Tyler,
a fifth year was never going to be a
starter but his hard work, effort and heart kept him on the team and earned him
the respect of Brian Kelly, enough so that Kelly brought him back as a graduate
student. Many time this award goes to a
redshirt freshman or even sophomore who is working toward a starting role. Since we don't see practice this award is
hard to critique. This is however a lot
of evidence from listening to teammates that this award is justified.
Austin was initially
committed to play for Coastal Carolina.
Last year Larkin was a runner up fir this award along with Bruce Heggie
behind winner Joe Romano. At 6'3 230lbs and
only a sophomore we may hear more about and see more from this young man.
Torii
is not exactly new to Notre Dame as he sat out his freshman season because of
injury. I wouldn't call Hunter's season
breakout or extraordinary, especially because he missed games this season too
because of injury. He showed glimpses of
Very Goodness (I can't quite say greatness).
With three years of eligibility left Hunter still has a big upside.
Tranquill
had a solid season, seeing things in perspective that he is a true freshman he
had a very solid year. Drue stepped up
and into a position at safety partly due to need and played with the commitment
and confidence of a seasoned player.
With all of that being said if I had a vote for this award it might have
gone to fellow true freshman Andrew Trumbetti and an Honorable mention to
Daniel Cage.
Many
people thought that kicker Kyle Brindza would win this award by default but
missing ten field goals (several at importune times) sealed his fate. Prosise came to South Bend to play on the
defensive side of the ball, which is probably why he lead Notre Dame Special
Teams with 10 tackles this season, but made the witch to receiver his athleticism
is paying dividends. It will be
interesting over the next couple of years to see what he can do on the field
with his all purpose talent.
For the
first time in five years the award goes
to someone not named Zack Martin. The
offensive line overall was supposed to be the strongest part of this Irish team
and did not live up to expectations. Ronnie
played well and consistently, a word that was not used often with the O-line
this season and it was his consistency that won him this award. Stanley has the ability and potential to be a
truly great offensive lineman, however he still has work to do and with several
years of eligibility left I expect to see him in an Irish uniform for at least
one more year.
This
is the award given for community service.
Irish fans may have reason to question his kicking this year but there
is no questioning his character. This was
his second Echo s he won the Echo last year for Special Teams Player of the
Year.
Statistically
Isaac Rochelle and Jarron Jones could have won this award as well but I believe
it was Sheldon's hustle and motor that got him this honor. Day has a year of eligibility left and I hope
he takes full advantage of it.
Even
being hampered by injuries Lombard put the effort to win the award given to the
player for putting in work in the strength program. With Christian out of eligibility his veteran
leadership will be missed.
Courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and pride are the
qualities that need to be exhibited by the winner of this award and I think few
can argue that McDaniel fit these to a tee.
Since
Robinson was selected a First Team Academic All American this award fits. Corey has shown growth from his freshman season
and should continue to grow into one of the top receivers in the country over
the next couple of years. Everything you see and see and hear about this kids
is positive.
Koyack
may have had the single play of the year but he did not have overall play this
year he may have wanted. Overall he was
a solid tight end that was probably under utilized.
Offensive Player of the
Year - Will Fuller
With
a decent amount of depth, albeit inexperienced Fuller stepped up to take the lead;
running good routes, making great catches and having nice runs after the
catch. Like Robinson only a sophomore
the future of the passing game looks bright with Fuller.
Smith
had 5 double digit tackle games (and two games with 9). Although he had solid stat sheet at it
pertained to tackles you thought he had more because he seemed to be around
every play made on defense.
When
Utupo was brought back for a fifth season it raised some eyebrows. However he showed up in the stat line in
eight games this season including a sack and an interception. He wasn't just the next man in for a few
games this season he was the next man in for the season.
This
award is a perfect example of the phrase "you don't know what you've got until
its gone." Schmidt played better
than most people thought he would but it was when he was out with an injury
that his true value was recognized.
Each
award was well deserved and the good news is that all but four award winners
(Utupo, Lombard, McDaniel and Plantz) should be back for next season.
