We've had a lot of surprises during the 2012 Indiana high school football season. Some teams have lived up to expectations, while other teams' seasons haven't been what they thought they would in August. 315 teams throughout classes 5A to 1A have worked extremely hard to get to where they are. With the first round of the 40th Annual IHSAA State Football Tournament starting tomorrow night, all regular seasons can honestly be thrown out the window and everyone starts with a clean slate!
Below I'm making my picks for the first round of Sectionals 1 through 40. After each class, I'm going to go ahead and make my State Finals predictions.
CLASS 5A
SECTIONAL 1:
Crown Point (6-3) over Valpo (3-6)
#13 Lake Central (7-2) over Portage (3-6)
Merrillville (7-2) over Munster (2-7)
#10 Chesterton (8-1) over Michigan City (2-7)
SECTIONAL 2:
Elkhart Central (5-4) over Elkhart Memorial (1-8)
South Bend Adams (5-4) over Goshen (2-7)
Carroll (Allen) (7-2) over LaPorte (1-8)
#7 Penn (8-1) over Warsaw (6-3)
SECTIONAL 3:
#15 Fort Wayne North (7-2) over Fort Wayne Northrop (4-5)
Huntington North (5-4) over Fort Wayne South (3-6)
Kokomo (6-3) over Fort Wayne Wayne (1-8)
#2 Fort Wayne Snider (9-0) over #8 Homestead (9-0)
SECTIONAL 4:
McCutcheon (1-8) over Harrison (West Lafayette) (0-9)
Noblesville (4-5) over Westfield (3-6)
Fishers (3-6) over Anderson (4-5)
#14 Hamilton Southeastern (7-2) over Lafayette Jeff (3-6)
SECTIONAL 5:
#1 Lawrence Central (9-0) over Southport (5-4)
#4 Carmel (8-1) over #11 Warren Central (4-5)
Indianapolis Tech (5-3) over Perry Meridian (5-4)
North Central (Indianapolis) (2-7) over Lawrence North (0-9)
SECTIONAL 6:
#3 Ben Davis (8-1) over Pike (6-3)
#6 Brownsburg (9-0) over #12 Zionsville (7-2)
Avon (5-4) over Decatur Central (4-5)
Terre Haute North (5-4) over Terre Haute South (3-6)
SECTIONAL 7:
Franklin Central (4-5) over Bloomington South (1-8)
Whiteland (6-3) over Columbus North (4-5)
#5 Center Grove (8-1) over Martinsville (7-2)
Franklin (3-6) over Bloomington North (2-7)
SECTIONAL 8:
Jeffersonville (6-3) over New Albany (5-4)
#9 Castle (9-0) over Floyd Central (2-7)
Bedford North Lawrence (4-5) over Jennings County (1-8)
5A STATE FINALS: #4 CARMEL OVER #2 FORT WAYNE SNIDER
CLASS 4A
SECTIONAL 9:
Hammon Morton (4-5) over Hammond Clark (1-8)
#13 East Chicago Central (8-1) over Hammond (6-2)
Griffith (3-6) over Highland (1-8)
Gary West (5-4) over Gary Roosevelt (3-6)
SECTIONAL 10:
#10 Kankakee Valley (8-1) over #16 Hobart (7-2)
Lowell (5-4) over Mishawaka (6-3)
#7 New Prairie (8-1) over South Bend Clay (5-4)
South Bend Washington (1-8) over South Bend Riley (1-8)
SECTIONAL 11:
#11 Plymouth (7-2) over Northwood (4-5)
Wawasee (5-4) over DeKalb (2-7)
Angola (3-6) over Northridge (1-8)
#15 Concord (7-2) over #9 East Noble (7-2)
SECTIONAL 12:
Fort Wayne Dwenger (3-6) over Jay County (3-6)
#12 Leo (7-1) over Columbia City (4-5)
Logansport (1-8) over Norwell (0-9)
New Haven (7-2) over Marion (4-5)
SECTIONAL 13:
Muncie Central (3-6) over Greenfield-Central (3-6)
Delta (6-3) over Frankfort (3-6)
#14 Pendleton Heights (7-2) over Muncie South (6-2)
#5 Mount Vernon (Fortville) (8-1) over New Palestine (3-6)
SECTIONAL 14:
#4 Indianapolis Roncalli (7-2) over Plainfield (5-4)
#8 Greenwood (8-1) over Owen Valley (5-4)
#3 Indianapolis Cathedral (4-5) over Northview (3-6)
Lebanon (5-4) over Mooresville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 15:
Richmond (7-2) over Shelbyville (4-5)
Franklin County (4-5) over New Castle (1-8)
#1 Columbus East (9-0) over #6 East Central (7-2)
Connersville (6-3) over South Dearborn (0-9)
SECTIONAL 16:
Evansville Reitz (6-3) over Madison (2-7)
Seymour (4-5) over Evansville Harrison (1-8)
#2 Jasper (9-0) over Boonville (3-6)
4A STATE FINALS: #15 CONCORD OVER #5 MOUNT VERNON (FORTVILLE)
I'll admit it. I went with my alma mater (Concord) and one of the hotter 4A teams in the state, because the Class 4A field is pretty wide open.
CLASS 3A
SECTIONAL 17:
South Bend St. Joe's (5-4) over Knox (2-7)
Hammond Gavit (3-6) over Calumet (0-9)
#11 Culver Academy (7-2) over John Glenn (4-5)
#12 Mishawaka Marian (6-3) over Gary Wallace (2-5)
SECTIONAL 18:
Garrett (7-2) over Whitko (3-6)
#1 Jimtown (9-0) over Fort Wayne Concordia (2-7)
Tippecanoe Valley (7-2) over West Noble (1-8)
#8 Heritage (7-2) over #10 Lakeland (8-1)
SECTIONAL 19:
Eastbrook (6-3) over Peru (3-6)
Bellmont (4-5) over Yorktown (4-5)
Mississinewa (6-3) over Blackford (0-9)
Western (4-5) over Maconaquak (3-6)
SECTIONAL 20:
Southmont (3-6) over Crawfordsville (1-8)
#4 Hamilton Heights (8-1) over West Lafayette (6-3)
North Montgomery (6-3) over Twin Lakes (3-6)
SECTIONAL 21:
#13 Tri-West (7-2) over Indianapolis Arlington (0-7)
#6 Greencastle (9-0) over West Vigo (6-3)
#2 Indianapolis Chatard (7-2) over #14 Danville (7-2)
#7 Brebeuf Jesuit (7-2) over Indianapolis Northwest (1-8)
SECTIONAL 22:
Batesville (4-5) over Edgewood (2-7)
#16 Greensburg (7-2) over Brown County (2-7)
Beech Grove (4-5) over Indianapolis Howe (2-4)
Indian Creek (7-2) over Rushville (1-8)
SECTIONAL 23:
Salem (3-6) over North Harrison (2-7)
#15 Brownstown Central (8-1) over Heritage Hills (5-4)
#17 Corydon Central (7-2) over Silver Creek (3-6)
#3 Charlestown (9-0) over Mitchell (2-7)
SECTIONAL 24:
Vincennes Lincoln (7-2) over Evansville Bosse (0-9)
Gibson Southern (7-2) over Mount Vernon (Posey) (2-7)
Washington (3-6) over Pike Central (2-7)
Princeton (4-5) over Evansville Memorial (2-7)
3A STATE FINALS: #1 JIMTOWN OVER #2 INDIANAPOLIS CHATARD
CLASS 2A
SECTIONAL 25:
Bowman Academy (5-4) over River Forest (3-6)
Rensselaer Central (4-5) over North Newton (4-5)
Boone Grove (6-3) over Lake Station (2-7)
#4 Andrean (7-2) over Wheeler (6-3)
SECTIONAL 26:
#8 Lewis Cass (8-1) over Bremen (6-3)
Fairfield (6-3) over Prairie Heights (3-6)
Rochester (6-3) over Wabash (0-9)
Manchester (4-5) over North Judson (3-6)
SECTIONAL 27:
Elwood (7-2) over Madison-Grant (4-5)
#9 Churubusco (8-1) over Oak Hill (8-1)
#5 Fort Wayne Luers (6-3) over Woodlan (3-6)
Eastside (5-4) over Bluffton (5-4)
SECTIONAL 28:
#7 Tipton (8-1) over Seeger (4-5)
#13 Northwestern (7-2) over Taylor (0-9)
#11 Fountain Central (8-1) over Benton Central (3-6)
Delphi (3-6) over Eastern (Greentown) (1-8)
SECTIONAL 29:
Guerin Catholic (2-7) over Centerville (2-7)
#6 Heritage Christian (7-2) over Alexandria (3-6)
Winchester (5-4) over Frankton (5-4)
Shenandoah (6-3) over Union County (1-8)
SECTIONAL 30:
Speedway (6-3) over North Putnam (3-6)
#1 Indianapolis Ritter (9-0) over South Vermillion (2-7)
Cascade (3-6) over Park Tudor (1-8)
South Putnam (7-2) over Indianapolis Broad Ripple (6-3)
SECTIONAL 31:
Clarksville (5-4) over Eastern (Pekin) (1-8)
#10 Lawrenceburg (8-1) over Crawford County (0-8)
Triton Central (6-3) over Monrovia (4-5)
#12 Paoli (7-2) over Providence (3-6)
SECTIONAL 32:
Sullivan (6-3) over South Spencer (3-6)
#2 Evansville Mater Dei (7-2) over Southridge (6-3)
#2 North Posey (9-0) over Tell City (4-5)
2A STATE FINALS: #1 INDIANAPOLIS RITTER OVER #5 FORT WAYNE LUERS
CLASS 1A
SECTIONAL 33:
Hammond Noll (4-5) over South Newton (3-6)
Winamac (6-3) over Tri-County (1-8)
#8 West Central (8-1) over Culver (3-6)
#3 Whiting (9-0) over #12 South Central (Union Mills) (7-2)
SECTIONAL 34:
Carroll (Flora) (5-4) over Clinton Prairie (2-7)
#4 Pioneer (8-1) over Frontier (0-9)
#2 Lafayette Central Catholic (8-1) over North White (4-5)
#13 Caston (7-2) over Clinton Central (2-7)
SECTIONAL 35:
Fremont (4-5) over Southwood (2-7)
Adams Central (5-4) over Triton (1-8)
Northfield (3-6) over Central Noble (0-9)
North Miami (6-3) over LaVille (1-8)
SECTIONAL 36:
#10 Tri-Central (8-1) over Wes-Del (1-7)
South Adams (2-7) over Lapel (1-8)
#9 Sheridan (5-4) over Southern Wells (2-7)
Union City (6-3) over Monroe Central (1-8)
SECTIONAL 37:
#6 Indianapolis Scecina (6-3) over Cambridge City Lincoln (6-3)
Knightstown (6-3) over Indiana Deaf (1-8)
#7 Hagerstown (9-0) over Eastern Hancock (4-5)
Northeastern (5-4) over Tri (0-9)
SECTIONAL 38:
#5 North Vermillion (9-0) over Covington (2-7)
North Central (Farmersburg) (7-2) over Turkey Run (3-6)
Riverton Parke (0-9) over Cloverdale (0-9)
#14 Attica (6-3) over Rockville (4-5)
SECTIONAL 39:
West Washington (6-3) over Indianapolis Lutheran (4-5)
#11 Milan (6-3) over Edinburgh (4-5)
North Decatur (6-3) over Springs Valley (4-5)
SECTIONAL 40:
North Daviess (3-6) over Union (Dugger) (2-7)
Tecumseh (5-4) over Wood Memorial (1-8)
#1 Linton-Stockton (9-0) over North Knox (4-5)
Perry Central (6-3) over Eastern Green (4-5)
1A STATE FINALS: #2 LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC OVER #1 LINTON-STOCKTON
I can't wait until the games kickoff tomorrow night at 7pm!! It starts six weeks full of great Indiana High School football!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Indiana HS football: Week 6 outlook
It's hard to believe that we're already at Week 6 of the high school football season! This will be my fifth game doing a webcast with Matt Scheidler on seilocalsports.com. We'll be calling the Franklin County at Greensburg game. It feels pretty good to put on a headset every Friday night now! It's taking me some time, but I'm getting used to doing Matt's color commentary, even though there are some times that my thoughts don't come out exactly how I want them to, but that's part of broadcasting.
We've had quite a few surprises this season that wouldn't happen in most years. Warren Central is 3-2, but of course, they're still ranked 6th in the coaches poll (#7 in the AP). Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter dominated Indianapolis Bishop Chatard last week on a neutral site at Marian University, 56-33. That said, Bishop Chatard was dethroned from the 3A #1 slot and the Jimtown Jimmies slid right into #1 for the first time since moving up to 3A in the 2009 season. Week 4 featured one wild and crazy Friday night of action. There were 94 games throughout the state that were either postponed or forced to continue play on Saturday because of severe weather and lightning.
Week 6: big games to watch for throughout the state...
A majority of the state of Indiana that couldn't take 10 guesses at what I think is the most anticipated and biggest game in the state is in Week 6 of the 2012 season. Too many people have a bias for the particular part of the state in which they live, work or are just more familiar with. I get that. I understand where you're coming from in thinking that way. I'll get to some other great games that will be happening
The biggest game in the state, in my opinion, this Friday night will take place in Elkhart, Indiana at Jimtown High School's Knepp Field. The 4A #2 Concord Minutemen (5-0) make the short drive west on County Road 26 and across State Road 19 to pay the 3A #1 Jimtown Jimmies (5-0) another visit in their storied Elkhart county rivalry. In the last 15 seasons, Concord has a slight edge at 8-7. Jimtown won last year's version, 30-16. This game should be the more talked about game for those evaluating this weekend's games on a statewide level. It always lives up to the hype of each others' rankings or if one or neither are ranked. It won't just be Elkhart county's eyes that are focused on the action at Knepp Field, but eyes and ears all over Indiana will be keeping close tabs on the 2012 Cable Line Cup battle. My pick: Concord
Other big games throughout the state...
Cincinnati Elder (OH) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (4-1) (at Lawrence North)
My pick: Bishop Chatard
3A #5 Corydon Central (5-0) at 2A #11 Paoli (5-0)
My pick: Corydon Central
Attica (4-1) at North Vermillion (5-0)
My pick: Attica
Boone Grove (5-0) at East Chicago Central (4-1)
My pick: Boone Grove
5A #4 Fort Wayne Snider (5-0) at Fort Wayne North (5-0)
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
2A #5 Heritage Christian (4-1) at Beech Grove (3-2)
My pick: Heritage Christian
Hobart (3-2) at Lowell (3-2)
My pick: Lowell
4A #6 Indianapolis Roncalli (4-1) vs. 3A #13 Brebeuf Jesuit (4-1) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Roncalli
Louisville Trinity (KY) vs. 4A #5 Indianapolis Cathedral (2-3) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Cathedral
Elkhart Central (4-1) at Mishawaka (2-3)
My pick: Elkhart Central
3A #6 Mishawaka Marian (4-1) at 3A #9 South Bend St. Joe's (3-2)
My pick: South Bend St. Joe's
4A #13 Pendleton Heights (3-2) at Delta (4-1)
My pick: Delta
2A #7 Tipton (5-0) at 1A #2 Lafayette Central Catholic (4-1)
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Triton Central (3-2) at 2A #3 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (5-0)
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
1A #6 West Central (5-0) at Winamac (4-1)
My pick: West Central
3A #4 Western Boone (5-0) at North Montgomery (4-1)
My pick: Western Boone
As you can see, I don't just have an interest in one part of the state. I pay attention to the entire state. Yes, I think that the northern part of Indiana is close to being ignored by a lot of the state until the state tournament begins in mid-October. It's in October that teams from the north start to surprise the rest of the state and make our football playoffs as great as they are!
We've had quite a few surprises this season that wouldn't happen in most years. Warren Central is 3-2, but of course, they're still ranked 6th in the coaches poll (#7 in the AP). Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter dominated Indianapolis Bishop Chatard last week on a neutral site at Marian University, 56-33. That said, Bishop Chatard was dethroned from the 3A #1 slot and the Jimtown Jimmies slid right into #1 for the first time since moving up to 3A in the 2009 season. Week 4 featured one wild and crazy Friday night of action. There were 94 games throughout the state that were either postponed or forced to continue play on Saturday because of severe weather and lightning.
Week 6: big games to watch for throughout the state...
A majority of the state of Indiana that couldn't take 10 guesses at what I think is the most anticipated and biggest game in the state is in Week 6 of the 2012 season. Too many people have a bias for the particular part of the state in which they live, work or are just more familiar with. I get that. I understand where you're coming from in thinking that way. I'll get to some other great games that will be happening
The biggest game in the state, in my opinion, this Friday night will take place in Elkhart, Indiana at Jimtown High School's Knepp Field. The 4A #2 Concord Minutemen (5-0) make the short drive west on County Road 26 and across State Road 19 to pay the 3A #1 Jimtown Jimmies (5-0) another visit in their storied Elkhart county rivalry. In the last 15 seasons, Concord has a slight edge at 8-7. Jimtown won last year's version, 30-16. This game should be the more talked about game for those evaluating this weekend's games on a statewide level. It always lives up to the hype of each others' rankings or if one or neither are ranked. It won't just be Elkhart county's eyes that are focused on the action at Knepp Field, but eyes and ears all over Indiana will be keeping close tabs on the 2012 Cable Line Cup battle. My pick: Concord
Other big games throughout the state...
Cincinnati Elder (OH) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (4-1) (at Lawrence North)
My pick: Bishop Chatard
3A #5 Corydon Central (5-0) at 2A #11 Paoli (5-0)
My pick: Corydon Central
Attica (4-1) at North Vermillion (5-0)
My pick: Attica
Boone Grove (5-0) at East Chicago Central (4-1)
My pick: Boone Grove
5A #4 Fort Wayne Snider (5-0) at Fort Wayne North (5-0)
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
2A #5 Heritage Christian (4-1) at Beech Grove (3-2)
My pick: Heritage Christian
Hobart (3-2) at Lowell (3-2)
My pick: Lowell
4A #6 Indianapolis Roncalli (4-1) vs. 3A #13 Brebeuf Jesuit (4-1) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Roncalli
Louisville Trinity (KY) vs. 4A #5 Indianapolis Cathedral (2-3) (at Lucas Oil Stadium)
My pick: Indianapolis Cathedral
Elkhart Central (4-1) at Mishawaka (2-3)
My pick: Elkhart Central
3A #6 Mishawaka Marian (4-1) at 3A #9 South Bend St. Joe's (3-2)
My pick: South Bend St. Joe's
4A #13 Pendleton Heights (3-2) at Delta (4-1)
My pick: Delta
2A #7 Tipton (5-0) at 1A #2 Lafayette Central Catholic (4-1)
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Triton Central (3-2) at 2A #3 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (5-0)
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
1A #6 West Central (5-0) at Winamac (4-1)
My pick: West Central
3A #4 Western Boone (5-0) at North Montgomery (4-1)
My pick: Western Boone
As you can see, I don't just have an interest in one part of the state. I pay attention to the entire state. Yes, I think that the northern part of Indiana is close to being ignored by a lot of the state until the state tournament begins in mid-October. It's in October that teams from the north start to surprise the rest of the state and make our football playoffs as great as they are!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Notre Dame accepts invite to Atlantic Coast Conference
The University of Notre Dame has made a command decision by accepting an invitation to become a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference beginning the 2013-14 school and athletic year. This will include all sports, except football. Football will stay as an independent. Because it’s leaving before the required 27 month window that the Big East has asked of them, Notre Dame will owe the Big East conference $5 million dollars for its early exit. If the Irish were to stay their welcome in the Big East, the earliest that they could join the ACC would be the fall of 2015.
People are right away questioning the fact that Notre Dame will not be a member of the ACC in football, but mainly they really don’t understand why they prefer to stay as a football independent. Sit back and think about it. It’s all about the money and the freedom of being independent. In years past, it really hasn’t hurt the football program, being an independent. ND has been to many different bowl games without having to be a member of a particular conference. There were some years when it worked out better that the Irish weren’t affiliated with a conference.
The Irish have been members of the Big East Conference since 1995, also in every sport except football. The Big East will sorely miss the Irish following this current school year. The Irish have created many great rivalries in many sports that will more than likely continue in the future, despite being in a completely new conference.
The ACC is probably grinning from ear-to-ear because of what Notre Dame brings to their conference. Every game an ACC team plays Notre Dame, on the road (at Notre Dame Stadium); it will be exposed nationally with the Irish under contract for all home games with NBC. If I were a betting man, I would lay some pretty good odds that most other games that the Irish play on the road, will either be picked up by ESPN, ESPN2, ABC or CBS. Notre Dame football always brings good ratings, so why a conference wouldn’t be chomping at the bit to get the ball rolling on this, I’m not sure.
This move isn’t just about the athletics at Notre Dame, but being able to associate with other great academic institutions and mix that with the other current ACC universities and athletics programs. “The ACC is composed of some of the most highly respected universities in the country, and we at Notre Dame look forward to joining them.” “With a mix of institutions – many of which are also private, similar to Notre Dame in size and committed to excellence in research and undergraduate education – the ACC is an exceptionally good fit for us academically, as well as athletically,” said Notre Dame President, Reverend John I. Jenkins.
One key factor with Notre Dame staying an independent in football is that they will annually schedule 5 ACC opponents. That also means that it will face each ACC member once every three football seasons. Another plus to this scheduling is that the longtime rivalries with Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan, Stanford, Navy and USC will not be interrupted with the Irish playing five ACC schools every fall. With playing 5 Atlantic Coast Conference teams and the above six rivals, there will always be room left on the schedule for teams like Air Force, Arizona State, Oklahoma, BYU and/or many other options to be the 12th opponent for the Irish on a given football schedule.
Joining the Atlantic Coast Conference will help out a good majority of their sports. The Irish currently have yearly matchups with some ACC schools, so when this move does take full effect, they will just fill out their schedule with common opponents. Notre Dame will be able to renew old men’s basketball rivalries with North Carolina, Virginia and Duke that they started years ago in the Digger Phelps era between 1971 and 1991.
Talks of this move to the ACC have former men’s basketball head coach and current ESPN college basketball analyst pretty excited. "It’s an exciting day here at the University of Notre Dame as I’m on the campus seeing the glitter in everybody’s eyes," Phelps said in an interview with SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday. "All those rivalries and the flavor of the Big East are disappearing," Phelps said. "But what you’re doing is adding to one of the great conferences already, especially in basketball, men’s basketball in my particular game with coaching. And when you can add Syracuse, Pitt, Boston College and now Notre Dame to that flavor, oh wow, you’ve just got a basketball conference that’s really dynamic.”
"If I’m the commissioner I’ve got to say, ‘OK, one year we’ll play the tournament in Greensboro and then the next year we’ll play the tournament in Madison Square Garden.’ I mean, wow, you talk about excitement for New York City."
There are many great things that will come out of Notre Dame becoming a part of the Atlantic Coast Conference. As this move unfolds, more details will be available to us as members of the media and fans. For the time being this school year, the Fighting Irish will dominate the gridiron as a great team, independently. The rest of the sports on campus will continue to succeed and win championships at all levels.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Notre Dame to be a backfield-by-committee to open season
Senior tailback Cierre Wood (Oxnard, CA/Santa Clara) comes into the 2012 season on a high note of rushing for 1,102 yards on 217 carries and scoring 9 touchdowns in 2011 while splitting time with now-graduated Jonas Gray. Gray is gone and there are three others that he will be sharing the ball with this fall.
Wood has recently gotten himself into some pre-season troubles, just before camp started. He and reserve junior defensive end Justin Utopo (Lakewood, CA/Lakewood) have been suspended for the first two regular season games, Navy and Purdue, by head coach Brian Kelly for violating team rules that were not disclosed any further. So, there will now be three Irish starters that will not even be allowed to travel to Dublin, Ireland with the team this week for Saturday’s game. Junior quarterback Tommy Rees (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) and senior inside linebacker Carlo Calabrese (Verona, NJ/Verona) were also suspended, but solely for the season opener vs. Navy on Saturday. Rees and Calabrese’s suspension were from an off-campus incident on May 3rd in South Bend.
Fellow senior Theo Riddick (Manville, NJ/Immaculata) has fully moved back to running back from being a wide receiver in 2010 and a majority of the 2011 campaign, but is no stranger to the Irish backfield from his freshman year in 2009. When Jonas Gray went down with an injury late last season, coach Kelly immediately turned to Riddick to pitch in. Riddick will be a dangerous threat out of the backfield and also lining up in the slot. His speed will take some teams by complete surprise, considering that he’ll be mainly a running back, but also counted upon to catch passes and open things up offensively for the Irish.
Speed stems down to the next man up on the depth chart. Sophomore running back/kickoff returner George Atkinson III (Stockton, CA/Granada) brings another speed element in the absence of Cierre Wood. He has very little collegiate experience (9 carries) from his frosh season last year as a running back, but has adapted quite well through spring drills and fall camp thus far. His kick returning skills and tactics should hopefully help him revamp his ground game.
USC transfer Amir Carlisle (Santa Clara, CA/Kings Academy) brings another speed factor to Notre Dame’s backfield. Missing every practice leading up to the Annual Blue-Gold spring game in April because of ankle surgery, Carlisle should be a vital piece of the Irish offense as he eases back into fresh legs this fall. Odds are that the former Trojan won’t fully be ready for action this Saturday vs. Navy, if at all.
Just when sophomore Cam McDaniel (Coppell, TX/Coppell) thought he had completely moved over to the defensive side of the ball at cornerback, the offense may be calling on his services again. McDaniel technically becomes the third choice at running back on Saturday against Navy with Carlisle being close to unavailable. He and freshman Will Mahone (Austintown, OH/Fitch) should be called upon to mix up the rotation.
Wood ought to be primed and ready to go following his suspension. He’ll get his shot back in the starting lineup on Saturday, September 16th on the road against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium. It may be one of the tougher road games that Notre Dame plays, but Wood’s coming out party for 2012 under the lights should be a dandy against a storied rival like the Spartans.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Irish lose CB Lo Wood for season with achilles tear
The days of being in the shadows of Robert Blanton and Gary Gray are now over for cornerbacks Lorenzo “Lo” Wood (Apopka, FL/Apopka) and Bennett Jackson (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan). For Jackson, he will be getting his due time in the starting lineup, but Wood will now have to wait until the 2013 season.
Wood was all set to step into a starting role for Bob Diaco’s defense this fall and in just seconds during Monday’s practice, it all came tumbling down. One minute, you’re running in a drill in practice. The next, you’ve put an end to all the hard work that you knew was paying off. Lo will be out four to six months and should be back in time for spring football.
With just five scholarship players remaining at cornerback, it leaves head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco in quite the bind with the season opener coming up in 10 days in Dublin, Ireland. Digging deep in the depth chart, it’s still a crapshoot for who will start at the other cornerback spot opposite Jackson.
Wood’s out of the mix until next spring, but there are probably four guys that could step in to take his place. Sophomore Jalen Brown (Irving, TX/MacArthur) is making the biggest improvement. Brown is competing for a starting job with fellow sophomore Josh Atkinson (Stockton, CA/Granada), who is the twin brother of running back/kick returner George Atkinson III. Just like his brother George, Josh Atkinson is a speedster and could prove to be what Notre Dame is looking for in a cover corner. Another sophomore in Cam McDaniel (Coppell, TX/Coppell), switched from running back to cornerback during the off-season and it might become a blessing in disguise that he’ll be able to help provide depth for the Irish defense. True freshman KeiVarae Russell (Everett, WA/Mariner) will also now be looked at to come in and play more of a role than he imagined and be part of the rotation right away.
In recent seasons, Irish corners have struggled with covering some of the nation’s best wide receivers and tight ends. It’s been more than just struggling. They’ve been burned pretty badly by the Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford and USC offenses to name just four that come to mind.
More than likely, it’s going to be a last minute decision as to who will actually start on Saturday, September 1st against the Navy Midshipmen. In the days before the Irish head across the pond to Ireland, it sure will be a dog fight for playing time with the first team defense.
Junior cornerback Lo Wood left a drill during Monday’s practice with a torn achilles tendon and will not be able to return at all in the 2012 season.
Wood was all set to step into a starting role for Bob Diaco’s defense this fall and in just seconds during Monday’s practice, it all came tumbling down. One minute, you’re running in a drill in practice. The next, you’ve put an end to all the hard work that you knew was paying off. Lo will be out four to six months and should be back in time for spring football.
With just five scholarship players remaining at cornerback, it leaves head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco in quite the bind with the season opener coming up in 10 days in Dublin, Ireland. Digging deep in the depth chart, it’s still a crapshoot for who will start at the other cornerback spot opposite Jackson.
Wood’s out of the mix until next spring, but there are probably four guys that could step in to take his place. Sophomore Jalen Brown (Irving, TX/MacArthur) is making the biggest improvement. Brown is competing for a starting job with fellow sophomore Josh Atkinson (Stockton, CA/Granada), who is the twin brother of running back/kick returner George Atkinson III. Just like his brother George, Josh Atkinson is a speedster and could prove to be what Notre Dame is looking for in a cover corner. Another sophomore in Cam McDaniel (Coppell, TX/Coppell), switched from running back to cornerback during the off-season and it might become a blessing in disguise that he’ll be able to help provide depth for the Irish defense. True freshman KeiVarae Russell (Everett, WA/Mariner) will also now be looked at to come in and play more of a role than he imagined and be part of the rotation right away.
In recent seasons, Irish corners have struggled with covering some of the nation’s best wide receivers and tight ends. It’s been more than just struggling. They’ve been burned pretty badly by the Michigan, Michigan State, Stanford and USC offenses to name just four that come to mind.
More than likely, it’s going to be a last minute decision as to who will actually start on Saturday, September 1st against the Navy Midshipmen. In the days before the Irish head across the pond to Ireland, it sure will be a dog fight for playing time with the first team defense.
Junior cornerback Lo Wood left a drill during Monday’s practice with a torn achilles tendon and will not be able to return at all in the 2012 season.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Indiana High School football: Week 1
It seems like the summer goes way too fast and before we know it, it's time for two-a-days to start. And, a few weeks later, school starts with the first game of the season normally that same week. For the first time in my life, I will be missing Week 1 of the Indiana High School football season. It's a tough streak to break at 33 years, but I will definitely make up for it in the 14 weeks following.
Below are the Indiana Football Coaches' Top 10 polls for each of the five classes:
Class 5A
1. Carmel (defending state champion)
2. Warren Central
3. Fishers
4. Ben Davis
5. Fort Wayne Snider
6. Penn (defending state runner-up)
7. Center Grove
8. Avon
9. Lawrence Central
10. Pike
Receiving votes: Lake Central, Chesterton, Hamilton Southeastern, Crown Point, Merrillville and Castle
Class 4A
1. Indianapolis Cathedral (defending state champion)
2. Fort Wayne Dwenger
3. Evansville Reitz
4. Columbus East
5. East Central
6. Indianapolis Roncalli
7. Mishawaka
8. Leo
9. Concord
10. Hammond Morton
Receiving votes: South Bend Washington (defending state runner-up), Jasper, Pendleton Heights, New Palestine, New Haven, Delta and Griffith
Class 3A
1. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (defending state champion)
2. South Bend St. Joe's (defending state runner-up)
3. Jimtown
4. West Lafayette
5. Eastbrook
6. Evansville Memorial
7. Mishawaka Marian
8. Charlestown
9. Hamilton Heights
10. Western Boone
Receiving votes: Brownstown Central, Indian Creek, Corydon Central, North Montgomery, John Glenn, Heritage Hills and Brebeuf Jesuit
Class 2A
1. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (defending state champion)
2. Evansville Mater Dei (defending state runner-up)
3. Guerin Catholic
4. Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter
5. Heritage Christian
6. Bremen
7. Andrean
8. Speedway
9. North Putnam
10. Churubusco
Receiving votes: Tipton, Wheeler, Northwestern, Shenandoah, Southridge, Paoli, Fountain Central, Rensselaer Central, North Posey and North Judson
Class 1A
1. Lafayette Central Catholic (defending state champion)
2. Linton-Stockton
3. Sheridan
4. Indianapolis Scecina (defending state runner-up)
5. Pioneer
6. Milan
7. Indianapolis Lutheran
8. South Adams
9. Perry Central
10. Rockville
Receiving votes: South Newton, Southern Wells, North Central (Farmersburg), Whiting, Adams Central, Union City, Culver, Attica, North Miami, Frontier, Winamac and North Vermillion
Week 1's more interesting meetings:
Elkhart Central at Elkhart Memorial (Charger Field) -- The Mangy Lion match-up is always quite the intriguing one, despite it not being a notable game when looking at all games around the state. Elkhart Central head coach Levon Johnson is trying to build the Blue Blazers' program back to what it once was with legendary former head coach Tom Kurth. Elkhart Memorial is starting over from scratch with former Concord offensive coordinator Bill Roggeman at the helm. I wish coach Roggeman the best of luck in leading the Chargers, as he was my offensive coordinator when I played at Concord. My pick: Elkhart Memorial
2A#1 FW Luers at 5A#5 FW Snider (Spuller Stadium) -- On paper, this Summit city rivalry doesn't look to favor Luers, simply because they're 2A and Snider is the bigger 5A school. Non-sense! Regardless of the fact that Luers head coach Matt Lindsay has won 9 state titles for the Knights, he just can't seem to beat the Snider Panthers. In the last 10 years, Snider is 8-2 vs. Luers. My pick: FW Luers
2A#5 Heritage Christian at 2A#4 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (Lucas Oil Stadium) -- Heritage Christian has only had a football team in existence for 10 years and head coach Ron Qualls is already succeeding with flying colors. He's made two consecutive trips to the state championship game, winning the 2008 state title with a 14-1 record over Lewis Cass, 17-14. Their lone loss that year was to Ritter by a touchdown. Ty Hunt and Ritter have pretty much owned the new-to-football Eagles, taking eight of nine.
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
Heritage Hills at 2A#2 Evansville Mater Dei (The Reitz Bowl) -- These two haven't seen each other on the gridiron since the 2006 season. Mater Dei beat Heritage Hills in the game, 30-7. They both have rich football traditions and are notorious for representing their respective classes in the state finals. Current Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler is a Heritage Hills graduate. My pick: Mater Dei
4A#1 Cathedral at 5A#4 Ben Davis (Giants Stadium) -- As dominant as the Cathedral Irish have been in recent years in the 4A state tournament, they've been the complete opposite against the Ben Davis Giants. The two have only played five times since the 1994 season, but Ben Davis is 5-0 in those meetings, including at 24-21 overtime thriller at Lucas Oil Stadium last season in Week 1. Cathedral always reloads and this five-game streak vs. BD is bound to come to an end. My pick: Cathedral
Merrillville at 5A#2 Warren Central (Warrior Stadium) -- This is always one of the more blockbuster games of Week 1 and turns out to be a blowout in Warren Central's favor. It's turned into a mini-rivalry and a dandy it's become. The Warriors are just 3-2 vs. the Pirates. Steve Tutsie is back as head man at Warren after John Hart had a four-year stint, including the controversial '09 state title over Carmel in double overtime. Tutsie had a short two-year run previously at WC, going 23-4 with state championship in '06 over Carmel. Recently, Tutsie has been an assistant coach under Hart the past four years. This might be one of the bigger games in the state this weekend. My pick: Warren Central
Northwood at 3A#4 Jimtown (Knepp Field) -- The State Road 19 rivalry has become all that it's measured to be in northern Indiana. The Panthers and Jimmies face-off for the 16th season in a row. Jimtown leads the series 10-5, but you wouldn't know that if I hadn't just told you. It's football tradition at its best. Former Jimmie standout Mike Campbell is 42-11 in his first four years taking over for legend Bill Sharpe. Campbell already has three sectional and two regional titles in just four years. Northwood's Scott Hoover isn't too far behind in Nappanee. One sectional in his first three campaigns since taking over for long-time coach Rich Dodson, but is just 21-15 in those three years. It's extremely tough to beat Jimtown at Knepp Field. My pick: Jimtown
Valparaiso at 5A#6 Penn (Freed Field) -- Last season's runner-up, the Kingsmen have much to prove. I seriously doubt that had planned on being embarassed 54-0 at the hands of the Carmel Greyhounds in the state championship game. Cory Yeoman (97-23) enters his 11th at Penn taking over the reigns pretty well from Hall of Fame coach Chris Geesman. Yeoman and crew have won 14 of their 16 tilts with the Valparaiso Vikings, but they haven't really been lopsided affairs. Five of the 16 were decided by seven points or less, including two overtime games. Penn is out for redemption. My pick: Penn
3A#10 Western Boone at 1A#3 Sheridan (Blackhawk Field) -- You can't say enough about the class that Sheridan head coach Larry "Bud" Wright has shown in his 47 years leading the Blackhawks. He has gone 370-158 in those 47 seasons, while winning nine state titles and being runner-up twice. He'll coach high school football at Sheridan until the day he is ultimately ready to retire. His two sons are both successful coaches as well. Kent is in his 12th year at Lebanon (57-56). Kevin is slightly more successful than his brother, winning three state titles at Warren Central ('03-'05) and 2011 at Carmel. Western Boone comes to Blackhawk Field on Friday and it'll be a battle of farmboys and a good one at that. My pick: Sheridan
Stay tuned to my blog throughout the 2012 high school, college and professional football seasons. I will make my picks for each level of football and share them with you here each week.
Below are the Indiana Football Coaches' Top 10 polls for each of the five classes:
Class 5A
1. Carmel (defending state champion)
2. Warren Central
3. Fishers
4. Ben Davis
5. Fort Wayne Snider
6. Penn (defending state runner-up)
7. Center Grove
8. Avon
9. Lawrence Central
10. Pike
Receiving votes: Lake Central, Chesterton, Hamilton Southeastern, Crown Point, Merrillville and Castle
Class 4A
1. Indianapolis Cathedral (defending state champion)
2. Fort Wayne Dwenger
3. Evansville Reitz
4. Columbus East
5. East Central
6. Indianapolis Roncalli
7. Mishawaka
8. Leo
9. Concord
10. Hammond Morton
Receiving votes: South Bend Washington (defending state runner-up), Jasper, Pendleton Heights, New Palestine, New Haven, Delta and Griffith
Class 3A
1. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (defending state champion)
2. South Bend St. Joe's (defending state runner-up)
3. Jimtown
4. West Lafayette
5. Eastbrook
6. Evansville Memorial
7. Mishawaka Marian
8. Charlestown
9. Hamilton Heights
10. Western Boone
Receiving votes: Brownstown Central, Indian Creek, Corydon Central, North Montgomery, John Glenn, Heritage Hills and Brebeuf Jesuit
Class 2A
1. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (defending state champion)
2. Evansville Mater Dei (defending state runner-up)
3. Guerin Catholic
4. Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter
5. Heritage Christian
6. Bremen
7. Andrean
8. Speedway
9. North Putnam
10. Churubusco
Receiving votes: Tipton, Wheeler, Northwestern, Shenandoah, Southridge, Paoli, Fountain Central, Rensselaer Central, North Posey and North Judson
Class 1A
1. Lafayette Central Catholic (defending state champion)
2. Linton-Stockton
3. Sheridan
4. Indianapolis Scecina (defending state runner-up)
5. Pioneer
6. Milan
7. Indianapolis Lutheran
8. South Adams
9. Perry Central
10. Rockville
Receiving votes: South Newton, Southern Wells, North Central (Farmersburg), Whiting, Adams Central, Union City, Culver, Attica, North Miami, Frontier, Winamac and North Vermillion
Week 1's more interesting meetings:
Elkhart Central at Elkhart Memorial (Charger Field) -- The Mangy Lion match-up is always quite the intriguing one, despite it not being a notable game when looking at all games around the state. Elkhart Central head coach Levon Johnson is trying to build the Blue Blazers' program back to what it once was with legendary former head coach Tom Kurth. Elkhart Memorial is starting over from scratch with former Concord offensive coordinator Bill Roggeman at the helm. I wish coach Roggeman the best of luck in leading the Chargers, as he was my offensive coordinator when I played at Concord. My pick: Elkhart Memorial
2A#1 FW Luers at 5A#5 FW Snider (Spuller Stadium) -- On paper, this Summit city rivalry doesn't look to favor Luers, simply because they're 2A and Snider is the bigger 5A school. Non-sense! Regardless of the fact that Luers head coach Matt Lindsay has won 9 state titles for the Knights, he just can't seem to beat the Snider Panthers. In the last 10 years, Snider is 8-2 vs. Luers. My pick: FW Luers
2A#5 Heritage Christian at 2A#4 Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (Lucas Oil Stadium) -- Heritage Christian has only had a football team in existence for 10 years and head coach Ron Qualls is already succeeding with flying colors. He's made two consecutive trips to the state championship game, winning the 2008 state title with a 14-1 record over Lewis Cass, 17-14. Their lone loss that year was to Ritter by a touchdown. Ty Hunt and Ritter have pretty much owned the new-to-football Eagles, taking eight of nine.
My pick: Cardinal Ritter
Heritage Hills at 2A#2 Evansville Mater Dei (The Reitz Bowl) -- These two haven't seen each other on the gridiron since the 2006 season. Mater Dei beat Heritage Hills in the game, 30-7. They both have rich football traditions and are notorious for representing their respective classes in the state finals. Current Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler is a Heritage Hills graduate. My pick: Mater Dei
4A#1 Cathedral at 5A#4 Ben Davis (Giants Stadium) -- As dominant as the Cathedral Irish have been in recent years in the 4A state tournament, they've been the complete opposite against the Ben Davis Giants. The two have only played five times since the 1994 season, but Ben Davis is 5-0 in those meetings, including at 24-21 overtime thriller at Lucas Oil Stadium last season in Week 1. Cathedral always reloads and this five-game streak vs. BD is bound to come to an end. My pick: Cathedral
Merrillville at 5A#2 Warren Central (Warrior Stadium) -- This is always one of the more blockbuster games of Week 1 and turns out to be a blowout in Warren Central's favor. It's turned into a mini-rivalry and a dandy it's become. The Warriors are just 3-2 vs. the Pirates. Steve Tutsie is back as head man at Warren after John Hart had a four-year stint, including the controversial '09 state title over Carmel in double overtime. Tutsie had a short two-year run previously at WC, going 23-4 with state championship in '06 over Carmel. Recently, Tutsie has been an assistant coach under Hart the past four years. This might be one of the bigger games in the state this weekend. My pick: Warren Central
Northwood at 3A#4 Jimtown (Knepp Field) -- The State Road 19 rivalry has become all that it's measured to be in northern Indiana. The Panthers and Jimmies face-off for the 16th season in a row. Jimtown leads the series 10-5, but you wouldn't know that if I hadn't just told you. It's football tradition at its best. Former Jimmie standout Mike Campbell is 42-11 in his first four years taking over for legend Bill Sharpe. Campbell already has three sectional and two regional titles in just four years. Northwood's Scott Hoover isn't too far behind in Nappanee. One sectional in his first three campaigns since taking over for long-time coach Rich Dodson, but is just 21-15 in those three years. It's extremely tough to beat Jimtown at Knepp Field. My pick: Jimtown
Valparaiso at 5A#6 Penn (Freed Field) -- Last season's runner-up, the Kingsmen have much to prove. I seriously doubt that had planned on being embarassed 54-0 at the hands of the Carmel Greyhounds in the state championship game. Cory Yeoman (97-23) enters his 11th at Penn taking over the reigns pretty well from Hall of Fame coach Chris Geesman. Yeoman and crew have won 14 of their 16 tilts with the Valparaiso Vikings, but they haven't really been lopsided affairs. Five of the 16 were decided by seven points or less, including two overtime games. Penn is out for redemption. My pick: Penn
3A#10 Western Boone at 1A#3 Sheridan (Blackhawk Field) -- You can't say enough about the class that Sheridan head coach Larry "Bud" Wright has shown in his 47 years leading the Blackhawks. He has gone 370-158 in those 47 seasons, while winning nine state titles and being runner-up twice. He'll coach high school football at Sheridan until the day he is ultimately ready to retire. His two sons are both successful coaches as well. Kent is in his 12th year at Lebanon (57-56). Kevin is slightly more successful than his brother, winning three state titles at Warren Central ('03-'05) and 2011 at Carmel. Western Boone comes to Blackhawk Field on Friday and it'll be a battle of farmboys and a good one at that. My pick: Sheridan
Stay tuned to my blog throughout the 2012 high school, college and professional football seasons. I will make my picks for each level of football and share them with you here each week.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
2012 Notre Dame football: 37 days 'til Dublin!
This coming Saturday (July 28th) puts the 2012 Notre Dame football countdown at 35 days (five weeks) until the Fighting Irish clash with the Navy Midshipmen at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It will be a 9:00 a.m. EST start time, which is five hours later at 2:00 p.m. in Ireland.
Yes, there is quite a ways to go before all is settled at each position. The upperclassmen are having their own separate workouts sessions and most of the freshmen aren't even on campus just yet, but I can't help but think that the college football season is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it!
The biggest decision that Brian Kelly has to make to begin his 3rd season as head coach at Notre Dame is at the quarterback position. At this point in the summer, there are four quarterbacks that could possibly start when the Irish open vs. Navy on Saturday, September 1st in Dublin.
QUARTERBACK
Junior Tommy Rees (6'2, 210) seems to be the most logical choice, simply because of his experience as a starter thus far in his young collegiate career. His consistency is what most question when it comes to Rees being the leader of the Irish offense in 2012. Tossing 20 touchdowns, he did seem pretty faulty when it came to critics and alumni, as he threw 14 interceptions during his sophomore campaign. The third-year signal caller did complete 269 of 411 passes (65.2%) for 2,871 yards. Another reason why Rees might be in question is the off-season trouble that he had with the police. Rees was picked up one weekend night, receiving a DUI. He refused arrest initially by the South Bend police officer, which caused more media attention and questions about his status for the fall.
The only other quarterback on the Irish depth chart is junior Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix (6'2, 220) saw a decent amount of playing time, but it was mainly in mop-up duty or to bail Rees out of situations that the Irish shouldn't have been in. He is more dependable as a running quarterback, at least that's what he showed he does best. Throwing just 18-for-37 (48.6%) for 249 yards, one touchdown and two INT's, Hendrix has plenty to show in camp coming up soon. He ran the ball really well behind center last Fall, carrying it 25 times for 162 yards and a TD, a 78-yarder at Stanford.
Sophomore Everett Golson (6'0, 185) showed the in Blue-Gold Spring game that he's very capable of competing for the starting job. With his legs and arm, Golson was turning heads throughout Notre Dame Stadium. Freshman Gunner Kiel (6'4, 210) from Columbus East High School (Columbus, IN) was an early enrollment in January for the Spring semester and got an early edge in learning coach Kelly's offense. The fifth QB on ND's roster is sophomore Charlie Fiessinger (6'1, 185). More than likely, Tommy Rees will get the nod because of the experience factor, but don't be surprised to see both Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson getting their due time, depending on the situation against certain opponents. Gunner Kiel could also see some time, but it's hard telling what Brian Kelly and his staff have in store for the 2011 indiana Mr. Football.
RUNNING BACK
In recent years, the Irish offense has had no problem finding receivers to contribute. This year, the backfield is catching up and will be just as stacked as there are four running backs that will all see an ample amount of time. Senior Cierre Wood comes back to lead the Notre Dame ball carriers, just as he did in 2011 with 1,102 yards on 217 carries (5.07 per carry) with 9 touchdowns. With the graduation of Jonas Gray, Wood made room for three teammates that will help share the load on the ground. Senior Theo Riddick is converting back to running back from wide receiver and he brings quite a bit of speed. Sophomore George Atkinson III adds a little more punch and will try to press the kickoff return records of yesteryear. GAIII returned 35 kicks for 915 total yards and a 26.1 yard average and also returned two for touchdowns and looks to be a lightning quick part of the ND backfield. A few newcomers are going to give it their best to make their presence known in South Bend. Incoming freshmen Will Mahone (Austintown, OH) and KeiVarae Russell (Everett, WA) will hit camp in August with thoughts of contributing right away. One newcomer that will have to wait until 2013 to put on his Notre Dame blue and gold is Amir Carlisle. Carlisle transferred from USC just before classes started in January. He got himself enrolled just in time for the spring term to start. Unfortunately for Carlisle, he saw action for the USC Trojans and carried the ball 19 times for 118 yards before knee and ankle injuries kept him off the field for the remainder of 2011.
WIDE RECEIVER
Despite All-American Michael Floyd graduating and being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Notre Dame's receiving corp doesn't look as bleak as most would think. There are a few that are going to surprise people. Believe it or not, 5th year senior John Goodman (Dwenger HS) from Fort Wayne is said to be one that will be putting up big yards. He's 6'3 and 207 and has the similar build of former ND receiver Jeff Samardzija. Goodman wasn't even a second tier guy last year. He only caught seven balls for 65 yards (9.3 per catch). Robby Toma might become one of the key speedsters. Coming on more in the second half of 2011, Toma wound up with 19 receptions for 207 yards (10.9) and a TD. TJ Jones will catch a lot of eyes, but it's not like they haven't seen him in action prior to this fall. Jones pitched in with 38 grabs for 366 yards (9.6) and 3 TD's. Sophomore DeVaris Daniels could prove to be a guy to breakout and make some catches where needed. Two freshmen will cross the radar and try to move their way up the ladder for playing time. Chris Brown (Hanahan, SC) Davonte Neal (Paradise Valley, AZ) and Justin Ferguson (Pembroke Pines, FL) are said to be a steal at wideout for Brian Kelly.
TIGHT END
Hands down, Tyler Eifert is the best tight end in the nation, as long as he's thrown the ball consistently. He has the potential and athleticism to surpass the expectations and stats of former Irish TE and current Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph. Sophomore Ben Koyack will be one that will shock opponents, simply because he was holding a clipboard last season, for the most part. He bulked himself up over the winter months and is a stout 6'5 and 253 pounds. Jake Golic, Alex Welch and linebacker-turned-tight end Troy Niklas will all three be a big part of the tight end lineup, whether it be catching passes or being that TE that stays in and pass blocks.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line will be a very protective line for whichever QB lines up behind them. Here is the makeup of the 2012 offensive line:
Left Tackle: Zach Martin
Left Guard: Chris Watt
Center: Braxton Cave
Right Guard: Conor Hanratty
Right Tackle: Christian Lombard
Fellow fifth-year senior Mike Golic, Jr. will be Cave’s backup at Center and was a nice fill-in while Braxton was injured during part of 2011. Junior Tate Nichols, along with sophomores Jordan Prestwood and Brad Carrico will contribute to the depth on the o-line. There are a couple incoming freshmen that could possibly see some playing time as true freshmen. Mark Harrell (Charlotte) and Ronnie Stanley (Las Vegas) will more than likely see some solid time this fall during the first semester on campus.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kapron Lewis-Moore has definitely put in his fair share of time on the Irish defensive line. The fifth-year defensive end will help anchor a three-man front in Kelly’s 3-4 scheme. He will do so along with junior Louis Nix III and sophomore Stephon Tuitt. The three combined for 97 total tackles (39 solo), 11.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. They’ll be back and better than ever when camp opens up in the next couple weeks. True freshman Sheldon Day (Warren Central HS, Indianapolis) will be a key contributor right away, as he’s already ahead of schedule. Day played in the annual spring game in April and was enrolled in classes at Notre Dame in January. Senior Tyler Stockton, junior Kona Schwenke and another freshman in Jarron Jones (Rochester, NY) will look to spread their wealth and get some playing time.
LINEBACKER
It says quite a bit about the Notre Dame football program when a guy like Manti Te’o could have done two other things in life than come back to South Bend for his senior season. He could have gone on a mission trip as a part of his religious obligations or he could have entered the NFL draft and probably have a seven-figure income right about now. Instead, he’s back as a vital part of the defense for the Irish.
Yes, there is quite a ways to go before all is settled at each position. The upperclassmen are having their own separate workouts sessions and most of the freshmen aren't even on campus just yet, but I can't help but think that the college football season is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it!
The biggest decision that Brian Kelly has to make to begin his 3rd season as head coach at Notre Dame is at the quarterback position. At this point in the summer, there are four quarterbacks that could possibly start when the Irish open vs. Navy on Saturday, September 1st in Dublin.
QUARTERBACK
Junior Tommy Rees (6'2, 210) seems to be the most logical choice, simply because of his experience as a starter thus far in his young collegiate career. His consistency is what most question when it comes to Rees being the leader of the Irish offense in 2012. Tossing 20 touchdowns, he did seem pretty faulty when it came to critics and alumni, as he threw 14 interceptions during his sophomore campaign. The third-year signal caller did complete 269 of 411 passes (65.2%) for 2,871 yards. Another reason why Rees might be in question is the off-season trouble that he had with the police. Rees was picked up one weekend night, receiving a DUI. He refused arrest initially by the South Bend police officer, which caused more media attention and questions about his status for the fall.
The only other quarterback on the Irish depth chart is junior Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix (6'2, 220) saw a decent amount of playing time, but it was mainly in mop-up duty or to bail Rees out of situations that the Irish shouldn't have been in. He is more dependable as a running quarterback, at least that's what he showed he does best. Throwing just 18-for-37 (48.6%) for 249 yards, one touchdown and two INT's, Hendrix has plenty to show in camp coming up soon. He ran the ball really well behind center last Fall, carrying it 25 times for 162 yards and a TD, a 78-yarder at Stanford.
Sophomore Everett Golson (6'0, 185) showed the in Blue-Gold Spring game that he's very capable of competing for the starting job. With his legs and arm, Golson was turning heads throughout Notre Dame Stadium. Freshman Gunner Kiel (6'4, 210) from Columbus East High School (Columbus, IN) was an early enrollment in January for the Spring semester and got an early edge in learning coach Kelly's offense. The fifth QB on ND's roster is sophomore Charlie Fiessinger (6'1, 185). More than likely, Tommy Rees will get the nod because of the experience factor, but don't be surprised to see both Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson getting their due time, depending on the situation against certain opponents. Gunner Kiel could also see some time, but it's hard telling what Brian Kelly and his staff have in store for the 2011 indiana Mr. Football.
RUNNING BACK
In recent years, the Irish offense has had no problem finding receivers to contribute. This year, the backfield is catching up and will be just as stacked as there are four running backs that will all see an ample amount of time. Senior Cierre Wood comes back to lead the Notre Dame ball carriers, just as he did in 2011 with 1,102 yards on 217 carries (5.07 per carry) with 9 touchdowns. With the graduation of Jonas Gray, Wood made room for three teammates that will help share the load on the ground. Senior Theo Riddick is converting back to running back from wide receiver and he brings quite a bit of speed. Sophomore George Atkinson III adds a little more punch and will try to press the kickoff return records of yesteryear. GAIII returned 35 kicks for 915 total yards and a 26.1 yard average and also returned two for touchdowns and looks to be a lightning quick part of the ND backfield. A few newcomers are going to give it their best to make their presence known in South Bend. Incoming freshmen Will Mahone (Austintown, OH) and KeiVarae Russell (Everett, WA) will hit camp in August with thoughts of contributing right away. One newcomer that will have to wait until 2013 to put on his Notre Dame blue and gold is Amir Carlisle. Carlisle transferred from USC just before classes started in January. He got himself enrolled just in time for the spring term to start. Unfortunately for Carlisle, he saw action for the USC Trojans and carried the ball 19 times for 118 yards before knee and ankle injuries kept him off the field for the remainder of 2011.
WIDE RECEIVER
Despite All-American Michael Floyd graduating and being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Notre Dame's receiving corp doesn't look as bleak as most would think. There are a few that are going to surprise people. Believe it or not, 5th year senior John Goodman (Dwenger HS) from Fort Wayne is said to be one that will be putting up big yards. He's 6'3 and 207 and has the similar build of former ND receiver Jeff Samardzija. Goodman wasn't even a second tier guy last year. He only caught seven balls for 65 yards (9.3 per catch). Robby Toma might become one of the key speedsters. Coming on more in the second half of 2011, Toma wound up with 19 receptions for 207 yards (10.9) and a TD. TJ Jones will catch a lot of eyes, but it's not like they haven't seen him in action prior to this fall. Jones pitched in with 38 grabs for 366 yards (9.6) and 3 TD's. Sophomore DeVaris Daniels could prove to be a guy to breakout and make some catches where needed. Two freshmen will cross the radar and try to move their way up the ladder for playing time. Chris Brown (Hanahan, SC) Davonte Neal (Paradise Valley, AZ) and Justin Ferguson (Pembroke Pines, FL) are said to be a steal at wideout for Brian Kelly.
TIGHT END
Hands down, Tyler Eifert is the best tight end in the nation, as long as he's thrown the ball consistently. He has the potential and athleticism to surpass the expectations and stats of former Irish TE and current Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph. Sophomore Ben Koyack will be one that will shock opponents, simply because he was holding a clipboard last season, for the most part. He bulked himself up over the winter months and is a stout 6'5 and 253 pounds. Jake Golic, Alex Welch and linebacker-turned-tight end Troy Niklas will all three be a big part of the tight end lineup, whether it be catching passes or being that TE that stays in and pass blocks.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line will be a very protective line for whichever QB lines up behind them. Here is the makeup of the 2012 offensive line:
Left Tackle: Zach Martin
Left Guard: Chris Watt
Center: Braxton Cave
Right Guard: Conor Hanratty
Right Tackle: Christian Lombard
Fellow fifth-year senior Mike Golic, Jr. will be Cave’s backup at Center and was a nice fill-in while Braxton was injured during part of 2011. Junior Tate Nichols, along with sophomores Jordan Prestwood and Brad Carrico will contribute to the depth on the o-line. There are a couple incoming freshmen that could possibly see some playing time as true freshmen. Mark Harrell (Charlotte) and Ronnie Stanley (Las Vegas) will more than likely see some solid time this fall during the first semester on campus.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Kapron Lewis-Moore has definitely put in his fair share of time on the Irish defensive line. The fifth-year defensive end will help anchor a three-man front in Kelly’s 3-4 scheme. He will do so along with junior Louis Nix III and sophomore Stephon Tuitt. The three combined for 97 total tackles (39 solo), 11.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. They’ll be back and better than ever when camp opens up in the next couple weeks. True freshman Sheldon Day (Warren Central HS, Indianapolis) will be a key contributor right away, as he’s already ahead of schedule. Day played in the annual spring game in April and was enrolled in classes at Notre Dame in January. Senior Tyler Stockton, junior Kona Schwenke and another freshman in Jarron Jones (Rochester, NY) will look to spread their wealth and get some playing time.
LINEBACKER
It says quite a bit about the Notre Dame football program when a guy like Manti Te’o could have done two other things in life than come back to South Bend for his senior season. He could have gone on a mission trip as a part of his religious obligations or he could have entered the NFL draft and probably have a seven-figure income right about now. Instead, he’s back as a vital part of the defense for the Irish.
Like Rees, Te’o’s inside linebacker partner Carlo Calabrese got into some of the same trouble, but not as hefty as Rees. Calabrese’s fate is still yet to be determined in a court of law. Senior Dan Fox, junior Kendall Moore, junior Prince Shembo and sophomore Ishaq Williams are all combining to be one of the better line backing corps in the country. They’ll be a lot quicker than last season. Freshman Romeo Okwara (Charlotte) will be another key addition that could also step in right away.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Harrison Smith is now a Minnesota Viking after they took him with the 29th overall pick in this past April’s draft. There will be plenty of experience back at the Cornerback and Safety positions, which will be a blessing in disguise from the lackluster play by some DB’s from the past couple seasons.
Fifth-year seniors Dan McCarthy, Chris Salvi and Jamoris Slaughter are three veterans along with senior Zeke Motta that will all patrol “center field” in the defensive backfield. Juniors Lo Wood and Bennett Jackson bring back minimal experience at each cornerback position. Five incoming freshmen might get to see what they’re made of right away. Tee Shepard (Fresno, CA), Nick Baratti (Tomball, TX), C.J. Prosise (Petersburg, VA), Elijah Shumate (East Orange, NJ) and John Turner (Indianapolis) might all be thrown into the fire, just to see who’s got what it takes to stop the big plays and prevent the long ball.
It’s almost scary to think that so many things about this Notre Dame Football squad can be looked at as unknowns and it’s almost August! Now that this will be Brian Kelly’s third year in South Bend, he’s well aware that the stakes are much higher and expectations are through the roof from alumni and all fans across the country. Kelly has gone 8-5 in each of his first two seasons for the Irish. Notre Dame already has been said to have the toughest schedule in the country and they haven’t played a down yet.
The pressure is always on and the spotlight is always going to shine directly on the head coach at the University of Notre Dame. Brian Kelly knows the task at hand and how he can accomplish what needs to be done to get Notre Dame Football back to the prominence that it was once known. The first thing on Kelly’s 2012 agenda will be quite the trip to open up the season and could help springboard his Irish in the right direction right away. Every college football eye will be watching on Saturday, September 1st as Notre Dame opens up shop against one of their bigger rivals in Navy. They’ve played at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ. Notre Dame has played Army at Yankee Stadium. Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland is going to be such a different experience for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They will kick off 2012 playing in the motherland of the Irish. There’s no better way to begin a season than that!
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