Seniors Part 2

Last week before Notre Dame’s last home game we looked at the Fifth Year Seniors and what their legacies may be.  Today we will look as the Seniors who have played for four years and will be out of eligibility at the end of the season and what their legacies might be.

Danny Spond.  Spond did not [play his senior season because of medical issues that ended his career.  Danny came to South Bend after playing quarterback and cornerback in high school neither position he would play in college.  Spond played special team early and developed into a solid linebacker, his junior and senior years he developed into a better teammate and leader.  Look for Spond to get into coaching down the road.

Daniel Smith.  Smith will be remembered at a player who never lived up to his 6’4” 213lb wide receiver potential.  Injury ended his senior season and career at Notre Dame.  Maybe his greatest legacy will be dating ND Women’s basketball star Skylar Diggins and if they ever have kids that will be one athletically and physically gifted kid thanks to DNA.

 

Prince Shembo.  As good as he was I still believed Shembo was underrated, underappreciated, underutilized during his time with the Irish.   I also believe he could have been even better and hold some responsibility for my initial statement.  At just under 6’2” another couple of inches could have put him into another stratosphere.  His motor should land him somewhere at the next level.   And who will ever forget the bicycle seat story?

Kona Schwenke.  Kona would have been a multi-year starter on most other college teams, playing behind Louis Nix made that difficult at Notre Dame.  Looking back I think he would have redshirted based on his limited playing time early on to give him another year.

Tommy Rees.  Hero, goat, savior, any and all of these have and will continue to be used to describe the career of Tommy Rees at Notre Dame.  He will be in the top tier of many records for the Irish, however he will also be remembered as Tommy Turnover, as fair or as unfair as anyone may fell that is.  He will be known for his football IQ as much as his lack of physical abilities.  Many see Tommy as a coach in the near future although some feel he could sneak onto an NFL scout team.

T.J. Jones.  Although he will be atop many of the Irish receiving records he may not be seen as an all-time great.  Jones has grown into pretty solid and consistent receiver with very good hands and great rout running ability.  He never had great size or outright speed however I would be shocked not to see him playing on Sundays next year.

Bennett Jackson.  He should be remembered as a solid player and very good team leader.  Jackson never had eye-popping stats or even plays for that matter.  As a matter of fact some would say he had a bit of a letdown senior season.  With all that being said he should show up on a NFL roster next year.