News

LOTS of questions here at Media Day about the Alabama remarks about Clemson/Clemson not getting its credit. John Simpson says Notre Dame -not Bama- was the best team Clemson played.

— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) July 17, 2019

I would say this shuts the door on all those people (media and UGA football players) who insisted Notre Dame didn't deserve a playoff spot last year despite being 12-0.

Clemson offensive guard John Simpson played against both Notre Dame and Alabama in the playoffs last year.  I'll take Simpson's words at the ACC Media Days over which was the best team Clemson played last season over the pollsters and media.

If you don't remember the final polls came out after the playoffs.  For some illogical reason Notre Dame didn't even finish in the top 4 despite losing only one game to the eventual champs who absolutely throttled Alabama 44-16.  If you don't remember that final National Championship game score we made a shirt for you to remind everybody.

But yet Notre Dame finished 5th despite making the playoffs and losing only one game.  They dropped from 3rd because Oklahoma who despite getting throttled by Alabama in the semifinals and finishing the season with two losses and Ohio State who beat a dog shit PAC 12 team in the Rose Bowl and got throttled themselves by fucking Iowa in the regular season both jumped ND.  It was horse shit then and it's still horse shit now.

It's good to see Clemson players doing the classy thing and give Notre Dame the props and respect they deserve.  Look I get it a lot of people hate Notre Dame.  You either love them or hate them.  There really is no Switzerland in between when it comes to Notre Dame football.  But you gotta respect how Notre Dame will schedule anybody, anywhere and go 12-0 while traveling all around the country and making their players actually go to class unlike most other programs.

 

He’s waited 27 years. Watch the new trailer now. 🎈🎈 #ITMovie pic.twitter.com/gNbTV4Gqui

— IT Chapter Two 🎈🎈 (@ITMovieOfficial) July 18, 2019

Call me a puss or whatever but I seriously got the chills watching the new "IT Chapter Two" trailer. I thought the first "IT" that came out a few years ago was good but this new one looks a shitload better.

First off the cast is amazing. Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader are all A-list in my book.  Now that it's "27 years later" we should see some great performances from the grown up kids while they chase and run away from Pennywise.  No lie I still get a little nervous around storm drains because of that fucking scary murdering clown.

So sign me the fuck up on September 6th for "It Chapter Two."  Nothing beats a good scare flick that makes you nervous to enter your basement as a 40-year-old grown up puss factory.

SHOP HERE: TAILGATE LIKE A CHAMPION SHIRT

It's not even August yet but Notre Dame has pretty much secured their entire 2020 recruiting class.  With 17 commitments in the class of 2020 Notre Dame is currently 5th in the 24/7 team rankings.  Building off last season's playoff appearance the Notre Dame staff will be looking to upgrade the talent and be selective for a 2020 class that at max will be 20-22 signees.

Let's take a position-by-position breakdown of how the Irish are expected to proceed for the class of 2020.

QUARTERBACK

Committed: 1 (Drew Pyne)

Projected Take: 1

Comments: The only offer Brian Kelly and his staff made at the QB position was to Drew Pyne and he was the first to jump aboard the 2020 class.  The 4-star QB from Connecticut is as solid of a commitment as they come growing up as a huge Notre Dame and Brady Quinn fan.  Pyne is a top 100 prospect who despite his short stature (6'0) is well built and extremely accurate but doesn't have the incredible arm strength as some of the taller QBs in his class.  Pyne will be an early enrollee in January and has been one of ND's best recruiters especially on the offensive side of the ball.

SHOP HERE: JUST BOOK IT T-SHIRT

RUNNING BACK

Committed: 1 (Chris Tyree)

Projected Take: 1-2

Comments: Notre Dame finally under the help of new RB coach Lance Taylor landed their #1 target at a position they have struggled for years to recruit at an elite level.  Tyree is the #1 rated all-purpose back in the nation.  He recently ran the fastest 40 at The Opening with a scorching 4.37.  He's extremely athletic, agile and his elite speed gives ND a home run back they covet. 

Right now it looks like Tyree will be the only RB in this class even though they only signed one in 2019 (Kyren Williams) and both Jafar Armstrong and Tony Jones could be playing their final season depending on circumstances. 

If Notre Dame decides to take another RB look for them to flip current Purdue commit Tirek Murphy out of New York.  Murphy made multiple visits to ND and the staff loves him but couldn't offer him a spot yet with minimal scholarships currently available.

WIDE RECEIVER

Committed: 3 (Jordan Johnson, Jay Brunelle, Xavier Watts)

Projected Take: 3-4

Comments: This is becoming repetitive but it bares noting ND again landed it's #1 WR target in 5-star Jordan Johnson out of St. Louis back in early April.  Underrated 3-star WR prospects Jay Brunelle out of Massachusetts and Xavier Watts out of Nebraska joined him in late June/early July after their other targets Jalen McMillan chose Washington and AJ Henning chose Michigan. 

Johnson would be the first 5-star WR to pick ND since Michael Floyd and like Floyd could be a day one starter as a freshman.  The coaches including WR coach Delvaughn Alexander will continue to recruit McMillan despite his verbal pledge to the Huskies and the fact he's from the dreaded Fresno, CA area where ND notoriously strikes out in the luck department for recruits. 

Right now you couldn't ask for a much better class of receivers in Johnson, Brunelle and Watts who all compliment each other and have the talent and fit to start multiple seasons. 

SHOP HERE: DRINK LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY SHIRT

TIGHT END

Committed: 2 (Kevin Bauman, Michael Mayer)

Projected Take: 2

Comments: The Irish landed their top 2 tight end targets last summer in Kevin Bauman and Michael Mayer.  Mayer recently earned the nickname "Baby Gronk" after his exceptional performance and resemblance to  All-Pro TE Rob Gronkowski at The Opening.  Currently both recruits are 4-stars but it would be shocking if Mayer doesn't get bumped up to 5-stars after his dominating The Opening performance.  

OFFENSIVE LINE

Committed: 2 (Tosh Baker, Michael Carmody)

Projected Take: 2-3

Comments: Tosh Baker was the top priority for Notre Dame at the offensive tackle position and OL coach Jeff Quinn did an excellent job securing his commitment in early May.  Baker reminds me a lot of another massive, agile tackle prospect who came from the desert in Ronnie Stanley.  With a dominating senior season Baker will be bumped up to 5-star status as he currently sits at #51 overall in the nation. 

4-star prospect Michael Carmody, the younger brother of ND basketball player Robby Carmody, joined the class in mid June after flirting with Ohio State and Penn State. 

I don't expect ND to take any more linemen since they signed 4 elite prospects last cycle.  Notre Dame has already turned down prospects like Reece Atteberry and Zak Zinter who both signed with their backup school in Michigan.  Plus the 2021 class is loaded with outstanding offensive linemen and Notre Dame has already secured 2 in the class.

SHOP HERE: DOMERS VS DAWGS SHIRT

DEFENSIVE END

Committed: 2 (Alexander Ehrensberger, Jordan Botelho)

Projected Take: 2-3

Comments: In my 40 years of fandom I can't recall Notre Dame ever recruiting a prospect from Germany but they landed one in Alexander Ehrensberger in January.  The 6'7 German has incredible length and size but he's obviously very raw having played his entire prep career overseas.  DL coach Mike Elston will look to mold Ehrensberger into the next Margus Hunt. 

The more finished player is Hawaii's Jordan Botelho who will play drop end.  Botelho is a 4-star player who committed back in April and is the #1 player out of Hawaii.  Out of all the commits I think Botelho will be the hardest to secure on signing day as currently Oregon, Washington and USC among others are making a heavy push to get him to visit this summer and fall.

Notre Dame could still add another defensive end but it would have to be an unexpected flip since their other targets have already verballed elsewhere.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Committed: 2 (Rylie Mills, Aidan Keanaaina)

Projected Take: 2

Comments: Gone are the days when Notre Dame would struggle to sign any much less elite defensive linemen.  The Irish landed two of the best interior defensive tackles in the nation in 4-star prospects Aidan Keanaaina and Rylie Mills. 

Elston again deserves recruiting credit for securing 4 defensive linemen with enormous potential this early in the cycle.  Notre Dame will be more than content with what they currently have in commits but if they have another playoff run they will find a way to add more bodies if a top 50 prospect wants to explore his options in South Bend. 

LINEBACKER/ROVER

Committed: 0

Projected Take: 0

Comments: Right now it looks like Notre Dame will pass on the linebacker position after signing eight the past two cycles.  Cody Simon, the younger brother of LB Shayne Simon, appeared to be a perfect fit for ND but the coaching staff decided to pass on the 4-star prospect.  Cody has since verballed to Ohio State.

CORNERBACK

Committed: 3 (Clarence Lewis, Landen Bartleson, Caleb Offord)

Projected Take: 3

Comments: Currently it looks like the defensive secondary is the only position Notre Dame will be looking to fill for the 2020 class.  3-star commits Clarence Lewis, Landen Bartleson and Caleb Offord all fit what defensive back coaches Todd Lyght and Terry Joseph look for: size, length, fluid hips, and speed.  Bartleson and Offord are southern recruits who have great length and in Bartleson's case elite track speed.  Both are versatile enough to switch to safety if need be.

One other target at the cornerback position could be 4-star prospect Christian Gonzalez out of Texas.  He visited ND in June and is looking to make his decision by the end of summer.  Alabama looks to be his top contender for his services.

Oklahoma commit Ryan Watts is a guy Notre Dame coaches would love to flip.  Watts is also a safety prospect at the collegiate level.  Notre Dame will look to get Watts to visit this season.

Yesterday it was reported Notre Dame has offered CB Collin Gamble out of Texas.

 

Texas cornerback Collin Gamble was already on #NotreDame's radar due to his excellent junior film.

Then he went out and ran a blazing 40-yard dash time. Everything changed. The staff quickly extended offered.

Story: https://t.co/p5t8AwHGT8 (VIP)@thecollingamble @247Sports pic.twitter.com/6avz5ckeQ5

— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) July 17, 2019

 

 

SAFETY

Committed: 0

Projected Take: 1-2

Comments: Notre Dame lost out on it's top safety target yesterday when Lathan Ransom committed to Ohio State.  The Irish will look to regroup I think by targeting 4-star prospect Malcolm Greene out of Virginia.  Greene is good friends with RB commit Chris Tyree who is scheduled to visit Notre Dame on October 12th for the USC game.  Hopefully for ND's sake both visit together in what should be a HUGE recruiting weekend. 

Another safety prospect is RJ Moten out of New Jersey.  Moten will be a tough pull since he's considered a heavy Michigan lean.

Georgia commit Justin Robinson could be a flip candidate although it's a long shot at this time.  ND coaches are doing their due diligence on him and his preference is to play WR at the collegiate level.

4-star safety Jerrin Thompson is another name to keep an eye out.  He's wanted to visit ND for months now but the Irish seem to have higher priorities than him.

SHOP HERE: ADMIRAL CRUNCH SHIRT

SPECIAL TEAMS

Committed: 1 (Alex Peitsch)

Projected Take: 1

Comments: Notre Dame's only need on special teams was a long snapper and they got the #1 guy in the nation in Alex Peitsch.  He will no doubt be the least heralded 5-star prospect in Notre Dame history ;-).

SHOP HERE: CATHOLICS VS CONVICTS SHIRT

View this post on Instagram

Yes, I should be learning my lines- but I’m in the pool 😉 #runaways #morganlefey @marvelsrunaways #LA

A post shared by Elizabeth Hurley (@elizabethhurley1) on Jul 15, 2019 at 11:12am PDT

Austin Powers came out in 1997.  I graduated high school the same year.  It was a lifetime ago and as much as I've changed it looks like Elizabeth Hurley clearly hasn't.  She still is a certifiable smokeshow at the ripe age of 50-fucking-4!  Hurley is in a Benjamin Button race with Jennifer Aniston for fine wine aging and it's way too close to call.  Hurley's 1.2 million Instagram followers (including us) were treated with another IG gem as Hurley decided to go naked in the pool.  God bless her!

The Marathon Continues... COMMITTED🙏 pic.twitter.com/E6HgycNHxF

— Lathan Ransom (@L8thanRansom) July 16, 2019

Ohio State picked up a big commitment today in 4-star safety Lathan Ransom out of Tucson, AZ.  Ransom chose the Buckeyes over finalists Notre Dame and Texas.

The nation's 4th rated safety took his official visit to Columbus on June 21st.  Less than two weeks later at The Opening Finals in Frisco, TX he made it known to fellow Ohio State commits that he would be joining them in the 2020 class.  Today via Ransom's Twitter he made it official. 

Despite losing head coach Urban Meyer the Buckeyes have been crushing it in recruiting.  Ransom is the 21st commitment in the 2020 class that is currently tied for 3rd with Alabama in the team recruiting rankings.

SHOP HERE: ANN ARBOR IS A WHORE SHIRT

Since Jake Fromm has stepped foot on the beautiful Athens, GA campus just two years ago he has managed to win an SEC Title, beat Notre Dame and Oklahoma, and scared off two 5-star QBs in Jacob Eason and Justin Fields into transferring.  Georgia is currently the #3 ranked team going into this season largely because Fromm is expected to contend for the Heisman Trophy and help lead UGA to their first Natty since 1980 if they can get past ND and Alabama for just once.  And if you thought the pressure of the whole state of Georgia was on Fromm's shoulders that it would make him buckle well he delivered a very loud and clear message with his accessory today at the SEC Media Days in Hoover, AL.

 

Jake Fromm at #SECMD19. #UGA #11alive pic.twitter.com/tXLOMgphL2

— Wes Blankenship (@Wes_nship) July 16, 2019

 

 

Yes ladies and gentlemen.  This Fromm bowtie he wore today in front of millions of television and internet eyes clearly states he gives zero fucks about pressure or what you think about him.  This bowtie fucks almost as hard as Fromm fucks after beating those Nerds from Georgia Tech annually.

I had my doubts about Georgia going into this season after the way they collapsed in the postseason and everybody, particularly the offense, decided to check out early and cash NFL paychecks.  But now with the power of the bowtie coming back it's pretty simple that Fromm isn't gonna let an Alabama collapse or another SEC West road scorcher happen under his chin.

 

Jake Fromm on freshman wide receiver George Pickens (joking): “I wish he’d return my texts.” #SECMD19 pic.twitter.com/CVrOWjaPQo

— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) July 16, 2019

 

Look at this beautiful specimen with his bow tie, sunglasses with croakies, UGA lapel pin placed perfectly and 5 o'clock shadow in a well pressed designer suit just chilling in the Alabama summer heat with not a drip of sweat showing.  That is some Jake from State Fromm coolness right there.  The only drips of sweat are coming from those UGA sorority dresses after Fromm walks by.

SHOP HERE: JAKE from STATE FROMM Shirt

 

Bet the house on Brooks this week pic.twitter.com/gmUbvr2ilb

— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) July 16, 2019

Normally I would say this is pretty much an asshole answer to a reasonable question of why Brooks Koepka does so much better in majors (4 wins last 2 years) then he does in regular tournaments but he honestly nails it on the head here.  He practices more. 

I mean it makes sense.  The 4 majors mean a hell of a lot more in terms of money and prestige then some tournament in Minnesota last week(finished 65th).  It's the brutal truth.  So if Koepka says he practices more for The Open this week I gotta believe him. 

He's also gotta be the favorite at golf's oldest major this week in Northern Ireland's Royal Portmush Golf Club even though Vegas says he isn't.  Odds right now have Rory McIlroy (+800) on his native land as the favorite.  Koepka (+1000) is currently the 2nd favorite.  I'm betting Koepka wins.  He's won 3 of the last 6 majors with two runner up finishes.  It would be stupid not to bet heavily on Koepka.

What are you willing to bet Koepka's girl Jena Sims will be riding high this week?

I could sit in my dark basement and watch this on loop for hours fully aroused because this Quenton Nelson block against UGA is the definition of football porn.

 

Football porn at its finest https://t.co/PlOdjYXWKi

— SportsCrack Apparel (@sportscrack) July 11, 2019

 You could almost see the soul of the UGA defender leave his body as soon as Big Q pancaked his ass.  It's beautiful yet painful.  It brings a tear to my eye.  Now I just need college football to get here already before I chaff myself to Quenton blocks.

BUY the original ADMIRAL CRUNCH t-shirt here:

Buy the original DOMERS VS DAWGS Shirt here:

 

 

 

OBJ threw it down the WHOLE FIELD 😶 @obj (via jpqz/IG) pic.twitter.com/XbHT6TArRv

— Overtime (@overtime) July 10, 2019

After seeing all the NFL circus catches Odell Beckham Jr has made over the years it shouldn't surprise anybody with his athleticism but my God OBG has a fucking howitzer.  He just casually tossed a pigskin 100 yards in the air.  I don't even think I can throw a Nerf Turbo that distance.  In fact I know I can't throw a Turbo that far and I had the best arm in my neighborhood back in the day.  OBJ is a freak of a nature.  It could be scary what kind of numbers he puts up this year with Baker Mayfield throwing to him and Jarvis Landry in what should be an explosive Cleveland Browns offense.