Welcome to Bagpipe Monday on Subway Domer! Friends, I tried- I really tried to get this post written and published earlier today, but it just didn’t happen. I wanted to give you some opening thoughts on camp. I had a million and so ideas to share, and although 999,989 of those might have been some form of a barbaric yell- I should give you a small taste.
Just to see what it tastes like.
- One of the most common things that is being said about this team, is just how BIG they are. It’s funny to hear, because this is a major program and you just don’t think “small” when someone says, “Notre Dame.” It’s true though; this team is big. A couple of variables that help that is the way Kelly is recruiting to a certain size for a position, the result of “Longo Beach” and our actual scholarship numbers are up (you would be amazed at how many years ND has struggled to get anywhere near the 85 man limit). Whatever the reason, Notre Dame passes the eyeball test and is primed to play the part.
- The freshman will not be needed. The best freshman are backing up our best players. In the past, they may have been called upon very early to not just contribute, but to be key members. Now, they fill in the depth chart. A few will be called upon- but only a few. Thank Christ I haven’t had to read a bunch of mock depth charts with 3 or 4 freshman listed as starters. People are starting to realize that we have talent everywhere. Having these frosh play “roles” (if any at all outside of the scout team) is better for this team and for the players. It gives them a chance to develop without the pressure of performing up to BCS standards.
- This team feels it. I think you could probably say this about most teams in any given year, but the confidence they put out is seismic. The goal every year is to shoot for a National Title, and if that doesn’t happen, a BCS bowl. However, this team’s mindset is twisted into a focus that I have not seen in years. Knowing that the guy next to you is not only willing to die for you- but doesn’t have to die to do their job… HELPS!
I know that’s all pretty basic, but we will know more and talk more about what we “know” soon enough.
Don’t forget to vote in this weeks poll, which gets an extension from last week after Notre Dame was picked to be the preseason #18 team in the coaches poll. Enjoy the pipes, and pay special attention to the bagpiper in the video if you want a a nice “what the hell?!”
