Spring Update 4/2/07: Notes from Monday’s Press Conference
- Weis’ main concern with the quarterback situation right now is finding the guy who can run the offense efficiently in terms of getting the play from the sidelines and getting the offense lined up properly. His second concern is with getting his quarterbacks familiar with progression reads vs. coverage reads. Third is the accuracy with which each quarterback is delivering the ball.
- The difference between James Aldridge this spring vs. last spring is like “night and day.” Weis mentioned he is a different back this spring because he is healthy.
- Weis described Aldridge’s speed as “sneaky” and said he’s got a second gear that a lot of running backs don’t have.
- Blocking by the wide receivers was stressed by Weis with him stating he won’t play receivers who can’t block. He also mentioned that the size of the receiver doesn’t determine if they can block or not.
- There is “very little thats set” along the offensive line. Weis mentioned John Sullivan and Sam Young as “set”, but other than them, nothing else is set in stone.
- The goal along the offensive line is to create position flexibility so that they have some interchangable parts along the line.
- There’s several guys along the defensive line that have shown “encouraging signs” to Weis. He also mentioned that they need to find some more linemen that they have confidence in.
- Chris Stewart spent most of practice on the bike again and Weis said he is going through the progression of converting to defensive line but did say that he is one of the few guys with the body type to play in the middle of the defensive line in the 3-4.
- Will Yeatman is keeping up with the rest of the tight ends despite the time he’s missed playing lacrosse this spring. Weis seemed encouraged with Yeatman in his remarks.
- Of George West, Weis said he’s been getting off the line well, catching the ball, and being a “willing blocker.”
- Weis expects Kallen Wade to get a lot bigger than he is right now which is around 245 after reporting to Notre Dame at 208. He said he expects John Ryan to max out around where he is at right now, but expects Wade to get bigger and that is why Wade is listed as a defensive end and Ryan is at outside linebacker.
- The 11th player on offense will be interchangeable between being a full back, second tight end, or third wide receiver.
- Asaph Schwapp has shaken off a lot of the rust from being hurt last year and was described as a tough and physical lead blocker.
- If someone else emerges at kick returner, Weis won’t put a starter on offense back there such as Grimes or West. He said they are trying a bunch of different guys at returner including Armando Allen.
- Weis has been “very encouraged” by Armando Allen and he has not “looked like a freshman.”
- Junior Jabbie has also encouraged Weis at the tailback spot so far.
- Weis is content with where his team is in regards to the installation of the new defense and the offense with all of the new faces on that side of the ball.
- Overall there has been very good competition this spring.
- Weis “wants the best guy” under center regardless of who may be the fastest or who has the strongest arm. He said he will mold the offense around what his starter does the best.
- Weis said he will always tell his players the truth, regardless of the consequences. He let everyone know that he will be completely honest with his quarterbacks regardless of what happens – implying he will do so even it were to result in a transfer at some point.
Frank Vitovitch has been Co-Owner and Editor in Chief of UHND.com since joining forces with Kyle Flavin in 1999. Since that time, he has written over 2,000 articles covering Notre Dame football, recruiting, and basketball. He also works with all staff and external writers on all articles published on UHND.com. Frank's love for Notre Dame football started at a young age watching Rocket Ismail give opposing coaches ulcers in the late 1980's. By day Frank works in marketing and holds a degree in Digital Media from Drexel University. Frank's work has been cited by online/print editions of NBC Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated and has been quoted on air by ESPN's Collin Cowherd. He's conducted interviews with Notre Dame legends Rocket Ismail, Randy Kinder, Lee Becton, Reggie Brooks, Michael Stonebreaker, and Ned Bolcar among others over his 20+ years of covering Notre Dame football. He's also been published in the print edition of USA Today Sports Weekly and the USA Today College Football Preview multiple times. Other Published Works/Citations for Frank Three Reasons Notre Dame Will Beat Alabama - USA Today Notre Dame Suspends WR Kevin Stepherson, RB C.J. Holmes Indefinitely - Bleacher Report Notre Dame / Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Preview - Eleven Warriors Brace Yourself: The Fighting Irish are Relevant Again - Sports on Earth Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with Frank Vitovitch of UHND - Yahoo! Sports Five Good Minutes: Notre Dame Football Preview With UHND.com - BC Interruption Vicious Electronic Questioning with UHND - MGO Blog
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