Rockne's Roundtable

Lou,

What really matters is how we rank these positions at the end of the year. A weak position can suddenly become strong, like RB last year as Jonas Gray stepped up. Looking back on last year, how would you rate each of the postions?

Lou, since Eiffert will spit out into WR at times shouldn't he be factored into the analysis at WR and lift the ranking up to the next level?

putting the WRs in context i like our skill position combo of QB-RB-WR-TE much better this year than last year which will raise the WR play in a huge way as it will take the pressure off that position.

Having a running threat QB, all american TE and stronger stable of RBs will open things up for the WRs so our production will actually better there vis-vis last year and having Floyd.

4.5 is a very fair assessment based on what we had at the end of the spring. Even though you factor in some of the RB's into the passing game and it bump to maybe a 5.5 tops. I think the influx of talent with Davonte Neal, Chris Brown, and Justin Ferguson will give this group an opportunity to exceed expectations at the position.

Lou,

Some sites have brown listed as 6'2", 195 lbs. (Scout, for example). Obviously,
"listed" heights and weights can be very inaccurate---any insight on why you
listed him as around 175?

And even with Floyd they had only 2 40+ yd passing plays. Further proof that the arm and area above the shoulders at QB need an upgrade.

NDHoss,

If we do that with Eifert, then we have to take down the tight end assessment at least a couple of levels. Can't have it both ways. Eifert will indeed be moved around quite a bit, but his position group still is tight end. We were specifically focusing on the W and X positions. One of the things we did emphasize in the story is that strength at tight end and running back/slot might be able to compensate for the uncertainties for now at X and W.

I repeat this over and over, we can't be making pre-season assessments based on "potential." Coaches themselves will tell you there is not a more frustrating word in athletics. All we can do at this point is base our rating on what's been produced based on the data available.

NDShepard,

In Eifert, you might have the best player in the nation at his position. That right there gives you a potential 10. If Floyd were back at W, then the receiving corps would be elevated much higher as well.
However, I do agree with you that a 9 overall might be a little too high, given that an injury to Eifert could gum some works. I couldn't dispute an 8, maybe even a 7.5.

Maybe there was some internal bias in me that gave tight end a little more equity because of the history that has been going on there. Koyack was considered a five-star recruit in some circles, and received some valuable playing time last year. Physically, he is ahead of Eifert at the same point in their careers, and Eifert had a darn good sophomore year in 2010. I also like the way Welch is coming along.

Perhaps above all, when you can have an athlete like Troy Niklas as a fourth option at one position, that speaks volumes about the quality there.

Conversely, a Daniel Smith or Luke Massa haven't even really played yet as receivers going into their junior years. Davaris Daniels will come along in time, but he still might be teetering at the Level 1 phase.

tomporraz,

The only thing that ever matters is where you are at the end of the season, just like pre-season rankings. Unfortunately, the problem the past several years has been the program consistently achieves less than what me might expect. When people talk about "potential" 10-2 and "potential" BCS bids like last year, it goes 8-4 during the regular season. When you can see 8-4, it's 6-6. When you glumly admit 6-6, it's 3-9. Until this starts to change, the benefit of the doubt will be shakier.

"1. The two returning veterans on the outside, Jones and Goodman, both averaged less than 10 yards per catch last season, something you will seldom find in any major college program. Even Floyd was limited to 11.5 yards per his 100 receptions after averaging 15.0, 18.5 and 13.0 his first three seasons.

Jones’ 38 grabs averaged 9.6 yards and Goodman’s seven catches averaged 9.3 (and 9.7 on 15 catches in 2010). Although there isn’t game-breaking speed at wideout, the data is not necessarily all on the receivers. It was a byproduct of the overall offense that had limits in what it could run. How it potentially can change this year is to be determined this fall."

This is a direct result of Tommy Rees and his inability to stretch the field and extend the play with his feet. He couldn't even throw deep passes to threaten teams with the vertical game. I'm expecting much bigger things this year with a true spread QB like Golson and eventually throwing deeper passes to Eifert, Goodman, Jones, and Daniels. Open up the playbook with Golson Kelly!

wouldnt it be awesome if Goodman broke out like the shark did in 05 that would be a dream come true the talent is there Daniels is a beast, Daniel Smith i think will be a major contributor.

Lou--could you please get an update on Chris Brown's height and weight? I seem to recall several tweets from Brown saying that he had grown to 6'3" and around 190.