…A couple hours later the conversation resumes…
Jeff: It’s hard to classify those guys individually right now without knowing who is going to be “the” guy. Brock Wright would seem to most closely resemble the guys you mentioned, but I think we’re going to see all of these guys get involved next year. What we saw from Tremble catching the ball was just the tip of the iceberg. In Mayer and Bauman, you’re talking 2 of the top 6 ranked TEs in the Class of 2020. It’s really easy to be upset about Kmet leaving. But it’s just as easy to be excited about the potential that remains at the position. How do you think Kmet leaving changes the trajectory of the Notre Dame offense given there were “Eifert-like” expectations for next year?
Nick: it just makes me curious more-so about who picks up the slack. replacing Kmet is difficult now factor in Claypool as well (yes I know we were previously only talking about tight ends) but your two biggest weapons, especially on third down are gone. who is going to step up and not just be good but be a true difference maker like those two?
Jeff: Claypool was an awful lot better than expected after about who was going to fill in for Boykin last year. And for as good as Kmet was, his production wasn’t huge. I’m confident In the TE class returning. I’m confident they’ll find more weapons.
Jeff: Is there another school that churns out TEs like ND?
Nick: there are schools that have in spurts but as regularly as ND? I’m having trouble thinking of any. Miami went through a phase where Greg Olsen, Bubba Franks and Jeremy Shockey were all solid NFL players simultaneously. Others have strong pasts like Iowa whether it be Dallas Clarke, George Kittle or any of the several in-between that they’ve put in the league. But does anyone do it that well for as long as Notre Dame has? The answer is an overwhelming no if you ask me
Jeff: Yeah Iowa was the only consistent one I could think of. Going as far back as Marv Cook, some lesser knowns like Anthony Moeaki, CJ Fiedorowicz, Scott Chandler, Brandon Myers and now TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant to go along with Clark and Kittle like you mentioned.
Jeff: After we’ve had this mini “Cole Kmet is leaving” therapy session, where Is your concern level right now on a Scale 1-10, 1 being l least concerned? I’m at a 3 if that helps. But I was at a 7 without reflection after the announcement. And I do think it’s because of how likable a lot of these departing players like Kmet, Claypool, Elliott, Gilman, Kareem are and how important they have been in this next step of Notre Dame football history. Last year’s class was so likable too. Maybe I’m just getting sentimental in my old age.
Nick: I’m very high on this squad as we get set to enter the abyss before 2020 starts to really get broken down. Book comes back and that’s huge even if his two favorite targets are gone. The offensive line should be healthier next season and I’d assume better while the defense returns an absolute ton. Couple that all with a favorable schedule where only two true road games exist and there’s no reason to think this can’t be a team who is undefeated when potential 2x defending champ Clemson comes to town on November 7.
Jeff: I’m (redacted).
Jeff: Leave that out.
Nick: *crosses fingers* you got it!