Class of 2026 WR Calvin Russell (FL) COMMITTED/SIGNED TO SYRACUSE (7/5/25)

[wfschrec]

Riley Leonard was a lot like Dungee that's the direction Notre Dame wanted to go last season.. It doesn't make angelli not as good as Leonard. Different strengths different weaknesses.Joe Burrough was a back up no?

Sitting behind Riley Lenard is one thing … but Burrow comparison is not the same. Burrow sat behind Haskins and Barrett I mean come on a program record setter and a first round pick they are not the same. Burrow wasn’t Burrow his first year in Baton Rouge either he needed to play more to get there. His first year as a starter 16 TDs and 2900 yards … and LSU went 10-3 a season before boatracing every one.

Again for the umpteenth time I’m cautiously optimistic but people acting like this is a slam dunk is a bit much. As for Angeli can he process as fast as McCord in this offense … you same folks talk about how elite he was … if Angeli can’t it could be a rough first year under center. Fact is no one knows for sure based on the sample size.

 

[SUFan44]

I think Angeli can be a good college QB, similar to Dungey. I don’t think he is going to get to the point where he’s McCord, but I think over a two-year cycle, he’s going to make plays and be a good QB. Will he be able to win games by himself? That’s tough to do. And we have only ever had that maybe 3-4 times in program history. Problem is, everyone wants the McNabb/McCord/McPherson - there are others elsewhere who have been good players and won games but not been otherworldly. I think our supporting cast has been so bad in other years in different ways that it has taken that otherworldly effort from the position to win games. It’s not like that everywhere.

Edit: Look at Tennessee - they had an otherworldly QB in Manning. They didn’t win at the highest level. The year after him, with Jamal Lewis & a stout D, they won the national title. That’s an extreme example, but you can win at a high level without an absolutely top-flight, NFL caliber QB.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Nixon plays a role but if Angeli was sufficient enough you don’t dump NIL on Lenard.

I already addressed this - Notre Dame was NEVER going to consider Angeli sufficient. That was never the plan for their program, and it was never the plan they had for Angeli.

 

[BomberOrange]

If someone can post that Michigan banner flying over the Syracuse skyline from 1998, that would be great.

Here you go:

 

[wfschrec]

I already addressed this - Notre Dame was NEVER going to consider Angeli sufficient. That was never the plan for their program, and it was never the plan they had for Angeli.

Think a little more about what you just said and apply it to the idea that he may or may not be sufficient here. Again not a slam dunk and it should be a wait and see approach, if he were significantly better than Lenard he would have played that is the bottom line.

They don't just sign a kid and declare him insufficient .. why even recruit him then? They bring them in to compete and let the chips fall where they may. This isn't how it works and its flawed logic.

 

[richmondcuse03]

Think a little more about what you just said and apply it to the idea that he may or may not be sufficient here. Again not a slam dunk and it should be a wait and see approach, if he were significantly better than Lenard he would have played that is the bottom line.

They don't just sign a kid and declare him insufficient .. why even recruit him then? They bring them in to compete and let the chips fall where they may. This isn't how it works and its flawed logic.

Angeli is a better fit for our offense. Nixon values accuracy and decision making over a big arm. Obviously you’d want both but those are the top recruits.

I’m not sure what Notre Dame wants but honestly I don’t care. I care what our coaches want and they think Angeli will protect the ball and take advantage of what defense gives them.

 

[djorange1989]

Angeli is a better fit for our offense. Nixon values accuracy and decision making over a big arm. Obviously you’d want both but those are the top recruits.

I’m not sure what Notre Dame wants but honestly I don’t care. I care what our coaches want and they think Angeli will protect the ball and take advantage of what defense gives them.

Yes, Angeli is a really heady QB, not crazy talented but still talented enough to move you down the field and not cost you games because of bonehead plays.

 

[wfschrec]

Angeli is a better fit for our offense. Nixon values accuracy and decision making over a big arm. Obviously you’d want both but those are the top recruits.

I’m not sure what Notre Dame wants but honestly I don’t care. I care what our coaches want and they think Angeli will protect the ball and take advantage of what defense gives them.

I get that … as for what ND wants it’s relatively similar which is why back to back years they brought in Hartman and Lenard and have moved on to CJ Carr. I’m not quite sure how big arm relates to Hartman or Lenard … again I hope he works out but I don’t see a sure thing here.

 

[SUFan44]

Angeli is a better fit for our offense. Nixon values accuracy and decision making over a big arm. Obviously you’d want both but those are the top recruits.

I’m not sure what Notre Dame wants but honestly I don’t care. I care what our coaches want and they think Angeli will protect the ball and take advantage of what defense gives them.

Agreed. They made the college football playoff and made it to the freaking title game with Leonard. People are acting like Leonard was terrible. Angeli could be really really good, and just not quite good enough compared to a senior coming to ND and making the title game.

 

[richmondcuse03]

Yes, Angeli is a really heady QB, not crazy talented but still talented enough to move you down the field and not cost you games because of bonehead plays.

Yup and Nixon really prizes possessions. He’s confident he’s going to scheme guys open. He just wants a QB to make the right read and an accurate throw. Kyle did that (sans one game) but was more of a gunslinger. I’ll be curious to see how both guys do in camp. Rickie has more upside but needs to protect the ball.

 

[RF2044]

I get that … as for what ND wants it’s relatively similar which is why back to back years they brought in Hartman and Lenard and have moved on to CJ Carr. I’m not quite sure how big arm relates to Hartman or Lenard … again I hope he works out but I don’t see a sure thing here.

Then, be prepared to be surprised.

 

[wfschrec]

Agreed. They made the college football playoff and made it to the freaking title game with Leonard. People are acting like Leonard was terrible. Angeli could be really really good, and just not quite good enough compared to a senior coming to ND and making the title game.

And would be sitting behind CJ Carr this year. Last season Riley was sub 140 QB rating not great at all. NDs defense was next level last year … they beat Louisville and had less than 300 yards of total offense, lost to NIU, under 250 yards vs UGA and won due to turnovers and Gunner Stockton going haywire.

Riley was fine but not elite, as my ND insider said .. with McCord they run the table but there was a perception that he would have wanted too much NIL and wasn’t considering ND all that much. How accurate they were is unknown to me. Like I said I hope Angeli kills it but I want to see more from him before I get the warm and fuzzies.

 

[wfschrec]

Then, be prepared to be surprised.

I truly hope I am

 

[baggerbob]

Sitting behind Riley Lenard is one thing … but Burrow comparison is not the same. Burrow sat behind Haskins and Barrett I mean come on a program record setter and a first round pick they are not the same. Burrow wasn’t Burrow his first year in Baton Rouge either he needed to play more to get there. His first year as a starter 16 TDs and 2900 yards … and LSU went 10-3 a season before boatracing every one.

Again for the umpteenth time I’m cautiously optimistic but people acting like this is a slam dunk is a bit much. As for Angeli can he process as fast as McCord in this offense … you same folks talk about how elite he was … if Angeli can’t it could be a rough first year under center. Fact is no one knows for sure based on the sample size.

Look this isn't Nixon's first go round he led very efficient offenses at Baylor. He will adapt the offense to fit the personal.
With all the offense we had we didn't score enough points last year. We left for various reasons points off the board.
I expect Nixon to fix those problems in year 2.

 

[dasher]

Look this isn't Nixon's first go round he led very efficient offenses at Baylor. He will adapt the offense to fit the personal.
With all the offense we had we didn't score enough points last year. We left for various reasons points off the board.
I expect Nixon to fix those problems in year 2.

I can't agree with this at all. We averaged 34 pts a game. If we come close to that this year, I will be thrilled.

 

[orange_in_VA]

I can't agree with this at all. We averaged 34 pts a game. If we come close to that this year, I will be thrilled.

It was a great offense. Unfortunately, we're playing 5 teams that scored more than that last year and they are all on the road. Hopefully our defense is much improved in year two and the offense is even close to what we saw last year.

 

[Qbobby]

Odd shift from the Calvin Russell news...

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Think a little more about what you just said and apply it to the idea that he may or may not be sufficient here. Again not a slam dunk and it should be a wait and see approach, if he were significantly better than Lenard he would have played that is the bottom line.

They don't just sign a kid and declare him insufficient .. why even recruit him then? They bring them in to compete and let the chips fall where they may. This isn't how it works and its flawed logic.

Angeli committed to Notre Dame under Brian Kelly, not Freeman.

But even acknowledging that, I don't think you understand - logic doesn't apply. I used supernatural forces your everyday fan can't dream of comprehending to manifest Angeli becoming part of our program. And you think you can tell me he's not a slam dunk?

I SAW THE FUTURE AND IT'S ANGELI THROWING TDS IN THE DOME

You think I would manifest something crappy? Forget about how much energy that would take, it would absolutely infuriate the djinn, and everybody knows you just don't upset them like that.

 

[RF2044]

It was a great offense. Unfortunately, we're playing 5 teams that scored more than that last year and they are all on the road. Hopefully our defense is much improved in year two and the offense is even close to what we saw last year.

Better cancel the season.

 

[bnoro]

Odd shift from the Calvin Russell news...

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It's a fair question as it's currently just a verbal commitment. If Angeli/Collins struggle and don't look like Top 5 ACC caliber QBs, I'd be concerned as we get closer to signing day.

 

[steve deberg]

Just finished re-watching Calvin’s tape from last season, and he is so much more than just a dominant outside deep route/ red zone threat (duh, he’s a 5 Star).

Kid has legit shakes and agility, especially for a 6’5 guy. He’s obviously a long strider who can can fly once he gets up to top speed, but I was really impressed with his change of direction + ball carrier vision and ability to make something happen with the ball in his hands.

Northwestern had him lined up at QB a bunch (he’s a lefty!), and he had some incredible runs - some clean one cut reads, and some where he made something out of nothing.

He’s clearly a prototypical X receiver, but Calvin is the type of athlete who can lineup at any spot, run any route, and execute just about any assignment.

Can’t wait to see what Nixon cooks up for him.

 

[Toga]

Angeli committed to Notre Dame under Brian Kelly, not Freeman.

But even acknowledging that, I don't think you understand - logic doesn't apply. I used supernatural forces your everyday fan can't dream of comprehending to manifest Angeli becoming part of our program. And you think you can tell me he's not a slam dunk?

I SAW THE FUTURE AND IT'S ANGELI THROWING TDS IN THE DOME

You think I would manifest something crappy? Forget about how much energy that would take, it would absolutely infuriate the djinn, and everybody knows you just don't upset them like that.

We want you on that wall. We need you on that wall.

 

[SUFan44]

And would be sitting behind CJ Carr this year. Last season Riley was sub 140 QB rating not great at all. NDs defense was next level last year … they beat Louisville and had less than 300 yards of total offense, lost to NIU, under 250 yards vs UGA and won due to turnovers and Gunner Stockton going haywire.

Riley was fine but not elite, as my ND insider said .. with McCord they run the table but there was a perception that he would have wanted too much NIL and wasn’t considering ND all that much. How accurate they were is unknown to me. Like I said I hope Angeli kills it but I want to see more from him before I get the warm and fuzzies.

Why not try to be positive about it? McCord was run out of town at Ohio State and everyone thought he was only good because of Harrison. Notre Dame’s style of offense is completely different. Let’s give him a chance, along with Collins.

 

[wfschrec]

Why not try to be positive about it? McCord was run out of town at Ohio State and everyone thought he was only good because of Harrison. Notre Dame’s style of offense is completely different. Let’s give him a chance, along with Collins.

I have no issues giving him a chance. Have I said otherwise? I have been consistent with this not sure why it’s difficult to grasp. I’m cautiously optimistic but not declaring it a slam dunk certainty that he is the right answer. Won’t know until he steps on the field and won’t pretend otherwise. It’s not as cut and dry as some make it out tis be,

 

[SUFan44]

I have no issues giving him a chance. Have I said otherwise? I have been consistent with this not sure why it’s difficult to grasp. I’m cautiously optimistic but not declaring it a slam dunk certainty that he is the right answer. Won’t know until he steps on the field and won’t pretend otherwise. It’s not as cut and dry as some make it out tis be,

Everything I have seen, you’re taking every opportunity to say why he wasn’t good enough. That’s how I see it. Which quite frankly, isn’t fair.