As spring goes on, some personnel questions are already being answered. Here are 5 Irish players that appear to be taking it to the next level this spring. Come next season, look out.
5.) Kapron Lewis-Moore. Unless you’re a die-hard, you haven’t heard of this guy. He is a sophomore that didn’t play a single down last year. But he is thoroughbred defensive end (he just needed a little seasoning as a frosh). 6′4″ and 260lbs, wearing a wide receiver number (#89), and showing the same type of athleticism, he is as far above the Irish offensive lineman as Andy Dufresne was above the Shawshank prison guards. He has 3 year starter Sam Young seeing a shrink between practices.
4.) Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is finally showing that he understands that to be a quarterback, you need to be a leader. Word is that he was seen taking some pom-poms from the cheerleading squad so he could encourage teammates that were down in the dumps.
3.) Harrison Smith. Back at his natural safety position, this guy is gonna be all over the field this year. He is showing his playmaking skills every day at practice. He can play centerfield Willie Mays-style, or he can treat a play at the line of scrimmage like Seth Macfarlane treats the FCC.
2.) Armando Allen. Running harder and more decisive than ever. I used to ask the Magic 8 Ball if we would ever see his speed on the field, and all signs are finally pointing to yes.
1.) Darrin Walls. He hasn’t missed a beat, and Corwin Brown is saying that he is playing at at a higher level than when he left. He has the smoothness of a Motown crooner, and Michael Floyd has given him props as a cover guy. He will be a starting cornerback, and give opposing receivers fits this year.
What would Hulk Hogan do if you challenged his manhood? Would a Notre Dame football player do the same? If not, why not?
ATTITUDE. PASSION. SWAGGER. TOUGHNESS. For years, Notre Dame football has lacked these traits. It’s as if the school is so concerned with the “good guy” image, they stymie their players from being individuals or having fun. You see this (and the resulting Irish season outcome), and then you see schools like USC, Florida (or other SEC school), and any Dennis Erickson-led school, show emotion and attitude (and their resulting season outcome). They could care less if they get a celebration penalty or randomly punt a football away from the referees, they make up for it by scoring another touchdown. These schools own the football field because of their rowdy behavior. They perform with stereotypical “MAN” etiquette, and it is wonderful.
Then you wonder why Notre Dame can’t go to church and still have some balls.
Well, this may finally be changing. Word from practice is that Irish coaches scolded the young Tyler Stockton when he got worked by mammoth Chris Stewart in the Irish Eyes (google “Oklahoma drill” if you don’t know what this is) drill. Stewart talked some trash, trying to invite a skirmish-WrestleMania style. Stockton backed down, and coaches got in his face and told him to stand up and defend himself. Be defiant. Be a man.
With Notre Dame often seeming timid in past seasons, you have to wonder if coaches ever have encouraged players to let testosterone take control every once in awhile. I would guess no.
But, if the coaching staff is finally encouraging some bravado now, we could see a whole new “nasty” Notre Dame team come this fall.
Notre Dame’s favorite son (Joe) has a son of his own (Nick) that is a highly regarded quarterback recruit in the 2010 class. Since Domers care about bloodlines, South Bend Blarney thought it would be a good idea to periodically keep up on the happenings of the younger Montana:
March 27, 2009
7:00 a.m.- Nick wakes up to find out that the household is out of chocolate Pop Tarts. Not a good start.
10:00 a.m.- Algebra class sucks, but at one point Lindsay Pierce leans forward and Nick catches a glimpse of her panties. They are Underoos (think Cameron Diaz in Charlie’s Angels). Great success!!
11:22 a.m.- Nick is caught falling asleep in history. He gets scolded, but avoids detention because, well, because he’s Nick Montana.
12:45 p.m.- Nick gorges on some Tator Tots during lunch. But he is clumsy, and spills some ketchup on himself.
2:28 p.m.- School is almost out. Nick wants to hit the weight room. Only 4 months ’til summer football workouts, and he wants to add 10lbs of muscle.
4:01 p.m.- It’s Friday and school is out. Nick is 17. He is driving his H3 toward a Kwik ‘N’ Kold to get some Bud Light for tonight.
(Stay tuned for future updates, because recruiting obsession is perfectly healthy!)