advantage? For example, if Harry Hiestand was willing to come back, do you think they would hire him as an analyst? I know there might be too many cooks in the kitchen there, but perhaps he could just work on developing the third and fourth string? As always, thanks for your insights and for hosting the chat.
Eric Hansen: HI Marie. Thanks for being part of the chats and always making me use my noggin. If I were the head coach -- and this is only for the Texas A&M game -- I'd go from RT to LT with Wagner, Schrauth, Craig, Rocco, Knapp. My prediction of what will happen is the same. Now if you said who might start against Florida State from RT to LT, I may go out on a limb and say Lambert, Schrauth, Craig, Knapp, Wagner. How's that? I don't think it would be an advantage for ND from a film study case in this instance in the scenario you posed. ... I'm not sure Harry is willing to unretire for a formal role and haven't asked him, just my sense. With him living close to ND, I do think he'd be willing to informally and talk ball with players who seek his wisdom.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hey Eric, hope you are holding up with all the preseason work you are doing. We appreciate your insight into Irish football. Although the OL is thought to be the biggest question mark, it seems that the coaches are pleased with the talent and depth but just have to see how the players perform in the games. With so many good players, like Rocco or Coogan, who may not start, do you think Mike Denbrock might look to use multiple OL in some form of jumbo formations?? Other teams have used an extra OL up front or in the backfield for short yardage situations. Do you see the Irish doing this to mix things up?? I enjoyed the Mitchell Evans at QB formation a couple of years ago and thought it was effective. Can't wait for the season to actually start. Go Irish!!!!! Oh, I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta when ND plays GT.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. I wouldn't rule out jumbo formations as a changeup, but not as a staple. And it wouldn't necessarily solve the weakest link dilemma in the O-line. But I do think Denbrock is clever enough to scheme around the growing pains to some extent. I also think he's an asset in actually evolving O-line play. I can't wait for the season to start either!
Jon - Columbus OH: Hi Eric, its almost football season in Columbus. This place gets crazy this time of year. I hope one day the Irish are in the Big Ten playing against the Buckeyes, Wolverines, Huskers, and Nittany Lions every year. Onto my question - who will the NBC announcers be this year? Noah Eagle was great on the Olympics - does he do football? I hate to be overly critical but I cant get excited about Collinsworth. Love his dad and Tirico. Go Irish?
Eric Hansen: Hi Jon. A lot of my high school and college friends and my relatives are probably the people who are annoying you the most. My mom, however, roots for Notre Dame -- for the reason she thinks people will be nice to me when they win. ... NBC confirmed what we reported in February that Dan Hicks, Jason Garrett, and Zora Stephenson "will call Notre Dame Football, which opens its home schedule against Northern Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock." The Eagle-Blackledge combo could take over for say a Florida State-ND game in November, but that has yet to be determined.
Matt from Salem, Ore.: Thanks for all your analysis and time this off-season. Coming into this season I was happy with 2 starters at OG from last year. When Scrauth won a spot, I thought what strength at OG. Is it possible to see someone other than Spindler or Coogan starting at LG as a positive? I worry about the readiness and the strength at A&M. I worry about both former starters transferring ASAP eliminating depth. I feel like fans are seeking positives on OL
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. ... thank you ... One thing to keep in mind. The transfer portal doesn't reopen until December. So it's not like players can leave next week and pop up on someone else's roster. Yes it is possible that those younger players could be better options both short- and long-term. Remember Joe Alt was a three-star prospect and the fourth player ND tried at left tackle that season ... and well that worked out pretty good.
The Beave. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eric: Quick shoutout on the podcasts. Great in depth discussions and very informative. Fully recommend to those in this group. I noticed in a recent article that Deuce Knight was among those attending the Leonard QB brigade to Alabama along with CJ Carr and others. Any thought that watching CJ in person could have triggered Deuce to start looking elsewhere? Or is this strictly an NIL fight?
Eric Hansen: Not strictly an NIL fight. I think geography, early playing time and SEC allure are all big factors. And thanks for the compliments.
Matt from Austin: Hello Eric. I hope this day finds you well. Shoes on today. Super excited about next Saturday. Crystal ball time. 6 rapid fire. How many passing yards for Leonard? Who leads ND in rushing, receiving, and tackles? How many turnovers? Final score? I know, A bit silly, but fun to hear your predictions. Lastly, thank you Eric for taking the time darn near every week to answer our questions, keep us informed, and handle our thoughts with warmth, humor, and kindness. You are greatly appreciated and I hope you have a great Fall. Sincerely, Matt
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt. Thank you for at least claiming to adhere to my silly rules (and I believe you actually are). At first I thought you meant for the season ... then I see it's for A&M game, so let me recalibrate ... 189 passing yards for Leonard, Leonard leading rusher in this game, Love leading receiver in this game, Kiser tackles, final score 24-17 Irish. ...and thank YOU.
Len from the Jersey Shore: Hello Eric!! First off a complement. The coverage has been awesome. Kudos to you, Tyler and the entire team. Three questions. Can you discuss the risk of OT recruiting? In general OL recruits need to mature and put weight on. A few like B Fisher do not. It seems ND often gets athletic but underweight OT's. Some gain weight and loose mobility (Tosh B), and others never gain the weight ( Aamil W). And of course some become Joe Alt. Then there are the shorter guard types that can play tackle (Zach M, Robert H and now Anthonie Knapp). Second, Does S & C coach Loren Landow create lighter and more mobile O Linemen? Does having him change OT recruiting? Lastly, any chance Mike Denbrock runs some sprint draws ala the Denver Broncos of the mid to late 90"s? Or something similar. The Broncos O line was famously all less than 300 pounds but very athletic. The movement associated with the sprint draw created good blocking angles for the agile/mobile linemen.
Eric Hansen: I think offensive line coach Joe Rudolph said it best recently, it's fair easier to project a high school body to college O-line success when you have that player in one of your camps and get to work with him. That's why Knapp was not a surprise to Rudolph. But their bodies change so much, there's so much projection and oftentimes guys are changing positions as well. ... I think Loren Landow's strength is there is no one-size-fits-all template. Those programs are individually tailored to the player's position and his and the team's goals. So someone like Knapp is trying to get stronger. Sullivan Absher moving inside is trying to get quicker, for instance. If I got into that much detail about what Mike Denbrock is going to run BEFORE the A&M game, he would find me and duct tape me to my grill.
Tim from Chicago: My dad always told us to win you have to have that "burning desire" and past ND champs had it; and my gut tells me these players and coaches have it now, Freeman has it, so what do you guys think, do they have enough to be champs?
Eric Hansen: Tim, your dad is a smart man. And I think your read is right. And I think this is a pretty talented roster. But they still have to work through some weaknesses to make a run to the playoff and in the playoff.
Jonathan from Kansas City, Mo.: Greetings Eric - JJB was pretty darn good last year. Are expectations just as high for RJ Oben? Also, could Christian Gray actually be better than Morrison? Thank you.
Eric Hansen: The hope is that RJ Oben has the impact that Javontae Jean-Baptiste ended up having ... but remember JJB didn't find that groove until late September ... and then he took off. That's the hope. Ben Morrison himself says Christian Bray might turn out to be better. I don't know about that, but I think projecting an eventual All-America ceiling isn't crazy.
Ced Walker from Saginaw, Mich. aka sagnasty saginaw pride. I really believe anthonie Knapp will be the starting left tackle vs Texas a&m who will be the most likely player to transfer so we can be at 85 P.s. u didn't asked Marcus Freeman which coaches will be in the booth 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, you're right I only get two and didn't get to prioritize that. I hope I can get the answer for you next week. ... ND won't have any further transfers. The portal is closed.
Kagan From Angola, Ind.: How’s it going Eric? Hopefully as good as it gets we have football next Saturday!! A lot has happened since I last posted a question and this week’s is all about the Oline. When will Notre Dame announce a starting 5 across the line? If Knapp does take over the starting LT spot is that due to him being 100% ready to play or a lack of trust in Baker’s ability? I would also assume it has a little bit to do with Knapp being Rudolph’s recruit. Finally, where did Sam Pendleton come from at LG and how confident would you be with this lineup Knapp Pendleton Craig Billy S and Wagner going into A&M? Thanks for these looking forward to the season!
Eric Hansen: Hi Kagan, there might be some overlap here. I think ND will put a starting O-line in pencil on Monday. In other words, put some ORs on the depth chart to keep A&M guessing. I think you're right in your read about the LT. Look, Knapp has pushed his way into the two-deeps when Jagusah was healthy. So he put in the work and deserves credit. But Baker could have shut the door and did not. Pendleton practiced at guard last year as a freshman, moved to center in the spring and then back to guard halfway through camp. How confident am I in the lineup you posed, confident enough to get a win, but not confident enough to say rest easy the problems are solved.
Eric Hansen: Ugh, I'd love to stay for some overtime, but I have an interview coming up in a couple of minutes I need to do. 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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