Category: Notre Dame Football

The Athletic’s Top 25 CFB Coaches Throws Love to Brian Kelly

Win a huge game or heck, just go a year without getting blown out against a marquee opponent.

I’ve been more of a supporter of Brian Kelly than many on the internet. I know, shocking that that Twitter or any other social media outlet goes negative.

But when you compare Kelly’s run to where things were just a decade ago it’s worthy of praise while also being aware there is still room for improvement.

Win a huge game or heck, just go a year without getting blown out against a marquee opponent.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic released his 25 best coaches in college football Thursday morning and Brian Kelly checked in at number eight. Here’s what Feldman said about Kelly:

The 58-year-old has had a good long run at a place that often burns guys out after a few years. The Irish are 33-6 in his last three seasons. His teams have gotten blown out a bunch of times on big stages — Michigan beat Notre Dame by 31 last season, Clemson hammered them by 27 the year before and Miami crushed them by 33 the year before that — but overall he’s proven to be one of the best coaches in college football.

What does it mean?

Nothing but it is noteworthy when you see the likes of Jim Harbaugh and Paul Chryst 10 spots behind him.

What’s more important or meaningful to me is closing the gap to the truly elite. An uptick in recruiting would help that as would winning one of these marquee matchups instead of just playing a team like Georgia close.

Watch: Brian Kelly Meets with Media Following First Spring Practice

Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly meets with the media following the Irish’s first spring practice of 2020.

It’s official, the 2020 season has kicked off with the first spring practice, and Brian Kelly met with the media following the workout.

Kelly addressed many topics including the newest additions to his coaching staff in CB coach Mike Mickens and TE coach John McNulty, players who will be limited in spring as they nurse injuries, Kevin Austin’s potential, Ian Book’s leadership qualities and much more.

There is now a 12-day break between the next practice, which is scheduled on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, a fitting time for the Fighting Irish to get back on the field.

What to Watch For During Notre Dame’s Spring Practices

Notre Dame begins their preparation for the 2020 season today, these are a few things to watch for during the Irish’s spring practices.

The Fighting Irish return to the field today, as Brian Kelly start his team’s preparation for the 2020 season with high expectations. Notre Dame is viewed as one of a handful of teams that could compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff but that doesn’t mean the Irish do not have questions to be answered this spring. Here are a few things to watch over the next month finishing with the Blue-Gold game on April 24th.

Who will emerge as options on offense?

The Irish return everyone on the offensive line and QB Ian Book but they lose starters RB Tony Jones Jr, WR’s Chase Claypool and Chris Finke and TE Cole Kmet. Every single skill position on the offensive side of the ball will have competition to replace the departed starters and the spring should be telling as who will be in contention for playing time in the fall. In the backfield, Jahmir Smith and Jafar Armstrong will battle it out for the feature back role. By adding graduate transfer Ben Skowronek will soften the blow, but look for Braden Lenzy, Lawrence Keys and Michael Young to fight for playing time. Early enrollees Jay Brunelle and Xavier Watts didn’t leave high school early for nothing, they both will be looked at options out wide as well. The tight end group will feature Tommy Tremble and Brock Wright fighting in the spring for reps.

Where will the sacks come from on the defensive line

Julian Okwara, Jamir Jones and Khalid Kareem combined to account for 14 sacks last year and their production will have to be replaced by multiple players. Daelin Hayes, Isaiah Foskey, Ovie Oghoufo, Justin Ademilola and Adetokunbo Ogundeji return so there is some experience but its more about production then experience.  If Ogundeji continues his impressive play from late last year, all of his 4.5 sacks came in the last 3 games, then this might be a moot point.

Ian Book’s backup

The senior leader took the majority of snaps last year and with backup Phil Jurkovic transferring to Boston College, there is some concern if something happens to Book. At the current moment, rising sophomore Brendon Clark is the backup, but he has only attempted two career passes. Drew Pyne saw this lack of depth as an opportunity, as he enrolled early and will try to impress the coaching staff. Whoever ends up as the backup this year will have a leg up when it comes to the starting spot in 2021.

Which of the early enrollee’s will stand out

Three of the early enrollees have already been mentioned in Brunelle, Watts and Pyne, but there were five others that will participate in this spring: DB Caleb Offord, athlete Ramon Henderson, DE’s Alex Ehrensberger and Rylie Mill and LB Jordan Botelho. At least a few of these freshman will turn heads this spring and potential set themselves up to see playing time this season.

These are just a few of many things to watch for this spring when the Irish hit the field. What are you most interested in seeing?

Breaking: OG Crippen Decommits from Notre Dame’s ’21 Recruiting Class

Florida OG Greg Crippen decommits from Notre Dame’s 2021 recruiting class.

Brian Kelly had gotten off to a great start to the 2021 recruiting cycle, up to today he had 8 total commits. However, with developing news that offensive guard Greg Crippen decommitting, the class now sits at one less player.

Crippen is a high thought of prospect, as evidenced by his offer list of Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, USC and others, will not take any interview requests now. He had committed to the Irish almost a year ago, on March 27th, had a change of heart in that time frame.

The decommitment leaves the class with just one other offensive lineman, in-state tackle Blake Fisher, but with plenty of time until the early signing period, Crippen’s decision won’t hurt the Irish as much. The Florida star will focus on his development, with recruiting taking a back seat, but don’t expect a reunion between Notre Dame and Crippen

Incoming Notre Dame OL Recruit Carmody Suspended for Action on Court

Notre Dame incoming freshman OL Michael Carmody suspended for actions during basketball game.

It was not what Michael Carmody envisioned prior to facing off against a player he had the distinct size advantage, but regardless what transpired for the incoming Notre Dame Football player will leave a bitter mark on his basketball career.

Carmody’s Mars team faced off against Laurel Highlands, with his individual matchup against Rodney Gallagher, one where he had an 8-inch height advantage while weighing over 140-pounds more, consistently complained about the officiating according to Kevin Gorman of Pittsburgh’s Tribune-Review. When the game concluded, Carmody immediately rushed the official to complain about a no-call then kicked the ball in the direction of Highlands’ celebration at midcourt.

It is clear that Carmody kicked the ball, Gorman, who was on hand saw Carmody’s father Rob, the coach, immediately reprimand his son for his behavior. The actions resulted in a two game suspension, and although Carmody appealed it today and issued an apology, it is unknown if the suspension will be reduced.

Regardless of how the WPIAL board and administration ultimately handle the situation, it is a terrible look for Carmody. In just a few months, he will be arriving in South Bend and think about how a reaction like this would look like on a Saturday in Notre Dame Stadium. A potential 15-yard personal foul penalty or an ejection could conceivable happen if Carmody loses his cool again. Carmody will have to keep his emotions under wraps better going forward because this surely won’t be the last time he faces off against an opponent that gets under his skin.

Watch: Miles Boykin on Love for Notre Dame and Irish Naysyaers

Years later he has somewhat of an appreciation for those Notre Dame “haters” out there

Miles Boykin turned into a star player at Notre Dame as he was a large part of their offense that wound up 12-0 in the 2018 regular season and to date, been on Notre Dame’s only ever team to qualify for the College Football Playoff.

Boykin was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens a year ago and was part of the 14-2 Ravens who finished the regular season with the best record in the NFL. Boykin sat down with Campus Lore and shared what he loves most about the University of Notre Dame.

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You may recall during his time at Notre Dame it was revealed that the young man who grew up in Chicago’s south suburbs didn’t think very highly of Notre Dame until making a visit. Years later he has somewhat of an appreciation for those Notre Dame “haters” out there.

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Boykin finished his rookie year with 13 receptions for just under 200 yards while scoring three touchdowns.

Rivals Predicts Who Will Step Up for Notre Dame at TE

Rivals Mike Ferrell predicts who will be Notre Dame’s starting TE after Cole Kmet declared early to the NFL.

It seemed as if Cole Kmet was set to return to South Bend, but the allure of playing at the highest level, while being paid was too good of an opportunity for him to pass up. Kmet’s decision was a tough one, but the Irish churn out tight ends at a high rate and Rivals Mike Farrell predicts who will take over the vacant starting spot.

There are three names that will be bantered around who could replace Kmet, rising junior Tommy Tremble, soon to be senior Brock Wright and incoming freshman Michael Mayer. Farrell believes that it will be Tremble being able to “hold him (Mayer) off in 2020, but Mayer is too talented to keep off the field for very long.”

As the lone 5-star prospect in Brian Kelly’s 2020 recruiting class, Mayer has very high expectations when he arrives on campus this fall. It will be interesting to see how Kelly handles his star freshman, but Farrell “likes Mayer to impact as a true freshman and he could be special as a pass-catcher and downfield threat.”

We will find out soon who will be viewed as the starter out of the spring between Tremble and Wright, as the Irish hit the field tomorrow to begin spring practice. Mayer’s arrival in the summer will be a welcome addition and if Ferrell is correct, you’ll see him early and often this season.

California ’21 DB McCutcheon Schedules Notre Dame Visit

California ’21 DB McCutcheon will unofficially visit Notre Dame in early April.

In a report from Rival’s Mike Singer, class of 2021 defensive back Dyson McCutcheon will visit South Bend on April 4th. According to Singer’s report McCutcheon is also looking to lock in an official visit at some point in the future.

It may be difficult for the Irish to get McCutcheon away from USC’s grips, as his father Daylon played there from ’95-’98 before playing for the Cleveland Browns from ’99-’06. The Trojans have offered the California star, along with Arizona, California, Wisconsin and others.

A two-way player in high school, McCutcheon projects to play on the defensive side of the ball, but clearly if he wanted to try and play offense, the Irish staff would try and find him snaps on that side of the ball. Singer says that new CB coach Mike Mickens hasn’t been in contact but that will surely change in the near future. The Irish have a real chance with McCutcheon, and getting him on campus multiple times prior to either signing period is a very encouraging sign.

Notre Dame Offers Two ’21 Defensive Backs

Notre Dame Football offers CB Dreyden Norwood and S Khari Gee.

The eleven o’clock hour this morning saw two offers go out to defensive backs, first Arkansas CB Dreyden Norwood. Having already held offers from Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas A&M, the Irish are getting in the mix for the 6’0” hundred- and seventy-pound corner.

Although Norwood played quarterback this year for Northside High School, he projects to play on the other side of the ball. Norwood looks like a natural with the ball in his hands, so when he does move over to defense, look for him to be able to take turnovers to the house.

It was safety Khari Gee’s turn a short time after Norwood, as the 6’3” 185-pound Georgian also has an impressive offer list. Clemson, LSU, and Michigan are a few of the offers Gee had prior to today and at the moment there is a lot of ground Brian Kelly will have to make up.

Gee released his Top 10 schools just last week, but this was clearly prior to the Irish offering the talent prospect. If Brian Kelly and his staff are able to convince Gee to visit, the Irish very much could sneak into the safety’s recruitment. The defender likes to come up and hit his opponents, often lineup up in the box and making plays You can see Gee do just that right here.

The Woodward Academy star is definitely a playmaker and with Notre Dame offering him a scholarship, hopefully he changes his Top 10 in the Irish’s favor.

ESPN Projects Notre Dame as Contender for College Football Playoff Berth

ESPN’s Heather Dinich names Notre Dame as contender for College Football Playoff berth.

Spring is upon us, with many college teams starting spring practice this week (the Irish start on Thursday) ESPN’s Heather Dinich previewed some of the team she believes will be in contention for a College Football Playoff berth. Dinich looked at ten teams, with Notre Dame being one of them and evaluated each time by looking at four different factors: Where they strand now, biggest obstacle, and what the committee will and won’t like.

The easiest one to project is where Brian Kelly’s team stands now, as Dinich notes that QB Ian Book returns along with the whole offensive line but believes that “those within the program know their margin for error is only one loss.”

The biggest obstacle Dinich believes are when the Irish travel away from South Bend, with three true road games and three neutral site games. Yes, Clemson will be the toughest game, but by looking big picture, Dinich makes a very solid point.

In the College Football Era it’s been difficult to judge what the committee will value more than the other. With that in mind, Dinich thinks if the Irish defeat both Wisconsin and Clemson, it would negate not having a conference championship attached to Notre Dame’s resume. She believes the committee won’t like close wins, due to having to “leave no doubt it’s (Notre Dame) one of the four best, and the only way to do that is win convincingly.”

Brian Kelly has led the Irish to one CFP berth, just two years ago in 2018 season, and there is plenty of hype coming into this year. There is a very real possibility that Notre Dame will be in the conversation for another opportunity to win a National Championship at the end of this year.