Friday night Notre Dame Football held their annual ECHOES
Awards event for the 93 time in their history. Here’s a quick review and a few thoughts from
Talking Irish. However if you want to
watch the entire show CLICK HERE.
Scout Team Player of
the Year, Offense- Torii Hunter Jr. No
real surprise here, Torii would most likely have been a contributor on the
field this season as a freshman if it weren’t for the fact he was recovering
from an injury suffered before the season even started. Look for Hunter to make an impact day one
next season
Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year – Joe Romano. There are probably more talented players on
the scout team, there are defiantly players who will have a more impactful
career as Romano is a walk on senior but there may not be any with more heart.
Newcomer of the Year - Tarean Folston. Hard to argue this selection, Folston should
be exciting to follow over the next several season. Talking Irish Honorable Mention – Corey
Robinson
Father Lange Iron Cross Award (recognizes strength &
conditioning excellence) – Carlos Calabrese.
No surprise that a guy who works out at a place call “House of Iron” would win this award.
Special Teams Player of the Year - Kyle Brindza. Not to take anything away from Brindza but
the Irish did not (and has not) have a lot of other options for this award.
Pietrosante Award (for best teammate, courage, loyalty,
teamwork, pride and dedication) – Chris Watt and Dan Fox. Hopefully there were many options for this
award. However without a doubt from
everything I have heard these two most assuredly deserve this recognition.
The Moose Krause Lineman of the Year (Defensive Lineman) –
Stephon Tuitt. This is the second time
Tuitt has won this award. I would love
for him to try for a third. Due to
injuries along the defensive line this season there were not a lot of other
options here.
Guardian Life Insurance Lineman of the Year (Offensive
Lineman) – Zack Martin. One thing is for
sure…someone else will win this next year after Martin has won it four
consecutive years.
The Next Man in Award - Kona Schwenke. Even though at times it seemed as if half the
team could qualify for this award it is well deserved for Schwenke who could
have been a starter on half the teams in the country.
Offensive Player of the Year – Tommy Rees. Although this may be debatable we can’t
really argue that Rees is in the conversation; 2938 yards and 27 touchdown
passes moving him into elite status statistically of all-time great Irish
Quarterbacks.
Defensive Player of the Year - Prince Shembo. He is a beast
and has been a catalyst for this defense all season. Shembo highlighted his talents against
Arizona State with 7 tackles and 3 sacks.
Talking Irish Honorable Mention: Dan Fox
Most Valuable Player – T.J. Jones. If consistency was a barometer for this award
this should be no shock at all. Jones
has been looked to all year and has answered the bell each time.
