So what? Something to believe in... 3.19.2009

With pieces of the puzzle appearing on the table awaiting to be assembled, it appears that the next phase of the Weis era is about the begin. It also appears to be a more coherent one. So what’s to come?

Energy for one thing is clearly seen in likes of Tony Alford and Randy Hart. Alford just seems to be the type of guy that players want to play for. He comes across as the exact opposite of Mike Haywood. A great deal of expression in his face and body language. His communication implies a direct love for the game. He has a desire to succeed!

Notre Dame needs a spark in the run game. There appears to be a plan. Frank Verducci, the heir to John Latina’s position as the coach of the offensive line, has added “running game coordinator” to his title. This was a move that I don’t think surprised anyone. Weis began the 2007 stating publicly that he finally had the opportunity to pound the ball. If you held you breath at that moment, you likely died not long after. It never happened. Two of the people responsible are no longer with the program. One to greener pastures.

Verducci, whether he’s the answer or not is to be determined on the field, but has nowhere to go but up with the running game. If he wants to get noticed, here’s the opportunity! Play the hand well, and he has the cards, success will bring his name throughout college football. The caveat – why hasn’t anyone hired him for a similar responsibility before now? But, he was employed in football with OL experience in both college and pro. Good luck, Frank! We hope you succeed for all involved.

Hart is the other energy attitude! His most recent history as a DL coach is nothing to brag about. He also, from what I’ve read hasn’t had the talent like he has now at ND since the early 1990’s. His Washington DL’s we’re his best at that time. He’s been on a merry-go-round of coaches who secured him a paycheck, until now. New place, new people, and over twenty years experience. Not too bad. But his best attribute could be his attitude. Contact, disengage, pursue, and tackle, or words to that effect was his statement. Sounds pretty good to me. A nose tackle that can get two yards deep on the opposing OL combined with that attitude should ensure everything falls into place.

Certainly what is likely the most exciting piece for the DL is Bryant Young being the Graduate Assistant! Sometimes the best players don’t make the best coaches. Then again, Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy faired well. How about recruiting the DL with a guy like Young! The freshmen that enter this fall could see him be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Oh yah, and every year after that until it happens. He’d have to be a first ballot entry, which is not out of the question.

Charlie Weis is back calling plays. Now remember these comments from 2007: “Charlie needs to put down that play chart and start acting like a head coach!” “How can Weis expect to coach and nurture these kids when he’s think about the next play!! He needs to start being a head coach and not a glorified OC!!”

Wow. That went over big, didn’t it? Weis is better with the play card in his hand. It is his comfort zone. I’m glad he’s back. Frankly, I don’t care if he’s on the sidelines, coach’s booth, or the parking lot for that matter: so long as it works well. I also don’t think one game in Hawaii against a piss poor passing defense answers this question either.

But again, we are back at that "we shall see" place. After the end of last season, we said this regarding potential, rumored, hearsay coaching information. We got those answered. Two of the three coaches that are no longer with the program have yet to land new employment, at least publicly announced. There is reason to think things will get better. It starts this Friday, March 20th. So with the pieces laid out and the workers ready to assemble, we hope it comes together to be a work of art and not just a time passing exercise.

I am excited for the kids!! I think they deserve this new coaching group. So far, Weis’ second hires have faired well. These were not impulsive moves on word of mouth. But carefully chosen pieces that best give to the program what is believed to be what it needs.

A lot is now riding on the success of 2009. It will start this week. We need answers to “we shall see”. We want to see it. We need to see it. Now, like in 05 & 06, Weis has to show us!

Good luck, Charlie! We’ll be listening and watching like kids peering out the window of Christmas Eve. Hoping for a sign, any sign of what we believe in!!