After the humiliating 1st round exit for the Irish basketball program, it's time to refocus ND From the Bleachers to our true calling - ND Football. Yesterday marked the start of Spring practice and there are dozens of potential topics to be discussed as Brian Kelly enters his first spring ball season.
5th-year Seniors
Before you knock it, try it. There is something to be said about the leadership and perspective a 5th-year senior can provide for the benefit of a young, inexperienced and talented football team. Therefore, I'm excited to welcome back Bobby Burger (FB), Barry Gallup (WR), Chris Stewart (OG), Dan Wenger (C/OG), and Darrin Walls (CB).
All these players will provide vital leadership in all aspects of the game. Look for Gallup to anchor the kick-off duties. Stewart and Wenger, mixed with our best lineman prospect Trevor Robinson, should anchor the interior of the line. Walls, if he can return to his pre-suspension form, will be a stalwart in the defensive back opposite Blanton.
Depth Chart
Brian Kelly publicly addressed the current lack of a spring depth chart, citing reasons of ongoing player evaluations. I think this is great for all parties. Kelly gets all spring to evaluate his talent. The players get all spring to prove themselves to the coaching staff. Bottom line, this keeps the competition open and drives players to be better. The Irish can use a fresh start.
Position Switches
The biggest publicized switch has been Theo Riddick from RB to WR. I think this is a great move for multiple players at multiple positions. The Irish are currently stacked at RB with Armando Allen, Robert Hughes, Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood, and are bare at WR experience. Duval Kamara, John Goodman, Shaquelle Evans, and Deon Walker are all battling for that starting spot beside Floyd. I expect John Goodman to win out, assuming he's not wasting his spring reps at QB. Otherwise, keep your radar on Shaquelle Evans.
Attitude
With a new coach comes a new approach to almost every facet, from running the overall program down to running every moment of practice. Kelly has approached this opportunity with vigor and passion - truly motivating his players. The most telling statistic is that not one player has transferred or left the Notre Dame program. That alone speaks highly of the character of Brian Kelly, and the type of program he is building. That also speaks volumes for the intensity and passion in the players - a no quit mentality.
Another notable quote from Kelly, per ESPN, was in regards to the stype of practice. Kelly extremely dislikes trash talking, fighting, and cheap hits. This is exactly the mentality that Notre Dame needs to rebound, and a complete 180 from the Weis regime. While Weis promoted individual development for the NFL, Kelly relies on unity and the concept of the team as the backbone to his program. I totally agree and am excited to see it pay dividends in the fall.
Leadership
Kelly singled out Chris Stewart, Kapron Lewis-Moore and Manti Teo as the off-season leaders in the weight room. I love all three of these players for their intensity and beastliness. Not to mention, they back up their words with action (take notes Brian Smith). I believe these are the guys you want taking charge. Spring ball is a chance for players to step up and show what they are made of.
I love the motto Kelly has penned for his spring practice: Buy In. While my heart tells me to drink the Kool-Aid, my mind and experience tells me otherwise. However, all these signs make me feel comfortable about the position of the Notre Dame Football program.
-DH
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Defense Wins Championships - Part II
Four weeks ago, I demanded that Mike Brey be fired, stating a plethora of facts about his lack of coaching ability, his team's inability to win, and the downward trend of the Notre Dame Basketball program over the last few years - namely Brey's failures come tournament time.
At that time, the Irish were 17-8 and right around 11th in the Big East. With a formidable schedule remaining, I, for one, announced the end to the Irish season as I bet without a doubt the Irish had no chance at and were undeserving of, an NCAA Tournament berth. However, the Irish rebounded (literally) from a double overtime loss to Louisville, reeling off four straight wins over quality opponents - bursting a bubble that was not their own (Connecticut)- while finishing 23-10, good for 7th in the Big East. Not to mention, the momentum willed the Irish to two more wins, almost reaching the finals in the Big East Tournament - a rarity during the Mike Brey era and a dream only four weeks ago.
Now, the Irish are set to take the stage in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, as a 6th seed vs. Old Dominion. Many Irish fans, myself included, beg the question: What happened? I believe the Irish came together, played together and showed a renewed focus on defense.
The most obvious change was the departure from the long frustrating "Move!" offense in which the Irish simply tried to outscore the opponent. The biggest problem with this style of play is that you rely entirely on shooting - which is unpredictable at best. The new scheme requires discipline, slowing down the pace of play, and involving all the players, ultimately finding the open shot. This is where the Irish found their strength.
Tory Jackson became the go-to guy and the floor leader, distributing the rock while placing more emphasis, and finding success, as an offensive threat. Hansbrough became a defensive stopper often receiving the tough defensive assignments while often finding daylight penetrating the lane. Nash has been a steady force inside and out, doing his work on the glass and at the line, as well as proving his versatility with some some action at point-forward. Abro is exceptional at finishing around the rim and has turned his early season success into a great distraction for opposing defenses. Scott has returned to provide much need athleticism, anchoring the middle of the Irish defense while cranking out double-doubles.
It's hard to believe these five are better without Harangody, but I actually believe it. Harangody is a great player, one of the best in Notre Dame and Big East history. However, it is very easy at the college level to score 20 a game attempting almost 30 shots a game. Harangody lost his team mentality, in my opinion taking shots because he "deserved" it, not because he was open. And on defense, he has never been a stellar player. He gets rebounds, but refuses to box anyone out to do so (most of his rebounds are off his own shots or defensive free throws).
All things considered, the patience and ball movement on offense often lead to a more open and efficient shot. On defense, the Irish can now buckle down and get a stop when they need to. All these things will be necessary for the Irish to find continued success - this season and beyond - under the leadership of Mike Brey (for better or for worse).
- DH
At that time, the Irish were 17-8 and right around 11th in the Big East. With a formidable schedule remaining, I, for one, announced the end to the Irish season as I bet without a doubt the Irish had no chance at and were undeserving of, an NCAA Tournament berth. However, the Irish rebounded (literally) from a double overtime loss to Louisville, reeling off four straight wins over quality opponents - bursting a bubble that was not their own (Connecticut)- while finishing 23-10, good for 7th in the Big East. Not to mention, the momentum willed the Irish to two more wins, almost reaching the finals in the Big East Tournament - a rarity during the Mike Brey era and a dream only four weeks ago.
Now, the Irish are set to take the stage in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, as a 6th seed vs. Old Dominion. Many Irish fans, myself included, beg the question: What happened? I believe the Irish came together, played together and showed a renewed focus on defense.
The most obvious change was the departure from the long frustrating "Move!" offense in which the Irish simply tried to outscore the opponent. The biggest problem with this style of play is that you rely entirely on shooting - which is unpredictable at best. The new scheme requires discipline, slowing down the pace of play, and involving all the players, ultimately finding the open shot. This is where the Irish found their strength.
Tory Jackson became the go-to guy and the floor leader, distributing the rock while placing more emphasis, and finding success, as an offensive threat. Hansbrough became a defensive stopper often receiving the tough defensive assignments while often finding daylight penetrating the lane. Nash has been a steady force inside and out, doing his work on the glass and at the line, as well as proving his versatility with some some action at point-forward. Abro is exceptional at finishing around the rim and has turned his early season success into a great distraction for opposing defenses. Scott has returned to provide much need athleticism, anchoring the middle of the Irish defense while cranking out double-doubles.
It's hard to believe these five are better without Harangody, but I actually believe it. Harangody is a great player, one of the best in Notre Dame and Big East history. However, it is very easy at the college level to score 20 a game attempting almost 30 shots a game. Harangody lost his team mentality, in my opinion taking shots because he "deserved" it, not because he was open. And on defense, he has never been a stellar player. He gets rebounds, but refuses to box anyone out to do so (most of his rebounds are off his own shots or defensive free throws).
All things considered, the patience and ball movement on offense often lead to a more open and efficient shot. On defense, the Irish can now buckle down and get a stop when they need to. All these things will be necessary for the Irish to find continued success - this season and beyond - under the leadership of Mike Brey (for better or for worse).
- DH
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