Rockne's Roundtable

I'm very encouraged by the kids we are getting that are 3 and 4 star guys, outside of the top 150, that have great offers. Montelus (Florida, Ohio St) Heuerman (Florida St., LSU) Onwualu (Stanford, Michigan) Matuska (Oklahoma, Nebraska) McGlinchey (Florida, Florida St, Tennessee), these are all high upside guys that could really grow into something special at ND. There are always five star guys going in the first round of the NFL draft (Floyd, Kalil, Richardson) but then every year there are also 2 and 3 star guys that just develop into something special (Dontari Poe, 2 star 2008, Kendall Wright, 3 star 2008, Whitney Mercilus, 3 star 2008, Chandler Jones, 2 star TE 2008). Granted these aren't 247 player ratings, but still, you just never know where a kid will develop from and you need to find athletic, intelligent guys that fit your system. That is how you maximize potential. I love what Kelly and Co is doing right now.

Good thoughts George, this staff seems to be coaching them up and hopefully the growing pains are behind the staff. Now put a "E" at the back of that new nickname to give it a Mardi Gras flavor - Kelly Krewe

I am optimistic period. Why? Because I see real development along both ol and dl. Do not know how long it takes for us to get to 10+!win seasons but to me Kelly is the right coach.

We are moving in the right direction even with the unfortunate transfers/decommits. Holding us back has been the play of the QB, causing our offense to perform not as well as the talent and skill indicates. It's a vital position obviously.

Once we play an Alex Smith type, ie few TOs, or a true playmaker, our record will finally reflect our talent/skill. Defense is very close and much improved; just missing the QB.