2000 Outlook: A Glimmer of Hope?
John Romanelli, '91
December 7, 1999

Notre Dame, Ind - 1999 is mercifully over, and it is time to turn the page to 2000. Will we be better?  Can we improve?  Will graduation losses hurt us? Here is a position by position analysis of what to look for in the Y2K Irish:

Quarterback
Arnaz Battle takes over as the starter.  He has to throw the ball better, but at least the Irish have their best option QB since Tony Rice.  Look for Kevin Rogers to tailor the game plan to include more option.  Matt LoVecchio will arrive as the #2 signal caller, and hopefully another will be added (Carlyle Holiday?  Brandon Sumner? Jared Clark?).  Gary Godsey will remain at QB for now, but with size, look for a Dan Kendra-type role in the future (H-back - a FB/TE hybrid).

Running Back
Tony Fisher and Terrance Howard have two years left, Julius Jones, three.  Tony Driver moves to defense.  Obviously, the future is extremely bright at tailback for the Irish.  Courtney Watson may see time at tailback, although he appears destined for defense.  We may land a recruit at TB (Vontez Duff?) as well.  If the O-line improves, look for big things at TB next year.  1,000 yards for Fisher?  We'll see.

Full Back   
The big question: Will Joey Goodspeed return?  My guess is yes. The FB position was terrible this year, but Goodspeed's experience is a help.  Tom Lopienski will be back, as will Jason Murray and Mike McNair.  McNair has to see time on the field.   He could be the game breaker that the Irish need up the middle, which would open lanes for  Julius Jones and Tony Fisher.  Look for better production out the FB position in 2000.

Wide Receiver
Bobby Brown and Raki Nelson graduate.  Look for Jay Johnson to  return for a 5th year.  That leaves Johnson, Getherall, Javin Hunter, David Givens, Jamaar Taylor, and Glenn Earl.  We need help here in  recruiting - Ronnie Rodamer?  Jerome Collins?  Michael Jenkins?  Hunter and Givens have to become playmakers.   There is no getting around it.

Offensive Line
OK, the O-line was a major disappointment this year.  I am  realistic - it was a new line, but they never really improved.  Their  best game was against Stanford - with four starters out!  Nevertheless, all but John Mernadi return, and Jeff Faine steps in.  I expect to see some of the super sophs:  Sean Milligan, Ryan Gillis, Brennan Curtin,  Neal Ambron.  I wonder, though, is Dave Borbely the answer as O-line coach?  After all, Gerry DiNardo would make a great O-line coach...

Tight End
Expect Dan O'Leary to return, giving the Irish one of the best TE tandems in the nation.   Maybe Kevin Rogers will actually find a way to incorporate them into the offense, aside from the play that Jarious used all season (student body right, roll right, TE open to the left).

Defensive Line
The biggest disappointment of the year, and also the heaviest hit by graduation losses...Brad Williams, Lamont Bryant, Antwon Jones are all gone.  Jason Ching may get a 5th year - do we want him?  He never produced consistently due to injuries.   Look for Rocky Boiman to move to DE.  That would leave Boiman, Anthony Weaver, and Grant Irons at DE; Lance Legree, Andy Wisne and Ryan Roberts at DT.  Cedric Hilliard and Darrell Campbell may compete at DT and DE respectively, and Greg Pauly may also figure in at DE.  They must improve next year, or we are in serious trouble.   We have to have a pass rush.  Hopefully the young athleticism will help.

Linebacker
Ronnie Nicks graduates.  Joe Ferrer (drop), Tyreo Harrison (Sam), and Anthony Denman (Will) all return, and Carlos Pierre-Antoine should compete with Denman, unless he gets moved outside.  Mike Goolsby and Justin Thomas should also compete for time.  If the line can generate more of a rush, then hopefully this unit can be more productive.

Corner Back
Deveron Harper graduates, but Brock Williams returns.  Clifford Jefferson will get better, and he will be picked on less if we actually have a pass rush.  Donald Dykes, Jason Beckstrom, and Albert Poree all figure to improve...

Safety
Tony Driver moves to SS, with Gerome Sapp competing with Ron Israel for FS.  Donald Dykes may play safety, and Chris Yura may spell Driver. Getting help here is essential.   Let's see how much we miss Deke Cooper and A'Jani Sanders next year.

Special Teams
Easily the worst in ND history, things can only get better.  Look for Nick Setta to win the kicking job.  Joey Hildbold did reasonably well as a freshman; he will only improve.  David Miller may kick as well.  Julius Jones, David Givens, and Terrance Howard give threats for returns, if they can all stay healthy.  Great special teams were the hallmark of Lou Holtz teams.  Can Davie develop great special teams?

2000 will be better, although I think a 7-4 record is more reasonable goal given the murderous early schedule (Nebraska, Purdue, Texas A & M, Michigan State in September).  Unfortunately, if the Irish do get off to a sluggish start, look for Coach Davie to be in serious jeopardy.  But the future is bright, so have faith Irish fans.  "From these ashes, the phoenix shall rise again..." - Ara Parseghian on CBS, November 27,1985.  Remember those words.

John Romanelli, '91
jrndmd@nac.net