SPRING Into Action
March 26, 2009
One colleague returns from South Bend, the other remains after day four. Here's a few observations about the daily comings, goings, and doings at Notre Dame's spring sessions:
--There is no question that the new coaches (not to mention Bryant Young) are making a big difference in the attitude and aggressiveness of the players under their charge. Make no mistake, and it is a long time coming, that the lads, be they offense or defense, finally complement in hunger and desire the ascent in the win column and the polls that the new mentors expect and have projected. It's there; it wasn't last year. Watch out, USC!!
--The three Smiths--Brian, Toryan, and Scott--are listed as the Saturday Saints at LB. That should change when Fleming and Te'o are ready to go (also Filer and Motta).
--Don't have a good feeling for Mike Ragone's comeback at least through spring. He just doesn't have that look, that gait, that aura; Kyle Rudolph surely does!
--Ethan Johnson, looking as though he was sculpted for all-American honors, will be a force to be reckoned with regardless where he ends up on the D-line. The D-line, under the new command, promises to be a big--and pleasant--surprise. Lewis-Moore another good looker. John Ryan, hard to believe, is listed as starting DE, but Kerry Neal's return (soon, we hope) will change that.
--What to do with Deion Walker and the all-arounder John Goodman. These guys look good and can play the wide receiver post. The question is: will they? And, if not, what then? Hope they will be around come September. There is so much talent at WR.
--When Darrin Walls gets up to speed and Gary Gray returns this summer, the secondary will be terrific. There are so many good players vying for so few positions. What competition! Watch Jamoris Slaughter!
--The fullback position seems to be a cause for competitive concern: Paskorz, Aldridge, Hughes? The hard-working, well-liked JC will win out in the end, with Steve P getting his share of minutes. One astute coach allowed as how ND could do nicely without a fullback!!
--Paul Duncan has caught Verducci's eye for the LT slot. It's clear to everyone. Duncan, a great high schooler from a great FB state, has been a big disappointment so far. If he can make the turn from outcast to outstanding, then we know a helluva lot about John Latina.
--He's getting no chatter, but Braxton Cave is going to push Dan Wenger very hard for the numero uno center position. Verducci likes the sophomore, as well.
--Privately, the majority of those on the field believe that Charlie Weis should be in the booth during games. He's a strategist and uncanny accurate in appraisals WHEN LEFT ALONE. He is not a players sideline coach. Unfortunately, he won't go upstairs because his pro-mentors think it is a bad idea. Kinda pathetic on CW's part.
--Golly, Molly, that Dayne Crist looks good and, what a great attitude. Clausen has the starting nod, but the other Californian is ready to go if JC slips.
XXXXXXXXX
(Wee Leprechaun & Old Shillelagh)
One colleague returns from South Bend, the other remains after day four. Here's a few observations about the daily comings, goings, and doings at Notre Dame's spring sessions:
--There is no question that the new coaches (not to mention Bryant Young) are making a big difference in the attitude and aggressiveness of the players under their charge. Make no mistake, and it is a long time coming, that the lads, be they offense or defense, finally complement in hunger and desire the ascent in the win column and the polls that the new mentors expect and have projected. It's there; it wasn't last year. Watch out, USC!!
--The three Smiths--Brian, Toryan, and Scott--are listed as the Saturday Saints at LB. That should change when Fleming and Te'o are ready to go (also Filer and Motta).
--Don't have a good feeling for Mike Ragone's comeback at least through spring. He just doesn't have that look, that gait, that aura; Kyle Rudolph surely does!
--Ethan Johnson, looking as though he was sculpted for all-American honors, will be a force to be reckoned with regardless where he ends up on the D-line. The D-line, under the new command, promises to be a big--and pleasant--surprise. Lewis-Moore another good looker. John Ryan, hard to believe, is listed as starting DE, but Kerry Neal's return (soon, we hope) will change that.
--What to do with Deion Walker and the all-arounder John Goodman. These guys look good and can play the wide receiver post. The question is: will they? And, if not, what then? Hope they will be around come September. There is so much talent at WR.
--When Darrin Walls gets up to speed and Gary Gray returns this summer, the secondary will be terrific. There are so many good players vying for so few positions. What competition! Watch Jamoris Slaughter!
--The fullback position seems to be a cause for competitive concern: Paskorz, Aldridge, Hughes? The hard-working, well-liked JC will win out in the end, with Steve P getting his share of minutes. One astute coach allowed as how ND could do nicely without a fullback!!
--Paul Duncan has caught Verducci's eye for the LT slot. It's clear to everyone. Duncan, a great high schooler from a great FB state, has been a big disappointment so far. If he can make the turn from outcast to outstanding, then we know a helluva lot about John Latina.
--He's getting no chatter, but Braxton Cave is going to push Dan Wenger very hard for the numero uno center position. Verducci likes the sophomore, as well.
--Privately, the majority of those on the field believe that Charlie Weis should be in the booth during games. He's a strategist and uncanny accurate in appraisals WHEN LEFT ALONE. He is not a players sideline coach. Unfortunately, he won't go upstairs because his pro-mentors think it is a bad idea. Kinda pathetic on CW's part.
--Golly, Molly, that Dayne Crist looks good and, what a great attitude. Clausen has the starting nod, but the other Californian is ready to go if JC slips.
XXXXXXXXX
(Wee Leprechaun & Old Shillelagh)
posted by OLD SHILLELAGH at 6:43 PM
8 Comments:
I also heard that Ragone looks like he is still ailing and may never be up to speed. I hope that changes by the fall. Yes, CW should go upstairs and be the O-coordinator.....period!
I have been wondering what has become of Braxton Cave. Glad to hear he is on Verducci's watch list. I like Duncan. Hopefully, Verducci can guide him to the greatness at tackle that we down south expected of him. I blame his previous down years on Weis and Latina!!!
Yes, it is pathetic that Weis can't make a decision without the approval of his "mentors." I, too, feel that the new coaching crew will make a big difference.
ND finally has the winning mix: good position coaches, experience, young talent, depth. No less than 10 wins!
Dayne will wait his turn, but will be ready to fill the QB slot if JC goes down. The Irish have two outstanding quarterbacks and, in my opinion, an excellent third-stringer in Montana. If Verducci can elevate the performance of the OLine and sustain it--bombs away!
I think that the big guy Fauria and the even bigger guy coming in
Eifert will give Rudolph the rest if needed. Ragone, I fear, maybe one of those damn good players who just shake or easily comeback from injuries. That would be a damn shame! Go Irish!
Let's face it, our beloved Fightin' Irish have been without much fight the last 4 years...wait a damn minute...let's say the last 16 and have looked like a bunch of a-holes with a load of shit in their jocks.
Spring had better pump out that jock shit and infuse that true IRISH PASSION in its place. Vigor, energy, heart, determination, strength, faith, and the will to make it happen, now that is our Fightin' Irish!
Go Irish!!!!
Great post, please keep them coming as I love unbiased opinions. Saw the interview with Ragone, he is hurting, I feel sorry for the guy, you could tell he wants to play ! GO IRISH!!!!
I have to agree that Weis should be in the box. If he really wants to win, then it really isn't much of an issue, go directly to the box.
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