Category: Football

Notre Dame kicked off Spring Practice 3/20/2013 and Kelly has given a few press conferences which you’ll find all over the ND sites. One of his interesting comments concerned Special Teams.

He noticed that Alabama’s Special Teams had ALL starters on every ST so he’s thinking of copying that – I don’t agree with that since most injuries occur on ST’s and most starters don’t want to have anything to do with it.

There is no reason the 2nd teamers couldn’t handle that with the exception of punt and kickoff returners. And Bama has so much depth they don’t have to worry about injuries.

Other notes of interest – the ILB’s at least starting now Calabrese and Grace handling Manti’s position.

The OL starters for now – Z. Martin, Watt, N. Martin(C) Hanratty and Lombard. 2nd team – Stanley, Heggie, Hegarty, Harrell and walk on Furlong. Elmer missed practice due to a Flu or something.

Of course all this could change and Kelly stated the most important position is Center – so look for a fierce battle between N.Martin, Harrell and Hegarty there.

Outside of ND 5 Star ILB Alex Anzalone is out of Spring ball with a shoulder injury at Florida.

Here’s a brief clip from und.com showing snippets of a practice – really nothing there and we really won’t see much else until the blue gold game on April 20th.

At the end of this month Spring Practice will begin. The Blue Gold Game is set for April 20, 2013.

I guess the biggest news reported by Irish Sports Daily is the departure of QB Gunner Kiel who reportedly has already cleaned out his locker. This is rather strange – one would think he would at least give Spring Practice a shot to see where he stood on the depth chart. After all he still has to sit out 2013 no matter where he goes. Golson has 3 more years while frosh Zaire has 4, Rees 1 and Hendrix could apply for a 5th year. Kiel is more of a Pro Set QB and it will be interesting to see where he lands – he is the type of QB that Brady Hoke of Michigan covets – a drop back QB. I’m sure he will not lack for suitors.

Other News:

Basketball player Joey Brooks 6’6″ 225 has been added to the football team roster – TE or WR I would guess.

Tate Nicols giant OL is medically unable to play – too bad but he was hurt his whole career.

Scholarship offers for 2014 going out rapidly – about 100 or so with 4 commits in the fold.

Ok – did good, all 23 commits have sent in their NLI’s. Had to wait awhile for Folston, but he signed up.

Now just waiting on Eddie Vanderdoes DL who will announce sometime tonight, would be the icing on the cake but I just don’t see it for ND.

All in all 23 great recruits for the 2013 class. Crown jewel – LB Jaylon Smith.

23 commits in and I would be happy at this point if we get 23 LOI’s. T. Folston RB looking shaky.

Wish List 2 DL:

1. Eddie Vanderdoes 6’3″ 310 would get significant playing time in 2013 BUT he will visit Alabama this weekend, Of course, Alabama has about 20 DL ahead of him. All bets are off if McCarron’s girlfriend escorts him around campus. My guess UCLA.
2. Kylie Fitts 6’4″ 260 think distance and cold big obstacles, although he too would probably play in 2013. My guess UCLA.

With that said, there must be some big 300 lb + Catholic HS players out there that would love to sign with ND – take a flyer and get a 3 star.