Notre Dame Football Blog

Senior to be TE Troy Niklas will fore- go his senior year and enter the NFL draft. Not at all surprised by this as he graded to go in the 2nd round. Niklas is one big dude 6’7″ and about 280 lbs–he’ll take the $$$$ now and come back later for his degree–hell the Pros may even make a DE out of him in a 4 down front. So that leaves us with just one experienced TE–Ben Koyack, who I think will have a great year–finally living up to his potential.

ND should try to get Alex Welch back for a 5th year–think he was going to Miami Ohio. ND should really go after that Schultz kid much harder now.

Other News:

Devaris Daniels WR suspended for Spring semester–something just did not click with this kid. Question is–more to come?

Recruiting–DL commit Matt Dickerson 6’4″ 265 flipped to UCLA ( who continued to recruit him in the down period) UCLA just another dirty player in the college game. What is more disturbing is ND confirmed their commitment even after he fractured his lower back–for a 4 year ride. With that type of injury he would probably not see playing time for 2 years–if ever. Don’t like to lose guys–but this could have been a wasted scholarship.

So a few other slots open up for the 2014 class.

What the hell is taking so long in confirming VanGorder as DC!!!!! We need this guy recruiting like today.

Junior Stephon Tuitt declares for the draft and skips Senior season with the Irish. Really no surprise here–just too tempting $$$ and why risk a serious injury–think Navy cut blocks.

While Tuitt was recently graded as a 2nd round pick, I think he will slide into the 1st round–if he can prove he has a tough streak to them–just wait til they see this guy up close. No degree–hey just take the dough now and come back later for the degree ala Clausen.

Sorry to see him go and wish him the best.

ILB Nyles Morgan 6′ 2″ 230 lb. from the Chicago area selects Notre Dame and bumps the class up to 23. ND right now is basically out of spots and any further add on’s would impact certain players hoping for a 5th year.

Morgan is a 4-5 Star recruit and joins Greer Martini and Nile Sikes to fill the depleted ILB positions. Jarrett Grace would be the only starter at ILB – if he recovers from a broken leg. So Morgan could get early playing time and if current redshirt Michael Deeb can grab the spot opposite Grace in the Spring, the Irish can work in 1-2 of the freshman into the mix and build some depth.

WR/DB Isaiah McKenzie – speed – is just awaiting the academic ok and that could complete this class. OT Braden Smith still out there–just can’t get enough OL, so I would make a spot for him.

Nyles Morgan Highlight Reel

Good grief!!! How is it possible to gain 494 yds and have to rely on 5 FG’s to beat an awful Rutgers team on a field that looked like it was transported directly from ND to Yankee Stadium? Sure, this is a baseball field but come on – it’s the Yankee’s we’re talking about.

ND was it’s usual lethargic self and didn’t realize they had to actually play til the 4th quarter where they pounded the ball on the ground with McDaniel 80 yds and Folston 73 and a TD. Kyle Brindza, my MVP with 5 FG’s but Zach Martin a close 2nd.

Play calling offense – this was Kelly all the way – he continued to call east west running plays even though the field was so bad the backs couldn’t cut. Finally dawned on Kelly to run N-S. Denbrock had a good seat to watch the game though.

More amazing – we only had one OL – Mark Harrell to sub in case of an injury. I can see not burning a year but come on – at least one of the Frosh recruits outside of Elmer could have contributed. Then again, all the ND games are so tight it was difficult for subs to get any playing time.

Defense – bend/break utilized again and that takes Kerry Cooks off the board as new DC. Reports coming out that NY Jets LB coach Brian VanGorder will be named as the new DC as early as tomorrow. Present coaches in trouble – Cooks, Elston and Elliott – look for them to go with Diaco or Martin.

Van Gorder has experience in both college and pros and likes a more aggressive approach. He’s gotta be good if he works with HC Rex Ryan whose father created the famous 46 Defense when with the Chicago Bears. This would be a very good hire plus he’s worked with Kelly before.

On offense – I think Kelly will be his own OC with maybe an assist from Denbrock. Just can’t imagine anyone with OC creds working for Kelly, who as everyone knows is a genius.

So we finish the year 9-4, we treaded water just waiting for Golston who spent the season with a QB guru who waved a broom in his face to help him pass, Golson also learned that a QB has more control of passes with fingers on the laces – gee didn’t know that. Holy Montana!!!!

This and That:

• Tuitt: don’t get him – played hard once in awhile and he is no Bubba Smith. Couldn’t figure out if he was just doing whatever he could to avoid injury but this was the game he could have impressed pro scouts with a dominating performance – didn’t happen. He goes Pro.
• Troy Niklas: TE projected a 2nd round pick – think that’s worth 4-5 Mil – he goes Pro also. He’s huge and really has nothing more to prove – why tempt fate.
• George Atkinson – disqualified from bowl game, team infraction. This is a disgruntled player who’s father chips in snide statements – he transfers and takes his brother with him.
• 2014 Season – tough schedule and Kelly just has to hope Golson explodes. Many forget how awful he was at times – replaced by Rees with games on the line.
• Tommy Rees – ultimate ND guy and ultimate team player finished ahead of Powlus with 7000 yards and 61 career TD passes – thanks for all you did kid. He just might be taken by a Pro Team as maybe a 3rd team backup – hope so, a few $$ in his pocket and further learning experience for his resume as a future football coach.
• Michigan got blasted in their Bowl Game by KSU and their 100 year old coach.
• Charley Molnar – former ND OC fired as HC at Umass after 2 wins in 2 years. Don’t know whether that’s fair or not – no one could turn that program around in 2 years.
• Rutgers – gotta feel bad for them as they now become a perennial doormat in the Big Ten – what the hell were they thinking!!!

Happy New Year All !!!!

This should be an easy game for the Irish – you know like a 4 TD win, but in all likelihood it won’t. Las Vegas has ND by 14 1/2 pts and if I was going to bet this game I’d take Rutgers and the points.

I think we are going to see a re run of the Pitt, Purdue, Navy and Temple games with bad play calling and never getting to the QB. Wish I could be more optimistic but Kelly plays “not to lose” football – just squeak by and finish 9-4. The only problem with that is you eventually piss away games, letting inferior opponents stay in the game when you should have finished them off in the first half. It also sets you up, once again, with having Tommy Rees carrying the load and putting winning the game on his shoulders.

What does Rutgers have? Not much except they are something like number 4 in Rush defense and ND just can’t run that well. The ND OL outweighs the Rutgers DL by about 50 lbs. per man – ND should be able to blow these guys off the line easily.

We will see what Kelly is doing very early – like if Folston doesn’t start. If we see any other back start, Kelly playing not to lose. Every team Rutgers played lit them up passing, so even if Rees throws his usual 2 picks ND should be able to pass them blind if we get any type of running game going. Good opportunity to see what Denbrock brings as OC – just a little imagination. If it’s the same old same old it means Kelly is still calling the plays.

This game should be a rout like a 45-10 final score – but ND continues to play down to the competition, guess saving it for Fla. State in 2014.

Final Score: Notre Dame 31 Rutgers 24

Good news for Notre Dame fans – weather in NYC for Saturday 44 degrees, sunny with wind 7 mph. Good football weather – good passing weather. Hope ND shows up with a running game and really hope Tommy Rees has a great game to cap a turbulent career. Who would have thought that Tommy would end up 2nd in the all time records in TD passes, behind only Brady Quinn.

Other news on ND Football – 3 under grads submitted for Pro Football evaluations:

• Tuitt – expected and he’s gone.
• TE Troy Niklas – big dude, had a good year and believe if he’s projected in 1st 5 rounds–he too goes. Pro’s looking for Size and he has it.
• RB George Atkinson – slight surprise here but the handwriting on the wall – world class speed but that’s all. Straight up runner, no cutting ability and no hands – I don’t think he would jump the top 3 RB’s in 2014 – Folston, Bryant or McDaniel.. So why stay? For the ND diploma, he’s going to need that. I just don’t see him getting drafted although some NFL team may take a flyer in last round for his speed alone.

I think for Tuitt and Niklas they just look at all the injuries and decide to take the $$$ now and come back for the diploma.

Banquet Weekend roaring success for prospects on campus. Visit produced 2 linebackers:

# 21– Kolin Hill 6’2″ 230 from Texas.

# 22– Nile Sykes 6’2′ 230 from Montini Catholic in Illinois

Finally # 23 Tyler Luata 6’4″ 230 Tight End from California. Picked Notre Dame over Alabama where his brother plays.

So we are almost done for 2014–really need prospect NG Elam from Kentucky to hopefully pull the trigger for ND.

Thought this would happen last year, so this news is really not unexpected – timing off but that’s what happens these days. Apparently UCONN first offered job to Michigan State DC Pat Narduzzi and he declined. I wanted Narduzzi at Notre Dame – doubt that will happen now, guess it’s a good HC job he’s only interested in. Don’t see anyone on Kelly’s staff that should be promoted – just hope he doesn’t go after a “bend but don’t break” DC.

I was not a big fan of Diaco except for his recruiting ability – speaking of – he just visited with DL commits Trumbetti and Hays and led them to believe he was staying. Kelly better go see them asap.

So we play Rutgers in a few weeks without an OC or DC – not concerned with offense as I believe Kelly called the plays. Rutgers also shorthanded as they already fired 3 Asst Coaches.

For those wondering about Tuitt going Pro – no doubt in my mind. Just think Navy and cut blocks and his decision easy.

Although I was not a fan of Martin or Diaco, I do hope they succeed as Head Coaches.

Rutgers edged into the PSB game by beating South Florida 31-6 and ending up with a 6-6 record. And game was played in frigid weather. Obviously an up and down year for them and 2 asst. coaches were just fired. Rutgers is not that good, but then again they’re not that bad either. Had QB problems all year and for their last game re-inserted their senior QB who did well.

A look at their schedule reveals both good and bad – lots of turnovers. First game of the year against Fresno State a 52-51 loss in OT. Fresno State finished 11-1 and will play USC in a Bowl Game. Rutgers also had a 3 OT win 55-52 over SMU. They beat Arkansas 28-24, played Louisville close losing 24-10. And our only common opponent – Temple, they won 23-20. Seems long ago but ND beat Temple 28-6 – it was closer than the final score.

So what can we expect? Rutgers will not roll over for ND, they can play in cold weather and Yankee Stadium is right up the road. And these guys are really jazzed to play ND and play in a Bowl Game – like nothing better than to knock big time program off – and they can do it.

We all know ND plays down to their competition and again remember we only scored 5 more points against Temple than they did. Every game we all wonder what ND team shows up – if like Pitt we are in for a shocking upset. I’d rather play LSU.