The Irish have solid upperclassmen at many positions who will make fans look ahead to next year a little early imagining how much better they will be in their senior season (or 5th year senior season). When asked about future plans, both players and coaches all say the same thing, we’ll talk about it after the season is over. We fans can speculate now, especially since what happens during the season will have a lot to do with those conversations.
Dayne Christ technically has a year of eligibility left, although even at the beginning of this year when he was the starter, many felt that because of up and coming talent at the position he would not be back in 2012. I believe Christ could play at the next level, it will just require a lot of work, the right circumstances and a little luck. Traditionally, I would love to have someone with so much experience around, but it’s just not needed here and there is little room for him in the mix.
Defensive end Kapron Lewis Moore could make himself eligible, has a solid collegiate resume and at 6’4” 300 lbs. coming off the end he has much to offer, but will most likely be back for another year. Next to Kapron is Senior Nose Guard Sean Cwynar who looked good early this year before an injury sidelined him for several games. Cwynar has young talent on his heels for playing time for the rest of this season and next year.
On the offensive line, seniors Andrew Nuss (6’5” 303 lbs.) and Taylor Dever (6’5” 301 lbs.) both have an NFL frame, but both need another year to develop consistency and improve technique. They also should want to play on an offensive line with juniors Chris Watt (6’3” 310lbs) and Zack Martin.
Senior John Goodman has not had nor will he have the opportunity to play his way onto any NFL team, scout or TV analyst radar but he seemed to be a coach favorite at the beginning of the season. However, his dismal performance as a punt returner and very limited action at wide receiver would lead me to believe he will not be with the Irish for a fifth year.
Mike Ragone has been at Notre Dame for five years now and may become eligible for a sixth if he petitions the NCAA for another year due to injury. Mike has never lived up to his potential, ability or hype. I have never been a fan or impressed with any aspect of his time in South Bend. Brian Kelly, however, speaks highly of his leadership with the younger tight ends. This may earn him an invite back next year if the NCAA allows it.
There are a couple of juniors in my opinion that could make their way into the NFL next year, but most would be low draft picks, free agents and practice squad guys. Guys like Zack Martin (he has 2 years of eligibility left) and Tyler Eifet have the talent and ability to play on a NFL team next season. Eifert has 2½ years of game experience, and while Zack Martin only has 1½ years of game experience, he is consistently playing at a level that is heads and shoulders above other offensive linemen.
There are probably people out there thinking that I’m forgetting guys like Theo Riddick and Cierra Wood. No doubt, they are future NFL talent, they are just not there yet. Both have the rest of this year and all of next to cement their reputations and move up in the NFL selection process. The class of 2013 has several other players with NFL potential to be sure. Carlos Calabrese, Dan Fox, Zeke Motta and Jordan Cowart (as a long snapper specialist) are on a track that could lead to NFL potential. There are still a few more guys that will probably be on the outside looking in at a NFL shot unless their senior seasons really take it to another level all together. Guys like Jamoris Slaughter, Robby Toma, Hanfis Williams also have up and coming freshmen and sophomores competing with them for playing time this and next season.
Nick Tausch looked like a NFL place kicker prodigy his freshman year before an injury put him behind Davis Ruffer on the depth chart. If Tausch can step in and up next season and recreate his freshman campaign, teams could use a guy like that on Sundays.
The main player of interest in the Class of 2012 with eligibility left would have to be Manti Te’o. Manti has been a stud at middle linebacker since his first game freshman year (he has played in every game since). At this point it’s probably a 49-51 split weather he will stay or not, leaning toward him staying.
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