Here are some early thought based on the videos from the All Access clips on und.com and various articles from around the web.
First off, kudos to Notre Dame for making all of the All Access content free. Last year you had to pay to see pretty much any of the media from the official site so having it free this year is a really a nice change.
Munir Prince is QUICK
Watch any of the practice videos and every time you see #25 you notice just how quick he is. So quick in fact that Weis publicly acknowledged Prince’s quickness to the media earlier this week.
“I’m not used to seeing that type of speed at running back,” Weis said. “I mean, I’m talking speed. I’m talking whooofff. I can’t describe whoooff, but I think you know what I’m talking about.” (South Bend Tribune)
Speaking of #25, there’s no way it’s a coincidence that Prince is wearing the same number Rocket Ismail made popular in the early 90’s. Everything Weis does is done for a reason so the fact that Prince was given #25 is not a coincidence. Weis fully understands the history of Notre Dame and the significance of #25 so don’t think he would just give the number out without thinking.
Props to Jabi for touting Prince as someone who will make an instant impact before camp even started because it looks like this kid could see some time this year especially with Travis Thomas at linebacker. With James Aldridge banged up, Junior Jabbie and Prince will battle for the backup position in camp. If Prince is close to as quick in full pads as he has shown in some of the drills we’ve seen, he is going to be a play maker for the Irish before all is said and done.
I love the idea of Travis Thomas at Linebacker
I’ve also liked the idea of converting running backs to linebackers and the move of Thomas to linebacker is no different. Thomas showed me a lot last year with his play at running back after basically being banished for fumbling by the old staff and its great to see him get the chance to start.
“The one good thing about him, even when he makes a mistake, he has recovery speed,” Weis said. “You know the time when a guy is one step out of whack and then they turn to run and they don’t have the wheels to do so? (Irish Eyes)
Thomas showed he was a strong runner last year on offense and showed he’s got some tenacity with his play on special teams. I think this move is really going to work out well for the Irish. It’s been a while since Notre Dame has had three really athletically gifted linebackers and it looks like they will have that this year. Granted the group will be short on experience, but the thought of upgrade in speed at this position has me excited.
I’m drinking the kool-aid about the defense
I’ll admit it, I’m guilty of starting to think the defense is going to be greatly improved this year without any real reason. Every stat will say that the defense is the reason why this team will not compete for a national title, but I keep thinking about the improved depth along the defensive line, the upgrade in athleticism at linebacker, and the experience and infusion of talent in the secondary and I get giddy.
Getting Chris Frome and Travis Leitko back along the defensive line is huge for the Irish. Both should be big contributors for the defensive line this year. Then there’s Derek Landri bulking up this off-season. His size was always his biggest downfall so I’m more than a little excited that he’s come into camp almost 20 pounds heaver than last year. Throw into the mix the fact that the Irish won’t be relying on freshman for depth like they were last year and this group should be very strong.
I already spoke a little bit about the linebackers. I will say I have some concerns about Maurice Crum starting at middle linebacker. Especially since he is coming off of injury, I have some doubts that he can be a run stuffing middle linebacker. Hopefully I am wrong, because right now the middle linebacker position is the one position that concerns me the most on defense.
As for the secondary. I have been saying all off-season I think Ambrose Wooden will become a star corner this year. He’s got all the tools and I think he becomes a lock down corner in year two under Bill Lewis. I think Terrail Lambert really pushes Mike Richardson for the starting corner position. I liked what I saw from him last year.
As for the safeties, N’dukwe coming into camp under 220 has me excited. If he has the kind of transformation that Maurice Stovall had after dropping weight last year, the Irish could have a really strong secondary.
“Coach Weis told me, ‘Listen, if you’re not down to 210 by summer camp, I’m not even going to let you on the field,'” said Chinedum, who played at 230 pounds in 2005. “I was 210 before I headed back to (summer) school, and I’ll make sure I’m 205 when we kick off against Georgia Tech (on Sept. 2).” (South Bend Tribune)
Ok, I realize this post is all sunshine right now, but it’s the first week of practice and the kool-aid is tasting mighty fine right now.
