Charlies Interview on Sunday. <object width="440" height="361"> <param name="movie" value="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=4003267"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <embed src="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/player.swf?mediaId=4003267" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" allowScriptAccess="always" width="440" height="361"></embed> </object>
James Aldridge working at Fullback now, hopefully he can block! We haven't used the FB very much in any aspect of the game, so we need him to be able to block as job #1. He can't be any worse than the last guy at running or catching when called upon. Aldridge Embraces Dual Role
Mike Ragone came to ND with a lot of hoopla, he hadn't played his Sr. year due to an injury but he was one of the top TE's in the country if not the top TE as a HS Jr. But just when he thought it was his time he injured his knee again. This is a quote from a good article on him on Irish Eyes, it's a pay article though so I can't post much and the link won't do you any good. Just let me say that I'm really rooting for this kid to make it. It's going to be tough for him since Kyle Rudolph got so much experience as freshman last year and the reports are that he's really worked hard in the weight room this winter and should be a very big fast and physical TE probably has the TE starters spot locked up. But there will be room for Ragone, and I hope he does well.
I saw Charlie in the crowd at tonights ND/Kentucky game...isn't he supposed to be home planning tomorrows workouts?? If we don't have a great season you might look back to this night as where it all started!! :roll: :roll:
Yesterday the lady Spartans upset Duke. In the crowd were Dantonio and Tom Izzo. Now Dantonio may have some time to take in a woman's BB game but Izzo may have a big game coming up soon. Is it too late to change my bracket?
He'll probably go. He'll be back home next week for a few games in Detroit. If somehow the Spartans get into the Final Four, it should be kind of crazy around here.
Is it safe for a ND fan like myself to post on this thread or do I have to be careful here to not to say anything offensive about urban meyer, tim tebow or the florida gators.
Vaunted Irish reciever corps is sort of thin right now. Tate...playing Baseball Floyd...nicked up and not 100% Kamara...nicked up not 100% Of course that means more reps for Goodman and Walker which is good for those guys.
Receivers <r>yeah, as far as receivers are concerned it's a good thing it's spring ball right now. On the other hand, it gives some of the other guys a chance to take a lot of reps and step up. I'm hoping Deion Walker does something positive this year. <br/> <br/> the move to put Aldridge at FB kinda makes me feel good too. He gives ND another pair of hands to throw the ball to as well as run/block as FB. <E>8)</E></r>
CW in the booth <r>I see CW has made his decision to stay on the sideline. I know this is probably the best decision and I do like the idea of having the HC on the sideline, but I wouldn't have minded it if he went up in the booth. <E>8)</E></r>
At positions like WR where some guys have already proven themselves, I don't mind the opportunity for those guys battling in that 3/4/5 spot to get extra time on the field and maybe develop some chemistry with the QBs. The move to FB for Aldridge should be interesting.. We haven't had someone who could truly 'run' in that spot for some time.. hell, it's been a while since we had someone who could block there either.
On Aldridge I think there is upside for him, esp since it appears unlikely that he's going to win the ND TB position and/or get the Lions share of the carries. It will get him in the game, and if he shows he can block, and do well on FB screens and maybe even run the ball a little then it might increase his chances of playing in the NFL. Mainly we need him to be willing and able to do the blocking.
We really need a back who can pick up the blitz. Darius Walker was excellent in doing that. For a successful year we need good O line blocking and good blitz recognition by our backs.
Gipper, You're right. Pass protection from the RBs hasn't been anywhere what it was when Walker was there. It picked up slightly last year and let's hope the new OL/Running Coordinator can improve on it some more this year. I like what I'm hearing from Verducci so far. Hopefully it translates to much better OL performance this coming season. what am I saying, how could it be worse! 8)