BJ Konkle

Notre Dame defensive lineman Isaac Rochell. (Robin Alam/Icon SMI)

Will The Irish Defense Improve Its Pass Rush?

May 27, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Welcome to a series of posts we’re calling “Five Question Marks.” In this entry - the second on a series - BJ Konkle answers a question on the minds of many Notre Dame fans: Will Brian VanGorder and the Notre Dame defense have a disruptive pass rush this season? It has been no secret that the Irish defense has significantly lacked a strong and consistent pass rush the past few seasons under Brian VanGorder’s defensive system. Yes, there have been flashes of well-designed blitzes and ...

Credit: Irish Illustrated

Will Another Star Receiver Emerge In ’16?

May 16, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Welcome to a series of posts we're calling "Five Question Marks." In this inaugural entry, BJ Konkle answers a question on the minds of many Notre Dame fans: Is there another star wide receiver waiting to emerge? Notre Dame football has recruited, developed and ultimately produced extraordinary college football wide receivers. Some of these athletes - Jeff Samardzija, Michael Floyd, Golden Tate, T.J. Jones, and most recently Will Fuller - have gone on to successful (and lucrative) ...

Superlatives for the Recruiting Class of ’16

May 6, 2016 by BJ Konkle

If you have ever watched Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, then you have likely seen his “Late Night Superlatives” bit. This sparked an interesting idea to present further insight into a few members of the #NDFB 2016 recruiting class. While I certainly don’t believe I have quite the comedic abilities that Jimmy does, but I do think I can provide more value when talking all things Notre Dame Football. Unlike your old, dusty senior yearbook where all of the “Most likely to…” were voted on by an entire ...

Courtesy of @AlDogg44

V.J. Beachem Returning For Senior Year

May 5, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Beach is back. Notre Dame Men’s Basketball (#NDMBB) received great news Sunday night – V.J. Beachem decided to return to the Irish for his senior year after testing NBA waters by declaring for the 2016 NBA draft last month. Having not signed with an agent, Beachem was afforded the opportunity to work out for NBA teams, receive feedback from scouts and front office personnel, and still have the ability to withdraw his name from the draft and return to Notre Dame to play out his eligibility ...

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 19: Cody Kessler #6 of the University of Southern California Trojans passes as Romeo Okwara #45 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes at Notre Dame Stadium on October 19, 2013 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated USC 14-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Romeo Okwara Signs With N.Y. Giants After Draft

April 30, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Former Notre Dame defensive end Romeo Okwara announced after the conclusion of the NFL Draft that he has signed with the New York Giants. Okwara’s #NDFB career could be chronicled “The Curious Case of Romeo Okwara,” due to his unusual youth. Okwara, born in Nigeria, began school at the early age of 3, and he and his family moved to the United States years later. Once residing in North Carolina, Romeo had finished the 6th grade at age 10. He was a 3 star recruit (247sports composite ...

http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111415aaf.html

Jaguars draft Sheldon Day In Round 4

April 30, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Sheldon Day was a formidable defensive lineman and even more cherished leader during his tenure at Notre Dame. Back in the 2011-2012 recruiting cycle, Day was a four star prospect (per 247sports composite ranking), and was ranked the 111th best prospect in the country. Day was an early enrollee, which helped make him an early contributor in his freshman year where he saw action in all 13 games accounting for 23 tackles (13 solo) and 2 sacks. In his sophomore season, Day played in 11 games ...

NDInsider.com photo

Harry Hiestand’s Impact Is Unmistakeable

April 20, 2016 by BJ Konkle

Harry Hiestand is arguably the most coveted assistant in the Brian Kelly coaching cabinet. One could argue that he’s certainly not the flashiest (hey there Prince Sanford), but his presence has significantly improved the ground game, offensive line recruiting and development, and #NDFB as a program. Let’s dive into an eight-year rabbit hole worth of running statistics – four “Pre-Harry” and four “Post-Harry.” From 2008-2011, the running game ranged from mediocre to piss poor. These four years ...