Irish Football Alumni in the NFL Spotlight

With the Super Bowl approaching between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks once again Notre Dame bred talent finds itself on the roster.  Actually for the seventh time it finds itself on both rosters (15^th consecutive game with at least one team represented by the boys from South Bend).  This fact will ensure that there will be a 39^th former Notre Dame Player to win a Super Bowl. 

Golden Tate and David Burton were teammates for Notre Dame in 2007 and 2008.  While playing for the Irish Tate won The Biletnikoff Award in 2007 which is presented annually to the nation’s outstanding college football receiver.  Tate also was named unanimous first-team All-American before forgoing his senior season and being drafted in the second round (60^th overall) by Seattle.  Tate in three years in South Bend had 157 receptions for 2707 yards (17.2 yards per catch) and 26 touchdowns, he also had 31 rushed for 227 yards (7.3 yards a carry) with 3 touchdowns, oh yeah he also returned a punt for a touchdown.  In four years for the Irish David Burton recorded 214 tackles and 7 interceptions.  Burton was then selected in the fourth round (114th overall) by the Denver Broncos in 2009.

On Saturday February 1 the eve of the Super Bowl at the Selection Committee's annual meeting the 2014 Inductees from the fifteen finalists will be announced.  Two of the fifteen Finals are Notre Dame Football Alumni; Jerome Bettis and Tim Brown, Irish All Time greats.  In three years at South Bend Jerome Bettis racked up 1912 rushing yards on 312 attempts (the majority of those in his last two seasons) averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 27 touchdowns.  In addition to being a force on the field Bettis also was a popular player with the fans getting the nickname “The Bus” while at Notre Dame.  Bettis was a first round draft pick (11^th overall) in 1993 by the Rams.  Tim Brown, who happened to be the last of Notre Dame’s seven Heisman Trophy winner completed his career at Notre Dame with 137 receptions, 2493 yards and 12 touchdowns though the air.  Brown was an all around offensive weapon rushing for 442 yards with 4 touchdowns on the ground and 3 kickoff returns for touchdowns and 3 punt returns for touchdowns.

Although this is great source of pride for Notre Dame Football past, don’t kid yourself this is very good for the current program.  It can keep current players fired up and encourage future recruits to join the party.

Possible Fifth-Year Graduating Students

Over the next month leading up to National Signing Day Brian Kelly has to figure out how his roster will look fitting 85 scholarship spots.  A piece of that puzzle is deciding on who to offer fifth year opportunities to.  Here is a look at the best bests to get one of those spots.

Austin Collinsworth, 6' 1" 205 lb Safety.  Although he played in all 13 games during his freshman year he has a year of eligibility left after missing his entire Junior season after a shoulder injury he sustained in spring practice.  His career has ebbed and flowed but has been a solid contributor overall.  Collinsworth may not bring the most to the table in ability and potential, although he does have both, what he does bring to the Irish is experience, leadership and depth.  He seemingly got better as the season moved on in 2013 and that could roll over into 2014.  I like this return and think his experience alone is worth having him on the field and in the locker room.

Christian Lombard, 6' 5" 315lb Guard / Tackle.  After redshirting his freshman season and serving as a backup and a special teams contributor (playing in all 13 games) Lombard started all 13 games of his Junior year at right tackle.  His Senior season was cut short after a herniated disk forced him into surgery after starting seven games at right guard .  This is a no brainer, having a guy who can and has started at multiple positions along the line, even with a stable of up and coming talent most of us are looking forward to taking the field.  Lombard will bring leadership and experience to a very talented but young(ish) offensive line (Steve Elmer, Nick Martin and Ron Stanley.

Kendall Moore, 6' 1" 251lb Inside Linebacker.  During his Redshirt freshman year Moore was named Scout Defensive Player of the Year.  For his outstanding scout team effort he was rewarded with backing up All-World Manti Te'o, not much of a chance on seeing the field much in that role.  Last season Moore backed up fifth year seniors Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese and middle linebacker heir apparent Jarrett Grace.  Kendall has not had a really opportunity to prove himself on the field in game situations.  However in 2013 Moore had some chances to step up and play and he made the best of those limited opportunities.  I believe Moore good have a breakout fifth year in South Bend in 2014.

Justin Utupo, 6' 1" 290lb Defensive Line.  Utupo has not done much after redshirting his freshman year.  With the exit of Nix and Tuitt along with the uncertainty of how Chase Hounshell and Tony Springman will comeback from missing last season due to injury Kelly and company needs depth along the defensive line. 

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Cornerback Lo Wood is joining fellow form Irish players Tight End Alex Welch and Quarterback Andrew Hendrix to Miami of Ohio to play for former Notre Dame Offensive Coordinator and new Red Hawks Head Coach Chuck Martin.

The Early Enrollees

A comprehensive look at Notre Dame’s early enrollees that start class Tuesday

Wide Receiver Justin Brent

Note: I love this guy, I like his work ethic, especially in the weight room and conditioning.  He has good size and look for him to be compared to the greatness of the likes of Michael Floyd sooner than later.  I know that is saying a lot but there is something about this kid.  In addition to his physical skills he has a great positive personality.

Rivals http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Justin-Brent-139453

247 Sports http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Justin-Brent-139453

ESPN http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/167503/justin-brent

Scout http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=6253050

Blue and Gold http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3YOfeUQg_g

Senior Year Highlights http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/538211/highlights/65604385

Junior Year Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIS22ry40Sg

Sophomore Year Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXZUd5ZDgw0

Interview at The Opening http://vimeo.com/69665238

ESPN Interview http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8441780

Tom Loy Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf3hhWd4wpw

Defensive End Andrew Trumbetti

Rivals http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Andrew-Trumbetti-140757

247 Sports http://247sports.com/Player/Andrew-Trumbetti-22065

ESPN http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/170132/andrew-trumbetti

Scout http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=8&c=1&nid=6328763

Junior Year Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcqlbfIfDrY

Sophomore Year Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQbNu5EFseI

Under Armour Press Conference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3rT3w47w-s

Under Armour Interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVGFbCBWllc

 

Thanks for the memories

Notre Dame has a reputation for its academic prowess along with its notoriety for its athletic successes.  It the past the Irish has had success with students staying to complete their degree as they continue to compete on the field.  Even more impressive keeping student athletes on campus for graduate studies to take advantage of their fifth year of eligibility. Michal Floyd and Manti Te’o have been poster children for star athletes staying for their senior seasons and completing their degrees.  Last season Brain Kelly was able to keep the likes of Offensive Lineman Zack Martian for a fifth year even after he had earned his degree and most likely been drafted to the NFL.  With their basketball counterpart’s one and done issues football is designed to have their players stay at school longer as the NFL rules state that a player must be three years removed from high school to be eligible.

The Fighting Irish have lost their fair share of athletes with remaining eligibility over the years; running back Ceirre Wood, Tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Tyler Eifert all could have stayed but left with eligibility remaining.  From a fans perspective it can be frustrating leading to feelings of betrayal.  However from the student athlete’s point of view things may look very different.  The opportunity to make a living (and possibly a very mice on at that) sooner than later.  Staying in school not only delays a payday but risks injury that would permanently delay that payday.  With so many what ifs entering into the equation second guessing what a student athlete is thinking is a futile effort, so we go right to the emotional response.

For some reason this season the departures of football players with eligibility left seems different.  It’s almost like a verbal commit changing his commitment or a player transferring to another program.  What really upsets us as fans is that we know this player and his abilities and how it could help the team the following season(s).  We can only speculate on how an incoming freshman may be able to contribute to the team but with a player with an on field track record the picture is clearer.

Let’s take a look at the Irish players leaving for the NFL with eligibility left.

Louis Nix:  It was not a big surprise that Big Lou as leaving for the NFL.  He could have left last year and done well in the draft.  The fact that he had earned his degree and he is looking to take care of his mother and dozen or so siblings another year without a paycheck was not really in the cards.  Not many Irish fans can blame Nix for leaving.  Luis Nix does not owe the Irish faithful anything.  He has performed well and entertained us along the way with his social media highlights.  The depth in the middle of the defensive line could be deeper and his departure will hurt the Irish but Notre Dame may be alright if Jarron Jones continues to develop in the middle and Tony Springman returns ready to go after missing last season with an injury.

Stephon Tuitt:  A couple weeks ago I thought there was a 50/50 chance Tuitt would stay in South Bend.  The fact that he has not gotten his degree yet was the biggest reason I thought he might stay as it seemed important to him and his family (mother).  Stephon had a down year and has been struggling with recovering from is hernia.  Another season with Kelly and crew could have led to a rebound season improving his draft stock.  Of course on the other hand it could have gone down as well.  Sheldon Day is set on one side of the defensive line but with Jarron Jones most likely moving in to DT or Nose and Hounshell and Springman returning from injuries the Defensive End position could be a big question mark heading into the fall.  Even the departure of outside linebacker Price Shembo will have a negative effect at the defensive end position as he was great at putting a hand on the ground and rushing in from the edge, Ishaq Williams should be able to pick up some of the slack with that.  In limited action true freshman Isaac Rochelle performed well for a first year player. 

George Atkinson III:  This was not even on my radar.  We know GAIII was not happy with his situation in South Bend, a full stable of good running backs and then being suspended for the Pinstripe Bowl might have made people think a transfer may be in the future but not a leap to the NFL.  The fact that he has failed to take the lead in the backfield it truly is s leap.  My evaluation of Atkinson has not changed since the start of his freshman year, physical talent and a ton of potential.  I don’t see Atkinson being drafted but taking the free agent route to the NFL, even that might be a bit of a challenge.  With Folston, Carlisle and McDaniel coming back and Bryant entering the fold it is not a real loss.  Even at kickoff return Amir Carlisle looked he could be a viable option during the Pinstripe Bowl.

Troy Niklas: Although Niklas will do better in the draft than GAIII it was still a surprise and I think out of all the players leaving early he may have benefited the most by staying.  Realize that Niklas played his first season on the defensive side of the ball and saw limited action his sophomore season with All American Tyler Eifert getting most of the work.  Even as a full time started and the number one tight end the Notre Dame offence was not running on all cylinders with the absence of Everett Golson at quarterback.  I believe Niklas could have been an All World tight end next year with the offense being led by Golson and the running game taking focus.  Troy may have been a Mackey Award finalist this season he could have been a real contender to win the Award in 2014.  With Ben Koyack coming back with a possible chip on his shoulder with something to prove along with redshirt freshman Durham Smythe turning heads on the practice squad this past year it’s not a catastrophic loss but it is a big one nonetheless.

We as fans often get ahead of ourselves looking forward with the possibilities of what could be.  These dreams are one of the things that makes loving sports and sports teams so great.  Looking ahead anything is possible.    College football has an ever changing landscape for both coaches and players.  On the positive side this opens up spots for more scholarship offers as well as more proven players to get a fifth year offer.

To keep things in perspective I will quote the Piano Man himself from the song appropriately titles Keeping the Faith  “the good old days weren’t always so good and tomorrow isn’t as bad as it seems” – Billy Joel.

 

 

Under Armour All Americans on ESPN

Since we’re in the middle of the High School Football All American Season let’s take a peek into the future. 

Notre Dame had s

even verbal commits in the Under Armour Game on ESPN this week from the class of 2014; 6’6” 285lb OT Alex Bars, 6’3” 2436lb #1 ranked TE Tyler Luatua, 6’1” 180lb CB Nick Watkins, 6’2” 176lb WR Corey Holmes, 6’5” 250lb DE Andrew Trumbetti, 6’3” 294lb OG Sam Mustipher and 5’8” 160lb ATH Isaiah McKenzie*

Looking into the class of 2015 the Irish currently have three verbal commits in the ESPN Jr300.  #140 6’7” 310lb OT Jerry Tillery, #70 6’4” 284lb OG Tristen Hoge and #64 6’4” 185lb QB Blake Barnett.

* Isaiah McKenzie has made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame but has not yet qualified academically.

 

Pinstripe Bowl Win by the numbers

Coming into the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday against Rutgers several Irish players had significant statistical milestones within reach and several were achieved.

T.J. Jones had 5 receptions moving him into 2^nd in all time school history with 181.  His 5 receptions also move him into 7th in single-season school history with 70.

T.J. Jones’s 66 receiving yards on the day moved him into 7th in single-season school history with 1108.

Tommy Rees’s passed for 319 yards moving him into 3rd all-time in school history with 7670.  It also made him only the 3^rd quarterback in Notre dame history to pass for 3000+ yards in a single season.  That yardage also moved him into 4th in single-season history with 3257 and with 5 300+ passing yard games into 2nd in single-season school history.

Tommy Rees’s victory moved him into 7^th in all time school history at quarterback at 23.

Troy Niklas’s 76 yards receiving moved him into 7th in single-season TE history with 498.

Stephon Tuitt’s 1.5 sacks against Rutgers moved into tie for 4th all-time in school history with 21.5.

Kyle Brindza’s five field goals moved him into 3rd in single-season history with 20.

Zack Martin finished his Notre Dame career extending his current record with 52 consecutive starts.

One that was not achieved and could not be achieved was George Atkinson III needed 57 rushing yards to reach 1,000 for his career.  He was suspended for violation of team rules (supposedly for texting during a team meal).

Outside of the record books there were some other players who I would like to recognize for their performances on Saturday.

Team Offense; 31 first downs, 38:16 Time of possession, 5-5 in the Red Zone (2 touchdowns and 3 field goals), 7-16 on third down conversions (43.75%), 1-1 on fourth down conversions.

Team Defense; 4 interceptions, 4 sacks, held Rutgers to 3 of 12 on third down conversions (25%).

Camp McDaniel; rushing for 80 yards for 4.7 yards per carry and 29 yards receiving for 109 all-purpose yards.

Amir Carlisle; 81 yards on 3 kickoff returns (27 yards per return).

Tarean Folston; rushing for 73 yards for 4.3 yards per carry, 1 touchdown and 21 yards receiving for 94 all-purpose yards.

Alex Wulfeck had 1 punt for 25 yards but it placed inside the 20 yard line.

Dan Fox had 1 interception to cap of his career at Notre Dame.

With Saturdays results Notre Dame beating Rutgers 29-16 and Michigan losing 31-14 to Kansas State, the Irish has reclaimed the top all-time winning percentage. Notre Dame 874-305-42 = .73301 is once again the winningest program in college football history, surpassing Michigan 910-321-36 = .73244