The depth chart revealed

In the end, it really wasn’t that big of an announcement.

Head coach Charlie Weis revealed his depth chart Tuesday afternoon, and if it told us anything, it’s that Weis has built his team.

There are no more excuses about a previous regime. There are no more ways to forget about the “decided schematic advantage.” From the top to the bottom, the depth chart is filled with Weis’ guys. In the end, there are no excuses. This is Charlie Weis’ team. This is his legacy.

Now we will find out if Kapron Lewis-Moore is indeed the heralded recruiting steal that Notre Dame pulled out of Texas. Is Darius Fleming or Steve Filer ready to become the heralded Chicago public schools linebacker that we heard mentioned in the same sentence as Chris Zorich? Even Weis’ number-twos are “his guys.” Dan Wenger adds depth to the interior of the offensive line, Matt Romine will take part in a tackle rotation that might as well flex the recruiting muscles of Weis and his coaching staff.

Every position has a backup that is highly regarded. Morrice Richardson? Let’s see if those offers from Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech were on the mark. David Posluszny? For a 3rd string linebacker, you’ve certainly got a name we’ve all heard of.

In reality, we have learned very little about this team, except that it is a product of the Charlie Weis era. Right now, we take for granted that Notre Dame is no longer short on position players.

“I think we’d go as deep as seven,” Weis said about his wide receivers. “But right now let’s start with four and go from there.”

Seven? Remember when ND had to run converted quarterbacks like Arnaz Battle and Carlyle Holiday onto the field to get the team’s best athletes on the field?

Tuesday’s depth chart reminded us that building a team is only the first step. Weis’ comments about the special teams on Tuesday clarified that he thought he built a team that was capable of winning in 2009.

“I think now we’ve gotten a lot more numbers. We have 83 guys on scholarship. I mean, it’s a lot different for coach Polian because he has a lot more volume of players to choose from. It makes Brian’s job a little easier to get some quality people in there at quality positions.”

Finding talent is something that Charlie Weis has proven he can do. Winning with that talent is what will define his legacy.