Online journalism is the "in" thing for journalists now. The new technology has turned the field in a completely different direction, away from the newspaper and on to the Internet. It seems like everyone gets their news on the Internet now but I think many people still prefer the paper for their news. A lot of people are still not used to all the new technology so they prefer to stay with the paper because it is the way they've always done it. Other people who are more up to date technology wise still enjoy the newspaper because it has become habit for them to pick up the paper every morning and read it. I think online newspapers are still pretty new and that along with those who have made a habit of reading the paper are keeping the industry alive.
I think as time goes by, more people are going to become familiar with the Internet and the printed paper will slowly be phased out. Young people will be growing up getting their news on the Internet instead of the paper so that will become habit just like reading the newspaper has for the older generations now. I feel that online journalism is much more convenient than getting mail in the mailbox or the paper. It saves a lot of paper and readers don't have to hassle with a bulky paper that folds and tears while reading it. Plus, it is more electronic mail is much more efficient. You can send an e-mail and it will get to the intended person(s) in a split-second, whereas with paper mail it has to be taken to the post office and it takes days to get where it is supposed to go.
I think online journalism will completely take over within the next 10 years certainly, and possibly the next five years. I think all information will be transmitted electronically; we will no longer get mail everyday. Many people are impatient and want their information right away, which I think will force the journalism industry to go with the technology to make their customers happy.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Why Notre Dame?
For me, it started when I was nine years old, watching a game between the Fighting Irish and Air Force. I thought those uniforms looked cool and the players were tough. As it turned out, the Irish lost that game in 1996, in Lou Holtz' last year as head coach. From then on, I was a Notre Dame football fan even though I knew next to nothing about what makes it such a great place except for the fact that Joe Montana, my boyhood hero, had gone to school there. I suffered through Bob Davie and Ty Willingham coached teams who many times lost more games than they won. Most kids want to follow a sports team that is a winner but there was just something about that football team and school that I loved.
Many Notre Dame football fans are either alums, Catholic, or born into a family of Notre Dame supports, or all of those...but I wasn't. The thing that drew me in after my initial years of watching them was all the tradition and history. "The Four Horseman," "Touchdown Jesus," the golden dome, the 11 national championships, seven Heisman trophy winners, etc. I was just totally in love with all of the traditions that Notre Dame has, all the history and great players and coaches who have been associated with the Irish. Just thinking about it gives me chills.
I finally made my first trip to South Bend in 2005 for the Blue-Gold spring game. My heart pounded so hard the first time I caught a glimpse of the golden dome that I thought I was going to pass out. Once I got on campus, I could just feel that spirit that everyone talks about. It is much more than about just football that makes it a special place and I found out that day. It will always be about a lot more than football that I love Notre Dame, football is just a very small part...and that's why it is such a great place.
Many Notre Dame football fans are either alums, Catholic, or born into a family of Notre Dame supports, or all of those...but I wasn't. The thing that drew me in after my initial years of watching them was all the tradition and history. "The Four Horseman," "Touchdown Jesus," the golden dome, the 11 national championships, seven Heisman trophy winners, etc. I was just totally in love with all of the traditions that Notre Dame has, all the history and great players and coaches who have been associated with the Irish. Just thinking about it gives me chills.
I finally made my first trip to South Bend in 2005 for the Blue-Gold spring game. My heart pounded so hard the first time I caught a glimpse of the golden dome that I thought I was going to pass out. Once I got on campus, I could just feel that spirit that everyone talks about. It is much more than about just football that makes it a special place and I found out that day. It will always be about a lot more than football that I love Notre Dame, football is just a very small part...and that's why it is such a great place.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Recruit-a-thon
Head Coach Charlie Weis left for his yearly month long recruiting trek a few days after the Blue-Gold game. Go here: http://bluegraysky.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html#7226225380426983654 and scroll down to the post titled "Travels with Charlie, '07" to check out the interactive Google map of all the places coach went over the past month. He covered just about every area of the country, as usual.
This is the time when Weis really kicks it into high gear on the recruiting trail. He visits many different players' high schools' to talk to coaches and faculty about the player in question. He is one of only a handful of head coaches who do this. Many schools send their assistant coaches out, but Weis feels that if he's asking his assistants to be away from their families for a month, it would be unfair if he wasn't out working with them. I feel that this has helped recruiting two-fold, it gets the Notre Dame name out there and generates interest very early in the recruiting season. This year, Notre Dame already has 12 verbal commitments in May, signing day is still nine months away.
When Charlie Weis came to Notre Dame in December, 2004, the program was in the worst shape, quite possibly, in its history. It needed a coach who not only loved and understood Notre Dame, but one who was willing to out work everyone else to get the Irish back up to their historic level of success. This is the perfect example of what I mean, he is out there all month outworking most college coaches because of his dedication and love for his job. I believe if you outwork people, you've got a great chance to be successful and Weis certainly outworks most, if not all, of his competitors. He is the reason why this program is now back on its feet. It is not quite at elite status yet, but with the players he has and is bringing in because of his dedication and hard work, that is not far off. Coach Weis has taken a program that was thought a "has been" and turned it into one where top high school players take notice of and want to play at again.
This is the time when Weis really kicks it into high gear on the recruiting trail. He visits many different players' high schools' to talk to coaches and faculty about the player in question. He is one of only a handful of head coaches who do this. Many schools send their assistant coaches out, but Weis feels that if he's asking his assistants to be away from their families for a month, it would be unfair if he wasn't out working with them. I feel that this has helped recruiting two-fold, it gets the Notre Dame name out there and generates interest very early in the recruiting season. This year, Notre Dame already has 12 verbal commitments in May, signing day is still nine months away.
When Charlie Weis came to Notre Dame in December, 2004, the program was in the worst shape, quite possibly, in its history. It needed a coach who not only loved and understood Notre Dame, but one who was willing to out work everyone else to get the Irish back up to their historic level of success. This is the perfect example of what I mean, he is out there all month outworking most college coaches because of his dedication and love for his job. I believe if you outwork people, you've got a great chance to be successful and Weis certainly outworks most, if not all, of his competitors. He is the reason why this program is now back on its feet. It is not quite at elite status yet, but with the players he has and is bringing in because of his dedication and hard work, that is not far off. Coach Weis has taken a program that was thought a "has been" and turned it into one where top high school players take notice of and want to play at again.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Position Breakdown: Offensive Line
The offensive line for Notre Dame will be young in 2007. The Irish lost left tackle Ryan Harris, left guard Dan Santucci, and right guard Bob Morton. Luckily, the offensive line class that was signed in 2006 was the best in the country and many of them will be getting their shot to start in their sophomore season. The two anchors on this year's line will be fifth-year senior captain John Sullivan and soph. Sam Young, who started all 13 games as a freshman.
At left tackle, Notre Dame lost four-year starter Ryan Harris. Jr. Paul Duncan from Dallas, Ga. will likely take his place. Duncan played quite often last year at right tackle when he spotted for the freshman Young to keep him fresh during games. So. Bartley Webb will be in the mix but I believe Duncan will win the job because of his experience and time in the system, Webb will be a solid backup. Also, look out for fr. Matt Romine, he will be a good one in a year or so, he will provide more depth at tackle in '07.
The left guard spot lost Santucci, a two year starter. There are several guys in the mix to take the position: Mike Turkovich, Dan Wenger, Matt Carufel. Turkovich is a jr. who probably has the edge right now. Wenger and Carufel and both sophs. who were rated very highly coming out of high school. I think Turkovich will win the job but we could have another situation like 2005 where there are there are four interior guys to play three positions. I wouldn't be surprised to see Wenger or Carufel spell Turkovich during the game, as Bob Morton did in 2005.
Right guard was filled by Morton last year, who struggled mightily at times. Wenger, Carufel, and Eric Olsen will be in the running for this position. I believe all of these guys will be in the mix at both guard spots, they may be more suited for one than the other but Charlie Weis is going to get the best players on the field, regardless of where that might be. Wenger came to Notre Dame as a true center, which is hard to find, not many lineman come out of high school as a true center. He can play guard however and I think he will play this year as the fourth lineman in the mix. I believe Carufel will take this spot, he was a huge pickup for the Irish coming out of Cretin Durham Hall in Minnesota. As I said, I believe Wenger will spell one of either Turkovich or Carufel during games to give them a breather.
I think the offensive line will be better in '07 than it was a year ago simply because these players, although young, are more talented. Sullivan is a fantastic center, with three years of starting experience already under his belt. Sam Young started every game last year and did a solid job for a true freshman being thrown in the fire. Coach Weis has looked for lineman who are "nasty" as he says and I believe all of the young guys on this line fit the mold. With Notre Dame going to more of a power running attack this year, expect the line to be much more physical. There will be growing pains early, but by the midway point of the season, I think Irish fans will be pretty happy with the o-line.
At left tackle, Notre Dame lost four-year starter Ryan Harris. Jr. Paul Duncan from Dallas, Ga. will likely take his place. Duncan played quite often last year at right tackle when he spotted for the freshman Young to keep him fresh during games. So. Bartley Webb will be in the mix but I believe Duncan will win the job because of his experience and time in the system, Webb will be a solid backup. Also, look out for fr. Matt Romine, he will be a good one in a year or so, he will provide more depth at tackle in '07.
The left guard spot lost Santucci, a two year starter. There are several guys in the mix to take the position: Mike Turkovich, Dan Wenger, Matt Carufel. Turkovich is a jr. who probably has the edge right now. Wenger and Carufel and both sophs. who were rated very highly coming out of high school. I think Turkovich will win the job but we could have another situation like 2005 where there are there are four interior guys to play three positions. I wouldn't be surprised to see Wenger or Carufel spell Turkovich during the game, as Bob Morton did in 2005.
Right guard was filled by Morton last year, who struggled mightily at times. Wenger, Carufel, and Eric Olsen will be in the running for this position. I believe all of these guys will be in the mix at both guard spots, they may be more suited for one than the other but Charlie Weis is going to get the best players on the field, regardless of where that might be. Wenger came to Notre Dame as a true center, which is hard to find, not many lineman come out of high school as a true center. He can play guard however and I think he will play this year as the fourth lineman in the mix. I believe Carufel will take this spot, he was a huge pickup for the Irish coming out of Cretin Durham Hall in Minnesota. As I said, I believe Wenger will spell one of either Turkovich or Carufel during games to give them a breather.
I think the offensive line will be better in '07 than it was a year ago simply because these players, although young, are more talented. Sullivan is a fantastic center, with three years of starting experience already under his belt. Sam Young started every game last year and did a solid job for a true freshman being thrown in the fire. Coach Weis has looked for lineman who are "nasty" as he says and I believe all of the young guys on this line fit the mold. With Notre Dame going to more of a power running attack this year, expect the line to be much more physical. There will be growing pains early, but by the midway point of the season, I think Irish fans will be pretty happy with the o-line.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Position Breakdown: Receivers
Notre Dame lost two very good receivers in Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight from the 2006 team so this unit is somewhat of a weak spot on paper. Only junior David Grimes has real game experience and the rest of the group is very young. The saving grace is the tight ends, who are very good. John Carlson might be the best in the country and Konrad Reuland was the best tight end prospect in the country coming out of high school in 2006.
After spring practice, the two leading wide receivers seemed to be Grimes and George West, a sophomore from Oklahoma. I would say that Robby Parris, from St. Ignatius in Cleveland is third on the depth chart, he looked pretty solid in the Blue-Gold game. He is similar to Samardzija, I think he will be very solid for the Irish the next few years. A guy I really liked at the spring game was Barry Gallup, a So. from Massachusetts. He looked very fast, with good quickness. He didn't play much in the actual scrimmage part but just in watching pregame warm-ups, I think this guy can play, watch out for him.
There are several other guys in battle for a chance to play but they apparently did not stand out to coach Charlie Weis in spring practice. D.J. Hord is a Jr. from Missouri who played on kickoff returns as a freshman but snapped his Achilles tendon in a workout last summer and missed the entire 2006 season. Richard Jackson, So. from Florida is a big receiver who looks to be in the mold of another Samardzija type. He did not play much, if any, as a freshman so it's hard to say what he might be able to do.
I think when it's all said and done, Grimes and West will be the top two receivers. Grimes has the experience and West was a kickoff returner last year who has good quickness, though he is small at around 5-8 or 5-9. I believe Parris will be the #3 receiver, he is just a big receiver who will put his body in front of the defender and be a good possession receiver for the Irish. The 4th receiver is a toss-up to me right now, it'll either be Hord or Gallup. Hord had very good speed and quickness before his injury but he apparently looked rusty in spring ball and did not make an impact in the final spring scrimmage. If he can get over the mental hurdle of trusting his foot after the injury, I think he could be pretty good. As mentioned, I think Gallup could be a guy who will stretch the field for Notre Dame. I think Weis will have to find a place for him at receiver, his speed is just too much to have him on the bench. The receivers will probably struggle early, but with coach Weis going to more of a power run game this year, I think they will do a respectable job. This may not be the strongest unit on the team but at least there is some pretty solid depth at the position.
After spring practice, the two leading wide receivers seemed to be Grimes and George West, a sophomore from Oklahoma. I would say that Robby Parris, from St. Ignatius in Cleveland is third on the depth chart, he looked pretty solid in the Blue-Gold game. He is similar to Samardzija, I think he will be very solid for the Irish the next few years. A guy I really liked at the spring game was Barry Gallup, a So. from Massachusetts. He looked very fast, with good quickness. He didn't play much in the actual scrimmage part but just in watching pregame warm-ups, I think this guy can play, watch out for him.
There are several other guys in battle for a chance to play but they apparently did not stand out to coach Charlie Weis in spring practice. D.J. Hord is a Jr. from Missouri who played on kickoff returns as a freshman but snapped his Achilles tendon in a workout last summer and missed the entire 2006 season. Richard Jackson, So. from Florida is a big receiver who looks to be in the mold of another Samardzija type. He did not play much, if any, as a freshman so it's hard to say what he might be able to do.
I think when it's all said and done, Grimes and West will be the top two receivers. Grimes has the experience and West was a kickoff returner last year who has good quickness, though he is small at around 5-8 or 5-9. I believe Parris will be the #3 receiver, he is just a big receiver who will put his body in front of the defender and be a good possession receiver for the Irish. The 4th receiver is a toss-up to me right now, it'll either be Hord or Gallup. Hord had very good speed and quickness before his injury but he apparently looked rusty in spring ball and did not make an impact in the final spring scrimmage. If he can get over the mental hurdle of trusting his foot after the injury, I think he could be pretty good. As mentioned, I think Gallup could be a guy who will stretch the field for Notre Dame. I think Weis will have to find a place for him at receiver, his speed is just too much to have him on the bench. The receivers will probably struggle early, but with coach Weis going to more of a power run game this year, I think they will do a respectable job. This may not be the strongest unit on the team but at least there is some pretty solid depth at the position.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Position Breakdown: Running Back
The Fighting Irish are loaded at running back going into the 2007 season. Notre Dame has four tailbacks who can carry the ball this fall. Travis Thomas, James Aldridge, Armando Allen, and Junior Jabbie are the four who will help transition from more of a pass oriented offense the past two years to power running game in '07.
Travis Thomas is a Senior from Washington, Pennsylvania who was moved out of necessity to linebacker last season. He's back full-time on offense now and should flourish in his last go-round with the Irish. He likes contact, he would rather run over you than run around you. He hits the hole and does it with good speed. Thomas had a fumbling problem in 2004 and was benched because of it. He seemed to rectify the problem in 2005 and did a nice job of relieving Darius Walker. I believe Thomas will start because he has the most experience and Head Coach Charlie Weis did not move him back to running back to sit on the bench.
James Aldridge is a Sophomore from Merrillville, Indiana. He saw limited action last year as a true Freshman. Aldridge seems to be fully recovered from an ACL tear in his knee from his junior year in high school. He is more of a power back but does have a second gear if he gets into the open. He didn't play enough last year to really get a good feel for what he can do but he was a 5-star player in the recruiting class of 2006 (the highest possible ranking). When he did play, he showed some power, which is even more impressive after learning that he was under orders not to do any lower body weight lifting last year. I think he will be second in line behind Thomas.
Armando Allen is a Freshman from Hialeah Lakes, Florida. He is a burner, something that Notre Dame hasn't had since Rocket Ismail. He just arrived on campus in January, he's an early enrollee who would be finishing up his Senior year of high school if he had decided not to come to Notre Dame early. We've only seen glimpses of him but he really looks like he has the potential to be a special player. His high school film was very impressive, the best I've seen at the running back position. Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjdp101L-f0. He carried five times for 19 yards in the spring game, not all that impressive if you look at the numbers but I was impressed. He is lightning quick through the line, he did not dance at all, he got into and through the line is a split second. I really think Allen has a chance to be a great one but he will start this year third in line, just because he is a Freshman and the two in front of him have more experience.
Junior Jabbie is a Senior from Parlin, New Jersey who was the talk of the Blue-Gold Spring game. He ran 13 times for 87 yards and won offensive MVP. He looked like the best back on the field but he did run behind the first team offensive line, who was blocking the second team defensive line. Still, he showed good vision and elusiveness. After the game, Weis said Jabbie's performance was nothing they hadn't seen all spring, which is great to hear. Most Notre Dame fans had written Jabbie off, he came to the Irish as a cornerback but asked to be moved to tailback last year. I was pretty impressed by what he did and even though I think he'll be the fourth running back on the depth chart, he will carry the ball this year.
Travis Thomas is a Senior from Washington, Pennsylvania who was moved out of necessity to linebacker last season. He's back full-time on offense now and should flourish in his last go-round with the Irish. He likes contact, he would rather run over you than run around you. He hits the hole and does it with good speed. Thomas had a fumbling problem in 2004 and was benched because of it. He seemed to rectify the problem in 2005 and did a nice job of relieving Darius Walker. I believe Thomas will start because he has the most experience and Head Coach Charlie Weis did not move him back to running back to sit on the bench.
James Aldridge is a Sophomore from Merrillville, Indiana. He saw limited action last year as a true Freshman. Aldridge seems to be fully recovered from an ACL tear in his knee from his junior year in high school. He is more of a power back but does have a second gear if he gets into the open. He didn't play enough last year to really get a good feel for what he can do but he was a 5-star player in the recruiting class of 2006 (the highest possible ranking). When he did play, he showed some power, which is even more impressive after learning that he was under orders not to do any lower body weight lifting last year. I think he will be second in line behind Thomas.
Armando Allen is a Freshman from Hialeah Lakes, Florida. He is a burner, something that Notre Dame hasn't had since Rocket Ismail. He just arrived on campus in January, he's an early enrollee who would be finishing up his Senior year of high school if he had decided not to come to Notre Dame early. We've only seen glimpses of him but he really looks like he has the potential to be a special player. His high school film was very impressive, the best I've seen at the running back position. Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjdp101L-f0. He carried five times for 19 yards in the spring game, not all that impressive if you look at the numbers but I was impressed. He is lightning quick through the line, he did not dance at all, he got into and through the line is a split second. I really think Allen has a chance to be a great one but he will start this year third in line, just because he is a Freshman and the two in front of him have more experience.
Junior Jabbie is a Senior from Parlin, New Jersey who was the talk of the Blue-Gold Spring game. He ran 13 times for 87 yards and won offensive MVP. He looked like the best back on the field but he did run behind the first team offensive line, who was blocking the second team defensive line. Still, he showed good vision and elusiveness. After the game, Weis said Jabbie's performance was nothing they hadn't seen all spring, which is great to hear. Most Notre Dame fans had written Jabbie off, he came to the Irish as a cornerback but asked to be moved to tailback last year. I was pretty impressed by what he did and even though I think he'll be the fourth running back on the depth chart, he will carry the ball this year.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Blue Gold Spring Football Game
This past weekend, the Notre Dame football team concluded spring practice with the Blue Gold game on Saturday. The Gold, coached by former great Lou Holtz, defeated the White, coached by Ara Parseghian 10-6. For a recap go to http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042107aab.html. I was in attendance for the third consecutive year and got some pretty good observations. Keep in mind that this is just the spring game, not a whole lot can be learned from this but it's fun to try to make predictions nonetheless.
The four quarterbacks in competition to replace Brady Quinn at quarterback were muzzled by head coach Charlie Weis. Only 24 passes were thrown combined among the four. We really didn't learn anything we didn't already know about them.
Jimmy Clausen, the star freshman, looked the most poised and calm in leading his team. He made the best throw of the day when he hit Robby Paris on a 13 yard out pattern right at the sideline.
Demetrius Jones completed 3-6 passes but many were overthrown or behind the receiver, including one that was picked off by David Bruton and returned for a touchdown. However, he did make a great play on a 3rd and long situation when he tucked the ball and took off for a 31 yard gain. I was very impressed by his speed, I just don't know if he fits Weis' offense.
Evan Sharpley had the most impressive stats (5-7, 31 yards) and has the most experience in the system. It looked to me like he was one of the top two quarterbacks along with Clausen.
Zach Frazer went 0-4 passing but he did make a nice throw to Richard Jackson in the endzone that was dropped. He has a very strong arm but didn't stand out in this particular practice/scrimmage.
The running back position appears to have both quality and quantity. I thought all four backs: Travis Thomas, James Aldridge, Armando Allen, and Junior Jabbie have the ability to contribute this season. Jabbie was the most impressive Saturday, carrying 13 times for 87 yards. He showed good speed and nice vision, however he did run behind the first team offensive line who was going against the second team defensive line. Allen is going to be outstanding in my opinion. He has the type of explosive speed and quickness that Notre Dame hasn't had in an awful long time. Thomas runs hard and likes contact, but he does have a little wiggle if needed. Aldridge is similar to Thomas, he's more of a power back but does have some nice speed.
Corwin Brown's new defense looked quite good in the spring game. The defensive backs played tight man-to-man coverage and didn't allow anyone to beat them deep, something that happened far too often the past two years. Linebacker Toryan Smith played very well, I thought, as did fellow linebacker Joe Brockington. I think it's obvious that Brown has brought a new intensity to the defense, a passion that was missing under the previous regime. They might not all be great players on defense, but if you play with excitement and passion, that can make up for a lot of shortcomings.
We didn't get a real good look at special teams in the game, there were no kickoffs and punts were automatically fair caught. We did see, however, that the place kicking still leaves something to be desired. Nate Whitaker had an extra point blocked, then was able to retry it and missed it wide to the left. Ryan Burkhart made his only field goal attempt from 23 yards and an extra point. The kicking game will be of great concern all summer, until we see if either of these two can consistently make kicks from 40 yards in.
The four quarterbacks in competition to replace Brady Quinn at quarterback were muzzled by head coach Charlie Weis. Only 24 passes were thrown combined among the four. We really didn't learn anything we didn't already know about them.
Jimmy Clausen, the star freshman, looked the most poised and calm in leading his team. He made the best throw of the day when he hit Robby Paris on a 13 yard out pattern right at the sideline.
Demetrius Jones completed 3-6 passes but many were overthrown or behind the receiver, including one that was picked off by David Bruton and returned for a touchdown. However, he did make a great play on a 3rd and long situation when he tucked the ball and took off for a 31 yard gain. I was very impressed by his speed, I just don't know if he fits Weis' offense.
Evan Sharpley had the most impressive stats (5-7, 31 yards) and has the most experience in the system. It looked to me like he was one of the top two quarterbacks along with Clausen.
Zach Frazer went 0-4 passing but he did make a nice throw to Richard Jackson in the endzone that was dropped. He has a very strong arm but didn't stand out in this particular practice/scrimmage.
The running back position appears to have both quality and quantity. I thought all four backs: Travis Thomas, James Aldridge, Armando Allen, and Junior Jabbie have the ability to contribute this season. Jabbie was the most impressive Saturday, carrying 13 times for 87 yards. He showed good speed and nice vision, however he did run behind the first team offensive line who was going against the second team defensive line. Allen is going to be outstanding in my opinion. He has the type of explosive speed and quickness that Notre Dame hasn't had in an awful long time. Thomas runs hard and likes contact, but he does have a little wiggle if needed. Aldridge is similar to Thomas, he's more of a power back but does have some nice speed.
Corwin Brown's new defense looked quite good in the spring game. The defensive backs played tight man-to-man coverage and didn't allow anyone to beat them deep, something that happened far too often the past two years. Linebacker Toryan Smith played very well, I thought, as did fellow linebacker Joe Brockington. I think it's obvious that Brown has brought a new intensity to the defense, a passion that was missing under the previous regime. They might not all be great players on defense, but if you play with excitement and passion, that can make up for a lot of shortcomings.
We didn't get a real good look at special teams in the game, there were no kickoffs and punts were automatically fair caught. We did see, however, that the place kicking still leaves something to be desired. Nate Whitaker had an extra point blocked, then was able to retry it and missed it wide to the left. Ryan Burkhart made his only field goal attempt from 23 yards and an extra point. The kicking game will be of great concern all summer, until we see if either of these two can consistently make kicks from 40 yards in.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Scout Top 100 is Out
Scout.com has released their first installment of the top 100 high school football players for the class of 2008. Notre Dame has received verbal commitments from three of the top 100: tight end Kyle Rudolph, linebacker Anthony McDonald, and defensive tackle Sean Cwynar. To see the full list go to http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=4&pid=88&yr=2008.
Notre Dame is in good shape with several other top 100 players including WR Michael Floyd, LB's Darius Fleming and Steve Filer and have a shot at many other top 100 players. This class is shaping up to be the best yet for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. The Irish already have seven verbal commitments, all from very good football players, some of which are in the top 100. The offensive line class is 1/2 complete with Mike Golic and Braxton Cave. The defensive line is looking good, with a verbal from Cwynar and another possible commit coming soon in DT Brandon Newman. This could be the best group of linebackers Notre Dame has brought in in over 10 years if it pans out the way many think. David Posluszny (the younger brother of former two-time All-American Paul Posluszny of Penn State) and McDonald are committed and the Irish appear to be in good shape for Filer and Fleming and possibly Brendan Beal. Cornerback is looking solid again with much interest from two of the top players at that position in Robert Blanton and T.J. Bryant. When signing day comes in early February, I think this class will be in the top 10 nationally and a chance to be in the top five.
Quote of the Week: "We are more of a hardball team than a softball team, that is how we are significantly different from last year"- Mike Haywood, Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach. If you're an Irish fan, you've got to love that quote, maybe we'll see some ghosts of Lou Holtz this year. Check out the article at http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/sports/colleges/university_of_notre_dame/17090119.htm.
Notre Dame is in good shape with several other top 100 players including WR Michael Floyd, LB's Darius Fleming and Steve Filer and have a shot at many other top 100 players. This class is shaping up to be the best yet for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. The Irish already have seven verbal commitments, all from very good football players, some of which are in the top 100. The offensive line class is 1/2 complete with Mike Golic and Braxton Cave. The defensive line is looking good, with a verbal from Cwynar and another possible commit coming soon in DT Brandon Newman. This could be the best group of linebackers Notre Dame has brought in in over 10 years if it pans out the way many think. David Posluszny (the younger brother of former two-time All-American Paul Posluszny of Penn State) and McDonald are committed and the Irish appear to be in good shape for Filer and Fleming and possibly Brendan Beal. Cornerback is looking solid again with much interest from two of the top players at that position in Robert Blanton and T.J. Bryant. When signing day comes in early February, I think this class will be in the top 10 nationally and a chance to be in the top five.
Quote of the Week: "We are more of a hardball team than a softball team, that is how we are significantly different from last year"- Mike Haywood, Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Coach. If you're an Irish fan, you've got to love that quote, maybe we'll see some ghosts of Lou Holtz this year. Check out the article at http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/sports/colleges/university_of_notre_dame/17090119.htm.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Spring Football '07
Spring football for the 2007 Notre Dame football team is reaching it's halfway point. The big questions coming into the spring were: who is going to replace Brady Quinn at quarterback and how is new defensive coordinator Corwin Brown going to turn around the defense. Neither question has a definite answer at this point and likely won't until near the end of fall camp in August.
The quarterback battle between freshman Jimmy Clausen, sophomores Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer, and junior Evan Sharpley has gone well thus far according to head coach Charlie Weis, who wants to whittle the competition to two by the end of the Blue-Gold Game on April 21. By looking at the small amount of video available from practice it seems as though Sharpley throws the best looking ball, Clausen is the most accurate, Frazer has the strongest arm, and Jones has the best scrambling ability. It's anybody's guess right now on who will be the top two going into fall but my guess right now would be Clausen and Frazer.
Head Coach Charlie Weis hired Corwin Brown away from the New York Jets to replace Rick Minter as defensive coordinator for the Irish. He's only been with the program since January but his attitude and enthusiasm seem to have already taken hold. Brown will be changing the defense from a 4-3 alignment with four down lineman and three linebackers to a "3-4 Personnel" which Weis described as using a 3-4 alignment (three down lineman and four linebackers) while changing back and forth between odd and even fronts. This means the three lineman will always be down but one of the outside linebackers could put their hand down and rush the passer going from a three man or odd front to a four man, even front.
The biggest difference so far between Corwin Brown and Rick Minter aside from the scheme of the defense is personality. Brown has gotten rave reviews from nearly everyone on his energy and enthusiasm thus far. He was known as a great recruiter when he came to the Irish as he had been on Al Groh's staff at Virginia before coaching defensive backs for the Jets the last three seasons. He has not disappointed on this front, he's convinced some very good players like running back Robert Hughes from the class of 2007 to come to Notre Dame and he's got a great start on this year's class. He has also gotten much praise from the players on Notre Dame's defense for both his scheme and personality, which should make every Irish fan smile. If both of these questions are answered in a positive fashion, Notre Dame could be a very good football team come fall.
The quarterback battle between freshman Jimmy Clausen, sophomores Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer, and junior Evan Sharpley has gone well thus far according to head coach Charlie Weis, who wants to whittle the competition to two by the end of the Blue-Gold Game on April 21. By looking at the small amount of video available from practice it seems as though Sharpley throws the best looking ball, Clausen is the most accurate, Frazer has the strongest arm, and Jones has the best scrambling ability. It's anybody's guess right now on who will be the top two going into fall but my guess right now would be Clausen and Frazer.
Head Coach Charlie Weis hired Corwin Brown away from the New York Jets to replace Rick Minter as defensive coordinator for the Irish. He's only been with the program since January but his attitude and enthusiasm seem to have already taken hold. Brown will be changing the defense from a 4-3 alignment with four down lineman and three linebackers to a "3-4 Personnel" which Weis described as using a 3-4 alignment (three down lineman and four linebackers) while changing back and forth between odd and even fronts. This means the three lineman will always be down but one of the outside linebackers could put their hand down and rush the passer going from a three man or odd front to a four man, even front.
The biggest difference so far between Corwin Brown and Rick Minter aside from the scheme of the defense is personality. Brown has gotten rave reviews from nearly everyone on his energy and enthusiasm thus far. He was known as a great recruiter when he came to the Irish as he had been on Al Groh's staff at Virginia before coaching defensive backs for the Jets the last three seasons. He has not disappointed on this front, he's convinced some very good players like running back Robert Hughes from the class of 2007 to come to Notre Dame and he's got a great start on this year's class. He has also gotten much praise from the players on Notre Dame's defense for both his scheme and personality, which should make every Irish fan smile. If both of these questions are answered in a positive fashion, Notre Dame could be a very good football team come fall.
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