Tuesday Practice Observations 10-3-06

A summer-like day outside for practice today -- an "Indian Summer," as Michael Haywood called it. Football sports information director Brian Hardin quickly noted, though, that an "Indian Summer" doesn't occur until the first frost. But we get the drift:

• D.J. Hord and Brandon Erickson continue trying out for injured-team quarterback, tossing the ball back and forth for most of the open session.
• Sophomore fullback Asaph Schwapp moved gingerly for all of the media appointed practice and still appears to be extremely limited. Charlie Weis mentioned during the press conference that a decision will be made on his status for the season sometime this week. From observing him today, it doesn't look promising. In the one drill Schwapp participated in, he ran straight through while other backs made cuts.
• Senior cornerback Ambrose Wooden worked out with the first team defensive backs. The second team consisted of cornerbacks Terrail Lambert and Leo Ferrine along with safeties Ray Herring and Kyle McCarthy.
• Running back James Aldridge worked with the first group of running backs -- Darius Walker and Ashley McConnell -- during media viewing drills.
• Sophomore wide receiver David Grimes was dressed but did not participate in many drills with braces on both of his knees.

Don't forget about our contests, either: ND-Stanford predictions to mrothstein@jg.net. And in searching for the best tailgates at ND, drop an e-mail to mrothstein@jg.net with the word "tailgate" in the subject line. Let's see what you've got Notre Dame fans. Tell me why I should stop by and check out and possibly give pub to your tailgate.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Jamie Schumaker]

I'm getting spoiled. I still want the Irish to be more consistant. And here were are @ 4/1, looking at 10/2 at "worst" , and I think they could be so much better.

Talent, schedule & coaching: that's what they say, in order, for success. All three will come to fruition soon. Working on the first 2, the 3rd "learning" but will soon be the teacher.

We'll learn alot this month - read between the lines even if wins are big.

You'll know the feel - and answer - can we beat USC? Always the question, always need to be answered.

[Jamie Schumaker]

I'm getting spoiled. I still want the Irish to be more consistant. And here were are @ 4/1, looking at 10/2 at "worst" , and I think they could be so much better.

Talent, schedule & coaching: that's what they say, in order, for success. All three will come to fruition soon. Working on the first 2, the 3rd "learning" but will soon be the teacher.

We'll learn alot this month - read between the lines even if wins are big.

You'll know the feel - and answer - can we beat USC? Always the question, always need to be answered.

[Ron]

Was anyone out there surprised how well Ray Herring played in place of the injured Zbikowski? If you were it's because you haven't really seen Ray play before. I watched him play every Friday night in high school and it was a rare game that he didn't have an interception or create a fumble with a bone-crushing hit. And we all lost count of the number of times he ran down a back or receiver from the other side of the field (like he almost did on the halfback pass where Ndukwe blew the coverage).

Playing behind the All-American would be tough on anyone but Ray will shine anytime he gets a chance. Any INISIGHT into the secondary package that sends Zibby forward (almost into an LB spot) and keeps Ray deep? That might make great use of what I see now as untapped talent in a secondary that badly needs help.

One more thought...Ray ran back punts and kickoffs his senior, junior, AND sophomore years in high school. At one point he led the state of Florida in return yards.

They need to use this kid.