Notre Dame Football Mailbag: Chris Ash and Mike Mickens, the skill set of Malachi Fields, Xavier Watts, and other Fighting Irish topics
It might be the offseason for college football, but there is constant news around the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We have seen several players enter the transfer portal, as well as recent defensive coordinator and general manager news surface. It has been a busy week and a half, and things aren't slowing down anytime soon. […]
It might be the offseason for college football, but there is constant news around the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We have seen several players enter the transfer portal, as well as recent defensive coordinator and general manager news surface. It has been a busy week and a half, and things aren't slowing down anytime soon. While some won't like it, the constant news is actually a great thing for a healthy program.
With that constant buzz, it is never a bad thing for the newest Notre Dame Football Mailbag. So many tremendous questions were submitted this week. They include conversations around Chad Bowden, Chris Ash, Xaver Watts' draft stock, and more.
Next defensive coordinator
Obviously this question was sent in before the hiring of former Rutgers head coach and Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash was made official. There is a belief that Coach Mickens is going to get an “elevated role” but it’s uncertain what that fully entails. Ash was hired to be the main play caller, so the hope is that Coach Mickens’ involvement in game planning continues to increase. Him being the heir apparent would be ideal, especially since Ash doesn’t tend to stay at jobs too long.
Breaking down Malachi Fields
Fields is a massive pass checker at 6-4 and around 220 pounds. He does the things you would expect him to do well, win back shoulders and at the catch point. While Fields is mostly a vertically oriented pass catcher, he can also do some good things as a route runner as well. His long speed is solid for his size, but not dynamic. In after catch situations, Fields wins off of size and physicality. Fields projects as the best boundary receiver Notre Dame has had in several years.
Run game evolution
(See previous question in regards to Malachi Fields)
The run game was a lot more diverse overall this year. We saw a lot of inside zone, but there was also some outside zone, power scheme, and duo mixed in throughout the season. Your four top ball carriers were all very different runners. Jeremiyah Love can do a little bit of everything, while Jadarian Price is mostly a zone runner, Aneyas Williams excels in power scheme, and quarterback Riley Leonard was used more with power, counters, and some sweeps.
My one frustration is that things got a little bit simplistic when utilizing Love. The offense rarely tried to get him off tackle or inside space, instead running him mostly in between the tackles and letting him create. My hope is we will see a more diverse usage for Love, both inside and out. That could also help to maintain his health a good bit down the stretch.
Junior Day feedback
There was nothing but positive takeaways from the Notre Dame Junior Day. I would be surprised if the Irish staff doesn’t eventually get commitments from about six players who wade the trip in the end. The recruiting staff did a tremendous job. Chad Bowden was a tough loss for Notre Dame, but they will survive in the short term. Who they end up getting as their next general manager will tell the full story for how negative that loss is, or isn’t.
2025 offensive line preview
Okay, let’s talk about the 2025 offensive line. The depth for the group should be very, very talented next season. There’s a world where players like Anthonie Knapp or Sullivan Absher, and Guerby Lambert could be the main backups. The talent will not be a problem at all. The biggest issue will be that the depth will now be a lot more inexperienced. If Notre Dame can remain a lot healthier next season, then that lack of experience won’t be a massive issue.
I don’t expect Notre Dame to have to dip into the portal for offensive linemen unless there is an unforeseen wave of injuries or transfers out. They have the depth of talent. The spring and the rest of the offseason will be important for that group’s development.
Chad Bowden replacement
The recent reports for Bowden’s replacement centers around current Texas Tech general manager James Blanchard. That would be a very interesting hire in a lot of ways. Blanchard has been a riser in the industry, and has upped the recruiting game for the Red Raiders. Their program has also been very, very aggressive in the portal. I would like the pickup overall.
Let’s talk about Xavier Watts
That’s a great question. I think one player that comes to mind is Mike Adams, who played in the NFL for a long time, and ended with 30 interceptions in his career. Like Watts, Adams won mostly with his football instincts and consistency. I don’t think Watts is going to test off of the charts, but his mind and approach are outstanding. He strikes me as a long term starter, even if he never becomes a star.
Thoughts on Joe Rudolph
There’s a lot of discourse around Joe Rudolph. I personally think he’s a good coach. He’s also a pretty dang good recruiter as well. Like everyone else, he isn’t perfect but with all the injuries this past season, I think he did a really good job. I’m not sure I’d call myself a hater or love, but I have a lot of respect for him as a coach.
The positives, negatives, and the unknown for Notre Dame football potentially hiring Chris Ash as the next defensive coordinator
What to make of Chris Ash’s fit with Notre Dame.
