Rockne's Roundtable

The majority of the headlines you see right now may be recruiting, but that's because we're still a few weeks shy of spring practice. Also, that's the news coming out of the program right now with the coaches focused on adding offers to the list.

There will be plenty of football content available leading into the March 21st start date, which we mentioned post-National Signing Day to offer a peek at would we'll be able to offer until spring practice starts.

With that being said, that's why we cover other topics on a daily basis as well - average about 10 pieces of content a day so far this week - in an effort to hit all of our community based on what they're looking for and keep the discussion diverse.

Currently on the homepage:

7 recruiting articles

5 football videos

3 football articles

2 basketball articles

1 recruiting video

NDFoots34,

It's the same with the coaches. There is only so much accessibility allowed.

On Feb. 10, there was a news conference gathering that introduced the three new coaches (Scott Booker, Harry Hiestand and Bob Elliot), plus also a chance to grab others like Tony Alford, Mike Denbrock, Bob Diaco and, of course, Chuck Martin.

I did a three-part series on Martin, plus a feature on Hiestand and Denbrock. Dan Murphy had Booker and Alford, while Wes Morgan combined Diaco, Elliott and Kerry Cooks because all had been together at the University of Iowa. Those features carried us through Feb. 10-17. After that we have to be resourceful.

There are numerous ND websites and print media. If one asks for one-on-one face time with Brian Kelly or the assistants, the others must have it too. Then it becomes a zoo, so it has to be modified to "Here is your day for all of you to talk with the coaches. Get what you need and move on." There are only so many ways you can ask what the QB situation is like, etc.

We usually save our one-on-one with Kelly for either late May or early June, right when we're finishing our 160-to 200-page yearbook to include that in there.

Within the next two weeks, I will have an extended series on each position prior to spring ball, while Dan will do in-depth reports on the 12 opponents and where they stand with personnel and other matters.

Once spring ball starts on March 21, we will have several features every day. Understand that other than maybe one day (the Coaches Clinic), practices are closed.

So when the question "How do they look?" is asked, I can't really give an answer — especially because I don't have a control group to compare it to. I don't watch Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, Michigan State practices either, so there is no basis of comparison. The only time you really know how they look is when it's actually time to play the game.

Between now and then, are job is to inform in an accurate, thought-provoking and entertaining way.

I agree. Where are they now is a great idea.

I agree, it's a ton of 2013 recruiting info. But the way I look at it is, those of us who wish to read it, read it. Those who don't, don't. But I'm pleased to have the option. There are some days when I'm kinda bored and am dying for anything ND Football related....on those days, I'll pour through more of the recruiting stuff.

I'll say this....my subscription pays for itself in the offseason, especially in the days between signing day and spring practice and the spring game and fall practice. It gives me the ND fix I so desperately need.

I think this thread is in dire need of a round Ham

irishm,

I'll have to respectfully disagree on not being worth the time to write them.

While those that have responded in this thread are carrying the same tone that they're not being read daily, the numbers show different at this time of the year and the recruiting articles are definitely a necessity.

It's the "premium" content this time of year with not much of any football access, and it's an introduction to the recruits that Notre Dame has either offered, is interested in or the kids that would just love an opportunity to play for the Irish.

Sure, some of the kids that we talk to that have just been offered may never intend on getting to campus or showing any real interest, but believe me we note and report those items as well and you won't see another story on the prospect unless something changes.

One poster brought up a good point in that it gives the option to read those stories if you're not as into recruiting this time of year, and they're glad that the option is there to make it worth the subscription. I can assure you that if we weren't writing those stories now and getting the background info on this growing list of offers our community would be much smaller.

Not to say it's the sole reason why we're continuing to grow as a message board community, team site and network, but it's among the reasons why - including the strong foundation of members we made this transition with.

Again, we'll certainly have more football content in the very near future to go with the recruiting, basketball, hockey and other coverage (although this weekend will be recruiting heavy with a small junior day planned - Irish offered targets Hunter Bivin, Ty Isaac, Keeon Johnson, Jacob Matuska and Jaylon Smith), and we appreciate the feedback.

The only comment that I have about not reading the recruiting articles if I am not interested in them si it doesn't leave much else to read does it ?