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What is the story on Matt Hegarty?

  • First post - I'm enjoying the site.
    I've seen several vague references that he may be injured, or otherwise done at ND. That would be a huge blow, in my opinion. What is going on here, and would this at all affect recruiting? I can't imagine ND would take another OL with 5 in the fold, but are any of the current commits expected to play center? Who is on tap for center once Cave/Golic graduate if it won't be Hegarty?
    Thanks.

    SocialChair

  • SocialChair,

    Welcome aboard, and thank you for joining us.

    Matt Hegarty's football future at this point is shrouded in uncertainty, but it's not like a center can't be developed. I would not be surprised if Chris Watt (who is coming back for a fifth year, by his own words) gets shifted there. He worked on some snaps back in Kelly's first year "just in case." Alabama's Barrett Jones moved from tackle to center this year. Yes, not everybody can be a Jones, but such moves aren't unprecedented. Trevor Robinson was a guard at ND but has started at center for the Bengals. Tim Grunhard played guard all four years here, but was a 10-year starter at center in the NFL.

    I also could see Nick Martin or Bruce Heggie taking reps there, and Mark Harrell was specifically recruited to play there, though he may be another year away from being ready for full-time, big-time action. Maybe Conor Hanratty. Good coaching staffs know how to use their personnel — and I think it's been established that Notre Dame has a darn good coaching staff.

    Lou Somogyi ●

  • Lou, can one of you guys ask about the status of Hegarty (any updates) at the next press conference with Kelly? We've been praying for him, as word has it the illness may be pretty severe, and would love an update, if they can give us one. Thanks.

    Charles H

  • Would be a big blow. I have thought since he was recruited that he would be a great one at ND. That said, Watt could move over and Martin and Hanratty could start at G. That's why we recruit depth on the OL.

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    Gringo Mafia Director of Recruiting Analysis // POTW --> 5-16-11 / 5-30-11 / 3-5-12 / 12-30-12 / 2-24-13

    NDGuyinFL

  • Charles H,

    We will ask, but privacy laws could well prohibit Brian Kelly from commenting on this too much.

    Lou Somogyi ●

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    Irish legend CMC Quote Master and Director of Football Related Discussions 5 Time POTW & 2 Time WPOTW Winner Joined 09/17/05

    Hodges

  • This is extremely unfortunate for Hegarty, and while less significantly still a big setback for the offensive. From purely a football perspective, ND has now lost Hegarty, Jordan Prestwood, Tate Nichols, and tragically Matt James in the past few years. That's nearly an entire line's worth of elite players. At what point are OL concerns going to be valid? I know there's a nice influx of talent coming in next year, but if Martin and Watt both left I see the OL as a massive weakness in 2013. When compared to players being injured or losing their life, these concerns are obviously irrelevant.

    MinnyGriff08 ●

  • Thanks, Lou!

    Charles H

  • i hope he is able to play again. OL could be a concern if Martin and Watt decide to leave. Our numbers have taken some hits there like stated above.

    First time POTW for 4/18/2011-4/24/2011.

    edd1066

  • Welcome aboard, SocialChair! cheers

    Sapp.Jason@synthes.com - https://twitter.com/Jason_Sapp

    Jason Sapp

  • Watt kind of broke protocol when during the week of the Wake Forest game — Senior Week — he said he definitely plans to return for a fifth season in 2013.

    It's kind of what Harrison Smith did too during Senior Week in 2010 when he said that even though he was in his fourth year, he'll be running out of the ND tunnel again in 2011. It wasn't a serious enough "offense" to take away the captaincy from him in 2011.

    Lou Somogyi ●

  • Is Tate Nichols done with football due to his knee issues?

    Penick44

  • MinnyGriff08 said...

    This is extremely unfortunate for Hegarty, and while less significantly still a big setback for the offensive. From purely a football perspective, ND has now lost Hegarty, Jordan Prestwood, Tate Nichols, and tragically Matt James in the past few years. That's nearly an entire line's worth of elite players. At what point are OL concerns going to be valid? I know there's a nice influx of talent coming in next year, but if Martin and Watt both left I see the OL as a massive weakness in 2013. When compared to players being injured or losing their life, these concerns are obviously irrelevant.

    Don't forget Alex Bullard he is playing great for Tennessee.He left for personal reasons,I believe it was a sick parent,but he was a very good player

    new era irish ●

  • This post is for members of BlueandGold only. Join now! 30-Day Free Trial

    Irish legend CMC Quote Master and Director of Football Related Discussions 5 Time POTW & 2 Time WPOTW Winner Joined 09/17/05

    Hodges

  • This post is for members of BlueandGold only. Join now! 30-Day Free Trial

    John Haynsworth

  • Welcome aboard socialchair.

    Keep posting!

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    "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another" -- Charles Dickens

    dave83nd

  • As Lou referenced, based on Hippa laws I doubt we'll hear anything until a decision is made as to whether he'll be able to play or not.

    Tshea

  • Heggie

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    teo4heisman

  • I thought I read somewhere that Hegarty was out after hernia surgery.

    irishnumberone ●

  • BK mentioned in 1 of his pressers that Hegarty would be back for spring ball, so im guessing if hes not back for spring, hes prob done, well just have to wait til the 1st spring practice i guess

    thatdude16 ●

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