The typical talking points for Notre Dame freshman were getting tossed around like confetti at a birthday party Friday at freshman media day.
Getting used to the "speed of the game"
and trying to understand the "complexities"
of Charlie Weis' offense while "transitioning"
from high school were all overused, mostly unintelligible phrases for the average person.
The cliches were expected. What is atypical about this class -- at least before ever having played a down in college football -- is the perceived quality of it.
Not since 1990 have the Irish had what is generally ranked as a top-five class in the nation by most recruiting services.
After finishing 3-9 last year, valuable minutes are available at certain positions.
Anticipation for how this class contributes is overflowing.
Dayne Crist, the most hyped quarterback to arrive at South Bend since Jimmy Clausen, has had a close-up view of the freshman play two weeks into camp. Crist passed for 2,178 yards and completed 57.8 percent of his passes last year at Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
He likes what he sees.
"I know this class is very special,"
he said. "Some guys are making plays left and right. We have some great guys out there. I feel real good about it."
Ironically, Crist is one guy that the Irish would rather not have to use at all this season.
The conventional view suggests the Irish will try to save Crist so that they have an extra year of eligibility available for him if they need it.
With Clausen playing ahead of him, Crist figures to have a year to sit back and learn the offense.
Crist has no preconceived notion of whether he is going to stand on the sidelines all year with a clipboard and headsets or if he's going to play.
If Clausen goes down with an injury, Weis would either have to go to Crist or Evan Sharpley.
"I'm just going into this with an open mind-set,"
he said. "Whatever happens, happens. If I get to play then great."
Crist said that the cooperation between him and Clausen has been seamless. Clausen has helped after practice and answered any of Crist's questions.
"He's gone the extra mile to make sure I understand things,"
Crist said.
