Now that we’ve got our math mistakes cleaned up, let’s get back to some analysis of the Top 25 so far. The inclusion of Zeke Motta at No. 25 makes plenty of sense, and if there’s a breakout senior waiting to make his name, Motta is a pretty good candidate. Playing in the shadow of Harrison Smith, Motta has seen plenty of action for two solid seasons, and should feel comfortable anchoring the secondary, regardless of where Jamoris Slaughter is lined up.
A snapshot of the top 10 names on the list shows the Irish program seems to be in good shape for the future. Of the names listed, only Motta and Toma are finishing their eligibility this season, adding credence to the thought that 2013 might be a very promising year for the Irish.
More evidence that the youth of this roster is its strength comes from names 15-11. Once again, all five players listed will have eligibility remaining after ’12, and three are true sophomores. On-field experience might be the weakness of this group, with Chris Watt entering camp entrenched at his guard position, and Prince Shembo in and out of the starting lineup last season.
The third and final quarterback of the rankings slots his way in here, with Everett Golson coming in at No. 14. Golson, who redshirted during his freshman season, impressed during the Blue-Gold game, but also showed difficulties with game management duties and ball security, two very large issues that seem to be sticking points for Brian Kelly and new offensive coordinator Chuck Martin. Still, anybody who doesn’t think Golson is going to find his way into the Irish offensive package is fooling themselves, and even if he isn’t the “starting” quarterback, expect to see a healthy dose of Golson in the Irish game plan.
Once again, here’s our voting panel:
Eric Hansen, South Bend Tribune @HansenSouthBend
John Walters, The Daily @jdubs88
John Vannie, NDNation.com
Eric Murtaugh, representing OneFootDown.com @OneFootDown
Ryan Ritter, representing HerLoyalSons.com @HLS_NDtex
Keith Arnold, NBCSports.com’s Inside the Irish @KeithArnoldNBC
Here’s the list as it stands:
IRISH 2012 Top 25
25. Zeke Motta (S, Sr.)
24. Tommy Rees (QB, Jr.)
23. Andrew Hendrix (QB, Jr.)
22. Davonte Neal (WR, Fr.)
21. TJ Jones (WR, Jr.)
20. Robby Toma (WR, Sr.)
19. Christian Lombard (OL, Jr.)
18. Davaris Daniels (WR, So.)
17. Troy Niklas (TE, So.)
16. Bennett Jackson (CB, Jr.)
RANKINGS
15. Ishaq Williams (OLB, So.) After putting together the least impressive freshman season out of the “big three” defensive recruits, Williams turned it on this spring, taking advantage of Prince Shembo’s injury and rededicating himself to football after bouts of homesickness. Physically gifted, Williams is the prototype of what the Irish want in a ‘Cat’ linebacker, and has looked good enough in space that Bob Diaco might not hesitate to put he and Prince Shembo on the edges together. With some of the best pass rush potential on the roster, Williams could help this unit get more heat on the quarterback this season, something missing last year.
(Highest ranking: 9th. Lowest ranking: 20th)
14. Everett Golson (QB, So.) We’ll find out soon whether or not this ranking is a product of optimism or talent. Golson, a record-setting prep quarterback that sat out last season after enrolling early, has all the tools to be a perfect fit in Brian Kelly’s spread offense. He might not be as fast as Irish fans hope (he clocked a 4.8 forty during spring testing), but he’s elusive enough to supply a running threat at quarterback and has plenty of arm to make any throw in this offense. While rumors of ball security problems were semi-confirmed during the Blue-Gold game, so was the talent that make putting the keys to the offense in his hands a promising proposition.
(Highest ranking: 5th. Lowest ranking: 20th)
13. Chris Watt (LG, Sr.) At 6-foot-3, 310-pounds, Watt fits the profile of a left guard perfectly, and his first season starting showed him an effective partner with Zack Martin on the left side of the line. With a year of experience under his belt, not to mention another year with Paul Longo, Watt should be ready to thrive under new offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, who preaches a physicality that jives with the type of football the Illinois native likes to play. If Watt and Lombard play up to their potential, and the Irish find one more piece on the right side of the offensive line, this could be a very effective unit.
(Highest ranking: 6th. Lowest ranking: Unranked)
12. Prince Shembo (OLB, Jr.) Shembo’s lofty rating surprises me, yet also give you an idea of the pass rush potential the rising junior has. Playing mostly out of position at drop linebacker last season, it wasn’t a lost sophomore year, but a step back, as he logged only two sacks after having 4.5 during his rookie campaign. With Darius Fleming graduated, Shembo will likely step into the ‘Cat’ linebacker spot, though a foot injury this spring gave Ishaq Williams plenty of time to get comfortable there. Still, with Aaron Lynch no longer on the roster, Shembo might be best suited to put a hand on the ground and chase the quarterback. He’s not big enough to play end in the 3-4, but when the Irish slide a fourth man down, Shembo could be at his best rushing the passer.
(Highest ranking: 8th. Lowest ranking: 18th)
11. George Atkinson III (RB, So.) You wonder where Atkinson would be in these rankings if it weren’t for his electric spring game performance. Even without it, the 215-pound speedster would’ve surely tallied his share of votes thanks to his work in the Irish return game, where his two touchdowns tied a school record. Cierre Wood may be the starting running back and Theo Riddick will certainly deserve carries, but the homerun threat in the Irish backfield is Atkinson. Whether it’s from behind center or split wide, expect the offense to put an emphasis on getting Atkinson touches, and his world-class blend of power and speed should do the rest. Ball security issues aside (and that’s a big assumption), Atkinson showing comfort lined up in the backfield was the best surprise of the spring.
(Highest ranking: 5th. Lowest ranking: 17th)