Notre Dame Football 2011: The Brian Kelly Era...Ascends?

• Tobias Fünke

  

  Ishaq's dad wore a Syracuse hat today, according to the interwebz.
  
  Here's a nice recruiting article:
  
  http://irish.nbcsports.com/2011/01/03/with-season-over-let-the-recruiting-games-begin/
• rock_knutne

  ^^^^Nice read. ND is sitting pretty with a lot of these prospects and hopefully Kelly and staff can close the deal!
• Tobias Fünke

  

  4. The Weis Factor
  It's official now. Charlie Weis, the former Notre Dame head football coach, will leave his offensive coordinator post with the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) once their playoff run truncates and jump to the University of Florida.
  
  Not only will Weis be joining the staff as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, but also jumping on board new Gator head coach Will Muschamp's coaching lineup is Frank Verducci - Weis' offensive line coach at ND in his final season there (2009) - and likely Charlie Weis Jr. as a student intern coach.
  
  The intrigue as it relates to Brian Kelly's football universe is Weis as a recruiter. No school poached Weis' recruiting classes at ND from 2005-09 more painstakingly and more painfully than Florida under Urban Meyer.
  
  And now?
  
  “The irony is that Charlie was very upset that Greg Mattison was badmouthing Notre Dame,” Lemming said of Mattison, a longtime defensive coach and lead recruiter at ND who joined Meyer's staff at Florida in 2005.
  
  “I don't think Charlie will badmouth Notre Dame, though. He's got too much class for that. He really didn't badmouth other schools when he was at Notre Dame. I see him simply pointing out the advantages of playing at Florida in a Weis pro-style offense.
  
  “The move is fantastic for Florida. He's a super-big name and an offensive guru type. He's also one of the great recruiters in college football. He had some weak spots on his recruiting staff, but he, himself, was very good.”
  
  The Muschamp-Weis union actually could have happened at ND. In the days before Weis was officially fired by his alma mater late in November in 2009, Weis did pitch the idea of ND hiring Muschamp and then staying on for the 2010 season - and the 2010 season only - as Irish offensive coordinator, according to two unnamed sources close to Weis and the process.
  
  According to the sources, Irish athletic director Jack Swarbrick listened to the idea with an open mind, but the concept lost traction before it gained much momentum.

  That would have been neat. But I am very happy with Brian Kelly.
• Mulva

  

  There are a lot of 7-8 win, slightly above average caliber teams on that schedule, but very few (and if Harbaugh/Luck leave possibly no) great ones. I would say with that schedule anything fewer than 9 regular season wins would be disappointing.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Mulva I think I can completely agree with that. But there are no slouches on that schedule yet again outside of Wake Forest and maybe Boston College.
  
  I posted this on another thread:
  

  Tobias Fünke;624550 wrote:Kyle Brindza, Notre Dame's 2011 all-american kicker, goes to the same school as UM's 2011 DE Brennen Beyer. He is 6'4 225 and runs a ~4.5-4.7 (depending the website). Beyer had Notre Dame as his #2 before he committed. Look for a bit of action there.

  
  Also Brian Kelly has an in-home visit with Chase Hounshell tomorrow.
• karen lotz

  

  Yeah Kelly tweeted this morning he was back on the recruiting road. I believe a dead period in recruiting ended today and there are a couple more in the coming weeks.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  A Notre Dame professors response to the Chicago Tribune. Wonderful stuff.
  

  
  On the Seeberg Tragedy and Notre Dame: A Rebuttal
  
  John F. Gaski, Ph.D. (N.D. ’71, ’73)
  
  Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame
  
  Notre Dame, IN 46556
  
  The University of Notre Dame is much too temperate and indulgent to say this, but I’m not—and it needs to be said: The Elizabeth Seeberg matter (i.e., recent suicide at St. Mary’s College after an allegation of misbehavior against a Notre Dame student) truly is a case of rape. Notre Dame is getting raped by the Chicago Tribune’s smear campaign, embodied by a couple of reporters on the make (three, if sportswriter David Haugh is considered a reporter) who cynically capitalize on an opportunity to enhance their rep at the school’s expense and by exploiting the Seeberg family’s grief. How far the “world’s greatest newspaper” has fallen. It would be difficult to sort out cause and effect but maybe this unhealthy tendency has something to do with the Trib’s circulation problems.
  
  Although a Notre Dame alumnus and employee, I represent only myself here as a Notre Dame admirer. In view of the Tribune’s recent reportorial provocations, I am compelled to comment. First, this “news” paper should have printed a page-one retraction and public apology for its initial false reporting to the effect that Notre Dame campus security personnel withheld the official alleged incident report from local police. The Trib’s false claim was based on an uncorroborated source which proved erroneous. In other words, the Trib sensationalized the story from the beginning by falsely creating the appearance of a cover-up. (Yellow journalists salivate over that concept, don’t they?) For the Trib not to confess and address this lapse merely confirms the existence of an intentional calumny against Notre Dame.
  
  Moreover, what do we now know for sure about the original incident? (A reader may wish to keep score of how the following jibes with existing perception as cultivated in the media.) Entirely lifted from publicly available, if unpleasant, information, and expressed as delicately as possible: (1) The Seeberg girl was consensually alone in a football player’s dorm room at night, on a campus not her own. (1a) According to the Tribune’s latest of December 16, she remained there in the room, again volitionally, for some time after the alleged incident occurred! (2) Even if Elizabeth Seeberg had lived, there likely would be no criminal case because the issue would then be only one person’s word against another’s, literally a he-said, she-said conundrum. (3) Bolstering the preceding point, significantly, is that the accuser in this instance had a history of psychiatric problems, actually among the most serious possible as confirmed by her subsequent demise. (4) Now we find that her testimony’s credibility is undermined further, according to information from the St. Joe County prosecutor, by some sworn statements inconsistent with phone records. It is very telling that the local prosecutor dropped this case in short order. (If you don’t like this recitation, then blame the Chicago Tribune, my primary source.)
  
  In contrast, the Trib’s reporting has consistently created an overall impression contrary to this factual litany, which strongly suggests non-journalistic motives. Yes, the Tribune does seem to try to spin these things a bit differently. To those worked up by the Trib’s self-consciously charged imagery of “sex crimes,” “sexual assault,” “sexual attack,” and “sexual battery,” if and when you become aware of exactly what the literal accusation was, you may be disappointed. Recall that sexual battery is essentially defined legally as “unwanted touching.”
  
  So if you really think the University of Notre Dame did something wrong in this matter, what is it? Insufficiently strict student discipline—at Notre Dame? Get serious. The prevailing external criticism, and praise from some quarters, is just the opposite. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
  
  More fundamentally, other than the circumstantial aspects such as reviewed here, you do not have the slightest idea what really happened in that dorm room. None of us do. It is simply impossible to know if a crime occurred. Keep in mind that the target university is constrained by law from publicly defending itself against the ongoing smear, or even providing information, and that the Tribune has reported falsely on this tragic story already. I submit that we have now succeeded in identifying one real victim, and the Chicago Tribune is the assailant.
  
  Another way, a completely accurate way, of looking at it: St. Mary’s College enrolled a student who was extremely mentally disturbed—and Notre Dame gets slimed. All it takes is one accusation of totally unknown validity. Compounding the irony and hypocrisy, why no Tribune muckraking investigation of St. Mary’s admissions practices? Let me guess. Not the same high-profile cachet or payoff for the Jimmy Olsens and their bosses?
  
  One more example of the Tribune’s tendentiousness is this (from its December 16 article): “Saint Mary’s—unlike Notre Dame—did not hesitate to provide documents and answer questions.” Now, really, do you suppose the difference might derive from the fact that the deceased was a St. Mary’s student, not a Notre Dame student? St. Mary’s is required by law to share information with parents; Notre Dame is prohibited from doing so with those who are not affiliated with the University, such as the Seebergs. Was this distinction lost on the Trib reporters? Of course not. They knew what they were doing and, whatever it was, it was not professional.
  
  Finally, with its phony cover-up gambit collapsing, the Tribune is now trying to stoke the impression of inordinate delay between the deceased girl’s September 1 police report and ND Security’s follow-up—insinuating that the sluggishness contributed to the suicide. However, the timeline the Trib is downplaying is that Miss Seeberg’s written report was not filed until September 6, while campus police began the effort to interview the accused on September 9. Not exactly crack police work to our amateur eyes maybe, or maybe it is, but not quite the same as the impression the Trib manufactured either, is it?
  
  Only with much reluctance do I bring all this up anywhere near the attention of the suffering Seebergs, but they made a decision to enter the crucible of public discourse by launching a very public attack on a revered institution of higher learning. Just because that school turns the other cheek does not mean its dedicated disciples have to do the same. “Betrayal,” the Tribune postures grandiloquently on behalf of the Seebergs. Look who’s talking.
  
  For the Seeberg family’s sake, we can hope they have not opened a Pandora’s Box about their poor child. Also for the same reason, the Seebergs should be reminded that abetting a campaign of vilification against a widely beloved institution can rightfully provoke backlash. Folks, when you publicly revile our school without confirmed substantive basis, you also defame everyone associated with it. At some point, hopefully from a safer emotional distance, the Seebergs will need to consider that. Likewise, the Tribune is served notice that some are not willing to acquiesce as its public punching bag indefinitely.
  
  No matter how much sympathy and good will Notre Dame partisans have for the Seebergs at their time of supreme grief, everyone has a limit and the Seeberg-Tribune alliance may be pushing a large mass of people up against it. Evidently, the paper and its reporters care little about such prospective consequences, but perhaps the Seeberg family should find time to reflect on what the Trib reporters’ true motives may be, and who their own truer friends are. Many of those friends will be found in the Notre Dame community.
  
  We surely, in fact eagerly, can give the Seebergs a pass for now, but it is past time for the Tribune to acknowledge its misconduct, ultimately built upon the original counterfeit report. Regardless, it is also timely for the Notre Dame world, collectively if not institutionally, to react against the Chicago Tribune in some appropriate way. (The price per copy has become rather high, hasn’t it?) Anti-journalistic assault upon a fine and honorable university, even if artificially cloaked in humane concern for a bereaved family, is a serious offense—a virtual depredation or rape. Without any unwarranted animosity toward the Seebergs, perhaps our side should show the Trib how seriously we take it. This note is but a necessary start. We can all regret that the Chicago Tribune’s behavior has made it necessary.

• Teabagger

  Apparently Kyle Rudolph is heading to the NFL. kinda sucks, but wish him the best!
• karen lotz

  

  http://twitter.com/#!/NDatRivals/status/22487310213849088
  

  Sources tell Irish Illustrated that Kyle Rudolph will skip his senior year at ND and declare for the NFL draft with an agent already picked.

• killer_ewok

  

  Shit. Best wishes.
• karen lotz

  

  Yeah he is pretty much guaranteed to go in the first round. At least one TE has been taken in the first round every draft since 1999 and Rudolph is the highest ranked TE in the draft. Hopefully he is able to continue the recent success Notre Dame TEs have had in the NFL.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Am I the only one here who isn't really bothered by Kyle Rudolph's departure? Don't get me wrong, he is a stud and he breaks plenty of tackles from his sheer size. But I think Eifert is arguably a better pass catcher based on his ability to get down the field and maybe a better acceleration.
  
  Losing Floyd hurts much more than losing Rudolph. Unfortunately they are both as good as gone.
• rock_knutne

  Tobias Fünke;626068 wrote:Am I the only one here who isn't really bothered by Kyle Rudolph's departure? Don't get me wrong, he is a stud and he breaks plenty of tackles from his sheer size. But I think Eifert is arguably a better pass catcher based on his ability to get down the field and maybe a better acceleration.
  
  Losing Floyd hurts much more than losing Rudolph. Unfortunately they are both as good as gone.

  
  It sucks losing Rudolph to the draft but I'm with you on Eifert, he's shown he's more than capable of filling the position.
  
  Also, agree about Floyd but I'm a little more optimistic he comes back for his senior year.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Recruiting news:
  
  -Kelly made a flight out to Oregon to visit Brennen Scarlett at his high school yesterday. He was selected as an Army All-American and will be at the game, but he has not been practicing due to collar bone surgery.
  
  -As previously stated, Kelly visits Ohio's Hounshell today with an in-home visit.
  
  -Ishaq Williams is scheduled to announce Saturday at the All-American game (between Notre Dame, Penn State, and Syracuse....it's 'cuse vs. ND though), but rumors persist that he may wait and take a Miami visit just to be sure.
  
  -Michigan's 2011 OT Jacob Fisher (6'7 270lbs) has heard from Notre Dame and Oregon about reopening his commitment, and is considering it. He is a three-star recruit on rivals, and a four-star recruit on scout. He has offers from the Michigan MAC schools, Michigan State, Michigan, and Cincinnati as of this moment. He has played TE up until this season, so he is still very much learning the ropes. His size and quick feet = OT stud, if he's coached well and developed.
• karen lotz

  

  http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010511aaa.html
• Tobias Fünke

  

  As a former political science major, let me put some spin on this as to why Notre Dame will be just fine at TE.
  
  Eifert - 27 catches, 352 yards, 13.0 average
  Rudolph - 28 catches, 328 yards, 11.2 average
  
  So basically Eifert had one less catch and yet more yards....and ~30% of Rudolph's yards came on one play.
  
  
  In reality it sorta sucks. I hope the Browns get him, but then again I think they need a dynamite receiver to stretch the field.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Brian Kelly and Ed Warinner (the OL coach) visited Chase Hounshell and came away with an OV set for Jan 22. Nice work by the coaches.
  
  
  Also, I think I know why Dan Wenger gets concussions. I mean I was an OG back in the day and blocked with my head ad nauseum. But Jesus Christ hahaha
  
  
• karen lotz

  

  That can't all be from football.
• rock_knutne

  Tuitt has been looking good at the Army All american practices:
  
  http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/recruiting/notre-dame-football-recruiting/3930-tuitt-dominates
  
  This guy could be the dominating force ND needs on the Dline.
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Anyone else stay awake at night thinking how glorious having Lynch and Tuitt as DE's would have been? hahah
  
  Brennan Scarlett will announce 1/13. The final five: Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, and Stanford.
• Crimson streak

  

  I'm with ya Tobias it still kills me lynch decommited
• Tobias Fünke

  

  Rumor has it the NFL advisory committee told Floyd he'd be a 3rd/4th round draft pick. This class is LOADED and he's not the fastest guy in the world, just a tremendous physical receiver.
  
  Best news I've heard in weeks!
• SJBlueJay20

  Tobias Fünke;626068 wrote:Am I the only one here who isn't really bothered by Kyle Rudolph's departure? Don't get me wrong, he is a stud and he breaks plenty of tackles from his sheer size. But I think Eifert is arguably a better pass catcher based on his ability to get down the field and maybe a better acceleration.
  
  Losing Floyd hurts much more than losing Rudolph. Unfortunately they are both as good as gone.

  I'm not bothered by the loss of Rudolph either, which is somewhat scary considering he's arguably the top tight end in the country/NFL draft. This is due to the fact that Eifert proved more than capable once he took over the starting role when Rudolph went down. I don't know whether Eifert's a better receiver than Rudolph, but he is faster and I feel is a better fit as a spread tight end. Where Rudolph is superior to Eifert is his run blocking ability. Once he tore his hamstring ND would use Ragone a lot in running situations. Overall losing Rudolph won't hurt as much as Floyd (who I believe isn't 100% out the door yet due to displeasure at his early draft projection in the 3rd round) in part because the Irish have good depth at the TE position in Eifert, Ragone who's eligible for a 5th yr, Jake Golic, Alex Welch who was highly touted out of high school and the staff frequently speaks highly of, and incoming freshman Ben Koyack. [
  
  Losing Floyd will hurt, as he's a game changer the likes of which ND has no current replacement for. He finally began to mesh well with Kelly's offense the last month of the season, while I think BK utilized him better, moving him around to create mismatches and get him the ball in space. Whatever he decides I wish he and Rudolph well, but gosh I, like all ND fans really hope he comes back.
• rock_knutne

  Tobias Fünke;627981 wrote:Anyone else stay awake at night thinking how glorious having Lynch and Tuitt as DE's would have been? hahah

  Crimson streak;627996 wrote:I'm with ya Tobias it still kills me lynch decommited

  
  I think Prince Shembo has shown he has the raw skills to be a beast at DE. The kid had a very good freshman year and he's still learning.
• vball10set

  wow--I thought he was a second rounder at worst...good news for ND however