The Echoes Awards Review

Scout Team Player of the Year: Offense - Tyler Plantz

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.

Scout Team Player of the Year: Defense - Austin Larkin

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.

 

Newcomer of the Year: Offense - Torii Hunter Jr.

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.

Newcomer of the Year: Defense - Drue Tranquill           

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.

Special Teams Player of the Year - C.J. Prosise

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.

 Offensive Lineman of the Year - Ronnie Stanley

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.

Irish Around the Bend - Kyle Brindza

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.

Moose Krause Lineman of the Year - Sheldon Day

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.

Father Lange Iron Cross - Christian Lombard

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.

Pietrosante Award - Cam McDaniel

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.

Rockne Student-Athlete - Corey Robinson

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.

Tire Rack Play of the Year - Ben Koyack

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.

 Defensive Player of the Year - Jaylon Smith

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. 

Next Man In - Justin Utupo

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.

Most Valuable Player - Joe Schmidt

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.