We have a couple notes of interest from today.
Firstly, Brian Kelly sat down with Jack Nolan to discuss the upcoming fall camp and giving a bit of a “state of the team” address in the interview. You can watch the whole thing below:
There were a few things that stood out to me in this interview.
- Kelly was very big on emphasizing the depth that the Irish now have.
- Had a mention of there “not being a depth chart” in, what I assume is regards to a first team/second team, on offense. This seems to make sense in terms of using multiple personnel packages and rotations with receivers/backs.
- In regards to finding a new defensive leader post-Manti, Kelly didn’t single anyone out, but noted that the Irish know what championship caliber defense is all about.
- Kelly mentioned GA3 specifically, making him the front runner for starting RB
- Kelly also mentioned whether or not Hendrix can contribute…Wild Hendrix package?
- Steve Elmer only freshman singled out as someone to watch from Kelly. I couldn’t be happier.
- In regards to other freshmen, focus should be on the “skill guys”, especially in regards to the impact they can make on special teams (please let one be a good punt returner…)
In other news, and semi-related to ND. Eddie Vanderdoes has received word back on his NLI appeal and the NCAA has apparently ruled him as eligible to play this season.
There hasn’t been any official word from the NCAA, but I sure hope they have a damned good reason for this odd decision. At this point, I don’t care whether or not Vanderdoes plays or for whom, but I am concerned about the impact that this could have on NLIs. This could set a very dangerous precedent that could make NLIs practically worthless.
As an added “bonus”, Gregg Doyel is going to be completely insufferable for being “vindicated” in his simply awful understanding of this whole saga.
Joy.
UPDATE: Brian Kelly has released a statement in regards to the decision:
“While I disagree with yesterday’s decision by the NCAA National Letter of Intent Appeals Committee to reverse its original ruling and grant Eddie Vanderdoes a complete release from his NLI, I understand and respect the entire appeal process. However, this result does not change my opinion concerning the importance of protecting the integrity of the NLI program, nor will it change our approach to the process going forward.”
UPDATE #2: Keith Arnold has an excellent article up this afternoon at Inside the Irish. It’s by far the most detailed account we have to date. Excellent digging on his part to bring some things to light and clear out some rumors.
Texan by birth, Irish by choice.
First-generation Domer and a former student manager, HLS podcast host, HLS Sim creator, Extra Life streamer, and technical problem haver. You can find more non-Notre Dame related writing on his Patreon.
- Epilogue - January 3, 2022
- HLS Podcast Finale - January 2, 2022
- The Final Fiesta: Notre Dame vs Oklahoma State NCAA ’14 Sim - December 31, 2021
Precedent**
Bleh. Thanks for the catch. I’m apparently asleep at the wheel tonight.
Couldn’t agree more about Vanderdoes. Get ready for a whole lot of “sick grandmas” next year as recruits decide to switch after National Signing Day so they can go to a different school that’s still 400 miles away from their hometown.
I would say, not just NLI is threatened here, but all transfers could be in jeopardy. ‘Im not getting enough playing time at ND, im going to transfer to FSU. NCAA, my grandma is dying in Utah, I need to be granted a waiver on my sit-out rule.’ Ugh