Defining what entails a “surprise” during spring drills can be tricky or vague.
Darrin Walls had a sensational spring after sitting out the 2008 season for personal reasons, but his effort wasn’t something that caught anyone off guard. He was on the radar of NFL scouts after his sophomore campaign in 2007.
Sophomore defensive lineman Ethan Johnson was a standout in the Blue-Gold Game, but one could see his future star power last season as a freshman when he had the fourth-most playing time among the D-linemen and tied for the team lead in sacks with 3.5. He verified what was already sensed.
But what about players who have yet to truly make a mark but will be heavily relied on this season in vital capacities?
Last year our top 5 at the end of spring were 1) Harrison Smith, 2) Kyle McCarthy, 3) Chris Stewart, 4) Morrice Richardson and 5) Raeshon McNeil. Other than Richardson, who became more of a role player in pass-rushing situations, all became major factors. This year our top 5 countdown is:
With a solid spring, Smith put himself in position for plenty of playing time as a senior.
5. Joseph Fauria
When we first saw the freshman last August, we projected he was at least two years away from significant action. It appeared his lower body strength needed much more work, and we envisioned him more as a prototype left offensive tackle in the future, not necessarily a tight end.
Talk about a coming-out party this spring! Fauria won’t move ahead of starter Kyle Rudolph, but Charlie Weis admitted Fauria and Mike Ragone are having a very healthy battle for the No. 2 spot. He played early for the Blue Offense in last Saturday’s scrimmage, nabbed a couple of passes and displayed a fine blocking acumen.
His athletic ability was manifested even more in the famed Bookstore Basketball Tournament – where he was named MVP after leading his team to the title (with Dayne Crist and Jonas Gray also on his squad).
It’s a shame he had to burn a year of eligibility last year mainly in a mop-up role, but it appears he’s ready to see meaningful minutes this year.
4. Zeke Motta
After watching his high school tape BGI recruiting analysts Bob Chmiel and Jason Sapp lauded how well-coached he is as well as his playmaking skills. Weis referred to him as one of the best-conditioned players already on the team – and that’s as an early enrollee.
The Irish head coach hinted that Motta might be on all four special team units this year, but we wouldn’t be surprised if sees some spot duty at linebacker as well. On the practice field, he just moves with a smooth glide that belie his age.
Although he originally lined up at outside linebacker (Sam) this spring, he was stationed at Will, behind Brian Smith, in the Blue-Gold Game – and led all tacklers with seven. Weis warned that Motta “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know yet,” but our guess is he’s going to be a quick study.
3. Toryan Smith
The senior linebacker was beaten out for the starting role two years ago by Joe Brockington and last year by Brian Smith.
This spring, he emerged enough to where the staff couldn’t keep him off the field, so they moved Brian Smith to Will linebacker while Toryan Smith monopolized the time in the middle (Mike). Weis was consistent throughout the spring in stating that Toryan will be a factor in 2009.
Don’t expect him to be in much in passing situations, and definitely not in the nickel. But against power running teams such as Michigan State, Pitt, or even versus the option, he will be in his element.
2. Paul Duncan
Putting a fifth-year senior on this list might seem unusual, but from Day 1 of spring drills, both Weis and first-year offensive line coach Frank Verducci praised the determination and vigor of the offensive left tackle who sat out last season after undergoing hip surgery.
Duncan confessed halfway through spring his deep regrets for not putting out as much as he could have, both physically and emotionally, in the past. According to the coaches, and from the couple of “Irish Eyes” drills we saw (particularly on April 15), he played with a rage heretofore unseen throughout the past month.
Mike Turkovich made appreciable strides from left guard to left tackle last season in his senior year, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Duncan can take it a notch higher, especially with one extra year of physical maturity. That would be extremely crucial to the offensive line’s success.
1. Hafis Williams/(Kapron Lewis-Moore)
Among the five Irish defensive linemen recruited last year, Williams came in with the least fanfare. Ethan Johnson, Sean Cwynar and Brandon Newman all were invited to the U.S. Army All-American Game, while Lewis-Moore was inserted into the starting lineup this spring without ever having played a down.
Now, Lewis-Moore is technically a major surprise based just on that, but he missed the last half of spring with a foot injury, so there is less tangible evidence upon which one can assess his progress.
Conversely, Williams was a constant, working at both the three technique and nose tackle while taking reps with the first unit, thanks in part to Lewis-Moore’s injury.
What surprised us even more is when strength and conditioning coach Ruben Mendoza singled out Williams and Johnson for their leadership this winter. Weis chimed in that Williams was also the hardest working scout team performer – and the “biggest pain in the butt” for the offensive linemen – last fall in practices.
We don’t know if he’ll necessarily be a starter, but we’d be surprised if Williams isn’t a factor this fall. If the Irish defensive line can hold its own and the offensive line finally flourishes, playing in the Bowl Championship Series should be a realistic result.
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