Chat Transcript: Notre Dame football with Eric Hansen

11:50 pm, August 18, 2011

Live Chat: Talk Notre Dame football with Eric Hansen

(08/18/2011)

12:07

Eric Hansen:

Greetings all. Time to chat Notre Dame football. We'll be giving away three Irish Sports Report 2011 Notre Dame Football annuals at the end of the chat, so check the transcript to see if you're a winner. I try to keep the rules simple. No whining, no swearing, no bare feet. I can live with wagering today. Please include your hometown with your question and please no 13-part questions or manifestos. Off we go.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:07 Eric Hansen

12:08

[Comment From Alex, Jackson, MissouriAlex, Jackson, Missouri: ]

Eric, Thank you for doing these chats. Who is the starting inside linbacker across from Teo? Is that the weakest position on defense as far as you see it?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:08 Alex, Jackson, Missouri

12:10

Eric Hansen:

Right now Carlo Calabrese is starting to separate from Dan Fox, who, in turn, has separated from the rest of the pack. In the spring, I would have said it was the most tenuous position on the defense easily. Now? Probably still the case, but I would not longer term it a weakness. Carlo and Fox really had great summers and came to work in August with improved skill sets.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:10 Eric Hansen

12:10

[Comment From James, DallasJames, Dallas: ]

.Thanks for hosting the chat today. What can Brian Kelly learn from Randy Waldrum about building a dominating championship team at Notre Dame?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:10 James, Dallas

12:12

Eric Hansen:

James, one of the things I like about Brian Kelly is he is open to learning and evolving. He doesn't believe he has all the answers. I wish I could be more specific in my answer, but I think the one aspect that translates well from one program to the other is how Waldrum builds team chemistry.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:12 Eric Hansen

12:12

[Comment From Mike-Wash DCMike-Wash DC: ]

Eric great job I look forward to this every week. What do you think the chances of the Irish landing a 4-5 star running back with the 2012 class. I would think it's an attractive offer b/c of the chance to make an impact right away. Marshall or any others????

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:12 Mike-Wash DC

12:21

Eric Hansen:

Thanks, these chats are fun for me too. You guys/gals also give me some good story ideas. I think the chances are strong they will land 1 or 2 in that range. What didn't look so promising just a few weeks ago now looks very promising. Several elite running backs have scheduled official visits to ND. There are actually two good Marshalls -- Keith and Byron. Also among those 4-star backs slated to take visits are KeiVarae Russell and William Mahone.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:21 Eric Hansen

12:21

[Comment From Paul, Galway, IrelandPaul, Galway, Ireland: ]

Hi Eric, really enjoy you articles and these Live chats a super - following the Irish from over here in Ireland, can't wait for 2012 when they all come over!! My questions - if Andrew Hendrix doesn't see any game this again this year do you think he will transfer?? Really hope he doesn't as I think he has great potential more so than Rees. Thanks

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:21 Paul, Galway, Ireland

12:24

Eric Hansen:

Paul, Cheers. Can't wait to see Ireland. Maybe we can connect with you when we get there. As for Hendrix. He knew what he was getting into when he signed. Actually Luke Massa and Nate Montana were also in the mix then too. It would be one thing if Kelly told Andrew he had an inferior skill set, but he may have the most complete of the 4 QBs. He certainly has the quickest release. Andrew's playing time related directly to his mastery of the offense. Since that is in his hands, I don't see him becoming impatient this year.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:24 Eric Hansen

12:24

[Comment From Jim, South BendJim, South Bend: ]

Eric, Do you think Toma will get more playing time this year? That kid catches everything when given the chance. Maybe he should get a shot at retutning punts.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:24 Jim, South Bend

12:26

Eric Hansen:

Jim, Toma is in the punt return mix, but I don't think he will emerge as the top option there. Theo Riddick is the guy ahead of Toma at both slot receiver and punt returner. If Theo got pulled to the running back position because of injuries there, that would open up some playing time for Robby. He's still going to be an important part of this team either way and is one of the team's strongest leaders.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:26 Eric Hansen

12:27

[Comment From Irish fan from Irish landIrish fan from Irish land: ]

Good afternoon Eric! 16 days to pay dirt! As always you're the man with the great coverage thanks for letting all of us be part of it. What is the biggest challenge to defeating USF?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:27 Irish fan from Irish land

12:30

Eric Hansen:

Hi Irish fan. This may be your shortest question ever. Nice to have you aboard. South Florida's strength is unquestionably its defense. Attacking that defense with a diverse offense is the best way to beat it. USF was really a pain when it could make offenses one-dimensional last season. Another key is getting quarterback B.J. Daniels to make bad decisions. He's a talented guy, who played way below that talent level last year in large part to rushed/bad decisions. So look for ND to bring the heat.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:30 Eric Hansen

12:30

[Comment From RockRock: ]

How strong will the kicking game be this year and what is the acceptable range this year for a field goal attempt?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:30 Rock

12:32

Eric Hansen:

David Ruffer missed just one field goal last year -- and that's when he had injured himself on a kickoff shortly before. Even if something were to happen to him, you have two other strong options in Kyle Brindza and Nick Tausch. Ben Turk at putner is much improved and I think Brindza will likely kick off. He has the strongest leg. I think BK is comfortable with Ruffer up to say 52, 53 yards. If the unlikely event he needed something longer, he might go with Brindza.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:32 Eric Hansen

12:32

[Comment From Mark, South BendMark, South Bend: ]

Eric, thanks for the chat. How do you feel about the quarter back situation? Who is going to lead the Irish?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:32 Mark, South Bend

12:33

Eric Hansen:

I like ND's quarterback situation. It's been a long time since the Irish had this much quality depth. But how about the No. 1 guy? I still think it's going to be Crist. I also think Kelly will use a change-up quarterback in some, if not all, of the games this season.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:33 Eric Hansen

12:34

[Comment From major domer NE Indianamajor domer NE Indiana: ]

Assuming the U of Miami gets bigs sanctions (or even the death penalty), does Notre Dame stand to benefit by poaching some Miami recruits? Does the squeaky clean image ever help us on the recruiting trail?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:34 major domer NE Indiana

12:38

Eric Hansen:

Miami and Notre Dame don't criss-cross in recruiting as much as you might think. Louis Nix, from a couple of years ago, comes to mind. The Hurricanes have 24 commitments, according to Rivals.com. Given the momentum Kelly has going with his own targets and the fact there aren't a lot of spots left in ND's class, I'm not sure ND will look to get involved with Miami's committed recruits. As far as ND's image being helpful in recruiting, I do think it's a positive factor, especially with parents.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:38 Eric Hansen

12:38

[Comment From Robb, ColoradoRobb, Colorado: ]

Eric, I know performance on the field has an impact on recruits looking at a school, but I wondered how important you think it is for ND to have a strong season or at least get off to a good start to bring in some of the top guys they are still targeting. Thanks.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:38 Robb, Colorado

12:40

Eric Hansen:

Once a coach gets past his first year, on-the-field performance seems to lose some oomph in recruiting (unless a coach is on the hot seat). Now, I do think running backs, to some extent, will be curious to see if the ND running game has been as upgraded as advertised.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:40 Eric Hansen

12:40

[Comment From Jack - Hastings, NEJack - Hastings, NE: ]

Will the implosion of the Big 12 and possibility of "super conferences" force ND into the Big 10?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:40 Jack - Hastings, NE

12:42

Eric Hansen:

ND athletic director Jack Swarbrick monitors that stuff pretty well. Even when the Big 12 kissed and made up last year, no one was buying the fake love for Texas. I don't think ND will be FORCED to join the Big Ten. It may opt to do so if the superconference model does take shape. ND's biggest threat to its football independence was the Big East imploding, and that conference appears to be getting stronger ... at least for now.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:42 Eric Hansen

12:43

[Comment From mike thorold onmike thorold on: ]

any idea on who will be filling the second safety spot?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:43 mike thorold on

12:45

Eric Hansen:

Mike, Jamoris Slaughter and Zeke Motta will share time at free safety. There will be times they could be on the field together in nickel coverage.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:45 Eric Hansen

12:46

[Comment From ToddTodd: ]

Hi Eric, Will be attending my first Irish game on Oct 8th. Plan on arriving early Saturday Morning. Any suggestions for things I must see/do on campus? Go Irish!

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:46 Todd

12:47

Eric Hansen:

Todd. The list is pretty long. I will tell you this. Every home game we publish -- in the paper and on the web -- a list of stuff that's going on at ND's campus and around South Bend -- block parties, pep rallies, book signings, live bands, etc. If you're looking for something beyond that, email me and I can give you some suggestions.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:47 Eric Hansen

12:48

[Comment From Jonathan, Seattle WAJonathan, Seattle WA: ]

Eric - Big fan of your chats. My question is on the depth chart at the RB position. How do you see the battle for #3 shaping out b/t McDaniel and Atkinson?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:48 Jonathan, Seattle WA

12:50

Eric Hansen:

Thanks Jonathan. I think they'll both play. Atkinson has nice acceleration. You can see why he was recruited to play WR. He was a really good running back in high school, but Can played against better competition and in an offensive scheme that was much more similar to ND's than George's was. I think Cam will have the edge early, and Atkinson will come on once he gets the nuances down. Remember, pass protection is a must in this offense, so if you can't do that as a RB, you won't play.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:50 Eric Hansen

12:50

[Comment From dan from south benddan from south bend: ]

do you think tommy rees deserves to start over dane, beating USC for the firsttimesincety was coaching?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:50 dan from south bend

12:51

Eric Hansen:

I would not base it on the USC game. Tommy had four turnovers in that game, all in ND territory. The defense and the running game won that game. Rees was poised in his other three starts. It's not about who was better in a single game last year, it's about who is better NOW.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:51 Eric Hansen

12:52

[Comment From Andy, ChicagoAndy, Chicago: ]

What will it take for ND to win against both Michigan and Michigan State this year. Call it a sweep.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:52 Andy, Chicago

12:53

Eric Hansen:

The defense living up to expectations, the quarterback playing above them and ND winning the rushing battle. Since the start of the 2005 season, ND is 27-0 when it outrushes its opponents, including 7-0 last season.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:53 Eric Hansen

12:53

[Comment From JustMeIrishyJustMeIrishy: ]

Why wouldn't Notre Dame sign with an SEC powerhouse instead of the upcoming games with Temple?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:53 JustMeIrishy

12:56

Eric Hansen:

There has to be balance in the schedules. Adding an SEC team, outside of say Vanderbilt, could imbalance it. I'm not sure a lot of the SEC schools are willing to play ND in October or November. Tennessee was a willing partner, so perhaps that series will be renewed at some point. AD Jack Swarbrick also mentioned playing an SEC team in an off-site home game is a possibility.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:56 Eric Hansen

12:56

[Comment From dan from south benddan from south bend: ]

Do you think Brian Kelly will have the Irish in the top 25? He has a proven track record, but, never the type of teams ND plays. If not, how long would you say it will take for Coach Kelly to bring them back to the top 25?

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:56 dan from south bend

12:59

Eric Hansen:

They're in the top 25 as we speak. So I assume you're talking about at the end of the season. I would be surprised if ND didn't finish there this year. So would a lot of other people. At Cincinnati, he took three unranked teams and guided them into the top 25 at year's end. Kelly's teams did play Oklahoma in Norman and Oregon State in Corvallis among its non-league games.

Thursday August 18, 2011 12:59 Eric Hansen

1:00

[Comment From Greg - South BendGreg - South Bend: ]

Hi Eric, Did you see the Ian Williams piece on ESPN OTL? Very intresting? Is Ian going to make it with the 49's?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:00 Greg - South Bend

1:00

Eric Hansen:

I did not see it yet, but heard about it and plan to watch it. I would be stunned if Ian Williams did not make the 49ers' roster.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:00 Eric Hansen

1:02

[Comment From Brandon South BendBrandon South Bend: ]

Coach Diaco is very entertaining in his interviews. Is he like that all of the time? He really liked Al's question on media day. When you guys talk off record, is Diaco that intense?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:02 Brandon South Bend

1:04

Eric Hansen:

I say this with the utmost honesty and respect. I have never met anyone quite like Bob Diaco. He is getting more comfortable with the media and the media with him. The best thing I like about him is he really tried to put some thoughts to his answers. Now sometimes that will get you a Gandhi quote or an analogy to the Beatles, but I can live with that. I think you would like him if you had a chance to meet him in person. He is a genuine guy, nothing fake about him.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:04 Eric Hansen

1:04

[Comment From Frank -OmahaFrank -Omaha: ]

What area do you feel the Irish need the most improvement on in order to become a great fo0otball team

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:04 Frank -Omaha

1:06

Eric Hansen:

I'll give you what Brian Kelly said earlier this week .. depth in offensive playmakers. I would agree with him. I think the return game must become more dynamic and the defense must continue the climb it started late last season. The Irish need a QB who can play at a top 25 efficiency level.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:06 Eric Hansen

1:06

[Comment From Jeff- San Diego, CAJeff- San Diego, CA: ]

Eric, thanks for your great coverage of ND football. Coach Kelly talks about offensive depth being an area of concern. Other than runningback, what other positions appear to be thin at this point? 16 days 'til the opener!

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:06 Jeff- San Diego, CA

1:08

Eric Hansen:

There are numbers at wide receiver, but you lose a lot of octane once you get past the front line of Floyd, Riddick and TJ Jones/Goodman. Perhpas DaVaris Daniels and/or Daniel Smith can develop into that kind of player this season. And thank you.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:08 Eric Hansen

1:09

[Comment From Todd,ToledoTodd,Toledo: ]

Hey Eric, Any idea if there are any single game tickets available to any of the Irish home games?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:09 Todd,Toledo

1:14

Eric Hansen:

Those tickets are generally based on returns by visiting teams. That doesn't figure to happen for say, the USC and MSU games. It is very hard to predict. I spoke to John Heisler, ND's sr. assoc. AD, just moments ago. His suggestion is to check week to week. (We'll certainly announce it on our web site and on Twitter if there is a public sale). Often there is not much warning for those tickets and certainly not a lot of quantity. So far, there are no rumblings there will be any available, but it can change quickly. Man, I feel like a politician, that answer was so muddled. Sorry.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:14 Eric Hansen

1:14

[Comment From dan from south benddan from south bend: ]

Eric,please tell Todd to visit The Grotto, and the Basillica. They are by far, the most wonderful things on campus outside of football.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:14 dan from south bend

1:15

Eric Hansen:

Todd, there you go. Maybe Dan will even take you to Rocco's for dinner?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:15 Eric Hansen

1:15

[Comment From Mitch from Massillon OhioMitch from Massillon Ohio: ]

What do you make of Kelly's cryptic answer to the question put to him about Michael Floyd being ready? (The coach replied something like "Michael thinks he is ready.")

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:15 Mitch from Massillon Ohio

1:16

Eric Hansen:

I might have missed that answer. Kelly has been very direct when talking about Michael. He's back,. he's focused, he's thinner, he's not rusty. He expects him to have his best year.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:16 Eric Hansen

1:16

[Comment From skipper from Napervilleskipper from Naperville: ]

What do we know about 2012 committ Sheldon Day from Indianapolis

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:16 skipper from Naperville

1:21

Eric Hansen:

Colleague Bob Wieneke knows a lot more about him than I do. What he has told me is the guy looks like a difference-maker on film. He is 6-2, 286 and plays for the state's of Indiana's No. 1 team (Indianapolis Warren Central) in the state's largest class (5-A). We have a reporter going to check him out this Saturday night, when Warren Central plays at No. 10 Merrillville. Warren Central is ranked No. 3 in the country as well. We'll have a story about Day soon after, so you can learn even more about him.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:21 Eric Hansen

1:21

[Comment From Moose, OttawaMoose, Ottawa: ]

If/as football's physical damage (particularly brain injuries) becomes more apparent, can you see ND being forced into a money-vs-morality decision on abandoning football?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:21 Moose, Ottawa

1:23

Eric Hansen:

No I don't. I don't think anyone will abandon football, but I think a lot more attention is being paid and will be paid to concussions. Our columnist, Al Lesar, did a story recently on high-tech mouth guards ND will be using this season that helps trainers monitor collisions and potential head injuries.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:23 Eric Hansen

1:23

[Comment From John from Mount MorrisJohn from Mount Morris: ]

Notre Dame seems to have an odd schedule this year. Going into the season, it seems that ND could be favored in all the games, or nearly all of them. That being said, there aren't too many games where ND has a breather. Most teams they'll play this year are above average to good, but probably none will be top 10, except for possibly Stanford. Is it fair to call this a tough schedule when ND could be favored in every game?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:23 John from Mount Morris

1:24

Eric Hansen:

I think Alabama has a tough scheduled and I would think the Tide are favored in every game. I think you characterized it well. There are not a lot of top 10 teams, but very few if any cupcakes either.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:24 Eric Hansen

1:24

[Comment From Brian from ChicagoBrian from Chicago: ]

Thanks again for the chats, Eric. Your articles throughout training camp have been great. Any new ideas that Kelly has year two relative to the new gameday procedures, etc...? Also don't think you have mentioned the Miami situation yet. Doubt it, but you think it will affect the game in 2012 at all? How long will it take the ncaa to bring down the hammer? GO IRISH

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:24 Brian from Chicago

1:27

Eric Hansen:

Thanks, Brian. I'm not sure about new gameday stuff other than a lot less yelling. And that has to do with the team, especially the quarterbacks, knowing what's expected and buying into it. He has reorganized his staff a bit, so that meetings are more productive and those last-minute changes BK likes to throw in are easier to work into a given game plan. As far as Miami, I spoke with Jack Swarbrick about that yesterday and have that story up online (at the end of the Versus article). The NCAA seems to be moving quicker these days, and with all the documentation Nevin Shapiro has, that should speed things up considerably.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:27 Eric Hansen

1:28

[Comment From Rockne, NorrwayRockne, Norrway: ]

Eric, do you think the OL can hold its own against Michigan and Michigan State early in the season? Yards per game rushing 125, etc. limit to 2-3 sacks per game?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:28 Rockne, Norrway

1:28

Eric Hansen:

I do, especially Michigan. The Wolverines' offense is prolific. Its defense has a lot to prove.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:28 Eric Hansen

1:29

[Comment From brian from South Bendbrian from South Bend: ]

Eric, Great job in covering the Irish. Do you see any other local HS kids besides Perkins that Coach Kelly and the staff have their eyes on? Which HS players do you think are legit D-I recruits?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:29 brian from South Bend

1:30

Eric Hansen:

I think ND won't pull another local kid in this class. Perkins will be it. As far as D-I guys, Gehrig Dieter of South Bend Washington, Perkins' teammate, has several D-I offers. He only figures to get more this season. He is very good at WR and on defense. It's only a matter of time for his offer list to grow.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:30 Eric Hansen

1:31

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Darrell from Dallas GA I was just on the ND website watching the ND Irish Connection it shows BK getting pics made with the players after getting his pic made with one of the players BK looks at him and says "that is the National Championship photo right there" I love it! now my question Can ND go 11-0 before they get to Stanford?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:31 Guest

1:32

Eric Hansen:

Can they? Yes. Will they? I don't think they will, but you know what, if I was good at this predicting stuff, I'd have a 900 number and be in business with Miss Cleo.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:32 Eric Hansen

1:32

[Comment From Todd P - Perrysburg, OHTodd P - Perrysburg, OH: ]

Thanks for the ideas Dan. Eric, Dan and I will buy your dinner at Rocco's if you get both of us field passes.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:32 Todd P - Perrysburg, OH

1:33

Eric Hansen:

Thanks for the bribery. I may have to buy the dinner, though. -- Unless you have some plays for Coach Kelly that are guaranteed to work.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:33 Eric Hansen

1:34

[Comment From John in Auburn, INJohn in Auburn, IN: ]

Eric: Give me an idea what to watch for in the first quarter or half of the USF game as far as whether the Irish are ready to play. I could tell early in the GT game in '07 that something was amiss, but I hope that call won't be so easy this year. Great job covering the Irish.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:34 John in Auburn, IN

1:35

Eric Hansen:

Thanks John. The Georgia Tech game in 2007 was a disaster. Here are three things to watch in the first quarter. Is ND running the ball with authority? Is the quarterback playing with confidence and consistency? Is ND getting pressure on USF's quarterback without blitzing?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:35 Eric Hansen

1:36

[Comment From James, DallasJames, Dallas: ]

How sure is Kelly (and are you) that the offensive line will win at the line of scrimmage? So many disappointments there in the last few years

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:36 James, Dallas

1:41

Eric Hansen:

Look at how they played down the stretch of last season -- 156 rushing yards a game. For the season, they gave up 1.54 sacks per game, fewest by an ND team since 1998 and that's without a mobile quarterback and having to learn a new system. That gives me confidence.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:41 Eric Hansen

1:42

[Comment From mike-dcmike-dc: ]

What do you think the chances of going 4-0 in Sept are. I think Michigan will be tough with their new coach, I have read daniels from SF is injured??

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:42 mike-dc

1:43

Eric Hansen:

Daniels had a hamstring injury that is not expected to limit him for the long term. Michigan's new coaching staff is impressive. They have a lot of rebuilding to do on defense, however. Chances of going 4-0? I have them 3-1 thru Sept.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:43 Eric Hansen

1:45

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Is Dan McCarthy healthy and will he see playing time.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:45 Mike

1:45

Eric Hansen:

He is healthy. He backs up Harrison Smith, so his playing time will be somewhat limited. He's valuable on special teams, though.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:45 Eric Hansen

1:45

[Comment From Mike Stevensville MIMike Stevensville MI: ]

Does Dr. Dye have the band ready for the upcoming season?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:45 Mike Stevensville MI

1:47

Eric Hansen:

Band questions are harder for me than fashion questions. I think there's some depth problems at trombone and some freshmen who need to pick it up in the cymbals section, but my sources tell me Dr. Dye will have them ready for South Florida.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:47 Eric Hansen

1:47

[Comment From Marty, San Antonio, TXMarty, San Antonio, TX: ]

I am going to try and make this an ISR award winnng question... What is this football team's saving grace when the breaks are beating the boys?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:47 Marty, San Antonio, TX

1:48

[Comment From brian from South Bendbrian from South Bend: ]

what do you hear about Tony Rice's son, Anthony from Mishawaka Marian High School? Is he a legit D-1 player?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:48 brian from South Bend

1:48

Eric Hansen:

Well it sure won't be the media. I would say Manti Te'o is the answer.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:48 Eric Hansen

1:49

Eric Hansen:

Our high school guys tell me he has a lot of speed and figures to get bigger with age and weight-training. I have heard nothing but positives about him on and off the field.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:49 Eric Hansen

1:49

[Comment From John (Missoula)John (Missoula): ]

This whole Miami recruiting story is pretty disturbing. Can you give us any information on how good/bad the ND compliance department is at vetting its student athletes? Do ND fans have anything to worry about? Thanks!

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:49 John (Missoula)

1:51

Eric Hansen:

The rogue booster is every sports administrator's worst nightmare. ND's compliance team is very strong, some might even say too strong. But that's a good thing in today's environment. It could happen anywhere. Remember Kim Dunbar? ND learned from that. That doesn't mean they're perfect, but it's not from lack of effort.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:51 Eric Hansen

1:52

[Comment From ndrickndrick: ]

Is this the largest and longest group of players that ND as a group in your years at Notre Dame?

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:52 ndrick

1:54

Eric Hansen:

certainly on defense it is. I can't recall Outside linebacker the with the size and mobility of say Ishaq Williams, 6-6, 252 and Troy Niklaus 6-7, 250. You've got a kid pushing 6-7 (Tony Springmann) pressing for playing time at NG. And Stephon Tuitt? The guy needs his own zip code.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:54 Eric Hansen

1:54

[Comment From Joe, San DiegoJoe, San Diego: ]

Hey Eric! What do you think about Brian Kelly's statement about taking his 22 starters against anyone elses? That comment got me concerned considering he said we need more than 22 and we just aren't there.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:54 Joe, San Diego

1:56

Eric Hansen:

I think it's a positive that an ND coach can say even that. When was the last time, ND's front seven matched up this well? He also mentioned he loves the depth on the defense. The areas where he feels he needs to build depth are WR and RB. I would agree with him. But I believe his statement reflects progress, not cause for concern.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:56 Eric Hansen

1:56

[Comment From Mike Stevensville MIMike Stevensville MI: ]

BTW concert on the steps is the ticket on game days.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:56 Mike Stevensville MI

1:57

Eric Hansen:

Most sports writers would say it's the free hot dogs, but I am willing to believe in your expertise, Mike.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:57 Eric Hansen

1:59

Eric Hansen:

That's going to do it for today. Have to cut it short due to an assignment. The winners in the drawing were Alex from Jackson, Miss.; Paul from Galway, Ireland; and Jonathan from Seattle. Email me at ehansen@sbtinfo.com" target="_blank" >ehansen@sbtinfo.com with your address if you want to claim your fabulous prize package. Thanks to everyone who jumped on board. Will do this again next Thursday. Same time, same place. Cheers.

Thursday August 18, 2011 1:59 Eric Hansen

1:59