(no message)
Link: The Rise of Jack Kiser and the Next Generation Notre Dame Linebackers
I’ve been burned with these type of Spring stories before, but ok.
The fact is that our defense was really good last year, and Kiser should be able to recognize most offenses and get sets correct - especially in the most important first game. But with the kind of talent we saw with Sneed, and the type of player KVA is described by all as being…….these guys ( along with Ausberry and Bowen potentially as well) better be playing the majority snaps by the end of the year.
I grant Kiser’s significant value in the first game against Texas A&M, but otherwise from watching the past few years, I hope we aren’t playing the safer, less gifted choice instead of the better talent that will become safe with the reps by the time we play the high end competition later in the schedule.
I am not saying that Kiser shouldn’t be part of the mix throughout the season, but ND needs to be leading with it’s best talent by the end of the year. If that is Kiser, that’s great. But again, I can’t recall the last time that I saw such a jump.
(no message)
Grimm did a very solid job of filling in for Mike Stonebreaker in 1989, and ended up playing a lot in 1990.
A large majority of people were clamoring for Demetrius Dubose to be put in as the starter during his sophomore year. While it was certainly true that Dubose ran the 40 about a half second faster than Grimm (Dubose was hand timed at 4.51), and was certainly stronger and more athletic, he had a bad tendency in 1989 and 1990 to over-pursue his tackling targets, not to mention, still learning how to cover the medium range routes.
If anything, in 1990, there were plenty of times that he took bad tackling angles against "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell that led to several large gains in that 36-31 loss.
That left Lou no choice but to use Donn Grimm for a lot of that season, and to his credit, Donn Grimm still turned in a good season, coming up some clutch plays.
It was around the Miami game of 1990, that Dubose became a better player, and improved throughout 1991, and in 1992 that he truly became the powerful force we had wanted him to be earlier.
Rest in peace, Demo.
Kiser as the best all around LB among them.
Marist has the measurables but never really maximized on his talent imo, JD was pretty good last season but before that the only reason his bone headed plays were not more noticeable is because he always had Bauer there outdoing him.
Kiser is always where he's supposed to be and makes the play when it comes his way. He can play all the LB spots and play them very well.
Kiser Sose.
by everybody except the ones who really know, the coaches. He has always been one of my favorites
is that Kiser knew he couldn't really play 'hair on fire' care free/make the big play style ball, because he knew he was surrounded by some guys who were liabilities to a degree...so he had to be the dependable guy.
I think if the reports we are hearing about the other LBs are accurate this will be a year when he can cut loose more because of the better players around him.
Couldn’t agree more. Always making plays and around the ball. Knowing all 3 positions and being able to step into them if he has to is not easy. Smart player, one of my favorites as well.
????
(no message)
I agree. Great college player but does lack that elite sideline to sideline speed needed to play at the next level. There’s a reason he’s back for a 6th year. I’m glad he is though! Great player to have teaching the young guys. Should be an even better unit in 2025.
(no message)
(no message)
is certainly not optimal for the next level. LBs his size in NFL are like 4.48-4.57...while LBs his speed are in 250+ range
That's plenty fast for a smart player (and his football IQ is quite high) at the linebacker position.
He's also one of the best pass coverage linebackers on the roster, and I would guess that he is the best at it among those at the position.
There's no doubt that there are several younger guys who have higher ceilings, better talent, more athleticism, etc., compared to him, and in an ideal world, one of those guys would seize the starting spot. Even if one of those guys did seize the starting job, I would bet dollars to dimes that Kiser would still play a whole lot with the 1st teamers, given his above abilities, especially on passing downs.
Link: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jack-Kiser-LB-NotreDame
(no message)
White = too slow.
From the first draft report that I just googled:
"He possesses solid height, poor weight with GOOD SPEED, and a muscular build. He is a good athlete showing a combination of above-average explosiveness, good balance, COD, acceleration, LATERAL QUICKNESS, and agility with GOOD TOP-END PLAY SPEED."
Edits: words capped for emphasis
(no message)