One thing that coach Weis did, without a doubt, he improved the talent level for both the offense and defense. The next skipper will move into a position where several positions will be more talented than what the vast majority of other programs will have at their disposal next season.
Consider the raw talent of the following players. Each player really only scratched the surface of his talent level at Notre Dame through his first one or two seasons of playing time. Amongst many deserving players, here are several that have me excited about the future of Notre Dame Football:
Steve Filer – This guy is a pure OLB or rush end. Line him up, tell him to wreak havoc, and let him be.
Darius Fleming – Although he’s probably an OLB at the next level, Fleming can still be a pass rusher during obvious passing downs for the Irish. A move to OLB would appear to be something for the next coaching staff to consider. His athletic prowess provides good options.
Harrison Smith – The FS experiment failed. So be it. Still, few 6-3, 220-pound players run and hit like Smith. He’s much better suited to play in the linebacker core and attack. Better days are ahead for the Knoxville native.
Ethan Johnson – Moments of greatness should be expected if he is turned loose within the next defensive scheme. He’s capable of playing at an elite level in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, but Johnson will need more freedom to penetrate and attack than what the scheme called for through must of the last two seasons.
Kapron Lewis-Moore – This young man just started to grow into his body. He’s a future NFL player. It will be fun to watch him develop. Notre Dame fans should be very excited about Lewis-Moore’s long term capabilities.
Jamoris Slaughter – He’s physical and can run. That’s a great start for what will likely be Notre Dame’s starting free safety the next three years. Note: Slaughter redshirted in 2008.
Hafis Williams, Sean Cwynar, and Tyler Stockton – It’s great to possess the big bodies inside that will enable the next Irish defensive coordinator to simply attack the opposing offensive front with four bodies and not have to over commit to the line of scrimmage, because ample talent and size will finally intersect for the Irish defensive line. I’ve heard good things about all three players through the grapevine, and the competition should help the Irish defense for years to come.
Michael Floyd – No more needs to be said about his talent. He will be a three-and-out player that Notre Dame fans shall not soon forget.
Kyle Rudolph -- Talk about a mismatch for opposing defenses! Rudolph will be a key component for Notre Dame next season.
Trevor Robinson – Nice combination of offensive guards with big Chris Stewart for next season provided Robinson does not move to right or left tackle. Robinson will eventually hear his name called at the NFL Draft, just like his classmate Floyd.
Chris Watt – The next great offensive lineman at Notre Dame? It’s early, but the rumblings from around the “Gug” revolve around Watt being a big-time player for the Irish, and sooner than later. Perhaps he will be able to start next season and allow Robinson to make the transition to tackle?
Theo Riddick – Remember watching Julius Jones absolutely annihilate Pittsburgh and Stanford with exhilarating runs? The young Mr. Riddick provides the type of spark with his footwork to be that difference-maker at tailback the Irish did not possess during recent seasons. With a bevy of tailbacks for 2010, Riddick will at the very least be a threat to score each time he touches the ball as a backup to Armando Allen. A team can never have enough talented tailbacks. Notre Dame will be in good shape at tailback for the foreseeable future.
Dayne Crist – Get well soon; emphasis on “soon.” Much rides with the talents and healing power of this young California gun slinger.
Recruits Sticking With ND: The last two times a coaching change took place, Notre Dame commitments reneged on Notre Dame like rats jumping off a burning ship. It did not help that very few new commitments came about after a new coach was hired during his initial recruiting class. This year, however, something seemingly changed. Thank goodness!
