When the Irish begin the 2012 season, seven players will be graduates after being asked back for a fifth year. Having this kind of experience and maturity in the locker room and on the practice field can be a real asset. As far as being able to contribute and translating that maturity and experience into production and wins, that may be a little more of a gray area. If the high talent level was there, they most likely would have moved on to the next level by now. Coaches have to balance slots of incoming freshmen potential and returning fifth year experience. This year’s crop of fifth years will not only contribute, but several will compete for starting roles.
Thanks to an injury his freshman year where he saw very little and short lived action as a long snapper, Braxton Cave is coming back to retake his starting role at center. Cave has played in 35 games in his career with 22 starts. Braxton brings experience, leadership and strength to the middle of the offensive line.
Mike Golic Jr. played the backup role at center for two and half years and stepped in for Braxton Cave when he went down last year with an injury. Golic will either back up Cave again or compete for time at guard. Mike is a talented lineman who would be starting on almost any other program’s line and the Irish are fortunate to have him in the ranks.
John Goodman needs the 2012 season to prove he is as talented as people have been saying since he came to South Bend. John never seemed to live up to his supposed potential and after last year’s problems receiving punts, I was a little surprised to see him back. With his speed, hands, experience and size along with the team’s need for a leader at wide receiver, 2012 could the season in which John could shine.
Notre Dame Fans couldn’t be happier to have a 6’4” 305 lb. defensive end who has played in 32 games with 29 starts returning to the lineup. Kapron Lewis-Moore was another lineman whose season was cut short last year due to injury and will be looking to finish off a solid career in South Bend is dominating fashion.
Dan McCarthy’s experience and leadership will be needed desperately in the defensive backfield this season, although most of McCarthy’s play (appearances in 24 games) has been on special teams and as a back up
Along with Braxton Cave, Jamoris Slaughter may the best and most important fifth year the Irish have. With 16 starts and 36 games played, Jamoris may be the most experienced defensive back the Irish have.
Normally a 6’7” 300+lb. 5th year offensive lineman would be a probable starter, or at least in the rotation. This is not the case for four year walk-on Dennis Mahoney who saw his first ever game action last year against Air Force. I not sure how or why he’s coming back for another year, but after reading his story I have some idea.
