The program obviously wants to get to Clemson / Alabama level - and they are getting close. Looking at what is on the roster and they have coming in recruiting. I think they are there in overall Defense (looking at DL, LBs, DB's).
They are not there on offense for number of reasons - They are there in receivers. They are not there in RB's - but with the Taylor hire and the Tyree kid - they took a big step in the right direction. The players are there on the OL - but, the coaching is not.. And the QB position......????
So really they have one recruiting area - that being - they do not have and haven't had for a long time - that elite QB (be honest - it's obvious - they don't have, Lawrence, Tua, Hurts, etc); although Pyne may be that kid....
and two coaching questions - they need to decide if Quinn and/or Chip Long are the answer.
I think the answer is - Long and Quinn need to go. I would give them the rest of this year - but if things do not change. Kelly needs a new OC, and a new OL (and maybe a QB coach).
Kelly has done a good job of finding coaching talent the last few years - It's obvious what the issues are. I hope he fixes them.
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Couple knocks on him - size and arm strength - but he grows thru progressions, stays in the pocket- certainly relaxed. Doesn’t have happy feet
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That's pretty evident, if you watch Ohio State, Clemson, or Alabama. We have size but not enough depth in speed and overall talent at WR. We occasionally get elite-level receivers; most recently, Tate, Floyd, Fuller... But, it seems like Clemson, Bama, and Ohio State, have guys of their caliber in spades every year. We're lucky to have one, every few years. I agree with you, as far as us not matching up in terms of QB and RB play as well. I'm convinced this is a result of ND not being able to cast as wide of a net in recruiting as those other programs for reasons that have been debated ad nauseum for the last 20 years or so. Given that, I think Kelly is a good enough coach to get us to the playoffs every few years or so but can't really compete when we get there.
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He may be missed as a coach, but he was a lousy recruiter.
And it seemed to have paid off in recruiting. Maybe it is just too early to tell how well he can coach. Armstrong, in my opinion, was the best RB and he was lost. I think Jones is serviceable, and can do somethings well -- but he doesn't have explosiveness. I also genuinely believe the OL is a bigger part of the problem.
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