Yikes.

We all knew these reports were coming. Reports of a new high-energy coaching staff to breath some life into the dull and emotionless Irish players. We all knew they were coming because there was some major coaching changes, and the Irish lacked fire last year. They didn’t get rowdy on the sidelines, and sometimes didn’t even seem they were paying attention to (nail-bitingly) close games. They were robots.

So, the new coaches seem to show a little more urgency, and we start to see articles like this:

There is a new way at Notre Dame. No longer will the coaches be boring and uninspiring. Randy Hart, Tony Alford, and Frank Verducci are high energy guys. Their motors never stop moving. They are all about player motivation. They would teach 24 hours a day if they could. Hart is 60 years old, but he gets up and runs 10 miles every morning (without water)! They are EXTREME! coaches. They are the Dave’s Insanity Sauce of coaches. Their methods have insanely high Scoville ratings and have been banned at normal coaching clinics! They have too much energy!

If you think I’m exaggerating, look at this.

From Irish Eyes (exerpt):

But while Alford is friendly with the players off the field, he is a demanding teacher on it.

“The energy that he brings to the field is awesome; it’s amazing. The feeling that he gives to all the running backs is great,” said Allen. “He gives us good information, he keeps us focused and he really shows us that he really cares and that’s the most important thing that you can get from a coach.”

Notice how the article made sure to mention the “change in personalities”? Talk about playing up to the audience. (I’ve seen countless comments about a lack of team emotion on blogs.)

Look, I am excited about the new coaching changes (what ND had wasn’t working.) But, I don’t give a damn about their personalities-or if they are emotional guys. I give a damn if Verducci can teach Sam Young how to block. I give a damn if they command respect, and get their players to listen. I give a damn if they can turn the team into a family environment where the guys want to win for each other. And I don’t care if they do it in a calm manner or if they run around like the Energizer Bunny.

For all the complaints that get leveled against Weis, his “not being able to motivate players” may be the lamest. Players need to motivate themselves. I remember hearing a quote from Urban Meyer when he won his first championship that he didn’t even say anything to his players at halftime because they were “in a feeding frenzy”. If the Irish don’t have enough fiery players, maybe they should recruit some different guys.

Always remember that players “puff up” the new coaches when they first get on campus. So instead of pitching a tent over the articles of the new “high energy” coaches, take a step back and just hope that they can teach some new tricks. We’ll see how it plays out come fall.

Should a lifelong tailback be willing to switch to fullback? To James Aldridge, it’s not even a a question. He is willing to play some fullback for the Irish, and he should be. After all, he has gotta get on the field somehow.

Aldridge was the 5 star tailback that never was. Good ole’ #27 on Rivals 2006 top 100. Ranked ahead of studs like Demarco Murray, LeSean McCoy, and Knowshon Moreno. A nicely wrapped package of speed, power, and agility. Charlie’s first “big time” recruit, and a guy that most fans thought would contribute from Day 1. Whether it be injuries, or just a vast overrating, Aldridge never did. He never showed the game-breaking ability, never a WOW! move. He did show some strength and speed, however, it was the strength to fold paper, and the speed to outrun a Moped. Granted, his offensive line didn’t help him pile up the stats, but he wasn’t even winning the war with his ‘mates for the bulk of the carries.

So, forward to ‘09. Aldridge has been serviceable at times, and a consummate team player. But it is obvious his skills will not translate into those of a big time tailback. So Weis has given him an out. Line up and play fullback in certain sets. While his strength and speed combination may not be What The Dr. Ordered for a halfback, his talents may indeed make him a dangerous fullback.

Position switches can be the key to unlocking talent. Chris Zorich turned from a step-too-slow linebacker into an All-America nosetackle. Running quarterbacks with accuracy issues turn into studs at wide receiver. This reasoning can lead you to believe that a moderately-talented tailback could become a supremely-talented fullback. Taking a guy with tailback skills and letting him hurt the opposition from an unexpected spot (As guys like Bettis and Marc Edwards have done in the past.) is a way to stay a step ahead of the competition.

So go ahead, James. Line up at the unsexy running back position with pride. Take the chance to make people remember that a fullback can still do some damage. Take one last chance to make an impact for the Irish.

Another truth about spring ball is that we get to learn about the new players and who they “are as people”. Their likes, dislikes, favorite foods, special skills, etc. Invariably, some writer will clue you in on the fact that your starting running back was also an accomplished jazz musician back in high school, or that your 330lb tackle got his quick feet by out-dueling Freddy Adu in a junior soccer game.

The first revelation of this sort for Notre Dame is that sophomore receiver John Goodman (who we could see at receiver this year) can sling the football 85 yards (farthest on the team).

While that is certainly impressive, he is being shy about his other skill. Did you know that he is a virtuoso on the dance floor? (Go White Boy!) Just like this kid: