As of Jan 11 2025 - what we still need before ND

[Cane44]

No official word yet, but seriously doubt he has much better than a 6th or 7th round draft grade at this point. Probably would make more playing at UM next year

imo he’s our bigger experienced edge everyone is asking for. Stop playing him at DT, have him trim down. He was great that first year at edge. We have the speed with the younger guys. Bain needs to get back to FR form

 

[hotshot]

When I look at the Off and Def Lines of the CFB "Final Four," they are on a whole different plane from us. Not to mention the schemes they can execute (esp on the Defense side). We have so many needs to even approach competitiveness with those rosters ...

 

[3FW]

We need a game wrecker DE, an alpha WR, and a difference making LB.

I think this is correct. Possibly with a new DC, one of the freshman here now can fill that role, granted it’s risky. We absolutely need another WR, and tops on my list is a couple of LBs, because ours just aren’t very good.

 

[3FW]

When I look at the Off and Def Lines of the CFB "Final Four," they are on a whole different plane from us. Not to mention the schemes they can execute (esp on the Defense side). We have so many needs to even approach competitiveness with those rosters ...

I can’t disagree with you more. Our OL matches up with anyones, full stop. Our DL can use more skill and depth, but with Bain, Moten, and Blay they can play anywhere. Justin Scott is on a trajectory to be a major factor next year. We just have to keep the wolves away in the Spring portal.

 

[htownkidd]

I can’t disagree with you more. Our OL matches up with anyones, full stop. Our DL can use more skill and depth, but with Bain, Moten, and Blay they can play anywhere. Justin Scott is on a trajectory to be a major factor next year. We just have to keep the wolves away in the Spring portal.

Moten can play anywhere? Interesting take. Was he not in when Iowa State was blowing us off the ball every short yardage situation? Or GT when they were going on their 8 minute drives but only passing the ball every 7 plays? Or when Syracuse ran it down our throat late when we needed a stop? Oh yeah he was, cause he jumped offsides to basically ice the game for them.

Fwiw, I don’t think Moten is “bad”, but to say he can play anywhere is crazy. What has he, or any of our DL for that matter, done to show that? Outside of Bain’s 2023 performance? Moten wouldn’t even be in the 2 deep for 8 of the 12 CFP teams.

 

[bobbydigius]

Moten can play anywhere? Interesting take. Was he not in when Iowa State was blowing us off the ball every short yardage situation? Or GT when they were going on their 8 minute drives but only passing the ball every 7 plays? Or when Syracuse ran it down our throat late when we needed a stop? Oh yeah he was, cause he jumped offsides to basically ice the game for them.

Fwiw, I don’t think Moten is “bad”, but to say he can play anywhere is crazy. What has he, or any of our DL for that matter, done to show that? Outside of Bain’s 2023 performance? Moten wouldn’t even be in the 2 deep for 8 of the 12 CFP teams.

Just rampant delusion on this board, that or it’s meth.

 

[L A M P]

Throw a couple more safeties my way too.

Still have PTSD

 

[motorcitycane]

Moten can play anywhere? Interesting take. Was he not in when Iowa State was blowing us off the ball every short yardage situation? Or GT when they were going on their 8 minute drives but only passing the ball every 7 plays? Or when Syracuse ran it down our throat late when we needed a stop? Oh yeah he was, cause he jumped offsides to basically ice the game for them.

Fwiw, I don’t think Moten is “bad”, but to say he can play anywhere is crazy. What has he, or any of our DL for that matter, done to show that? Outside of Bain’s 2023 performance? Moten wouldn’t even be in the 2 deep for 8 of the 12 CFP teams.

Super facts. Dudes hyped up our mid DL all off season.

Pre season I said I didn’t buy the hype. I watch every game I don’t see the Moten, Messidor, and other guys hype.

Bain 2023 was what we needed 3 more of on the DL.

I’m not seeing a take over games type player on the roster at DT currently. Hopefully Justin Scott develops into an animal along with Blount.

 

[CaneBear0207]

If everyone with eligibility who has not already transferred or declared for the draft returns, then we are at 81 scholarships. This includes Akheem Mesidor but not Isaiah Taylor, who I believe was a walk-on in 2024.
If we have 4 scholarships to fill, then in my view, the order of priority is:
1. a starting WR
2. a starting safety or Xavier Lucas*
3. a starting linebacker
4. either another WR or another 2-deep player on the defensive line

*We have 6-7 starter-quality DB's. The problem is that only 1 of them plays safety. If Lucas comes in, either he needs to play safety or one of our CB's needs to move there.

 

[canefan96]

Can’t wait to hear about all our Greentree All Americans again this Spring…………

 

[skeeter]

lol **** you people are delusional *****

Ya it's you that are level-headed and reasonable.

Also…Who gives a **** about your little stupid *** opinion.

 

[skeeter]

This is my wish list:

Legit deep threat at WR who can stretch the field
Depth piece at RB

1 DT to start alongside Blay
An alpha DE
At least 1 LB
1 Safety (unless the addition of Lucas solves that).

Why are we thinking all of this is available in the portal lol? These stud type players don't grow on trees.

Also, I mean do we really think Justin Scott came on board to wait til his junior year to start?

 

[filmcane]

Our DT play was pretty **** good this past season. Not yet elite but definitely good. But way bigger problems.

Yeah, the DL is the least of my worries. At this point, the only thing that i really believe we NEED on the D is a vet stud MLB. With a good DC, he'll be able to use the pieces we already have. Now, if Wilson decided to come to the U, I wouldn't be mad at it, but MLB is what we need for the D to have the weapons necessary to beat the big boys.

 

[filmcane]

Why are we thinking all of this is available in the portal lol? These stud type players don't grow on trees.

Also, I mean do we really think Justin Scott came on board to wait til his junior year to start?

Ehhh, there will be some stud MLB after Spring games that will look for a paycheck and we'll look for him to be the glue to hold that group together. I'm already optimistic about the D improvement and when we get a solid DC in here, I'll be ready to claim that 10 wins is the floor. ;-)

 

[Angry Ibis]

We must have seen different teams.

Apparently, he saw the UF game. You watched the last 11.

 

[skeeter]

Yeah, the DL is the least of my worries. At this point, the only thing that i really believe we NEED on the D is a vet stud MLB. With a good DC, he'll be able to use the pieces we already have. Now, if Wilson decided to come to the U, I wouldn't be mad at it, but MLB is what we need for the D to have the weapons necessary to beat the big boys.

I have high hopes for Aguirre in year 3. Don't get me wrong, I would like a proven stud MLB too. But in cfb what's our definition of "vet"? I'm sure we could find someone with experience 4 years and at least 2-3 as a starter, but will he come with the sub par athleticism of Corey Flagg? Aguirre is in year 3 and had plenty of snaps this year and I'd think unless you find one of the top couple in CFB he gets1st dibs.

 

[Dan E. Dangerously]

Also, I mean do we really think Justin Scott came on board to wait til his junior year to start?

Justin Scott's ability to see the field depends on his ability to demonstrate to coaches he deserves it. It's a reflection of him and his talent just like everyone else on the team. I care about his own personal timetable to see the field just as much as I care about Ray Ray Joseph's. Which is not at all.

Why are we thinking all of this is available in the portal lol? These stud type players don't grow on trees.

I'm well aware of that. I'm pretty sure everyone else is too, that's why we don't go through life wasting our time typing out caveats to something so obvious with every thought we have. It's because it's understood, and better left unsaid. I'll demonstrate:

This is a message board and you've clicked on a thread where we are having a discussion of what we all think we need in order to have a successful season in 2025. Did you notice how asinine and condescending it is for someone to point out what everyone else already knows? Try to keep up.

 

[Bunker Mentality]

What we need is a MIRACLE to beat ND. The head coach is an excellent manager of the game and completely on the ball. I wish we had him as a coach.

 

[skeeter]

Justin Scott's ability to see the field depends on his ability to demonstrate to coaches he deserves it. It's a reflection of him and his talent just like everyone else on the team. I care about his own personal timetable to see the field just as much as I care about Ray Ray Joseph's. Which is not at all.

I'm well aware of that. I'm pretty sure everyone else is too, that's why we don't go through life wasting our time typing out caveats to something so obvious with every thought we have. It's because it's understood, and better left unsaid. I'll demonstrate:

This is a message board and you've clicked on a thread where we are having a discussion of what we all think we need in order to have a successful season in in 2025. Did you notice how asinine and condescending it is for someone to point out what everyone else already knows?

Yes I never implied otherwise with Scott. My point is if he is what we think he is (top 2-3 DT in his class and future NFL player) then it is very realistic to think he is ready to make a step into starter role.

As for the rest, your point is taken…But many posters on here think we just can pick and choose All-Americans at every position and throw together a top 3-5 team.

 

[Manfred_Cane]

imo he’s our bigger experienced edge everyone is asking for. Stop playing him at DT, have him trim down. He was great that first year at edge. We have the speed with the younger guys. Bain needs to get back to FR form

Once Baron got benched, it forced Mesidor outside again and he became a force.