Notre Dame Football: Brian Kelly
Surprisingly (OK, maybe not), Notre Dame did not land as many players on Phil Steele's preseason All-American team as it did on his preseason all-independent team.
The Irish did get two, however, as Tyler Eifert and Manti Te'o are among Steele's preseason first-team All-Americans. (Steele had 20 Irish players on his preseason all-independent team.)
Steele has been counting down a new school in his preseason top 40 each day, and on Thursday he revealed Notre Dame as his preseason No. 21 team, putting the Irish one spot ahead of Michigan.
Among the highlights of his 2012 forecast for the Irish.
The Irish did get two, however, as Tyler Eifert and Manti Te'o are among Steele's preseason first-team All-Americans. (Steele had 20 Irish players on his preseason all-independent team.)
Steele has been counting down a new school in his preseason top 40 each day, and on Thursday he revealed Notre Dame as his preseason No. 21 team, putting the Irish one spot ahead of Michigan.
Among the highlights of his 2012 forecast for the Irish.
- Steele expects the best production from the quarterback position in the three-year Brian Kelly era, regardless of who starts.
- He thinks the linebacking corp should be one of the best in the nation.
- He sees a win improvement from the previous two 8-5 campaigns, despite the challenging schedule.
A great turnout today for the chat. Thanks for stopping by. As always, you can re-live the fun in its entirety here.
Some highlights ...
Joe (Raleigh, N.C.): With 2 solid 8-5 seasons, why does everyone seem to be so pessimistic regarding Coach Kelly? Yeah, there are things that needs to improve such as turnovers, but again why does everyone have to be so negative.
Matt Fortuna (2:11 PM): For one, fan bases take on a dark mood when their teams struggle for so long. (Trust me, I grew up a Knicks fan.) To be more specific: The general feeling was last year's team had BCS potential and probably should have gone 10-2 or 11-1. Couple that with some big recruiting losses, a key transfer and a daunting 2012 schedule -- not to mention no QB answer -- and it's tough for many to see a big breakthrough in the near future.
Jeremy (Bloomington, Ind.): It seems to me the ACC sees the Irish as a means of survival, while the Big XII is interested in increasing their bottomline with Notre Dame's television appeal. While the same thing could be said about the Big Ten, I feel it is clear that that conference appreciates Notre Dame's history. If the Irish decide to join a conference, which one do you feel is the best fit?
Matt Fortuna (2:39 PM): I agree with you about halfway there, Jeremy. Let's not forget that Jack Swarbrick and Texas AD DeLoss Dodds talk often. And the conversations Dodds mentioned to CBSSports.com were about ND's Olympic sports, so it's not like the Irish football team would be playing more than maybe three Big 12 games a year. It's tough to say right now. Obviously the Big 12 looks more stable, but it's hard to see a move there not severely hurting ND's other sports, especially basketball. Not to mention that ND would always lose being the biggest voice in the room to Texas. If the ACC could find some more stability I think that presents an overall better option for the Irish.
Ryan (Chicago): Simple question: Why not Everett Golson?
Matt Fortuna (2:40 PM): You know, Ryan, you phrased that question as well as anyone I have talked to regarding the QB race. Why not, right?
Peyton (Rochester, Mich.): So if I am reading into the Big12 talks correctly, ND has an option to stay independent and join the B12 in their Olympic sports. I know the talks are early, but I am assuming that if the deal were made, we would have the B12 vs SEC bowl game tie-in. What is really stopping ND from making that move? I know the BigEast is a stronger overall athletic conference, but it would make more sense as we have actual rivals in the B12, Texas and IU. Is it that we don't want to seem desperate or let the moves of other universities have an effect on what our athletic department does. Or is this strictly our way of saying thank you to the BigEast for the unique contract that ND was award, considering some people blame ND for the recent BigEast troubles, cough cough Geno.
Matt Fortuna (2:57 PM): Peyton, good question about the Champions Bowl tie-in. I haven't seen that brought up yet and don't know how it would factor in, though I'd imagine ND would still be left out of that since it probably wouldn't be playing more than three Big 12 games. (The bowl, after all, is intended for the conference's champion.) As for why ND wouldn't do it? Again, it would strain the Olympic sports greatly. The men's hoops program as we know it would be done, lacrosse (which is in the final four this weekend for the second time in three years) would have to find a new conference ... there are just so many factors that get overlooked in conference realignment, not to mention the ridiculous travel costs and schedules these student-athletes would be going through while trying to study at a strong institution. The Big East has been great to ND in its other sports, and as long as the future of that conference is secure I see no reason ND should leave it.
Some highlights ...
Joe (Raleigh, N.C.): With 2 solid 8-5 seasons, why does everyone seem to be so pessimistic regarding Coach Kelly? Yeah, there are things that needs to improve such as turnovers, but again why does everyone have to be so negative.
Matt Fortuna (2:11 PM): For one, fan bases take on a dark mood when their teams struggle for so long. (Trust me, I grew up a Knicks fan.) To be more specific: The general feeling was last year's team had BCS potential and probably should have gone 10-2 or 11-1. Couple that with some big recruiting losses, a key transfer and a daunting 2012 schedule -- not to mention no QB answer -- and it's tough for many to see a big breakthrough in the near future.
Jeremy (Bloomington, Ind.): It seems to me the ACC sees the Irish as a means of survival, while the Big XII is interested in increasing their bottomline with Notre Dame's television appeal. While the same thing could be said about the Big Ten, I feel it is clear that that conference appreciates Notre Dame's history. If the Irish decide to join a conference, which one do you feel is the best fit?
Matt Fortuna (2:39 PM): I agree with you about halfway there, Jeremy. Let's not forget that Jack Swarbrick and Texas AD DeLoss Dodds talk often. And the conversations Dodds mentioned to CBSSports.com were about ND's Olympic sports, so it's not like the Irish football team would be playing more than maybe three Big 12 games a year. It's tough to say right now. Obviously the Big 12 looks more stable, but it's hard to see a move there not severely hurting ND's other sports, especially basketball. Not to mention that ND would always lose being the biggest voice in the room to Texas. If the ACC could find some more stability I think that presents an overall better option for the Irish.
Ryan (Chicago): Simple question: Why not Everett Golson?
Matt Fortuna (2:40 PM): You know, Ryan, you phrased that question as well as anyone I have talked to regarding the QB race. Why not, right?
Peyton (Rochester, Mich.): So if I am reading into the Big12 talks correctly, ND has an option to stay independent and join the B12 in their Olympic sports. I know the talks are early, but I am assuming that if the deal were made, we would have the B12 vs SEC bowl game tie-in. What is really stopping ND from making that move? I know the BigEast is a stronger overall athletic conference, but it would make more sense as we have actual rivals in the B12, Texas and IU. Is it that we don't want to seem desperate or let the moves of other universities have an effect on what our athletic department does. Or is this strictly our way of saying thank you to the BigEast for the unique contract that ND was award, considering some people blame ND for the recent BigEast troubles, cough cough Geno.
Matt Fortuna (2:57 PM): Peyton, good question about the Champions Bowl tie-in. I haven't seen that brought up yet and don't know how it would factor in, though I'd imagine ND would still be left out of that since it probably wouldn't be playing more than three Big 12 games. (The bowl, after all, is intended for the conference's champion.) As for why ND wouldn't do it? Again, it would strain the Olympic sports greatly. The men's hoops program as we know it would be done, lacrosse (which is in the final four this weekend for the second time in three years) would have to find a new conference ... there are just so many factors that get overlooked in conference realignment, not to mention the ridiculous travel costs and schedules these student-athletes would be going through while trying to study at a strong institution. The Big East has been great to ND in its other sports, and as long as the future of that conference is secure I see no reason ND should leave it.
Dexter Pittman has done the unthinkable: He has made himself less likable than Lance Stephenson.
- There are now 99 days between today and the 2012 college football season. Yesterday, we looked at the biggest stories, games and players leading into the campaign.
- Brian Kelly makes a cameo appearance in the Big East portion of coaches you love to hate.
- Colleague Andrea Adelson also has Kelly among the conference's biggest villains. (You can vote for the biggest).
- BlueandGold.com's Lou Somogyi looks at who could be Notre Dame's next college and pro football Hall of Famers.
- Andrew Owens wraps up the Irish's 2011 season from start to finish as part of The Observer's commencement issue.
"College Football Live" breaks down Notre Dame's schedule, its quarterback play, and its chances to play in a BCS game.
Rest in peace, Bill Stewart. So sad.
- In case you haven't noticed, it's coaches we love to hate week. Colleague Mark Schlabach kicks things off by explaining why we love to hate. (Neither Brian Kelly nor his predecessor are let off the hook here.)
- I'm guessing readers of this space won't agree with the sentiment, but Gene Wojciechowski says that USC coach Lane Kiffin is no longer hated the way he used to be.
- Ivan Maisel, meanwhile, takes a look back at Knute Rockne's rivalry with Michigan's Fielding Yost.
- Switching gears a bit here, FoxSportsSouth.com's Andrew Jones suggests that the ACC roll out the green carpet for Notre Dame.
- BlueandGold.com's Lou Somogyi takes a trip down memory lane with the Notre Dame recruiting class of 2008, which saw most of its players graduate this past weekend. (Lou also has a nice nugget in there on the correlation between Triple Crown winners and Notre Dame's success.)
It took less than one game into his second year at Notre Dame for Brian Kelly to draw the inevitable bull's-eye that comes with coaching the nation's most polarizing program.
Yes, a season-opening loss to South Florida, which was beginning its 11th season as an FBS program, was seen as unforgivable. But what really brought attention to South Bend, Ind., after one week was what happened on the sideline, as Kelly lost his temper on several occasions, turning purple in the face with anger and becoming fodder for national analysts and opposing fan bases after the Irish's five-turnover showing.
The National Catholic Register had strong words for Kelly's actions. During ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcast the following week, a fan in the Michigan crowd held up a picture of Kelly at his worst from a week before, with the admittedly funny caption: "UMad Bro?"
Kelly, for his part, admitted afterward that he needed to do a better job of knowing that the camera is on him at all times. Then came a fourth-quarter collapse at the Big House -- a game that featured five more turnovers -- and, well, who with a rooting interest in Notre Dame wasn't turning all sorts of different colors in the face after two early unthinkable losses doomed preseason expectations?
As the Sporting News' Matt Hayes wrote after the game:
Kelly isn't the first football coach to get mad on the sideline and he won't be the last. He ended up going the rest of the season without any sideline dust-ups like the ones in the opener -- even if his team's performances in losses to USC and Florida State gave him every reason to -- and he is generally as media savvy as any college football coach around. When I asked readers for their opinions on Kelly's demeanor earlier this year, the response was overwhelmingly one-sided: We don't care, so long as he wins games.
The pressures of any college head-coaching job is a stress none of us can imagine. Throw in the circumstances at Notre Dame -- with alumni and fans spread all over the nation, huge expectations despite a mediocre recent history and many more restrictions than other power schools -- and it's easy to see why one can lose his cool every now and then.
At Notre Dame, everything is bigger. You'll probably get too much blame for losing and, as we've seen in the past year, you'll get too much criticism for the way you handle yourself on game day. But, as we learned in the early years of Charlie Weis, that works the other way, too. Win games, and the narrative changes: Notre Dame's coach becomes the villain for an entirely different reason.
Yes, a season-opening loss to South Florida, which was beginning its 11th season as an FBS program, was seen as unforgivable. But what really brought attention to South Bend, Ind., after one week was what happened on the sideline, as Kelly lost his temper on several occasions, turning purple in the face with anger and becoming fodder for national analysts and opposing fan bases after the Irish's five-turnover showing.
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Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty ImagesBrian Kelly has been known to be a little intense on the sideline.
Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty ImagesBrian Kelly has been known to be a little intense on the sideline.Kelly, for his part, admitted afterward that he needed to do a better job of knowing that the camera is on him at all times. Then came a fourth-quarter collapse at the Big House -- a game that featured five more turnovers -- and, well, who with a rooting interest in Notre Dame wasn't turning all sorts of different colors in the face after two early unthinkable losses doomed preseason expectations?
As the Sporting News' Matt Hayes wrote after the game:
If I’m Brian Kelly, you know what I say?
@#$! you.
You want to coach this schizophrenic Notre Dame team? See how far you get without uttering a four-letter bomb.
The day Kelly becomes Ward Cleaver is the day Notre Dame looks for another coach. Until then, he’ll keep doing everything he can to win games – while on the sideline watching the unfathomable follow the unreal.
All of it against his Irish.
Kelly isn't the first football coach to get mad on the sideline and he won't be the last. He ended up going the rest of the season without any sideline dust-ups like the ones in the opener -- even if his team's performances in losses to USC and Florida State gave him every reason to -- and he is generally as media savvy as any college football coach around. When I asked readers for their opinions on Kelly's demeanor earlier this year, the response was overwhelmingly one-sided: We don't care, so long as he wins games.
The pressures of any college head-coaching job is a stress none of us can imagine. Throw in the circumstances at Notre Dame -- with alumni and fans spread all over the nation, huge expectations despite a mediocre recent history and many more restrictions than other power schools -- and it's easy to see why one can lose his cool every now and then.
At Notre Dame, everything is bigger. You'll probably get too much blame for losing and, as we've seen in the past year, you'll get too much criticism for the way you handle yourself on game day. But, as we learned in the early years of Charlie Weis, that works the other way, too. Win games, and the narrative changes: Notre Dame's coach becomes the villain for an entirely different reason.
Who made names for themselves this spring? Glad you asked.
RB/WR Theo Riddick: Riddick seemed more comfortable this spring, as the learning curve from playing two different positions is all but gone and he is ready to make plays. The senior stood out during several intrasquad scrimmages. If Riddick can be an effective punt returner this fall, he can be the complete package for the Irish.
WR John Goodman: It's not often you see a fifth-year senior on lists like these, but Goodman, as coach Brian Kelly said, was the Irish's go-to guy this spring, and he served as an offensive captain in the Blue-Gold game as a result of being the unit's most improved player. No longer in the shadow of Michael Floyd and with one last chance to succeed after being invited back for another year, Goodman is primed for a breakout season this fall.
NG Kona Schwenke: Like Goodman, Schwenke was a captain in the Blue-Gold game, winning most improved defensive player honors while temporarily supplanting Louis Nix from the starting spot in the middle. He added some weight and improved his handwork, and he figures to see plenty of snaps next season, regardless of whether or not he starts.
LB Ishaq Williams: Kelly revealed that Williams went home to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a few days in the winter to think about his future. He has apparently come back with a new focus, as the rising sophomore had a strong spring, filling in for the injured Prince Shembo at the cat position and coming up with a pick and a fumble recovery in the spring game.
LB Jarrett Grace: Playing time may be hard to come by -- he is, after all, backing up a likely first-round draft pick in Manti Te'o -- but Grace has made the most of his opportunities. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco loved him this spring, and, after redshirting his freshman season, Grace figures to spell Te'o every now and then this fall while also seeing duties on special teams.
RB/WR Theo Riddick: Riddick seemed more comfortable this spring, as the learning curve from playing two different positions is all but gone and he is ready to make plays. The senior stood out during several intrasquad scrimmages. If Riddick can be an effective punt returner this fall, he can be the complete package for the Irish.
WR John Goodman: It's not often you see a fifth-year senior on lists like these, but Goodman, as coach Brian Kelly said, was the Irish's go-to guy this spring, and he served as an offensive captain in the Blue-Gold game as a result of being the unit's most improved player. No longer in the shadow of Michael Floyd and with one last chance to succeed after being invited back for another year, Goodman is primed for a breakout season this fall.
NG Kona Schwenke: Like Goodman, Schwenke was a captain in the Blue-Gold game, winning most improved defensive player honors while temporarily supplanting Louis Nix from the starting spot in the middle. He added some weight and improved his handwork, and he figures to see plenty of snaps next season, regardless of whether or not he starts.
LB Ishaq Williams: Kelly revealed that Williams went home to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a few days in the winter to think about his future. He has apparently come back with a new focus, as the rising sophomore had a strong spring, filling in for the injured Prince Shembo at the cat position and coming up with a pick and a fumble recovery in the spring game.
LB Jarrett Grace: Playing time may be hard to come by -- he is, after all, backing up a likely first-round draft pick in Manti Te'o -- but Grace has made the most of his opportunities. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco loved him this spring, and, after redshirting his freshman season, Grace figures to spell Te'o every now and then this fall while also seeing duties on special teams.
Notre Dame receiver DaVaris Daniels was one of 29 people cited for consumption of alcohol by a minor early Sunday morning, according to a report from the Vernon Hills (Ill.) Police Department.
Police responded to a call for an ambulance at a residence with the same address as Daniels', where "all subjects were found to be participating in an underage party and had consumed alcohol while under the age of 21."
Daniels, 19, and the other 28 people are due in a local court June 14.
A rising sophomore, Daniels redshirted last fall but figures to be in the mix for a starting spot in 2012.
Police responded to a call for an ambulance at a residence with the same address as Daniels', where "all subjects were found to be participating in an underage party and had consumed alcohol while under the age of 21."
Daniels, 19, and the other 28 people are due in a local court June 14.
A rising sophomore, Daniels redshirted last fall but figures to be in the mix for a starting spot in 2012.
"I’m aware of the citation DaVaris received and will be speaking with him about the matter," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "Any team-related discipline that may be forthcoming will be handled internally."
After Brian Kelly delivered Saturday's commencement address at his alma mater, Assumption College, the school announced that the Notre Dame coach will endow a $250,000 football scholarship.
"I am very proud to be an Assumption College alumnus," Kelly said in a release. "Establishing this scholarship is my way of giving back and saying thanks to all the people at Assumption who taught me, mentored me and helped shape me. This is a very special community with a spirit that helps students thrive in every aspect of their lives."
The school will match that scholarship amount with the same scholarship amount for female athletes.
"Assumption is deeply grateful for this gift," Assumption College president Francesco C. Cesareo said in a release. "Brian has chosen to make the very significant contribution to demonstrate his appreciation for his Assumption education and experience. Football was an important component of his education here, and he wants to support others who can benefit from Assumption."
"The College also recognizes the importance of balancing the scholarship resources available for male and female athletes," Cesareo added. "We're thrilled Brian is offering this football scholarship, and the College trustees were very happy to approve additional and equal scholarship dollars for female athletes."
Kelly's commencement address Saturday highlighted his time in school and his pre-coaching life after college. He also had high words for this year's valedictorian, football captain and linebacker Nick DiAntonio.
From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette's John Conceison:
"I am very proud to be an Assumption College alumnus," Kelly said in a release. "Establishing this scholarship is my way of giving back and saying thanks to all the people at Assumption who taught me, mentored me and helped shape me. This is a very special community with a spirit that helps students thrive in every aspect of their lives."
The school will match that scholarship amount with the same scholarship amount for female athletes.
"Assumption is deeply grateful for this gift," Assumption College president Francesco C. Cesareo said in a release. "Brian has chosen to make the very significant contribution to demonstrate his appreciation for his Assumption education and experience. Football was an important component of his education here, and he wants to support others who can benefit from Assumption."
"The College also recognizes the importance of balancing the scholarship resources available for male and female athletes," Cesareo added. "We're thrilled Brian is offering this football scholarship, and the College trustees were very happy to approve additional and equal scholarship dollars for female athletes."
Kelly's commencement address Saturday highlighted his time in school and his pre-coaching life after college. He also had high words for this year's valedictorian, football captain and linebacker Nick DiAntonio.
From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette's John Conceison:
"I don't think it's (all) about greatness," Kelly said. "What I want to tell you today is be good at what you do, be consistent at what you do, be solid at what you do because that will pave the way for great things later."
"Remember one last thing, which I think we are missing today," he added. "Observe the golden rule. Treat others the way we'd like to be treated. Please carry that with you. I think I have carried that with me my entire life, and it has served me well. I love Assumption College, I love what it did for me and what it does for me on a day-to-day basis."
Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has received close to $8.7 million to not coach his alma mater, and the number will only grow.
Weis was paid $2,054,744 of buyout money from Notre Dame from July 2010 to June 2011, according to the Chicago Tribune, which obtained the figures from Notre Dame's Form 990 it must submit to the IRS.
Fired after the 2009 season, Weis received an initial buyout payment of $6,638,403, bringing the total to $8,693,147. He is slated to receive additional payments through December 2015.
The first glimpse at what current head coach Brian Kelly makes shows that Kelly took in $2,424,301, though $1,762,334 of "other reportable compensation" indicates all or part of that payment is a "one-time payment to Coach Kelly," the Tribune reported. As reporter Brian Hamilton notes, that money might have helped with any buyout Kelly owed Cincinnati after leaving the Bearcats in December 2009.
Kelly's base compensation is $617,846. The form did not include payments from "external sources."
Athletic director Jack Swarbrick made $1,026,942.
Weis was paid $2,054,744 of buyout money from Notre Dame from July 2010 to June 2011, according to the Chicago Tribune, which obtained the figures from Notre Dame's Form 990 it must submit to the IRS.
Fired after the 2009 season, Weis received an initial buyout payment of $6,638,403, bringing the total to $8,693,147. He is slated to receive additional payments through December 2015.
The original $6.6 million payout was to be followed by "much smaller payments," according to previous documents. Weis also received $469,727 from Play by Play sports — now known as Notre Dame Sports Properties — and an additional $1,095 of unspecified "other reportable compensation."
The first glimpse at what current head coach Brian Kelly makes shows that Kelly took in $2,424,301, though $1,762,334 of "other reportable compensation" indicates all or part of that payment is a "one-time payment to Coach Kelly," the Tribune reported. As reporter Brian Hamilton notes, that money might have helped with any buyout Kelly owed Cincinnati after leaving the Bearcats in December 2009.
Kelly's base compensation is $617,846. The form did not include payments from "external sources."
Athletic director Jack Swarbrick made $1,026,942.
New York 1, New Jersey 0.
- BlueandGold.com's Wes Morgan introduces us to Pat Welsh and Josh Reardon, Notre Dame's graduate assistants.
- Tyler Eifert is running away in Phil Steele's poll of the top returning tight ends in college football this season.
- CSNChicago.com's JJ Stankevitz wonders if the Big 12 could be Notre Dame's ticket out of the Big East.
- Jeff Samardzija is paying off for the Cubs, Gordon Wittenmyer writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
- A few days late here, but it looks like Brian Kelly got to speak at his alma mater only after a fellow Assumption linebacker, Nick DiAntonio, took the podium as valedictorian, Jennifer Toland writes in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
The ambitious duo of Steve Greenberg and Matt Hayes over at the Sporting News made a list for everyone to debate about: the ranking of every single FBS coach, No. 1-124.
Alabama's Nick Saban is the unsurprising leader of the rankings, coming in at No. 1. As for No. 124? UMass' Charley Molnar, though it's hardly an indictment of the former Notre Dame offensive coordinator, as he is a first-time head coach taking over a program jumping to the FBS this season.
The one readers of this blog care most about, Brian Kelly, checks in pretty favorably, coming in at No. 18. Why? From the story:
Kelly comes in at No. 2 among coaches of independent schools, behind BYU's Bronco Mendenhall (No. 15 overall). As for rankings that may also be of interest to readers of this space: Kansas' Charlie Weis is No. 40 and New Mexico's Bob Davie is No. 96.
Alabama's Nick Saban is the unsurprising leader of the rankings, coming in at No. 1. As for No. 124? UMass' Charley Molnar, though it's hardly an indictment of the former Notre Dame offensive coordinator, as he is a first-time head coach taking over a program jumping to the FBS this season.
The one readers of this blog care most about, Brian Kelly, checks in pretty favorably, coming in at No. 18. Why? From the story:
There’s too much good in Kelly’s history to give up on him now—or think some kind of Irish jinx is in play. The reality is Notre Dame underachieved last season, and probably overachieved in Kelly’s first season. So where does that leave 2012 for the program still trying to find itself again? It’s essentially Kelly’s roster now; there’s no more blame for the previous staff. He’ll win—or lose—because of roster and personnel decisions he has made.
A BCS coach says: “This slow transition must be killing Brian right now. He’s a results guy, and I think he thought he had something last season—and all those turnovers cost them at least two, maybe three, games. You’re going to see that team play with a different sense of urgency this season. Once his teams buy in, he’s usually very successful.”
Kelly comes in at No. 2 among coaches of independent schools, behind BYU's Bronco Mendenhall (No. 15 overall). As for rankings that may also be of interest to readers of this space: Kansas' Charlie Weis is No. 40 and New Mexico's Bob Davie is No. 96.
Brian Kelly re-visiting roots this weekend
May, 11, 2012
May 11
9:45
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Brian Kelly is on a hometown tour this weekend, as the Notre Dame coach will speak Saturday at his alma mater, Assumption College.
Kelly kicked things off Thursday night by speaking at an alumni event for his high school, St. John's Prep.
Our friends over at ESPNBoston.com were in attendance.
Kelly also talks about recruiting in his home state, along with his early impressions of former offensive coordinator and new Massachusetts head coach Charley Molnar. You can check out the recap from Andy Smith here.
Kelly kicked things off Thursday night by speaking at an alumni event for his high school, St. John's Prep.
Our friends over at ESPNBoston.com were in attendance.
On dealing with outside forces (like booster involvement and players using social media) while coaching at a high-profile college like Notre Dame: “My job is to eliminate confusion on a day-to-day basis, and that’s not easy. You’ve got Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, all the things that are out there, I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. It’s made being a head football coach today so much more difficult. If there’s one thing that has changed dramatically in the last five years, it’s not recruiting, it’s social media and what we have to do to educate our players. Listen, it’s not going away. So for me to say we’re going to take it away, and we’re not going to let them use social media, it’s not going away. So you better be figuring out how to educate your players, and that’s what we do on a day-to-day basis."
Kelly also talks about recruiting in his home state, along with his early impressions of former offensive coordinator and new Massachusetts head coach Charley Molnar. You can check out the recap from Andy Smith here.
Best spring game performance: Everett Golson, considered the biggest mystery in the four-man quarterback battle entering the spring, was 11 of 15 for 120 yards and two scores. He carried it six times for 25 yards. Most importantly, he was the only quarterback to not turn the ball over.
Best overall unit: The running back/slot receiver group coached by Tony Alford is loaded with talent. Theo Riddick and George Atkinson III made big play after big play in the spring game (though Atkinson will have to protect the ball better after fumbling twice). We all know what Cierre Wood is capable of after a 1,000-yard season while splitting carries with Jonas Gray in 2011. And we might even see a bit of Robby Toma in the backfield, though the senior remains an invaluable pass-catcher for the Irish.
Best position battle: Other than under center? Let's go with the right side of the offensive line, where Mike Golic Jr., Nick Martin and Christian Lombard look to have the inside track for the two open spots.
Biggest surprise (good): John Goodman raised some eyebrows with his play this spring, earning most improved player on the offensive side of the ball and getting to be a captain for the spring game. Coach Brian Kelly said he's been the go-to receiver this spring, and Goodman wants to reward the staff's faith in him after he was invited back for a fifth year.
Biggest surprise (bad): Aaron Lynch has transferred to South Florida, leaving the Irish down a man on the defensive line. Kapron Lewis-Moore, a previous starter, will slide back into Lynch's role, but the loss of an elite pass-rusher who had no trouble bursting onto the scene as a freshman is a blow to the team.
Best overall unit: The running back/slot receiver group coached by Tony Alford is loaded with talent. Theo Riddick and George Atkinson III made big play after big play in the spring game (though Atkinson will have to protect the ball better after fumbling twice). We all know what Cierre Wood is capable of after a 1,000-yard season while splitting carries with Jonas Gray in 2011. And we might even see a bit of Robby Toma in the backfield, though the senior remains an invaluable pass-catcher for the Irish.
Best position battle: Other than under center? Let's go with the right side of the offensive line, where Mike Golic Jr., Nick Martin and Christian Lombard look to have the inside track for the two open spots.
Biggest surprise (good): John Goodman raised some eyebrows with his play this spring, earning most improved player on the offensive side of the ball and getting to be a captain for the spring game. Coach Brian Kelly said he's been the go-to receiver this spring, and Goodman wants to reward the staff's faith in him after he was invited back for a fifth year.
Biggest surprise (bad): Aaron Lynch has transferred to South Florida, leaving the Irish down a man on the defensive line. Kapron Lewis-Moore, a previous starter, will slide back into Lynch's role, but the loss of an elite pass-rusher who had no trouble bursting onto the scene as a freshman is a blow to the team.
2011 overall record: 8-5
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Tommy Rees, QB Andrew Hendrix, RB Cierre Wood, RB/WR Theo Riddick, RB/WR George Atkinson III, TE Tyler Eifert, LT Zack Martin, LG Chris Watt, C Braxston Cave, C/G Mike Golic Jr., WR Robby Toma, WR John Goodman, WR T.J. Jones, DE Stephon Tuitt, NG Louis Nix, DE Kapron Lewis-Moore, ILB Manti Te'o, ILB Dan Fox, OLB Prince Shembo, S Jamoris Slaughter, S Zeke Motta
Key losses
WR Michael Floyd, RB Jonas Gray, RG Trevor Robinson, RT Taylor Dever, DE Aaron Lynch, NG Sean Cwynar, DE Ethan Johnson, OLB Darius Fleming, S Harrison Smith, CB Gary Gray, CB Robert Blanton
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Cierre Wood* (1,102 yards)
Passing: Tommy Rees* (2,871 yards)
Receiving: Michael Floyd (1,147 yards)
Tackles: Manti Te'o* (128)
Sacks: Aaron Lynch (5.5)
Interceptions: Robert Blanton/Gary Gray (2)
Spring answers
1. Tyler Eifert: His offensive teammates -- and the next starting quarterback, in particular -- owe Eifert the world for returning. New offensive coordinator Chuck Martin will use Eifert in a variety of different ways this season, and his position will resemble that of Michael Floyd's more than it will a traditional tight end's. A strong season will likely propel Eifert into the first round of next year's NFL draft.
2. No shortage of skill players: Yes, the all-time leading receiver is gone. But the Irish still boast a plethora of skilled, versatile assets who can make big plays with their speed. Tony Alford is in charge of the running backs and slot receivers this season, and Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick, Robby Toma and George Atkinson III all have the ability to make things happen out of the backfield. Look for a big year from DaVaris Daniels on the outside as well.
3. Defensive leaders: Manti Te'o would appear to be a shoe-in for a captain role this season, and he'll have plenty of help bringing along some of the unit's young talent. Jamoris Slaughter is back for a fifth year, and becoming a father this spring has forced him to grow up fast. Kapron Lewis-Moore is back for a fifth year as well, and the defensive end is one of the more respected voices on the team.
Fall questions
1. What will happen to Tommy Rees and, by extension, the QB race? Rees' immediate future is up in the air following his May 3 arrest, though his chances of starting this season figure to have greatly diminished in light of being charged with four misdemeanors. Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson will likely benefit the most and should enter camp as the favorites, while prep phenom Gunner Kiel continues to adjust after enrolling in January.
2. What about those corners? Bennett Jackson has the talent to play well at the boundary in his first year starting but will likely have to endure some growing pains, especially against some of the elite passing offenses the Irish will face in 2012. At the field, Josh Atkinson has pushed Lo Wood for the No. 1 spot, and that will be one of the more intriguing position battles once preseason camp opens.
3. Can anyone handle this schedule? The two Big Ten favorites, the Big 12 favorite, the Pac-12 favorite. A trip to Dublin. The 2012 schedule is absolutely loaded, and the Irish will have several new pieces in key places entering the season. How quickly everybody can adjust to their roles will go a long way in determining whether Brian Kelly's third season at Notre Dame is a success.
Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Tommy Rees, QB Andrew Hendrix, RB Cierre Wood, RB/WR Theo Riddick, RB/WR George Atkinson III, TE Tyler Eifert, LT Zack Martin, LG Chris Watt, C Braxston Cave, C/G Mike Golic Jr., WR Robby Toma, WR John Goodman, WR T.J. Jones, DE Stephon Tuitt, NG Louis Nix, DE Kapron Lewis-Moore, ILB Manti Te'o, ILB Dan Fox, OLB Prince Shembo, S Jamoris Slaughter, S Zeke Motta
Key losses
WR Michael Floyd, RB Jonas Gray, RG Trevor Robinson, RT Taylor Dever, DE Aaron Lynch, NG Sean Cwynar, DE Ethan Johnson, OLB Darius Fleming, S Harrison Smith, CB Gary Gray, CB Robert Blanton
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Cierre Wood* (1,102 yards)
Passing: Tommy Rees* (2,871 yards)
Receiving: Michael Floyd (1,147 yards)
Tackles: Manti Te'o* (128)
Sacks: Aaron Lynch (5.5)
Interceptions: Robert Blanton/Gary Gray (2)
Spring answers
1. Tyler Eifert: His offensive teammates -- and the next starting quarterback, in particular -- owe Eifert the world for returning. New offensive coordinator Chuck Martin will use Eifert in a variety of different ways this season, and his position will resemble that of Michael Floyd's more than it will a traditional tight end's. A strong season will likely propel Eifert into the first round of next year's NFL draft.
2. No shortage of skill players: Yes, the all-time leading receiver is gone. But the Irish still boast a plethora of skilled, versatile assets who can make big plays with their speed. Tony Alford is in charge of the running backs and slot receivers this season, and Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick, Robby Toma and George Atkinson III all have the ability to make things happen out of the backfield. Look for a big year from DaVaris Daniels on the outside as well.
3. Defensive leaders: Manti Te'o would appear to be a shoe-in for a captain role this season, and he'll have plenty of help bringing along some of the unit's young talent. Jamoris Slaughter is back for a fifth year, and becoming a father this spring has forced him to grow up fast. Kapron Lewis-Moore is back for a fifth year as well, and the defensive end is one of the more respected voices on the team.
Fall questions
1. What will happen to Tommy Rees and, by extension, the QB race? Rees' immediate future is up in the air following his May 3 arrest, though his chances of starting this season figure to have greatly diminished in light of being charged with four misdemeanors. Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson will likely benefit the most and should enter camp as the favorites, while prep phenom Gunner Kiel continues to adjust after enrolling in January.
2. What about those corners? Bennett Jackson has the talent to play well at the boundary in his first year starting but will likely have to endure some growing pains, especially against some of the elite passing offenses the Irish will face in 2012. At the field, Josh Atkinson has pushed Lo Wood for the No. 1 spot, and that will be one of the more intriguing position battles once preseason camp opens.
3. Can anyone handle this schedule? The two Big Ten favorites, the Big 12 favorite, the Pac-12 favorite. A trip to Dublin. The 2012 schedule is absolutely loaded, and the Irish will have several new pieces in key places entering the season. How quickly everybody can adjust to their roles will go a long way in determining whether Brian Kelly's third season at Notre Dame is a success.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Matt Fortuna
Fortuna joined ESPN.com in 2011 after working for MLB.com and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, where he covered college sports. He grew up in New York and is a Penn State graduate.
