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Notre Dame Football All-Decade Team (Brian Kelly Era)
The 150th anniversary of College football is coming up this season. Hard to believe but Brian Kelly will be entering his 10th season at Notre Dame. The only other head coaches who have lasted a decade under the bright lights of the Golden Dome are legends Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, and Lou Holtz. Those 4 all had a National Title/titles under their belts though by the time they reached double digits in the coaching seasons department. They also all have statues outside of Notre Dame Stadium.
Of course the landscape of college football has changed dramatically and if it weren't for powerhouses Alabama and Clemson standing in his way Brian Kelly could have a couple of Nattys himself.
Kelly has had many great players battle for him in the blue and gold. I couldn't wait until the end of the 2019 season to come up with my Notre Dame football team of the decade for this article though. Unfortunately some guys who will have tremendous seasons this year won't be included on this list because I can't predict the future. My bookie is grateful while my wallet is not.
Notre Dame All-Decade team offense
Left Tackle: Ronnie Stanley - Started 3 seasons including his sophomore season (2013) in which the line only gave up 8 sacks all season. Drafted 6th overall by the Ravens in 2016 after a consensus All-American season in 2015.
Left Guard: Quenton Nelson - The best college guard I've ever seen play. Big Q earned unanimous All-American honors in 2017. Drafted by the Colts 6th overall he was a 1st team All-Pro as a rookie in 2018. This block alone vs Georgia makes him a legend...
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Center: Nick Martin - A 3-year starter and team captain that was part of the 2013 line which only gave up 8 sacks all season. Drafted in the 2nd round by the Texans he was a big part of ND rushing for over 200 yards per game in 2015 which was the highest since 1998.
Right Guard: Zack Martin - A 4-year starter and team captain at right tackle and left tackle at Notre Dame. I put Nick's older brother at guard here because he has earned 1st team All-Pro honors with the Dallas Cowboys three times including all 5 seasons making the Pro Bowl since he was drafted in the 1st round.
Right Tackle: Mike McGlinchey - A 3-year starter and team captain who earned consensus All-American honors in 2017 while teaming up with Quenton Nelson on a devastating left side of the line. The 9th overall pick to the 49ers earned All-Rookie honors in 2018.
Others considered: Chris Watt, Braxston Cave, Alex Bars, Robert Hainsey
Quarterback: Ian Book - While he's only started 10 games for Notre Dame he's got a 9-1 record. Book was instrumental in a victory over LSU in the Music City Bowl coming in for an erratic Brandon Wimbush and leading the Fighting Irish to a come-from-behind victory in 2017. Last season he set a ND record by completing 68.2% of his passes while leading ND to an undefeated regular season. Expected to be named a team captain in 2019 Book will be looking to get Notre Dame back into the playoffs.
Other considered: Deshone Kizer, Tommy Rees
Running Back: Josh Adams - Set a Notre Dame freshman record with 835 yards rushing in 2015. A 3-year starter at Notre Dame he finished with 3201 rushing yards and probably would have broken Autry Denson's school record if he decided to return for his senior season.
Others considered: Theo Riddick, Dexter Williams
Tight end: Tyler Eifert - The Mackey Award winner and 1st Team All American broke the school's tight end single-season receptions and receiving yards record on his way to being a 1st round draft pick by the Bengals.
Others considered: Kyle Rudolph
Wide Receivers
Michael Floyd - Floyd holds the school records for career receptions (271), career 100-yd games (16), receiving yards (3,689), and receiving touchdowns (37) during his illustrious 4-year career. He was drafted 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals.
Will Fuller - Big play Will caught 29 TDS during his two years starting at Notre Dame including tying a school record of 15 (Golden Tate) his sophomore season. Ranks top 5 in ND history with catches (144), yards receiving (2512) and TD catches (30). He was drafted 21st overall by the Houston Texans.
Others considered: Miles Boykin, Equanemeous St. Brown, TJ Jones
Defense
Defensive line
DE: Stephon Tuitt - Do it Tuitt finished 3rd in career Notre Dame sacks (21.5) on his way to a consensus All-American season in 2012 (12 sacks).
DT: Sheldon Day - Day's 4-year career included an outstanding 32 tackles for loss. As a captain in 2015 he was named 2nd team All-American and helped tutor a young "Terry Jillery."
DT: Jerry Tillery - Speaking of Tillery the 6'7 noseguard used his size, length and strength to rack up 23 tackles for loss in his career despite constant double teams. After recording 7 sacks his All-American senior season he was selected in the first round by the Chargers. It marked the first time in over two decades a ND defensive linemen was selected in the 1st round.
DE: Julian Okwara - My #1 player returning to Notre Dame last season led the Fighting Irish with 8 sacks, 21 QB pressures, and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. The future 1st round pick has set a personal goal of 20 sacks his senior season. I wouldn't bet against it.
Others considered: Louis Nix, Romeo Okwara, Khalid Kareem, Kapron Lewis-Moore
Outside Linebacker
Jaylon Smith - Jaylon was the best sideline-to-sideline linebacker Notre Dame has ever had and if not for a serious knee injury vs Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl would have been a top 5 NFL pick. The Butkus Award winner and consensus All-American (2015) finished his career with 24.5 tackles for loss.
Drue Tranquill - The two-time ND Captain persevered through numerous injuries including an ACL tear and a broken hand to help lead Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season in 2018.
Others considered: Te'von Coney, Prince Shembo
Inside linebacker
Manti Te'o - The most decorated player in Notre Dame football history just finished short of winning the Heisman Trophy his senior season in which he helped lead Notre Dame to their first undefeated regular season since 1988 in 2012. The Hawaiian Hitman was a leader on and off the field and set a ND LB record with 7 INTS in 2012.
Others considered: Nyles Morgan
Secondary
Cornerbacks
Julian Love - The consensus All-American set a Notre Dame career and season record for passes defended on his way to being a 3-year starter and leader of a secondary which helped propel ND to an undefeated regular season in 2018.
Robert Blanton - Blanton is the best tackler I've ever seen play cornerback for ND and it was evidenced by his 15.5 tackles for loss during his junior and senior season. Blanton was Mr. Consistency at ND with 2 INTS all 4 years.
Others considered: Troy Pride, KeiVarae Rusell
Safety
Free Safety: Harrison Smith - The converted linebacker had a monster junior season with 7 INTS and followed it up as a senior captain with 90 tackles including 10 passes defended. The 1st round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 has gone on to a career of multiple All-Pro seasons and is highly regarded as one of the best safeties in the game.
Strong Safety: Alohi Gilman - Admiral Crunch as I call him has only one year under his belt as a starter at Notre Dame after transferring from the Naval Academy but he's already become a legend after helping lead ND's defense last season. Gilman is a preseason All-American, Jim Thorpe watch list member, and is expected to team up with Jalen Elliott as one of the best safety duos in college football.
Others considered: Zeke Motta, Mattias Farley,
Special teams
Kicker: Justin Yoon - The Yoonabomber finished his ND career as the all-time leading points scored with more than 300 in his career. While Yoon didn't have the biggest of legs he was exceptionally consistent even in adverse weather conditions converting over 80% of his field goal attempts.
Others considered: Kyle Brindza, David Ruffer
Punter: Tyler Newsome - The eccentric Newsome with his mohawk mullet averaged over 44 yards a punt during his 4 years at Notre Dame. A senior captain he will be missed in the locker room.
Others considered: Ben Turk
Returners
Kick returner: George Atkinson III - There's not much to write home about when it comes to kick returns in the Brian Kelly era. GA3 had two kickoff returns to the house his freshman season but after that was relatively quiet.
Punt returner: CJ Sanders - "Little Ray" had 3 returns for TD his first two seasons only to play little his junior season before transferring his senior season.
College Football's top 10 most anticipated aka best non-conference games for 2019
Hold your seats everybody we are officially less than one month away till college football kicks off. One of the best things about college football starting is we get a ton of great non-conference battles early on in the season before conference play kicks in.
Here are the top 10 best non-conference games of the year which will help shape the College Football Playoff come December:
1. Notre Dame at Georgia, Sept. 21
Not only is this the best non-conference game of the season but it's the best overall game of the year regardless of conference affiliation. Both programs should be in the top 5, undefeated "under the lights" in Sanford Stadium. There also could be some bad blood since a lot of Georgia players decided to Twitter trash talk when Clemson rolled over ND in the Cotton Bowl playoff game. For some odd reason UGA thought they belonged in the playoffs over ND even with two losses on their resume. UGA went on to play Texas in the Sugar Bowl and got ran over by Bevo pregame and by the Longhorns players throughout. Both teams are legit playoff contenders again this season. This is also only the 3rd matchup between the two teams with UGA winning a close one in 2017 in South Bend 20-19. This game is also the hottest ticket on the market as it will mark the first time Notre Dame has played "between the hedges." This game is so big that it was recently announced it would be played on CBS in prime time, under the lights, while bumping the traditional Alabama - LSU clash in November to a 3:30 start. Not only are playoff implications on the line but possible Heisman Trophy contention could be decided as top 10 favorites Jake Fromm will battle it out with Ian Book.
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2. LSU at Texas, Sept. 7
Can we really say "Texas is back!" this year? Yes. Yes we can. How many teams beat both Oklahoma and Georgia last season? Only one. Those fighting McConaugheys. All right all right. Texas has their Tim Tebow-like QB back in Sam Ehlinger and will face a fired up LSU squad looking to beat up on a team they share a border with but rarely face. This game in just the 2nd week of the season will help determine if Texas is really back under Tom Herman and if LSU can contend to make a playoff this season.
3. Auburn vs. Oregon, AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas), Aug. 31
Kudos goes out to Auburn for scheduling another PAC-12 team out of conference. Last season they beat Washington, who went on to win the conference, in Atlanta opening weekend. This year they face the Ducks, who some say can win the PAC 12 under Mario Cristobal, in Jerry World. Oregon has their QB back for his senior season in Justin Herbert who will be looking to make a Heisman push opening weekend vs a good Auburn pass rush. Auburn will be looking to make a national push under coach Gus Malzahn. If Auburn loses this game Malzahn will be on the hot seat all year as they have road games at Texas A&M, Florida and LSU not to mention games vs Georgia and rival Bama too. This is a must win for the Gus Bus.
4. Texas A&M at Clemson, Sept. 7
The Aggies came the closest to beating Clemson last year as they went down to the wire in a thrilling game in College Station. As we all know once freshman QB Trevor Lawrence was injected into the starting lineup shortly after no one stood a chance as Clemson rolled to one of the best, if not-the-best, seasons in college football history 15-0. Jimbo Fisher will be looking to build off a positive first season with the Aggies but is gonna have his hands full trying to stop Lawrence and WRU studs Justyn Ross and Tee Higgins not to mention RB Travis Etienne. Right now this looks like it could be Clemson's toughest test of the season as they have to replace their entire defensive front.
5. Miami vs. Florida, Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida), Aug. 24
The first official college football game of the season comes early vs two in-state teams that hate each other even though they don't face each other very often. This will be Miami head coach Manny Diaz's first game at Da U as he is looking to bring the swag back to South Beach which apparently left a long time ago. He's gonna have his hands full as of now they still haven't got a starting QB named. Florida will be looking to build off a solid 10-win season under coach Dan Mullen in year 1 which included a blowout of Michigan in the bowl game. This game August 24th in Orlando is gonna be so hot and disgusting that it should probably be rated NC-17 as clearly the viewing is not intended for minors. As a college football fan I fucking love it.
6. Notre Dame at Michigan, Oct. 26
Catholics vs Khakis is back! For the first time that I can recall this game between the two bitter rivals will not come in early September, instead it's in late October. The Khakis will be looking for revenge as Harbaugh's Michigan team got pushed around last year in South Bend. This year for some strange reason Michigan is again ranked by many pundits to be a top 5 program and will be looking to make a statement vs Brian Kelly's potential top 5 squad. ND will be coming off battles vs UGA and USC but they have a bye week heading into Ann Arbor which should help returning QB Ian Book prepare against a revamped Wolverines defense that got scorched by Ohio State and Florida to end the season. Both programs could be in playoff contention come kickoff but whomever loses will most certainly have those playoff aspirations dick punched.
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7. Stanford at UCF, Sept. 14
The "back-to-back undefeated National Champs" UCF saw their 25-game winning streak end last season in the Fiesta Bowl vs LSU and will be looking to make a statement vs the might conifers of Stanford. This is a huge game for both programs as Stanford will be looking to rebound after a disappointing 2018 season with senior QB K.J. Costello back. UCF will be looking to start a new winning streak under ND transfer QB Brandon Wimbush behind center. I'm not sure how much playoff implications are on the line here but we know for sure who ever loses will not be in it. For the UCF haters out there that could be music to their ears.
8. Houston at Oklahoma, Aug. 31
Dana Holgorsen makes his Houston debut against powerhouse Oklahoma in Norman. Holgorsen will look to put a ton of points on the board with senior QB D'Eriq King who accounted for 51 TDS last season. Oklahoma not to be outdone will debut Alabama transfer QB Jalen Hurts who will be looking to keep the Heisman Trophy transfer winning streak going under QB whisperer Lincoln Riley. If you like shootouts this could be the most entertaining game of the season in week 1.
9. Florida State vs. Boise State, TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida), Aug. 31
We all know Willie Taggart had an "interesting" first year in Tallahassee which saw the Seminoles winning record and bowl streak come to an end last year. Taggart will be looking to get off to a good start vs an underrated Boise State team who remains one of the top non Power 5 teams in the country. If Taggart loses this game basically at home even though it's in Jacksonville the tomahawk chop could quickly become pink slip chops for himself and the AD.
10. Nebraska at Colorado, Sept. 7
Frost is coming early to Boulder! Scott Frost will be looking to build off a positive 2nd half of his 1st season in Lincoln with a road win at Colorado. The former Big Eight rivals played last season in a game that went down to the wire 33-28 in favor of the Buffaloes. Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez returns and brings a dynamic punch for the Cornhuskers offense. While it's just year 2 this game could be used as a major statement for Frost and company especially when it comes to recruiting on the national stage. But let's be honest there are no playoff implications in this game.
Others:
Army at Michigan, Sept. 7: ESPN currently has this game as Michigan with a 95.5% chance of winning at home. I'm not so sure about that. I think Army could pull the upset especially coming off a 10-2 season in which one of the losses was in overtime to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma at UCLA, Sept. 14: Chip Kelly's offense vs Lincoln Riley's offense should be entertaining for the first quarter till Oklahoma torches them in the Rose Bowl.
Pitt at Penn State, Sept. 14: The old "EAT SHIT PITT" rivalry game between two in-state programs should be entertaining even with both programs looking at rebuilding years.
Jalen Ramsey shows up to Jaguars Training Camp in a Brinks Money Truck
Jalen Ramsey rolled up to training camp in a Brink's truck 🤣💸
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 24, 2019
(via @Jaguars) pic.twitter.com/PSYDIEVC32
Jacksonville Jaguars Jalen Ramsey made a bold yet comical statement today about his current NFL contract when he showed up for training camp in a Brinks money truck.
Look I get it Ramsey wants to get paid more. But it's not like he's getting dicked over with his current rookie deal...
The 24-year-old Ramsey is heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract, and is due a $3.6 million salary this year. The Jaguars have picked up his fifth-year option, meaning he’s due $13.7 million for the 2020 season. He won’t be eligible to hit free agency until 2021, and even then the Jaguars could use the franchise tag to keep him in Jacksonville, so the team may not be in a big hurry to give Ramsey the large amount of cash he wants.
Ramsey will be 26-years-old if he hits free agency in 2021. He will get paid a shitload. Just wait your turn and stop making a scene to embarrass such a proud and historical Jaguars franchise.
Taylor Lewan suspended 4 games for using ostarine, uses Clemson players defense of wink wink "not knowing"
Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan announced today on Twitter that he has been officially suspended by the NFL for four games because he failed a drug test.
Here is his heartfelt "apology" for not knowing he actually used ostarine when he was trying to gain a competitive edge this offseason.
Thank you to everyone who sees this video and supports me. My family and I are so grateful to the Tennessee Titans organization and fans for your support. I will post the polygraph information next. #NoBadDays pic.twitter.com/lE9iEMmLxw
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) July 24, 2019
This not knowing apology seems as legit as when it came out of Clemson's coach Dabo Swinney's mouth right before the Cotton Bowl when 4 of his players including star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence tested positive for ostarine. I don't get it why athletes or coaches feel the need to bull shit us. Just take your fucking suspension and admit you fucked up. The magical ostarine fairy didn't come down from Rick James heaven and sprinkle some dust in your protein shake. Just be a man and own up to it.
But we shouldn't be shocked Lewan is not the most ethical or moral Michigan man out there. After all this "allegedly" happened during his playing days in Ann Arbor.
You're a scumbag. Hope you never play football again. pic.twitter.com/GUudMeuJno
— JaxYankee (@LesGough1) July 24, 2019
I don't want to get into semantics but are we really surprised a guy who would threaten a possible rape victim with violence and rape himself test positive for drugs? Yeah I didn't think so. I'm sure Lewan is a great guy though who didn't knowingly make a mistake. In fact Lewan says he has taken a polygraph.
“I went and did a polygraph test about ostarine and knowingly taking it,” Lewan said. “I passed that test. I’ve never taken anything that would cheat the game.”
Boom. Case solved. Lewan is just a poor victim of denial. Nothing to see here.
Stephen A Smith going hard after Travis Kelce's girlfriend Kayla Nicole who is a certified smokeshow
We all know ESPN's Stephen A Smith likes to shoot his shot when it comes to the ladies. I'm not here to hate on the guy because you are only as successful as you are willing to put yourself out there. But today he shot his shot from way behind the half court line when he gave this compliment to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in regards to personal choice of girlfriend, the stunning Kayla Nicole.
😂😂 life’s all about making decisions! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 @stephenasmith https://t.co/33t9Uhge2H
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) July 22, 2019
Play on playa. It appears Kelce has taken Smith's compliment in stride because why not? If you can score with Kayla Nicole those touchdown catches on Sunday pale in comparison.
It appears the happy gorgeous looking couple have been doing some traveling and partying recently...
It looks like they might have even met on the popular dating site Tinder too..
She's a keeper!
2019 Notre Dame's Top 5 Freshmen Impact Players
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The last two years of the college football playoffs have shown the world multiple freshmen can make an immediate impact even on top tier teams loaded with talented upperclassmen.
Last year we saw Clemson's freshmen Trevor Lawrence and Justyn Ross shred Notre Dame and Alabama defenses on their way to an undefeated National Title. The year before we saw a championship game that featured two freshmen quarterbacks in Jake Fromm and Tua Tagovailoa battle it out not to mention other standouts like D'Andre Swift, Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith and others play significant roles.
So now the question remains can Notre Dame find themselves an instant impact freshmen that can help get them over the proverbial tier 2 maybe 3 hump they are in right now? If they want to start beating the Clemsons, Alabamas and this year Georgias of the world it might in fact come down to a freshmen making a deciding play.
Last season only 3 freshmen played meaningful snaps for a veteran Fighting Irish squad. Houston Griffith, Jayson Ademilola and Tariq Bracy all made impacts on defense. Unfortunately as with the case with most Brian Kelly teams the freshmen were not counted on to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball once WR Kevin Austin got in BK/OC Chip Long's doghouse.
Let's take a look at 5 Notre Dame freshmen who could make an impact this fall.
1. Punter Jay Bramblett
It's not a sexy pick by any means but the Tuscaloosa, AL freshman, who enrolled in the spring to take over the punting duties for four-year starter Tyler Newsome, is the only freshman currently set to start this fall. Bramblett, hopefully for ND's sake, won't be counted on to punt too much this season with a veteran offensive line returning to protect QB Ian Book who has plenty of offensive weapons to choose from. When he does punt though it's Bramblett or bust for the Irish. In other words "don't F it up" kid.
2. DT Jacob Lacey
Lacey is another early enrollee who will be backing up starter Kurt Hinish this season. The 6'2, just a shade under 300 pound interior defensive linemen will be working in a four man rotation along with starters Hinish and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and backup Jayson Ademilola. Lacey should see significant playing time his freshmen season to keep the starters fresh. Personally I think Lacey will be effective enough that it will allow the Irish to redshirt sophomore Ja'mion Franklin this season who's still rehabbing his serious quad injury.
3. Safety Kyle Hamilton
The Atlanta, GA native is the only "5-star player" in the 2019 class. Safety isn't a position where freshmen usually are counted on to make positive impacts. But Hamilton is a different cat. He reminds me so much of Bobby Taylor. Smart, tall, incredible length, instinctive and a guy who always seems to be around the ball are just a few of the traits Hamilton shares with Taylor. With seniors Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott back starting it will be hard if not impossible for Hamilton to start this season barring injury but he should get plenty of defensive reps. You don't "redshirt" a talent like Hamilton even if he needs to make some gains in the weight room. Strength and conditioning coach Matt Balis will see to it's no obstacle for Hamilton this fall.
4. DE Isaiah Foskey
Foskey was the last and only recruit to sign in his class after Signing Day last year. The 4-star De La Salle (CA) product spent his senior season splitting time between defensive end and tight end. Foskey will be solely a drop end for the Fighting Irish. The 6'5, 250 pound already has the size, arm length, and build you look for in an elite college football defensive end. Notre Dame has the luxury of already having one of the nation's best - if not the best - group of defensive ends in the country this season with Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem, Ade Ogundeji and Daelin Hayes among others returning. Playing time maybe limited for Foskey. But I can see DC Clark Lea and defensive line coach Mike Elston finding ways to get Foskey some serious PT in order to not only develop the fast twitch rush edger but to give their veterans some rest. Foskey may have been the last signee in the class but he should be the first off the bus when it comes to intimidation and overall mass of a player.
5. RB Kyren Williams
While Kyren was only rated a 3-star player coming out of St. Louis you could tell, at least in the ND Blue Gold Spring game, that he was ready to take on the rigors of a college back workload. His massive legs looked more like trunks than limbs and his lower body was built to at the very least get some looks in goal line situations. Kyren will have to wait his turn behind starters Jafar Armstrong and Tony Jones Jr not to mention freshmen C'Bo Flemister and Jahmir Smith but the early enrollee showed this spring that he can catch the ball out of the backfield and can put his helmet down and score those tough TDs inside the red zone. If one of the starters struggles or an injury happens don't be surprised to see Kyren get some meaningful playing time this season.
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CBS makes it official: Notre Dame vs Georgia football game will be under the lights in primetime September 21st
We’re going under the lights in Athens. ⁰
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) July 23, 2019
We’ve selected @NDFootball vs. @FootballUGA as our primetime game on September 21st. pic.twitter.com/bqutImz7iF
CBS Network made it official today what we already basically knew. The September 21st match up between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs will be in prime time at 8 pm EST on CBS.
This will be the first ever trip for Notre Dame to Athens to play in Sanford Stadium. It's obviously gonna be big ticket game with a potential match up of two top 5 teams at kickoff.
In order to make this is a prime time game CBS had to decide not to air it's annual Alabama vs LSU game in early November at night and will instead be a traditional 3:30 kickoff. This will be the first time since 2010 the game between the two SEC West rivals isn't under the lights.
One can only imagine how loud and ruckus the game day atmosphere in Athens is going to be for this college football powerhouse matchup by the time kickoff hits. You have a team in Notre Dame coming off their first ever playoff appearance and undefeated regular season visiting "between the hedges" for the first time vs a Georgia team who were a couple of plays away from beating Alabama last season in the SEC Championship. Both programs have veteran offensive lines to protect their quarterbacks in Ian Book and Jake Fromm whom both will be looking to make an early Heisman statement.
I'll go out on a limb and say this will be the most watched game of the 2019 college football season. Hell it might be the most watched game in all of sports minus the NFL. Anytime you got a powerhouse from the North going into the South to face another powerhouse for the first time ever you know all eyes will be on this game.
Domers vs Dawgs. See you there!
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Instagram Video: Tom Brady and daughter enjoy Costa Rican cliff jumping
Tom Brady doing GOAT things is nothing new. Guy has won 5 Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and is still going strong at the age of 42. What is new for Tommy Boy is cliff jumping with his 6-year-old daughter Vivi in a Costa Rica rainforest.
Balls of fire or stupidity?
Any who they all survived. Nobody's shoulder was dislocated or knee shattered or head exploded on the rocks. The faux internet outrage can disperse as usual.
Notre Dame Football’s Top 25 Players for Fall 2019
With fall camp right around the corner (early August) Notre Dame (12-1) will be looking to build off a rich and talented roster with now playoff experience in Brian Kelly's 10th season for the Fighting Irish. Let's take a look at the top 25 returning players on the Notre Dame football roster going into fall practice.
1. DE Julian Okwara - Okwara is coming off a breakout junior season in which he led the Fighting Irish in tackles for loss (12.5), sacks (8), and quarterback pressures/hits (21). The younger brother of Romeo started off slow last season but in the last 10 games it would be hard to find a better edge rusher in the nation. Okwara is one of the best drop ends in the country who should be disruptive all season.
2. S Alohi Gilman - The safety transfer from Navy who was only a 2-star player coming out of Hawaii could and should be a captain this year after his leadership was on full display on and off the field. Gilman instantly impacted the ND secondary last season by finishing 2nd on the team in tackles with 94 while recording 2 interceptions along with 5 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles. Alohi clearly has a nose for the football and has earned preseason All-American magazine picks.
You never know how Strong you are until you have to Protect Something
— Alohi Gilman (@alohigilman) February 26, 2019
.
.
.
This is who I Protect 💉☘️ pic.twitter.com/CX4NPQw7nF
3. QB Ian Book - Book stepped in last season for an ineffective Brandon Wimbush in week 4 and all he did was lead Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season along with a playoff berth. Book completed nearly 70% of his passes and also rushed for 4 TD on top of the 19 TD in the air. Despite the poor Cotton Bowl performance Book is the unquestioned QB starter and should be named a captain. If Book can hit his intermediate to deep balls more consistently we could be talking about another undefeated regular season.
4. OL Robert Hainsey - Hard to believe Hainsey will be just a junior after starting every game his sophomore season and seeing action in every game his freshman season. It remains to be seen if he stays at right tackle or if they decide to move him to left tackle but Hainsey is the leader of what should be an outstanding offensive line with 4 starters returning.
5. DE Khalid Kareem - The biggest recruits ND got this year was the return of defensive ends Okwara and Kareem for their senior seasons. Kareem also had a breakout junior season in which he tied Jerry Tillery for 2nd on the team in tackles for loss (10.5), 2nd in QBH (8) and 3rd in sacks (4.5). Oh yeah he also tied Gilman in passes broken up with 5. It's gonna be fun to watch Kareem and Okwara on the edge all season getting after the QB.
6. CB Troy Pride - Pride has some big footsteps to fill as the leading field cornerback position with consensus All-American Julian Love leaving early for the NFL. In the 2nd half of the season one could argue Pride was just as valuable if not better as Love. Pride finished the season with 10 pass breakups and 2 interceptions and also forced a fumble. Pride has the prototypical NFL size at cornerback and with a great senior season could make himself an easy 1st round choice.
7. S Jalen Elliott - What a difference a year makes for ole Jalen! Elliott has started every game the last two seasons at safety but last year he broke out leading the team in interceptions (4) while making 63 tackles and 6 pass break ups. The charismatic Elliott should team up with Gilman to lead one of the best secondaries in the country in 2019.
8. OL Liam Eichenberg - Big Liam had 866 snaps last season, just one behind Hainsey, after starting all 12 games at left tackle. Entering his redshirt junior season Eichenberg has the size and arm length to be an elite tackle, he just needs to work on his footwork. Entering spring I kind of hope Eichenberg stays at left tackle and Hainsey at right tackle because if it isn't broke why fix it?
9. OL Tommy Kraemer - Kraemer took a little bit of a step back last season after starting 12 games his sophomore season (2016) but still started 9 games at guard for one of the best offensive lines in the country. Tommy Boy will be counted on to take a step forward this year during his redshirt junior season and right now is penciled in to start at right guard. Funny thing is Kraemer has been named to some preseason All-American teams but I have him as my 3rd best offensive linemen on the team.
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10. WR Chase Claypool - Claypool returns for his senior season after finishing 2nd on the team in receptions, reception yards, and TD catches the last two seasons. With his size (6'4) and experience (played in every game since enrolling) it's now time for Claypool to step up and play like an All-American. He's got the talent and he's got the chance to make himself a lot of money with a breakout senior season.
11. DE Daelin Hayes - While Daelin has never quite lived up to his 5-star billing coming out of high school he is still a solid contributor finishing 3rd in quarterback hits last season. I will be the first to admit I've been a little hard on Hayes and his performances. After reviewing game film from last year Hayes was a disruptive force on the edge and helped force ball carriers into Okwara, Kareem and Jerry Tillery. A healthy senior season out of Hayes will be huge for ND and it wouldn't shock me to see him make All-American.
12. RB Jafar Armstrong - The converted WR only started two games last season but still ran for 377 yards and 7 TD, including 2 vs Michigan. Armstrong is a threat out of the backfield to catch the ball too. He should be the bell cow rusher with Dexter Williams departure to the NFL. I'm expecting 1000 yards rushing and double digit TDs for Armstrong in 2019.
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13. OL Aaron Banks - Started the last 5 games for the injured Alex Bars and finished 5th in snap counts for one of the best offensive lines in the nation. Banks was just scratching the surface of his potential last season and entering his redshirt sophomore season you should see a huge jump for him at one of the guard positions. The key for Banks is keeping his weight down. He's also coming off a foot injury which could hamper him in the fall.
14. WR Chris Finke - Enrolled at Notre Dame as a walk on who earned a scholarship last fall and a starting position. Finke finished 3rd on the team with 47 catches and 547 yards receiving. Finke is also a valuable punt returner who has solid hands.
15. TE Cole Kmet - Alize Mack's departure to the NFL means it's time for Kmet to finally get starting playing time at tight end. The 6'6 freak will be competing with fellow junior classmate Brock Wright as the starter. Kmet is a top candidate for a huge breakout season in 2019.
16. DT Kurt Hinish - Hinish and MTA are both being counted on to step in for departed seniors Jerry Tillery and Jonathan Bonner. Expect a big jump in production for Hinish who I believe can be just as good as Tillery was last season in the middle plugging holes.
17. DE Ade Ogundeji - I'll be the first to admit I didn't expect anything from Ade much less be able to pronounce his name but he was a pleasant surprise last season as a reserve. He recorded 20 tackles with 2 tackles for loss and one pass break up. Now an upper classman it wouldn't shock me if he's one of the best defensive linemen on the team.
18. DT Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa - Lord Myron basically missed all of his sophomore season when he broke his foot vs Michigan in the season opener. This year the reserve will be a starter along with Hinish and should give the Fighting Irish a more powerful push than they had last season.
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19. LB Shayne Simon - Simon was expected to be plugged into Clark Lea's Rover position this spring but didn't win the starting spot as far as I've heard. It's the position he was specifically recruited for by Lea and one in which he should flourish with his natural instincts for the football.
20. RB Tony Jones Jr. - Listen we all know Tony isn't the fastest, quickest or most elusive back on the roster but he's the most reliable. You know he's gonna pick up the blitz and you know he's gonna make a big catch out of the backfield. But he isn't out running somebody that's for sure.
21. WR Michael Young - Originally I had rising sophomore Kevin Austin here but with his impending suspension for the beginning of the season I've decided to roll with Young as my breakout WR. The junior has shown flashes of promise his first two years in limited duty but now as a starter will be expected to put up Chase Claypool-type numbers as the X receiver.
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22. DT Jayson Ademilola - Jayson got thrown in to the fire early last season when Lord Myron broke his foot and played solid for a true freshman. His 19 tackles were only 4 behind starter Bonner and he actually had 1.5 tackles for loss when Bonner had zero. The more you take a look at the roster you realize just how deep and talented the defensive line is when a guy like Jayson A isn't even expected to start. Credit to position coach Mike Elston for crushing it in recruiting.
23. C Jarrett Patterson - Patterson has made the transition from backup left tackle his freshman season to earning the starting center job in the spring. He will be the only new starter on a veteran offensive line replacing 3-year starter and captain Sam Mustipher. So far all reports have been great coming out of spring practice.
24. LB Jack Lamb - Lamb is my wildcard pick for the linebacker position. He's battled injuries with his ankle but appears to be healthy and ready to earn the starting ILB position this fall. His speed and length put him at an advantage over all the other LBs competing this fall to start and I think he can bring more steadiness than 5th year senior Asmar Bilal who completely fell off my list.
25. CB Houston Griffith - With Pride replacing consensus All-American Julian Love at boundary CB rising sophomore Griffith is expected to start at field CB. As a true freshman Griffith played safety and nickel and had some struggles but I think once his confidence gets going he's gonna fill in for Pride just fine this fall.
JUST MISSED THE CUT: LB Asmar Bilal, CB Donte Vaughn, CB Shaun Crawford, LB Jordan Genmark Heath, LB Bo Bauer, WR Lawrence Keys
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The new "Top Gun: Maverick" trailer has me fully torqued
First trailer for the Top Gun sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick' starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Jon Hamm and more. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Bww0AfQrjT
— Lights, Camera, Pod (@LightsCameraPod) July 18, 2019
Maverick and Jennifer Connelly in one movie. I don't know if I can take so much dick heat. Giddy up!
