*Notre Dame* - On Vacation

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Thoros of Beer, Feb 3, 2016.

  1. Robdog_5

    Robdog_5 Well-Known Member

    I don't feel like it's the least talented but least proven. Dexter is talented. McKinney had talent coming out of hs and Mack supposedly is real talented.

    I agree on Mack needs to seize moment here
     
  2. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    It’s not the off-season without an Alize hype post
     
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  3. IrishLAX2

    IrishLAX2 So you’re telling me there’s a chance
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    I’ll never believe Alize hype at this point until he catches his 10th TD of the season.
     
  4. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    This x100
     
  5. nexus

    nexus TMB’s TSO
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    Who the fuck is Michael Young? Are we pulling accounting students out of class to line up out wide now?
     
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  6. thechristmaself

    thechristmaself Well-Known Member
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    Mike yung
     
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  7. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    B-ball team just not very good
     
  8. Chef Goldblum

    Chef Goldblum Well-Known Member
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    They suck. Whatever. Football team is elite.
     
  9. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
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    This is ugly

    I’m ready to see Pfleuger become a pro in something other than sports
     
  10. mccar2cm

    mccar2cm Well-Known Member
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    Bonzie is absolute garbage right now.
     
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  11. Red Rover

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    Farrell was great last year but man, what a regression his senior year

    I know he was hurt some of the year, but his shot selection has been bad all year long
     
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  12. Juke Coolengody

    Juke Coolengody One name. Two men?
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    Can we process Rex this offseason?
     
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  13. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
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    I can’t believe we are about to win this game :laugh:
     
  14. Red Rover

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  15. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    Wtf I turned it off
     
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  16. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    I can't stop laughing.
     
  17. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    Wow

    Still gotta somehow beat Duke, I don’t think that wins over Pitt or Va Tecg help ND at all
     
  18. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    Depends on what happens elsewhere, but I think we are in an ok spot. If we somehow don't die and beat Duke the anger over our seed will be hilarious.
     
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  19. mccar2cm

    mccar2cm Well-Known Member
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    Serious, what the fuck just happened?

    I turned it off at 45 to 26 a couple minutes into the 2nd half.
     
  20. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    We played like we should and VT folded like a house of cards. I was listening not watching but yeah, we went in and they freaked the fuck out.
     
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  21. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    Have to beat Duke

    I’m not seeing any other path
     
  22. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    This happened
     
  23. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    I did the same thing during that Nova game. Turned it off and got sucked back in the final 8ish minutes haha
     
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  24. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
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    My buddy and I are convinced that the team hit rails at half. They looked dead and came out after 5 minutes and went insane. I can just see Brey cutting up lines in his office like, "we ain't going out like this".
     
  25. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    I’d do coke with Brey

    GatorTails baby
     
  26. Red Rover

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    Tourney Brey >
     
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  27. SD_Irish

    SD_Irish El Mas Chingon
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    I think we are in with the VaTech win and seeing what is happening elsewhere.
     
  28. 40wwttamgib

    40wwttamgib Fah Q, Ohio
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    Watched the whole thing.

    14-4 with Bonzie

    Unless they get embarrassed today, I think they’re in.
     
  29. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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  30. a1ND

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    Recruiting Notes from 247

    Irish Illustrated caught up with a handful of prospects and sources on Wednesday evening.

    KYLE HAMILTON
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Kyle Hamilton, 247Sports)
    Atlanta (Georgia) Marist safety Kyle Hamilton will take his unofficial visit with the Irish coaching staff today, but on Wednesday evening, the 6-foot-3, 188-pound junior was touring around on campus with soon-to-be sophomore safety Jordan Genmark-Heath.

    Irish Illustrated was told Hamilton was having a great time in South Bend. Also, the source confirmed he looked “all of 6-foot-3.”

    Hamilton is in the midst of a wide-ranging visit tour, with Clemson, Duke, Georgia, and Vanderbilt behind him, Notre Dame set for today, and Ohio State scheduled on Friday.

    The elite academic prospect has picked up nearly 20 offers over the last month, including, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, and Tennessee.

    CHEZ MELLUSI
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)
    Irish Illustrated also caught up with Chez Mellusi on Thursday evening. After pondering an off-season official visit to Notre Dame – his top school – Mellusi has decided to push that visit a little further down the road.

    “I’m finalizing my official visit (to Notre Dame) for a game in the fall,” Mellusi said. “I don’t plan on making a decision until I make a couple of those visits.”

    The four-star back hasn’t fully decided on which schools he will take officials to, but we can be sure that USC will be in the discussion. LSU, North Carolina, and Texas A&M were programs he’s mentioned recently as well.

    SALEEM WORMLEY
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    Offensive guard prospect Saleem Wormley is not one to sleep on. At 6-foot-4, 300-pounds, the Delaware star moves extremely well, packs a serious punch, and could play multiple spots along the line at the next level.

    From January 30 to February 23, the three-star prospect earned offers from Boston College, Florida State, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, and Temple.

    The Irish definitely have his attention.

    “Me and coach (Jeff Quinn) have been talking and I’m going to have to pick out a date to come down there for one of the games in the fall,” Wormley said.

    “I like coach Quinn a lot. Me and him talk on a weekly basis. We’re cool.”

    Penn State has been showing interest in Wormely lately, along with Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and West Virginia.

    Wormley will get an opportunity to flash his talent when he competes at the Nike Regional in New Jersey on April 8.

    SPENCER LYTLE
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    Notre Dame offered Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco outside linebacker Spencer Lytle last week. Since, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Trinity League standout earned an offer from Wisconsin, bringing his offer total to 40.

    “(The) date is not set yet, but 100-percent visiting (Notre Dame) this spring,” Lytle said. “Hopefully, (I’ll) nail down a date this weekend with my dad.”

    Along with Notre Dame visit plans, Lytle is eyeing visits to Texas A&M and Oregon, with Clemson and Nebraska pegged as potential visit destinations. It’s worth noting that Michigan has also been showing interest recently.

    Last year with Anaheim (Calif.) Servite, Lytle posted 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, nine hurries, and one forced fumble.

    Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Minnesota, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Oregon, TCU, Texas A&M, and many others represent his top offers, while he also boasts Ivy League offers, in Dartmouth, Harvard, Pennsylvania, Princeton, and Yale.

    QUINN CARROLL
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    Priority offensive tackle Quinn Carroll announced a Top 6 on Wednesday of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin.

    The Irish have set the groundwork for a competitive recruitment going forward, with multiple staff members building bonds with the Top 75 prospect and his family.

    Irish Illustrated is told Carroll will take his official visit to Notre Dame on either the weekend of April 13-15 or June 15-17.

    His commitment timeframe remains unclear.

    LUKE DEAL
    [​IMG]
    Luke Deal is a big Auburn target. (Photo: Keith Niebuhr, 247Sports)
    South Carolina four-star tight end Luke Deal continues to express interest in the Irish.

    “Things are going great with Notre Dame,” Deal said. “I’m working on setting an official (visit) in stone. Should be set in the next couple days.

    “(We’ve been) talking almost every single day.”

    The 6-foot-5, 235-pound junior visited Clemson and Auburn on the weekend. The Tigers offered recently, along with Florida, Iowa State, Michigan, Notre Dame Ohio State, and others.

    He’ll also take an official visit to Michigan on April 13.

    The Irish have Deal high on the board.
     
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  31. a1ND

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    Sinclair’s Mid-Week Recruiting Rundown
    Notre Dame kicked off the 2019 defensive back class in style with a four-star cornerback from Georgia while gaining steam with several top cornerbacks and safeties.
    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Jack Freeman, 247Sports)

    In last week’s Recruiting Rundown, I discussed Notre Dame defensive line recruiting. This week, I took a dive into the defensive backfield.

    A lot of names are floating around recently at both cornerback and safety. I think now is a good time to pause and look at how many defensive backs the Irish will take in 2019.

    Certainly, there isn’t a clear picture of how many total scholarships the Irish will contribute to cornerback and safety, but we do know how many they just filled in the 2018 class – seven.

    We don’t know whether Houston Griffith will stay at cornerback long-term. We don’t know if Joe Wilkins will end up on the offensive side of the ball, and we don’t know if any of the additional 2018 cornerback signees will get a look at safety.

    Yet, we do know that Notre Dame will end up with at least three, and as many as five new cornerbacks, and at least two, possibly three new safeties this year.

    The Irish have significant needs at defensive end, offensive line, and running back. They’ll also need a kicker and a quarterback.

    I believe it’s possible the Irish could take just two cornerbacks and two safeties in 2019. When crunching the numbers, it’s difficult to see how the Irish could manage more than five total defensive backs.

    Still, it’s early-March.

    Just one month into the 2019 recruiting season, the Irish have offered over 20 cornerbacks and over a dozen safeties. Here are the ones I’m tracking the closest.

    Cornerback
    The Irish kicked off their cornerback class with a well-coached, savvy athlete with plenty of special tools. K.J. Wallace was an ideal addition from a key recruiting area.

    As 247Sports Insider Tom Loy reported, there has been plenty of positive buzz around Salim Turner-Muhammadand the Irish lately.


    The First Team All-State selection is a well-rounded cornerback who can handle himself in man coverage, plays physical, and has some ball-hawking, playmaking qualities in his game.

    Muhammad attended Notre Dame Junior Day on the weekend and returned to South Bend on Tuesday – clearly a good sign for the Irish. He’ll visit Michigan on Wednesday.

    A Notre Dame – Michigan battle could be brewing.

    Kenyatta Watson – another highly-discussed prospect – is also set to return to Notre Dame after attending a Junior Day visit (Jan. 27). Watson will take an official visit on Apr. 13-15, the weekend that both Texas defensive linemen Nana Osafo-Mensah and Hunter Spears will take their officials.

    There’s buzz related to Watson and Texas, where he visited recently. But, if you’re Notre Dame, you have to think the timing of his official visit could bode very well.

    Keep an eye on Watson, who is down to the Irish and the Longhorns.

    Aside from these two, there’s a mix of high-caliber cornerback prospects who are interested but look to be tough pulls.

    California cornerbacks Chris Steele, Jeremiah Criddell, and Isaiah Rutherford are showing interest in Notre Dame. In my opinion, Rutherford is the one worth tracking the closest and should visit prior to his senior season.

    Both Steele and Criddell tell Irish Illustrated that they will take visits. At the same time, it’s hard to see them leaving the West.

    A few more corners worth tracking are Virginia four-star Cam'Ron Kelly, Texas standout Marcus Banks, and Mississippi two-way stud Deantre Prince. All three plan to visit Notre Dame.

    Safety
    Four-star Virginia safety Litchfield Ajavon continues to be the best bet at safety for the Irish. He’s been fairly quiet in recent weeks, but I’m told the Irish staff loves the prep school prospect and he continues to praise Notre Dame.

    On Thursday, Kyle Hamilton – one of the most popular safeties on the market recently – will take an unofficial visit to Notre Dame. He’s also visited Duke, Vanderbilt, and Clemson recently, and plans to take in a few additional campuses.


    The 6-foot-3, 182-pound junior seems like the perfect fit for Notre Dame, holding an elite academic profile and showing impressive traits on the football field and basketball court.

    If the Irish push for Hamilton, they should be tough to beat.

    Yes, Florida State is a safe choice when predicting where Florida prospect Raymond Woodie will end up considering his father is on the coaching staff. However, don’t count out the Irish. Woodie could be the dark horse candidate in this group, although he could play cornerback on the next level.

    Aside from these three, Nick Cross and Lewis Cine are two of the best at their position in the country. Their offer lists reflect that notion.

    Expect both to visit Notre Dame. As far as predicting where they will end up, it’s too early to say.

    Sinclair’s take
    It’s early. Offers will go out and commitments will be made.

    As the board sits today, in my opinion, out of the names I mentioned as having notable interest in the Irish, I think a great group for the Irish would look like this:

    CB: K.J. Wallace

    CB: Kenyatta Watson

    Whip: Kyle Hamilton

    Stud: Litchfield Ajavon

    Wallace and Watson are friends and spent plenty of time together during the January Junior Day. For the Irish, adding a pair of Georgia cornerbacks sounds like a very nice situation for Todd Lyght.

    At safety, I like the combination of Ajavon as the strong-side safety, with Hamilton (also a friend of K.J. Wallace) playing the role of the center fielder with his outstanding open-field tackling ability, as well as the length and quickness to cover field quickly.

    Of course, there are many other options and many other directions the Irish can go. Turner-Muhammad is showing considerable interest in the Irish, as is Woodie, Cross, and others.

    Early on, the Irish look to be in great shape in terms of drawing interest from defensive backs. This is a far different scenario compared to the early-goings of the 2018 cycle when cornerback recruiting was a sheer struggle, and after years of inconsistent safety recruiting.
     
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  32. a1ND

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    Buzz from Notre Dame’s latest Junior Day
    Notre Dame held another Junior Day this past weekend. As always, 247Sports and Irish Illustrated bring you the latest buzz following the big recruiting event in South Bend.

    Notre Dame hosted a top of top talent from the 2019 and 2020 classes this past weekend at Junior Day.

    [​IMG]
    (Photo: Matt Cashore, 247Sports)
    As always, 247Sports and Irish Illustrated bring you the latest buzz following the big recruiting event in South Bend.

    — Confidence is high inside the Gug that Notre Dame leads for four-star cornerback Salim Turner-Muhammad. He’s a perfect fit in South Bend, around the football program, and academically. His plan is to get back to campus on Tuesday with his parents. He wants to make sure they feel the same way about the school that he does. Landing Turner-Muhammad would also help the Irish with his friend and teammate Litchfield Ajavon, a four-star safety from the 2019 class. Notre Dame wants both of these defensive backs in this class. Michigan and Wisconsin are the main threats here, but my gut says it’ll be more of an Irish-Wolverines battle for Turner-Muhammad.

    — Four-star offensive guard Zeke Correll is tough to get a read on. Notre Dame believes it is in this one and a legitimate contender. We’re told offensive line coach Jeff Quinn made a big impression on Correll and his family, potentially even more than anyone previously anticipated. That is a big plus for the Fighting Irish. It also helps having Mike Elston as the primary recruiter. Those two have had a close relationship for a while. Correll fits in perfectly at Notre Dame. He’s a 4.0-student, is all about his business, and gets what Notre Dame is about. His brother goes to school in South Bend and his parents love the university. Now it’s up to the staff to pull off the perceived upset and land him. There is no question that Ohio State is a major player in this race as well. It looks like a two-team battle, but it should be noted that Clemson is a contender as well. There is a lot of hometown pressure to stay in-state with the Buckeyes. Can he make the tough call and leave home for South Bend? We should know before his senior season begins.

    — Notre Dame believes it made a big move for four-star offensive lineman Harry Miller as well. Again, Jeff Quinnseems to have pushed all of the right buttons and quickly made Notre Dame a legitimate threat in this race. Academically, Notre Dame checks off all of the boxes. He wants to major in engineering and the meeting he had with the academic advisors, we’re told, had everyone feeling great. At worst, it seems Notre Dame put itself in position to land an official visit for a game day this fall. That could be enough to potentially land him down the road. It'll also be interesting to see if Miller and Correll end up at the same school or intentionally pick different programs. They are similar players at the next level.

    — While most believe four-star defensive back Raymond Woodie III will end up in Tallahassee because his father is on staff at Florida State, I wouldn’t rule out Notre Dame just yet. This weekend’s trip was an eye-opener for the talented defensive back. Woodie gushed about the visit, his time with defensive backs coaches Todd Lyght and Terry Joseph, and couldn’t stop praising head coach Brian Kelly. Those two seemed to really hit it off. Notre Dame believes it has a shot and that he won’t just follow his father wherever he goes. He’ll return for an official visit, which could be huge for the Irish’s chances.

    — I still like my Notre Dame 247Sports Crystal Ball for class of 2020 four-star offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. The Irish also believe they are in a great spot in this one. This visit went really well for both the recruit and his parents. It may sound like a broken record, but Jeff Quinn seems to have really impressed on this one. One factor that stood out was that Johnson ended up staying overnight in South Bend, which wasn’t initially the plan. He wanted to hangout with the offensive linemen on the team and get a better feel for what those guys are like. That’s pretty telling. Notre Dame, Ohio State, Alabama, Stanford and Penn State will all be huge players in this race.

    — After spending time with him this weekend, Notre Dame likes three-star wide receiver Cornelius Johnson a great deal, which is why he landed an offer. The belief is that he’s a complete, all-around wide receiver and one that would be an impact guy in South Bend. From his side of things, Notre Dame left a big impression. We’re told this was an offer he really wanted because of what Notre Dame is about, but also because of his thoughts on wide receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander. Those two really hit it off. My 247Sports Crystal Ball remains on the Fighting Irish.

    — Four-star defensive end Marcus Hicks is an intriguing prospect. He and his father really like Notre Dame, no doubt about that. I just get the vibe that he’ll end up elsewhere. My 247Sports Crystal Ball is currently on Oklahoma and I don’t see any reason to change that yet. The Irish are definitely in play and maybe some are misreading this one, but I just get the vibe another school will eventually win out. We’ll see what happens moving forward. Notre Dame’s Mike Elston will continue to push hard. He’s very coveted by the staff inside the Gug due to his size, physicality, quickness and toughness. He’d be a welcomed addition to the class.

    — Following his visit this weekend, there is no doubt in my mind that Notre Dame leads for four-star defensive end Rylie Mills, a class of 2020 recruit. The Irish, led by Mike Elston, will push hard here moving forward and treat him like a top priority. Notre Dame is going to be tough to beat.

    — Long way to go in this one, but Notre Dame believes it made a big move for four-star defensive end Darrion Henry, another top 2020 recruit. He, like with a few of the others already mentioned, really connected with the other targets, players and coaches while on the trip. I’m told he was very engaged and a source close to Henry said “he already felt like part of the Notre Dame family.”

    — Notre Dame wants 2020 four-star wide receiver A.J. Henning bad. The staff will treat him as the five-star recruit he may end up being and already has him at the top of the board next cycle. DelVaughn Alexander is going to do all he can to land this kid, as will Chip Long and Brian Kelly. All three of these coaches took the time to make it clear to Henning this weekend how important he is to the staff in South Bend and how successful he could be in the Fighting Irish offense. I like Notre Dame here.

    — Four-star defensive tackle Cole Brevard, a 2020 target, is a guy Notre Dame really liked and the staff considers him an elite prospect. The Irish staff will be all over him following his new offer this weekend.

    — I’m expecting four-star safety Makari Paige, a 2020 recruit, to land a Notre Dame offer. I’m told he’s an “offer guy” all the way and one that the Irish staff really like.

    — Not a lot to get out of four-star running back Steele Chambers. I should have more early this week, but it the Irish believe they are very much in the thick of it. He’s another great fit in South Bend and one that Autry Denson really connected with. It’s clear Chambers is looking at the big picture when identifying the schools he has the most interest in and it would be a surprise if Notre Dame wasn’t a major player moving forward. The school checks off all of the boxes he’s looking for.
     
  33. a1ND

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    BGI RB Big Board

    2019 BGI Big Board: Running Back

    Bryan Driskell • BlueAndGold.com
    @BGI_CoachD

    Get a FREE 30-day trial using promo code BGI30


    [​IMG]
    Roswell (Ga.) Blessed Trinity product Steele Chambers currently sits atop Notre Dame’s running back big board.
    Rivals
    Notre Dame has been far too erratic with its running back recruiting, and that combined with some off-the-field concerns put the Irish in a situation in which it must bring in an outstanding haul.

    The Irish will have just four scholarship backs on the roster in 2018, and one of those players — senior Dexter Williams — enters his final season of eligibility. Notre Dame ideally needs two backs in the class, and at least one of them must be an “every down” type of runner.

    A benefit for the staff is that it is a very good year nationally at the position, and Notre Dame is receiving a lot of early interest. The key will be finishing, and if the staff can close out on the current crop of backs on the board it will meet its needs and then some.

    Below is the breakdown and ranking of the running backs on the board for Notre Dame.

    1.

    Steele Chambers
    , 6-2, 210, Roswell (Ga.) Blessed Trinity
    2.
    Sampson James
    , 6-1, 205, Avon (Ind.) High School
    3.
    Austin Jones
    , 5-11, 190, Oakland (Calif.) Bishop O’Dowd
    4.
    Cesare Mellusi
    , 6-0, 175, Naples (Fla.) High School
    5.
    Zach Charbonnet
    , 6-1, 190, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian
    6.
    Derrian Brown
    , 5-10, 180, Buford (Ga.) High School
    7.
    Kyren Williams
    , 5-9, 190, St. Louis St. John Vianney


    1. STEELE CHAMBERS, 6-2, 210, ROSWELL (GA.) BLESSED TRINITY
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    -

    NATIONAL
    45
    STATE
    30
    POSITION
    STEELE
    CHAMBERS


    RANK
    5.7
    6'2" | 210 LBS | ATH
    BLESSED TRINITY
    ROSWELL, GA
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 5.0

    2017 Stats: 198 att., 1,545 yards, 7.8 YPC, 26 TD/ 13 catches, 143 yards, 2 TD/ 70 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 5.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles

    Offers: Notre Dame, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Stanford, Auburn, LSU, Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Michigan State, South Carolina, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh, Louisville, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, California and Oregon State

    Notre Dame offensive coordinator Chip Long wants backs with size that can catch the football and hit home runs. Rarely do those three traits exist in the same player, but with Chambers they do. He has excellent size. He is tall but is a low-cut athlete that runs with naturally good pad level. His thick lower half and leg drive makes him hard to bring down.

    What separates Chambers from your typical big back is his athleticism. He isn’t a burner, but he has the speed needed to hit home runs if he gets a crease. In that regard, he is very much like Notre Dame’s 2017 leading rusher Josh Adams. What separates Chambers from Adams, however, is that he is a better all-around athlete. Chambers is nimble, possessing outstanding balance and agility. He can make sudden cuts behind the line and in space, and he can quickly accelerate after those cuts.

    Chambers has other good running back traits. He shows good vision and anticipation, shows good patience, is a decisive runner and is more elusive than most big backs. The one knock I have on Chambers is something he can fix. He tends to be right handed when carrying the ball, and I’d like to see him learn to always put the ball in his outside arm. Chambers grades out as a four-star linebacker/rover as well, and that versatility makes him a top prospect in my view, but for Notre Dame he is a running back.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    2. SAMPSON JAMES, 6-1, 205, AVON (IND.) HIGH SCHOOL
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    158
    NATIONAL
    2
    STATE
    7
    POSITION
    SAMPSON
    JAMES


    RANK
    5.8
    6'1" | 205 LBS | RB
    AVON
    AVON, IN
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 5.0

    2017 Stats: 243 att., 1,782 yards, 7.3 YPC, 20 TD/ 16 catches, 185 yards, 2 TD

    Offers: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, Penn State, Michigan, Florida State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Arkansas, Purdue, Louisville, Minnesota and Missouri

    James is a slasher with an impressive all-around game. He can make big plays, pound defenses and catch the ball out of the backfield, and his film has some impressive blocks. Like we already mentioned, Notre Dame wants more big backs in its offense, and James is an ideal fit for Long wants.

    James is tall with long arms, but he runs with good pad level. He has a well-built lower half and he runs with authority, which helps him run through low tackles. He’ll use a stiff arm, but will need to learn to be stronger with it. James is physical, but he’ll need to work on dipping his shoulders and driving through contact in space. He is an explosive athlete that is a legit home run hitter. He has quick feet, but his balance must improve.

    By showing good patience in the backfield, James is able to set up blocks and then explode vertically for big plays. He plays under control, which helps him make quick cuts behind the line and he has enough wiggle to make second-level defenders miss. James has a good feel for the game and his willingness to be a complete back is impressive. There are areas where James must improve the technical part of his game. He leans forward too much, he has a tendency to grab the ball from the quarterback and he’ll lose his base. His grade will go up even higher if he improves in those areas.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    3. AUSTIN JONES, 5-11, 190, OAKLAND (CALIF.) BISHOP O’DOWD
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    58
    NATIONAL
    5
    STATE
    3
    POSITION
    AUSTIN
    JONES


    RANK
    5.9
    5'11" | 190 LBS | RB
    BISHOP O'DOWD
    OAKLAND, CA
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 5.0

    2017 Stats: 145 att., 1,560 yards, 10.8 YPC, 23 TD/ 15 catches, 368 yards, 4 TD

    Offers: Notre Dame, Stanford, Washington, Florida, Oregon, UCLA, Utah, Northwestern, Tennessee, Washington State, Nebraska, Missouri, Arizona State, California, Boise State, Colorado and Oregon State

    If you are looking for a back that can carry the football 20 times a game, week after week, and one that can punish teams between the tackles, Jones is not your man at this point. Once you get past that, there is a lot you will like. He is a big-play back that can do damage between the tackles, but it is his all-around game that makes him such a top player.

    In time, Jones could develop into more of an every-down back. Stanford star Bryce Love was a 176-pounder as a high school senior and needed time to develop his body, which he did. Jones is good at getting the ball in his outside arm, which allows him to effectively use his stiff arm. He has a strong all-around athletic skill set. He has good speed, impressive balance, strong agility and his acceleration is as close as he has to an elite trait. Jones quickly gets to full speed at the snap and after making cuts in the open field.

    Jones is a patient runner with outstanding anticipation and second-level read skills. When he sees the hole, he quickly puts his back foot in the ground and explodes through the hole. His open-field vision is just as good, and he has the ability to make multiple cuts in space. Jones is quite hard to get a clean shot on. He catches the ball very well and is a threat in the pass game. If he can fill out his frame and become more of an every-down back, he skyrockets towards the top of this list.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    4. CESARE MELLUSI, 6-0, 175, NAPLES (FLA.) HIGH SCHOOL
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    -

    NATIONAL
    51
    STATE
    21
    POSITION
    CESARE
    MELLUSI


    RANK
    5.8
    6'0" | 175 LBS | RB
    NAPLES
    NAPLES, FL
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 4.5

    2017 Stats: 169 att., 1,505 yards, 8.9 YPC, 19 TD/ 8 catches, 85 yards

    Offers: Notre Dame, USC, Auburn, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Texas A&M, Boston College, Missouri, Louisville, South Florida, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Syracuse, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Rutgers and Arizona

    Mellusi isn’t as flashy as some other players on this board, but he’s productive and his skills translate very well to the next level. From a frame standpoint, he will need to add weight and strength, but he has the body that will allow him to become an every-down back. He runs with very good pad level and his leg drive allows the power to play up. With more work in the weight room and physical maturity, his ability to generate yards after contact will get even better.

    Athletically, there is a lot to like about Mellusi’s game. There are no traits that jump off the screen at you, but his combination of skills is what stands out. His speed is certainly above average and he gets to top gear in a hurry. Mellusi shows a nice second gear that allows him to get to the perimeter and hit the big play once he gets into the second level. He has really good feet and agility, and his balance is arguably his best athletic trait. This combination of skills makes him an elusive runner, but also one that can bounce off tackles and pick up yards after contact.

    Mellusi has the running back traits coaches desire at the position. He shows good vision and combines patience with decisiveness. He’ll let his blocks set up when he needs to, but he isn’t afraid to quickly put his foot in the ground and pound the line of scrimmage. Mellusi makes good second level reads and his feel in space makes him effective after the catch in the pass game.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    5. ZACH CHARBONNET, 6-1, 190, WESTLAKE VILLAGE (CALIF.) OAKS CHRISTIAN
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    -

    NATIONAL
    30
    STATE
    22
    POSITION
    ZACH
    CHARBONNET


    RANK
    5.8
    6'1" | 190 LBS | RB
    OAKS CHRISTIAN
    WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 4.5

    2017 Stats: 265 att., 2,049 yards, 7.7 YPC, 23 TD/ 27 catches, 169 yards, 1 TD/ 36 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT

    Offers: Notre Dame, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, TCU, Iowa State, California and Arizona

    Charbonnet is a long athlete and he does not run with good pad level. He’s far too erect as a runner, and the result is he takes way too many hard shots. He’ll need to run with more forward lean and lower his pads, especially when contact is approaching. He has good strength, but far too often he tries to make defenders miss or he’ll bounce the run instead of putting his shoulder down and use his size to do damage.

    Charbonnet does a good job getting the ball in his outside arm and using his stiff arm. He has the speed to get to the perimeter and he can hit the big one if he gets to the second level, a theme with a lot of backs on this board. What I really like are his feet, which are nimble and quick for such a long athlete. He is an elusive runner that can make defenders miss behind the line, he’s a “make you miss” guy in space and he has a nice spin move. If he can improve his pad level these traits will play up even more.

    I’d like to see him hammer the line of scrimmage more and not always look for the home run, but with his big-play ability I understand why he runs that way. In college, I expect him to become a more balanced runner, and it’s going to make him a lot better. Charbonnet is a pretty good defensive player and could play rover at the next level.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    6. DERRIAN BROWN, 5-10, 180, BUFORD (GA.) HIGH SCHOOL
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    234
    NATIONAL
    27
    STATE
    16
    POSITION
    DERRIAN
    BROWN


    RANK
    5.8
    5'10" | 180 LBS | RB
    BUFORD
    BUFORD, GA
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 4.5

    Offers: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, Florida, Wisconsin, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Michigan State, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Colorado, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse and Rutgers

    Brown is an interesting player. He isn’t quite big enough and lacks the frame to become an every-down back. If he wants to play running back, he’ll need to go to a spread offense that gets him on the perimeter more or he’ll have to go somewhere he can be a change-of-pace guy that attacks with zone schemes. In both of those roles, he could be quite good. Brown catches the ball quite well, which adds to his value out of the backfield.

    Athletically, Brown has the speed you want in a zone offense that will get him moving laterally and then opening up holes that he can exploit. His vision doesn’t play as well as other backs on this list, but it isn’t something that will hold him back. He is a decisive runner and shows good leg drive and toughness for a back his size. Combined with his speed, that toughness and his relatively quick feet lend to him being a true big-play threat every time he touches the football. Brown isn’t quite as elusive as I expected, showing more of a slashing style than a “make you miss” game.

    One of the things that makes Brown standout is his versatility. Not just his ability to make big plays in the run game and pass game, and that he’s a dynamic return man, but also the fact his defensive film is pretty impressive. He reminds me of 2018 Clemson signee Lyn-J Dixon in that while he grades out as a four-star running back, his secondary skills/projection might be even better.

    JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

    7. KYREN WILLIAMS, 5-9, 190, ST. LOUIS ST. JOHN VIANNEY
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    -

    NATIONAL
    9
    STATE
    50
    POSITION
    KYREN
    WILLIAMS


    RANK
    5.7
    5'9" | 191 LBS | WR
    ST JOHN VIANNEY
    ST. LOUIS, MO
    CLASS OF 2019
    UNDECIDED
    BGI GRADE: 4.0
    UPSIDE GRADE: 4.0

    Offers: Notre Dame, Stanford, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Nebraska, Missouri, North Carolina, Purdue, Kansas State, Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois

    Lacking ideal size, Williams is able to make a lot of plays because he’s just a smart, tough, talented football player. Listed as a wide receiver by Rivals, he is being recruited as a running back at Notre Dame and is a pretty good defensive back as well. He has a lot to learn still as a running back, and the more comfortable he gets there the higher he will go up this board.

    Williams is not a player you recruit to be a guy that lines up in the backfield and carries the ball 20 times every week. You are recruiting him to complement another back, and to move around the field and get the ball in a lot of different ways. He lines up a lot at wide receiver for St. John Vianney, and his ball skills are outstanding. He’s a good route runner, knows how to get open and has good hands. These traits play up even more if you view him as a running back, and should he choose Notre Dame it would make the two-back sets Long likes to use even more effective.

    At 5-9, Williams lacks the height and body of a pure wide receiver, but his size plays just fine at running back thanks to his thick lower half and squatty build. He uses his height as a weapon when he has the ball in his hands by staying low, getting under the pads of defenders and delivering punishment. Williams is physical as a runner and despite needing technique work and learning the nuances of the position, he shows a natural feel for playing running back. His combination of toughness, speed, elusiveness and ball skills makes him a big-play threat out every time he is on the field.
     
  34. beist

    beist Hyperbolist
    Donor

    Steele Chambers is a pretty great name.
     
    40wwttamgib likes this.
  35. thechristmaself

    thechristmaself Well-Known Member
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishIndiana PacersIndianapolis ColtsColumbus Blue Jackets

    Can’t fucking wait for this class. These 4 are going to bukakke teams from beyond the arc
     
    40wwttamgib likes this.
  36. Juke Coolengody

    Juke Coolengody One name. Two men?
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishIndiana PacersIndianapolis Colts

    Was looking back at these guys and their skillsets earlier today and was thinking the same thing. Especially if Juwan Durham turns out to be a solid rim protector, we might have a fun 2-3 year run when all these guys have a year or two under their belts.
     
    40wwttamgib and thechristmaself like this.
  37. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
    TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishChicago White SoxIndianapolis ColtsColumbus Blue JacketsColumbus Crew

    This team isn’t a Brey team, he likes shooters and ball handlers

    He really missed on some cruits, the incoming freshman are pure Brey. They all handle the ball and shoot lights out, ppl are gonna hate ND in two years
     
    40wwttamgib, IanC and Juke Coolengody like this.
  38. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhoenix Suns

    We can’t stop Duke or specifically Bagley at all
     
    40wwttamgib likes this.
  39. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhoenix Suns

    Or Allen lol
     
    40wwttamgib likes this.
  40. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhoenix Suns

    Farrell hoisting 3’s from 4 feet behind the line is infuriating
     
    40wwttamgib and VoodooChild5 like this.
  41. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    Missed the whole first half, but sounds like it went ok all things considered?
     
  42. Red Rover

    Red Rover Neck water faucet, mockingbirds mocking
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhoenix Suns

    Farrell :facepalm:
     
    VoodooChild5 likes this.
  43. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishChicago CubsChicago BullsChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksDemocrat

    Farrell firing 3's from everywhere, no problem. Farrell throwing the ball away, problem. IMO.

    Also lol at the fast break after ours got shit on last night with a man down on the far end.

    Also. We gonna win.
     
  44. Chef Goldblum

    Chef Goldblum Well-Known Member
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhiladelphia Flyers

    No we’re not
     
    Red Rover likes this.
  45. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishChicago CubsChicago BullsChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksDemocrat

    thx
     
  46. Chef Goldblum

    Chef Goldblum Well-Known Member
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhiladelphia Flyers

    Hahah I love the enthusiasm though
     
  47. Chef Goldblum

    Chef Goldblum Well-Known Member
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishPhiladelphia Flyers

    George Zimmerman is questioning matt Ferrell’s shot selection tonight
     
  48. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
    Donor
    San Diego State AztecsSan Diego Padres

    Ain't happening tonight
     
  49. NilesIrish

    NilesIrish Not a master fisher but I know bait when I see it
    Donor TMB OG
    Notre Dame Fighting IrishChicago CubsChicago BullsChicago BearsChicago BlackhawksDemocrat

    Duke whining for a foul on a missed dunk with no contact up 16 is peak duke. Hope the committee helps us out, but I get it if they don't.