As Notre Dame continues its preparations for the 2024 season, one of the most exciting narratives surrounding the program is the evolving partnership between Mike Denbrock, the offensive coordinator, and Eli Raridon, the promising tight end. Denbrock, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2023, is a coach known for his ability to adapt and tailor his offensive schemes to the strengths of his players. Raridon, on the other hand, is an incredibly talented player whose potential appears to be limitless, especially with a coach like Denbrock overseeing his development.
Denbrock’s offense at Notre Dame has already shown promise, and the integration of Raridon’s talents into that scheme is expected to be a key factor in Notre Dame’s offensive success. As Denbrock continues to shape his system, the way he utilizes Raridon is crucial for both the player’s development and the team’s performance. There’s a reason Denbrock sees Raridon as more than just a typical tight end: the young athlete possesses outsized attributes that can create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Mike Denbrock’s Approach to Offense: A Vision of Balance and Flexibility
When Mike Denbrock was hired as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, expectations were high. Known for his versatility, high-powered offenses, and ability to get the most out of his players, Denbrock was brought in to elevate Notre Dame’s attack. His previous experience at places like Cincinnati, Michigan, and Louisville, coupled with his work with a wide range of quarterbacks and offensive systems, has given him a wealth of knowledge.
Denbrock’s offensive philosophy is rooted in balance—a commitment to both the run game and pass game. He values physicality in the trenches, utilizing his offensive line to open up holes for the running backs. But he also understands the importance of stretching defenses with the passing game. Denbrock is not a one-dimensional play-caller; rather, he tailors his system to the personnel at his disposal. This flexibility has made him one of the most respected offensive minds in college football.
Under his watch, Notre Dame’s offense is expected to continue its evolution into a more dynamic and aggressive unit. Denbrock is particularly adept at finding mismatches in the defense, exploiting soft spots, and putting his players in positions to succeed. His ability to create mismatches through formation and personnel is where Eli Raridon comes into play. With a player like Raridon, who possesses rare physical gifts for a tight end, Denbrock can design plays that capitalize on his versatility—whether it’s lining up as a traditional tight end, out wide, or even in the slot.
Eli Raridon’s Physical Tools: A Tight End with NFL Potential
Eli Raridon, a sophomore tight end at Notre Dame, has all the physical tools that make him a prototypical tight end for modern college football. Standing at 6’6” and weighing around 250 pounds, Raridon has the size to be a dominant force in the trenches, but it’s his athleticism and fluidity that set him apart from most other tight ends. Raridon is fast enough to stretch the field vertically, but also has the strength and blocking ability to contribute in the running game.
One of the defining characteristics of Raridon’s game is his route running. As a former wide receiver, he’s been able to translate his skills to the tight end position with ease. He runs crisp, sharp routes and can create separation against both linebackers and defensive backs. This is where Denbrock’s vision for Raridon truly shines: because Raridon can excel in multiple roles, Denbrock will be able to move him around the formation to create mismatches.
Raridon’s ability to line up in the slot, out wide, or as a traditional inline tight end allows Denbrock to be incredibly creative with his play-calling. Whether he’s tasked with running routes in the short to intermediate range or stretching defenses down the field, Raridon has the versatility to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. His large catch radius and ability to make contested catches in traffic also make him a potent red-zone threat, a player who could be the go-to target in crucial moments.
What makes Raridon even more dangerous is his mental makeup. From a football IQ standpoint, he understands the game and is always looking for ways to improve. His attention to detail in terms of route running and blocking assignments is something that Denbrock has been impressed with. Raridon’s commitment to getting better each day is a key reason why many are projecting him to become one of the best tight ends in college football in the coming seasons.
Denbrock’s Role in Raridon’s Development
Mike Denbrock’s approach to developing Raridon will likely be multifaceted. Denbrock’s experience with tight ends goes beyond just the schematic aspect of the game; he understands how to develop them as complete players. This is critical for Raridon’s development because, while he has the physical tools to be a dominant force, his blocking and overall understanding of the position will be what elevates him from a solid player to one of the best in the country.
A primary focus for Raridon’s development will be improving his ability to block in the run game. While he’s already a capable blocker, he’ll need to refine his technique to become more consistent. Denbrock, who has coached tight ends in previous stops, will work closely with Raridon on his leverage, hand placement, and blocking angles. For Notre Dame to have a successful run game in 2024, it’s essential that Raridon becomes a reliable contributor in the trenches. His size and strength make him an ideal candidate to help set the edge for the running backs, especially in power-running situations.
The other aspect of Raridon’s development will be his ability to grow as a route runner and receive more attention from the defense. As the tight end position continues to evolve, it’s important for players like Raridon to add nuanced routes to their repertoire. Under Denbrock, Raridon will likely see more diverse usage in the passing game, including the use of play-action to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses. Denbrock will work with Raridon to improve his timing with the quarterbacks, particularly in the red zone, where the tight end position often shines.
Raridon’s Impact on Notre Dame’s Offense in 2024
As Raridon continues to develop, the impact he will have on Notre Dame’s offense in 2024 cannot be understated. Quarterback competition, new offensive line combinations, and wide receiver depth will certainly be a part of the conversation, but Raridon could be the player who truly unlocks the offense’s full potential. His versatility gives Denbrock the ability to be creative, mixing in two-tight end sets, spread formations, and motion-heavy designs that will keep opposing defenses guessing.
One of the ways Raridon’s impact could be most noticeable is in the play-action game. With a proven running game and offensive line in place, Denbrock will look to use Raridon’s ability to line up all over the field to stretch defenses vertically. Whether he’s running down the seam or slipping into the flats for a quick-hitting pass, his physicality and speed will force defenses to account for him at all times. This will open up opportunities for other players, such as wide receivers or other tight ends, to make plays as well.
Additionally, Raridon’s presence will force opposing defenses to make difficult decisions. Do they leave a linebacker on him, knowing that Raridon can easily outpace him in the passing game? Or do they go with a defensive back, only to risk being overwhelmed by Raridon’s physicality in the run game? Denbrock will have the luxury of having a player like Raridon who can impact the game in multiple ways, allowing Notre Dame to dictate the flow of the offense rather than react to the defense’s schemes.
The Future of Notre Dame Football and Raridon’s Role
Looking beyond the 2024 season, the future of Eli Raridon in Notre Dame football is incredibly bright. As Denbrock’s offense continues to evolve, it’s likely that the tight end will become an even more critical piece of the puzzle. Raridon’s NFL potential cannot be ignored, and if he continues to progress under Denbrock’s tutelage, he could find himself on the radar of professional scouts within the next few years.
Raridon’s combination of size, athleticism, and intelligence makes him one of the most intriguing players on Notre Dame’s roster. With a coach like Mike Denbrock guiding his development, Raridon is poised to become one of the premier tight ends in college football. As the 2024 season approaches, Notre Dame’s offense will rely heavily on his contributions, both in the passing game and the running game.