As training camp is nearing the end of the first week, its time to start digging into the initial depth chart and practice reports and determine the positional strengths and weaknesses of this team. Vatican Smoke is going to dissect and rank 10 different positional groupings. Each will be ranked as to their relative strength/weakness compared to each other, as well as previewed, over the next 3 weeks.
Here are the 10 positional groupings:
- Offensive Line
- Running Backs
- Wide Receivers
- Tight Ends
- Quarterbacks
- Defensive Line
- Linebacker (Freshman 5 star LB Manti Te'o pictured below)
- Safety
- Cornerback
- Kickers
I have ranked each of these positions as to the level of strength and certainty compared to each other, #1-10. #1 is the unit that Coach Weis is most comfortable with heading into the season, and also the one that the Irish have the most talent relative to the rest of college football. I'll be doing a backwards countdown, starting with #10 (the wea
kest) position tomorrow. In addition to the ranking, each post will discuss the likely depth chart of the position, as well as what likely has improved/weakened at the position since last year.
The rankings are not based on importance (Quarterback and line play are always critical), but how comfortable Coach Weis and company are about each position with regards to our opponents and the rest of college football. Skill, depth, experience, and intangibles all factor in.
Most fans will either have a strong opinion on this list, or no opinion - just a casual fan that does not get into player specific details. I intend to give a basic overview that will be at a high enough level for the casual fan to enjoy, but also detailed enough to be dangerous. I will articulate an opinion based on observations from numerous sources - both pro-ND and anti-ND.
Look for the #10 position preview post tomorrow, Friday August 14th. As always, we love to hear your opinion via email or in the comments. And definitely feel free to send our blog along to the next reader. All via the links below each post.
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